Page 27 of He Snatched My Soul

Checking my hair one last time, which was in a slick-back high ponytail, I sprayed on some perfume and left the bathroom. I sat on the edge of the bed and slipped on my strappy heels when my phone vibrated on the bed. I looked down to see my mother was FaceTiming me, and I quickly answered her call. I smiled when her face emerged on the screen with a smile just as bright as mine.

“Hey, my sunshine. Just wanted to check in.”

“Hey, mama. I’m fine. Where are you going?” I queried when I noticed she was in the passenger seat of my grandmother's car.

“Out with your grandmother, on our way to HomeGoods. She wanted to go buy some stuff for the kitchen. Like she could fit anything else in that house.”Mom rolled her eyes.

“Mind your business, Pamala. Heyyy, my granddaughter. Did you remember to pack the condoms I gave you? Don’t be over there making no babies out of wedlock. We didn’t raise you that way. Unless he’s rich… I’ll make an exception!” Grandma Netta yelled out in the background.

“Mama! What are you doing with condoms?” my mother asked her, shockingly.

I placed my hand over my mouth to cover my chuckle. She indeed slipped me condoms. The gold-wrapped ones, at that. When I questioned her about it, she told me, and I quote,‘Mind the business that pays you.’

“Pamala, I may be old, but I ain’t dead. I got a young tender roni. Whew! That boy is giving me a run for my money.” Grandma Netta cackled.

“Grandma, you better stop messing with them young boys. They're gonna lock you up, out there robbing the cradle.” My mom agreed with me.

“He is not that young. Curtis is fifty-five. I’m only seventy-two. I’m still in my prime. I’m trying to hook your mama up with Curtis' fine-ass brother. He’s handsome and has a good pension.”

“Oh, mother, please. I told you I’m not interested in dating. Keith was the only man that will ever have my heart. I wish y’all would stop meddling in my life.” My mom was agitated.

“Mom, we are not meddling. We just want you to start living again. Since Daddy died, you barely leave the house. If it wasn’t for me or Grandma, you would never get out.” I was worried about her wellbeing.

“I am living. I’m healthy, aren’t I? That’s all that matters. Now, where are you going, all dressed up?” she quickly changed the subject.

I released a small sigh, not pushing the issue any further. Maybe one of these days, she would meet a nice man who would come and sweep her off her feet just as my father did. Or at least meet a friend who she could hang out with and give her somewhat of a social life.

“Out to dinner.”

“With who? I know you are not going out by yourself dressed all sexy. Did you meet someone?” my mom asked, being nosy.

“It better be that sexy man that you are out there with. I ain’t mad at you, granddaughter. That boy is fine. I saw your Instagram post, and he was in the background, ogling you like you were a Wagyu steak.” Grandma Netta was being messy.

“Hey, you guys… I got a call coming in.” It was an unknown number, and I assumed it was about work. “Text me and let me know when y’all get back home. Love you both.” I blew a kiss at them and quickly hung up and switched to my other line.

“Modesty, darling. How are you?” I frowned when I heard Ryan’s mother's voice.Why the hell is she calling me?

“Um, I’m fine, Mrs. Chadwick. And yourself?” I put on a fake voice and rolled my eyes to the ceiling.

“I’m peachy. Ryan lost a case, and he is not taking it well. We tried contacting you earlier, but your phone went to voicemail. That should not happen. Your partner should have access to you at all times, Melody,” she said my name loudly and wrong.

“Excuse me? And my name is Modesty!” I matched her energy right the fuck back. This bitch was only on my line five seconds, and already she had me ready to come out of character.

“Oh no, don’t you speak to me in that tone, little girl. What had you occupied that you were avoiding our calls?” she prodded with a little too much bass in her voice.

“For one, Ryan and I are no longer together. And even if we were, you don’t have a right to question me. Maybe if you take your son off your titties, we might still be together.” I disconnected the call.

With my nostrils flaring, I tossed my phone on the bed and continued to get ready. Mrs. Chadwick was part of the reason why Ryan and I didn’t work out in the beginning. He was always listening to his damn mama. Like nigga, grow up and let your nuts hang. The fuck!

As I was placing my ID and lip gloss into my clutch, there was a knock on the door. I called out that it was open, and Jamianwalked in, quickly filling the room with his cologne. He looked so fucking good that I had to bite my lip to keep from licking them. He was dressed casually in a pair of white slacks and a white dress shirt that was left open at the top, showing some of the beautiful artwork on his chest and neck. The outfit gave off a casual vibe but it didn’t hide his hood swag.

My God, this man is nothing short of perfection.

“I see you can clean up well,” I said while smirking, but he just continued to stare at me. It was damn near uncomfortable. “Are you okay?” I asked him because his eyes wouldn’t let up off of me.

“I’m good, but… damn, Juicy. You look sexy as fuck, girl. You about to have a nigga dick hard all night having to look at you in that dress, shorty.”

Jamian eyed me lustfully, and I blushed. His eyes were so low that I knew he had just finished smoking.

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