Page 28 of That: Taylor & Brooks

She was confused and growing more and more irritated the longer she stayed. It was always about him. Always about what she could do, how she could fix it, how she could pray it away. She wanted a grown man would take responsibility instead of drinking and making excuses. She wasn’t asking for a lot.

She swallowed, pushing down her frustration, forcing a small smile. “Of course, but while I’m doing the best I can, he should be meeting me at least halfway.”

Her mother wiped her hands on a dish towel and came to sit across from her, concern deepening the lines on her face. “You know we just want you in God’s grace and happy. Every marriage goes through rough patches.”

Taylor nodded again, but inside, the words stung. Did they really? Because right now, God’s grace and happiness felt like two different things. Happiness for her meant walking away. It meant divorcing her husband. And one day, seeing where this thing with Brooks could take her.

But that wasn’t what they meant by happy. They meant we want you happy but within means. Within their version of love, their version of grace. And Taylor was starting to realize neither had ever truly included her.

“I know.” She pushed back from the table, standing. “I should get going. I only took the morning off. The hospital won’t run itself.”

Her mother smiled, eyes scanning Taylor’s face, looking for confessions she hadn’t spoken yet. “Alright. Be safe. Call if you need anything.”

“I will.”

She kissed her mother’s cheek, gave her father a hug, and left before they could ask any more questions.

∞∞∞

Standing in front of her mirror, Taylor studied her reflection, loving what she saw. Even Patti complimented her on her glow and pep. The blue jeans she decided on hugged every curve, making her smile. She’d paired the jeans with her favorite white button-down, knotting it just above her navel to reveal a teasing glimpse of skin and the dainty colorful waist beads she’d become obsessed with.

She was showing just a little cleavage, shirt unbuttoned, hanging off her shoulder a little. Her white and blue jean patch stilettos matched her outfit perfectly, lengthening her legs and adding ummph to her step.

Gold accents adorned her from head to toe. Big hoops hit her jawline and layered necklaces drew attention to her collarbones. The bangles that clinked lowly with each gesture, and rings that caught the light as she smoothed the base of her full afro puff, she was going the natural route tonight.

The whole ensemble was a mix between sexy and sophisticated, just right for a woman who was blossoming and coming out of her shell.

It had been a long time since she had been out for happy hour. Her and her friends had all been busy, whether it was Blake in school, Paige climbing the ladder at work or Kennedi always chasing stories acrossthe globe their girls’ nights had become rare. But with Kennedi in town, they were ditching the excuses and finally linking.

Taylor’s fingers hovered over her phone, second guessing herself before confidence crept back in. She angled her phone and tilted her head to catch that good light that made her skin glow. The smile that spread across her face wasn’t practiced or posed, it was pure satisfaction at seeing herself looking as good as she did. Before she could talk herself out of it, she sent the mirror selfie to Brooks. Somebody was going to have to hype her up.

Taylor:Hey bestie, how do I look?

Her heart did a little two-step as she hit send. The dots appeared. Disappeared. Appeared again. Then, her phone rang.

She rolled her eyes but grinned, “Brooks, why are you calling me?”

“Because you know I ain’t with all that texting and shit. And ain’t no way a text was enough,” he said, his voice all heat through the speaker. “Lemme see you again.”

Taylor bit her lip but angled the camera so he could get the full view. His reaction was instant.

“Damn, Tay.” His deep inhale sent a shiver down her spine. “Yeah, that ain’t even fair. You trying to start some shit tonight?”

She rolled her eyes with a laugh. “It’s just jeans and a cute top. Calm down.”

“Don’t play with me. Your ass sitting right in them jeans, and them waist beads.” He tilted his head. Studying her through the screen. “Them beads got my attention. I like that.”

She rolled her eyes. “I knew you were gonna say something to hype me up.”

“I ain’t said nothing but facts.” He leaned back, rubbing his beard as he kept his eyes locked on her. “Where you going looking that damn good?”

“Slicks. Happy hour with your sister and the girls.”

The vein in his neck became visible. “Please don’t make me have to hurt nobody tonight.”

Taylor shook her head, smirking. “I’ll be fine, Brooks.”

He sighed. She wasn’t leaving his mind anytime soon. And he was trying so hard.

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