Page 21 of Breeze and Melodie

“I know. Gimme one more kiss.”

Our lips connected one last time, and I was finally prepared to let her leave. I gave her a bit of room to step away from the door. When I pulled it open, I was shocked to see Tia preparing to knock on the door.

“Oh, hey,” she greeted nervously. “Were you headed out?”

“I was going to get my gym bag from my car. Wassup? What are you doing here?” I noticed how she was dressed, and she didn’t look like she was headed to work.

“Can I come in for a few minutes?”

“Umm . . .” I looked behind the door, and Melodie shrugged. I returned my attention to Tia. “Actually, I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Seriously, Breeze. All I need is a few minutes.”

“You made yourself very clear last night. What more is there to say?”

As Tia was about to respond, Melodie’s keys hit the hardwood floor.

“Do you have someone in there? Is that why I can’t come in?” Tia questioned, her voice becoming elevated.

“Tia, if you want to talk, I can meet up with you another time. I’m running late for work and don’t have time for a conversation with you.”

She looked like she wanted to say more but only nodded before walking away. I closed the door and turned to face Melodie.

“I hope you didn’t take that interaction the wrong way.”

She shook her head as she responded. “No, I understand. If she knew I was here, all hell would break loose. I’m glad you kept her at bay because I would hate to have to beat her ass for acting crazy with me.”

“You sure you understand? I can’t have you mad at me after less than twelve hours being my woman.”

She kneeled to pick up her keys before stepping into my space. “I’m not mad.” After kissing me softly, she said, “Do you think she’s gone? I need to get upstairs.”

“Yeah, it’s been long enough.”

She remained facing me as she stepped between me and the door, then reached behind her to open it. To my surprise, Tia hadn’t gone anywhere, and Melodie bumped right into her as she attempted to back into the hallway.

“I knew it!” Tia shouted.

Melodie was so startled, she dropped her keys and phone this time, before turning to face Tia. I was shocked when Tia pressed her hands against Melodie’s chest and pushed her.

“Bitch! Keep your hands to yourself!” Melodie shouted before pushing her back.

Tia flew against the door of my neighbor’s across the hall.

“Fuck you, backstabbing ass ho! All this time, you smiled in my face while waiting for the perfect moment to fuck my man.”

“Your man? Girl, stop. Y’all were friends with benefits, at best.” She laughed.

Tia was back in Melodie’s face, and I stepped between them before shit got out of hand.

“Hold up! Baby, go home and let me talk to her for a minute,” I told Melodie.

“You better tell her something because I will beat her ass up and down this hallway.”

“You ain’t gon’ do?—”

Before Tia could finish, Melodie reached around me and, I assume, popped Tia in the mouth because she stopped talking.

“Mel, chill!” I pleaded.

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