Page 3 of Breeze and Melodie

“I still don’t know why she’s with that nigga,” I mumbled, but clearly, my sister had heard me.

“Maybe because the person she wanted acted like he didn’t want her.”

“Nah, Melodie wasn’t ready for me.”

“Says who?”

“Says me. She thought all that flirting and teasing shit was cute, but if I’d allowed her to awaken the beast in me, her ass would’ve been running.”

Raine gave me the side-eye. “Okay, big bro. I don’t think I want to continue this conversation. However, if you want to be with Melodie, she’s single until she’s married.”

“What kinda advice are you giving my brother?” Sonshyne questioned when he entered the barbershop area holding my nephew, RJ.

“He’s walking around here looking sad because he thought Melodie’s mood was off today,” Raine told him.

“She did seem distracted, but I assumed it was because her boy wasn’t here.”

“You assumed right. He was missing in action all day. No phone call, no text, . . . nothing.” Raine continued.

“Damn. That’s messed up. Maybe something happened,” Shyne said.

“Nah, ain’t shit happened. That nigga is just inconsiderate and jealous of Mel’s success. He doesn’t deserve a woman like her.”

“Like I said before, my husband came in here being nosy. Melodie is single until she’s married. I normally wouldn’t recommend pursuing someone in a relationship, but I don’t think Sean is the one for my best friend. I was hopeful in the beginning, but a lot has changed in recent months.”

“Things like what?” I pressed.

“Now, what I’m not gon’ do is tell you my friend’s business. Whatever you want to know, she’ll have to tell you.”

We talked for a few more minutes before locking up and heading home. It had been a long day, but it was worth every minute that led up to it. Most wouldn’t believe the obstacles I’d gone through to get to this place in life. I made a lot of mistakes, but I learned from them and was grateful for every lesson.

I thought about Melodie the whole ride home. We lived in the same apartment building, and I was tempted to stop by her place to check on her before going to mine. However, as I drove toward my parking spot, I saw Sean walking toward the building.

“I guess he’s not missing in action anymore, . . . bitch-ass nigga.”

Once I made it to my apartment, I had to shift my thoughts because there was a surprise waiting at my door.

“What are you doing here?” I asked Tia.

“I thought you might need to unwind after your long day.”

“You should’ve called, and I would’ve been here sooner.”

“It’s cool. I’ve only been here for a few minutes.”

I kissed her forehead before unlocking the apartment door and letting her enter first. Once inside, I secured the locks and slipped off my shoes.

“Whatever’s in that bag smells good,” I commented.

“I thought you might be hungry, so I picked up some wings and fries from Onyx City Grill.”

“Thank you. I didn’t eat much at the grand opening.”

“I noticed that before I left. I’m sorry I had to leave so suddenly.”

“You don’t have to apologize again. You had a family emergency. Is everything good?”

“Yeah. My sister ended up getting stitches in her foot. She’s fine now, though.”

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