Page 18 of Desperate Times

"I know. I just couldn't get out of my head."

"It really hurt me to find out about my niece through social media. No baby shower invite, gender reveal, or nothing."

"Girl, I didn't even have any of those things. They had a diaper raffle for me at the bank, for which I’m super grateful. But no baby shower.”

“Whew,” She sighed, turning her gaze back to Scarlett. “I thought I missed the over-the-top balloon arch and royal throne chairs.” She laughed and I joined her. “But then again, I know that flashy shit isn’t your style.”

“Exactly. Venus bought some stuff though, and I bought the rest. That's it."

"Speak of the Devil,” she sneered. “How is she? Uh oh, somebody needs a diaper change," she added.

I began fishing around for the baby wipes and a diaper. Handing them to her, I muttered, "She's Venus."

"Still a snake then, huh?"

"Zahara!"

"Just saying! The girl stole Rashad from me and tried to steal my bestie. Started calling you BFF and everything. Ugh,” she gagged. “I’m not messing with ole girl. They're still going strong now that he's out?"

“Yeah they are, he got paroled to her house. Is that the right term? He is under house arrest over there.” I babbled.

“And I bet they’re sooo in love. The man blew my phone down damn near every day before he got out.”

“You spoke to him?

“Sure did.” I was getting ready to raise hell, but Zahara cut me off before I could. “Aht aht!” Zahara raised her always perfectly manicured nail and said, “And before you get in your feelings, had you answered even one of my thousands of calls or texts, you would’ve known the moment I found out.”

“True. So, Rashad wants that old thang back, huh?”

“As he should, but I'm not thinking about his ass no more. That ship has sailed. The Jezebel got him, and he made his choice.”

“Not Jezebel.” I laughed hysterically.

“Yes. Him and his little princess can drift right on into the sunset for all I care.”

“Especially Venus, I'm not fooling with her ass right now.”

“What did she do?” Zahara asked.

“Lying by omission. Once you lie to me, I question everything you say from there on out. Period.”

“Period.” She replied in her baby voice, continuing to play with Scarlett.

“And, now Jah is forcing me to go over to her house and play cards in a lil bit.”

“Oohhh, can the baby stay? Pleasseee!! Please!”

“Girl. Scarlett isn't a walk in the park.”

“Yes, her is. I am an easy-peasy baby mommy. I'll be safe with TT Zahara. Yes, I will,” she spoke to Scarlett in a baby voice.

“Zahara, stop, that's creepy.” We both laughed. “You sure you want her to stay?”

“She’s been awake ever since y’all got here. She’ll probably sleep the entire time anyway. “

“I don't mind; we'll only be gone for about 2-3 hours.”

“Yes, please!!” She begged.

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