Page 16 of Cause When You Love Someone
Before I could write her back, Clarke’s conversation reached my ears.
“Why do you keep calling me? I blocked your number, your mama’s number, your baby mama’s?—”
Her phone was so loud, I heard the other end clearly. Other than apologizing, the deep voice professed his love.
“Chaz, you don’t need to come to the photoshoot. I spoke to the photographer, and we’re going in a different direction. Just return my laptop and come get your things.”
She ended the call, and I listened to her breathing venture from an anxious huff to an even pace.
I knew it wasn’t my place to ask about her relationship. Still, my interest in other things made me twist around and face her.
“Why do you need protection?”
“You really don’t know?”
“I don’t keep up with people in . . . your industry.”
“Okay. It feels like you’re being shady, but whatever. I got robbed about a month ago. I’ve been getting threats ever since.”
“And you’re still running wild?”
A smug expression controlled her features, and for the first time, I spotted the dimple in her chin. “A girl’s gotta live.”
“You’re living wrong, girl.”
“You’re one to talk. I read your file. Your juvenile files are sealed, but that’s enough to know you’re a criminal.”
“And you’re a walking lick. Don’t tempt me.”
As soon as the truck stopped in an underground parking lot, Clarke slipped on a pair of sunglasses and let herself out. She walked over to a metal door in the corner of the structure, and in seconds, the door opened from the other side.
“Darwin!” Clarke exclaimed.
“C. Rose! My baby! It is so good to see you.” A chubby man with pale skin stood in the doorway with his arms stretchedwide. “Come inside. Your pieces are ready, and I have some new things to show you.”
Rock remained outside while I tailed Clarke and entered the back entrance of the store. Any questions I had about where we were got put to bed when we stepped onto the main floor of the jewelry store.
Amid her shopping spree, Clarke answered a FaceTime call, but this time, she didn’t sulk in her skin when she spoke on the phone.
“You know I love jewelry like I love sushi!” She giggled and placed a bracelet in the camera. “Do you like this bracelet?”
“It’s cool,” the person responded. “What did you get me?”
“Ugh. Stop being a brat, Simone. You know I got you something. Darwin is packing up our pieces now.”
“I know you got me. That’s why you’re my best friend.”
Clarke’s shoulders lowered a few notches. “Whatever. Are we still—” Her mouth hung open when she caught me watching her. “Simone, I’ll call you later. There are too many eyes on me.” Clarke smirked at her passive statement, whereas I shifted my weight from one leg to the other.
“Next time, you need to send the call to voicemail,” I suggested after she put her phone away.
“Excuse me? You can’t tell me what to do.”
“I can if you’re not being mindful of your surroundings. Someone robbed you, and instead of keeping your head on a swivel, you’re distracted and posting pictures of your location. Tighten up, Clarke.”
The tension in her forehead caused wrinkles to disrupt her smooth peanut butter complexion.
“Yeah . . . this isn’t going to work.”
