Page 20 of Desperate Times

“It's really not that deep, lil cuz.” Rashad blew her off.

“Both you and Jahsir disappeared. Both of you made the choice to keep me out of the loop. And somehow, Venus was still in the know? Rashad, every last one of y’all played in my face for years! And you clearly haven’t gotten your stories together, because let Venus tell it, y’all couldn't trust me.”

“We couldn’t!” He blurted out. Crimson's face sank at the revelation while Rashad continued. “There was too much at stake. Venus thought-”

“Venus thought? You let your girl make a decision that impacted our relationship Rashad?”

“No, he let his WOMAN make a decision that impacted OUR relationship,” Venus interjected. “I told you, you’re too impulsive and emotional. Like it or not, BFF, I made a decision to keep us all from under the radar.”

It was silent, and the tension was so thick that I damn near couldn’t breathe. Crimson stared at Venus while a multitude of emotions covered her face. She turned to Rashad, who seemed completely unbothered, and rolled her eyes.

“Well, lil cuz, the only thing I can say is my bad. Just because you can hold water doesn’t mean I wanted you to. If you are pissed because a decision was made to keep your stress low, and keep me safe, then that's on you. My life was on the line, you feel me?”

“Hmph,” she scoffed. “Welp, that's the end of that.” She stated sarcastically. “Thank you for being honest, Rashad. Venus, I never picked you for being a liar. But thanks for finally telling the truth. I know where we stand, and I’ll move accordingly, now.”

“You got secrets too, Crimson!” Venus grabbed her arm as we attempted to exit her home. “You’re walking around here like your shit don’t stink. When you and I both know you are hiding something, too.”

“And so are you!” Crimson retorted. “I know exactly where your bones are buried. You remember that shit when you ever think about putting me on front street. I stand in my truth because the only person it affects is me. I don’t owe any of y’all an explanation at this point.” Crimson yanked from her grasp and dashed out the door and towards the car.

And now my interest was piqued. What secret was Venus alluding to? And why did the mere mention of it send Crimson further over the edge? Furthermore, what secret did Crimson have on Venus? For a brief moment, I mourned our relationship. After this night, nothing between us would be the same. Niggas had a way of moving past shit, but women let their emotions drive them and it was no telling what direction we were going.

I also took a mental note that I’d been going about mending shit with Crimson the wrong way. She knew I was a provider and protector. She knew keeping her safe was always my priority. But the way I went about it was fucked up, and I acknowledged that. Not only did I have to knock her wall down, but I had to build it back up with trust. Crimson mattered to me. I just needed to show her that I paid attention. That was my plan moving forward.

seven

. . .

Jahsir

The card party didn’t sit well with me. I ain’t like the way Venus was moving, and even though she had been playing it cool, I knew it bothered Crimson. But something else continued to nag at me. Where was the money I left her? Granted, a nigga wasn’t hurting for money by no means, and Crimson was going to be straight moving forward, but it was the principle. It was clear Crimson had snakes in her grass, and I would make sure she knew about it.

With no warning, no call ahead, I showed up at Auntie Ruby's house. She wasn’t quick on her feet like Venus was. I knew the truth about the money would slip out in some way, shape, or form, so I started with her first. When I arrived, she welcomed me with open arms, but I wasn’t there on a social call. I caught her in the middle of watching Supermarket Sweep.

“How you doing, Ms. Ruby?”

“Oh, I'm really good, now that your handsome tail dun walked in here. It's been a long time. How's your family?”

“Everybody good, no complaints. We are all alive and well.”

“That's good, that's good. Can I make you something to eat?” She asked.

“No, I won’t be here long. I just wanted to grab some of Crimson’s things and talk to you about something.”

“Well, if you want to talk to me about her, you can forget about it.” Ms. Ruby took a seat on her couch and started streaming her show again. She took a pull of her vape and rolled her eyes. “She is disrespectful, and I don’t want her back in this house with her cheap ass.”

Or maybe you're just greedy, I thought.

“Hmm. Well, that's exactly what I want to talk to you about.”

“Figures, I knew she was gonna need me before I needed her.”

“Need? Nah, she’s set. In fact, she doesn’t even know I'm here. This is business. Where is the $15K I left for her?” I asked, and though it may have sounded like a question, it was a statement. I was deliberate with my words.

Her eyes bucked open. I couldn’t tell if she was shocked that I’d brought it up or confused because she was clueless. It was probably both. Either way, it took her too long to answer, which only pissed me off further. Swiftly, I removed the remote from the arm of the couch and turned the TV off. That got her attention.

“Boy!”

“Just waiting for answers.”

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