Page 27 of Church Girl
“What?”I practically screech. Coughing, I clear my throat and repeat, “What?”
“You heard me. Don’t fall for him.”
“I wouldn’t—that’s not even... Of course not,” I protest.
“That’s what you’re saying. Liyah, I see the appeal. He’s gorgeous, tatted up, has BDE and is successful. And no matter how much you talk about how rude he is, I bet a part of you even likes that. Or, at least, your pussy does. But I’m warning you,” she says over my sputtering at the casual mention of my...vagina, “don’t do it. He might be fine, but he’s also a shitload of heartache and pain. Promise me you’ll keep it professional and won’t get involved with him.”
“I promise,” I quickly say, and when I’m greeted with a very loaded silence on her end, I repeat, “I promise, Tamara. Even though you have it all wrong. It’s not like that.”
Of course, I’ve noticed how hot he is, and okay, my body perks up like a groundhog seeing its shadow when he’s within breathing distance. Butfall for him?
No. Excuse my language, but hell, no.
I just escaped—a terrible relationship. God knows, the last thing I need is another one. And nothing about Von Howard screams commitment. Call me a prude or an uptight preacher’s kid, but I’m not built for one-night stands, or no strings attached...situationships.
But if I were to lose every God-given sense I own and have sex with Von... What would happen when all that ended? And let’s be clear—it would eventually end. I wouldn’t be able to separate sex from emotion. Then I would be out of a job.
Bottom line. I need this job. It’s making a way for me to stay in Chicago, to go to school, to be self-sufficient.
To be free.
I don’t care how big Von’s dick is or how good he can sling it. It’s not worth my freedom.
And dang it, I have to stop thinking about that man’s penis!
“Uh-huh.” Skepticism drips from her tone. “All right, Liyah, I have to go. If that girl pokes her head in here one more time to see what I’m doing, she gon’ see another side of me. Since I don’t want to lose my job, let me get out there. You good?”
“Yes, I’m not far from your place now.”
“Good. Still text me when you get there.”
“I will. Bye and have a great night.”
I end the call and set the phone in the middle console.
Her concern sends warmth spreading through me like a sip of hot coffee. I’ll make it back to her apartment nice and safe, and I’ll stay that way with Von. I know she’s uncertain, but I can show her better than I can tell her.
I’m here to go to college and stand on my own two feet. Nothing and no one will get in the way of that. I won’t let it.
Six
“My kingdom. My kingdom for a baby mama that got some damn act right.”
Von
“Aw fuck.”
“Incoming.”
That’s all the warning I get from Chelle and Malcolm as I glance up from my plate of oxtails and see my ex-wife crossing the small dine-in section of my favorite soul food restaurant. Usually, coming here for lunch is one of the highlights of my workweek. Mama Zee’s food comes in second only to my ma’s cooking. And quiet as kept, they’re neck and neck. I’d just never admit that to Jerusha Monae Howard. Not if I want to keep my head on my shoulders. So I keep my mouth shut and enjoy Mama Zee’s at least three times a week.
Or Iwasenjoying my food.
But Sheree has that effect. Sucking the joy out of every damn thing.
“Hey, Von.” She sidles up to our table, ignoring Chelle and Malcolm.
“Sheree. What’re you doing here?”
