Page 61 of Cause When You Love Someone
She glanced over her shoulder. “Neither is you playing with your freedom for a nigga who doesn’t value his own.”
“This is some bullshit. If we had a daughter and a nigga put his hands on her, how would you expect the man who loves her to respond?”
“I get it, but . . . ”
My ego started to crumble as I thought that maybe she was trying to protect him. “You want to protect the man you love?”
“Yes, but you don’t seem to understand that.”
Chapter 10
Clarke
Sandstorm
Comfortable in the salon chair in my beauty room, I sat with my eyes shut while Sage gathered my hair into a ponytail. I didn’t consider I would need help to do my hair when I voluntarily became a chicken head, but luckily, Sage loved to play in my hair, so he jumped at the chance to help.
When the music went from Cardi B to Kehlani, I hummed along with the song. Surprised by my positive energy during a heartbreak, I silently thanked God for giving me the strength to get out of bed when I really just wanted to climb into Ishmael’s.
“Someone is chipper this morning. I’m happy to see you in good spirits.”
I freed an easy breath. “Yeah. I’m doing something I love, so I can’t complain. I spoke to Jerry earlier. He said the network is excited about the direction we’re taking the show.”
“That’s good news. I know you were worried that the bigwigs only wanted footage of you throwing ass on a yacht and fists in the club,” he kidded. “Hmm. Have you spoken to?—”
“No,” I interjected. “It’s been a week, and I don’t think I will. Ishmael is so set on protecting me, but he won’t allow me to do the same for him.”
“That sounds like something you two can get over.”
A swoosh of air fled through my nostrils. “Not if he can’t put his pride to the side,” I muttered. “Enough about me and my disastrous love life. Are you ready for your vacation?”
“I am, but I would feel better knowing my favorite person is in one piece.”
I untucked my bent legs and sat up straight in the chair. “I’m good. I promise! Even with a broken heart, I’m ready to get back to the dancefloor. If things get too heavy, I’ll just go shopping.”
We shared a laugh at mygirl math answer,butwe were interrupted by his phone. I sat quietly while he spoke to whoever was on the line. I could tell by Sage’s tone that the call was work-related.
“Was that the new guard?” I asked after he slid his phone into the pocket of his slacks.
“Yeah. He’s downstairs with your mom, so let’s get a move on it.”
I rolled my eyes at the idea that my biggest critic would be a witness to a vulnerable moment. I hadn’t worn a leotard in front of other people in four years. I hadn’t attended a class in five. Rusty was an understatement when it came to my dance skills, and I didn’t need my mom’s judgment to play on my insecurities.
I draped a peacoat over my dance fit, then draped a crossbody bag across my chest. My call time was ten, and I wanted to make a good impression on the teacher by being on time and dressed accordingly. It was bad enough that the studio had to make accommodations for the filming crew.
A second call from Rock led us downstairs, where my mom waited in my black truck. Only in her presence for a second, I noticed a mean mug disturbed her fresh Botox.
“Hello to you, too, Mother.”
“Hey. Why wasn’t I informed about the location change for today?”
I ran my tongue over the edges of my teeth. “It’s obvious you know something. We’re doing things a little different this season.”
She snarled. “Different or safe? I can tell you got some bullshit up your sleeve, Clarke. You’re going to ruin your reality career with thisbetter-thanpersona.”
As she interrogated me, I recalled Ishmael’s silly but truthful joke about me being in charge.
“I’m not going to defend how I want to present myself to the world. If I choose to dance on a cloud instead of fighting and promoting a toxic relationship, that’s my decision.”
