Page 16 of No Remedy for Love

“What!?” Kiva and Nessa yelled at the same time. They looked at each other and laughed at their shared surprise.

“I don’t see what’s so funny. Just think about it. Shit with y’all was all good until she moved back home.”

“I don’t even know if she still lives here or not and I really don’t care. I haven’t seen Remi since her daddy’s funeral.”

“She’s still here but not in New Orleans. I barely even see her unless it’s by Lollie’s house and that’s not very often,” Nessa replied.

She wasn’t gonna say that Mav was innocent but she didn’t know if Remi was who he was guilty of being with. Remi was always lowkey, and it took a while for people to even figure out that she and Mav were together the first time around. He made it known by how he reacted when other niggas tried to get at her. She didn’t live close by anymore, so it would have been easy for her and Mav to mess around. Nessa seriously doubted it though. Remi wouldn’t have been okay with him still being with Kiva if it were true. Nessa stayed in the know and that bit of information never came to her.

“And Kerri, I don’t know why you still think that Remi is a threat to me,” Kiva said, pulling her cousin out of her thoughts.

“I never said she was a threat. Some shit just ain’t adding up though.”

“No need to add and subtract in my relationship. Use that energy to worry about yourself.”

“Say less boo. I can see the nigga’s dick down a bitch throat and I won’t say shit.”

“I appreciate it,” Kiva said right as her phone rang to Mav’s ringtone.

“Speak of the dog and he’ll bark.” Kerri and her daughter laughed at her lame attempt of a joke.

“What’s up, baby?” Kiva answered her phone while simultaneously rolling her eyes. She had the call on speaker since she was still curling her cousin’s hair.

“I’m trying to hit up the mall. You almost done?” Mav asked.

“I will be in about ten more minutes. It’s about time nigga. I was supposed to have my shoes two weeks ago.”

“I got you, love. MJ wanted to stay by my mama so I’m on my way to get you. I’ll bring you back to get your car later.”

“Okay, call me when you’re outside.” Kiva hung up the phone and made quick work out of finishing Nessa’s hair. When she was done, she packed up her supplies and waited for her man.

“Well, my man is here. Y’all can finish gossiping while I go spend a few racks.” Kiva looked at her sister and niece when she made the comment.

“Girl please. You probably ain’t the only one he cashing out on!” Kerri yelled after her.

Kiva was all frowned up when she got into the car with Mav. He saw Kerri’s car parked out front so she assumed she was the reason why.

“What’s good, love? Why you looking like that?” Mav leaned over to kiss her, but she turned her cheek to him instead.

“I’m good.” Kiva had her arms folded across her chest. Her entire appearance screamed angry, and he wanted to know why.

“Damn man. What I do this time? Nigga can’t catch a fucking break.”

“Don’t be out here making me look stupid Mav. I forgave you before but that shit ain’t happening again.”

“What are you even talking about Kiva? We can’t even spend time together on our day off without it being some bullshit.”

“It ain’t no bullshit. I just felt the need to speak up.”

“Why though? Cause Kerri was probably up in there filling your head with some more lies. Ask yourself something baby. Why is she always the only one who come to you with the dumb shit? Nobody else ever have nothing to say but her. Miserable ass need to find a man and stay out of our business.”

“I know Kerri is messy, but she’s not always wrong. She had you right the first time shit went left.”

“Come on now love. That shit happened years ago and I’ve apologized a million times. I thought we moved on from all that.”

“Yeah, we did and we’re good. Just make sure we stay that way,” Kiva replied while giving him a knowing look.

“Always.” Mav leaned over to give her another kiss that she happily accepted.

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