Page 8 of The Hellcat Barbies: Zora
“Cason, why did that school call me and say my baby was late being picked up from school the other day? What were you doing that you forgot about your child?” she fussed.
“I was in traffic, Mama. I was on the way, so I’on know why they called you like I abandoned his bad ass or some shit.” he explained.
“Uh huh. I know they better not call me again.”
This was the type of shit that I loved. The type of shit that grounded me… my family. I wouldn’t trade this shit for nothing in the world. Even with all of this surrounding me, my thoughts drifted to Zora and the way she carried herself when she stepped onto the block. There was something about her that wouldn’t let me shake her off, no matter how hard I tried.
3
Zora
I spotted Tiana and Nia as soon as I walked in, both of them camped out in our usual booth with half-empty glasses and a basket of wings. Sliding in beside them, I set my purse down and reached for what was left.
“Look who finally showed up,” Tiana teased, nudging the basket toward me.
I took one and bit into it before answering. “You act like I’m hours late. Y’all been running your mouths without me, anyway.”
Nia shook her head with a heavy sigh. “Girl, one of these parents had me all the way fucked up today. Walked up in my classroom talking slick, like I’on have twenty other kids to deal with. She forgot I’m a teacher during the day, but I’m still Nia from the block once I clock out.”
I chewed slow, giving her a look. “And you would’ve been unemployed by Monday.”
“And it would’ve been worth it, too,” she said, lifting her glass like a toast before sipping.
Tiana leaned forward, groaning. “Please… at least you get summers off. I got clients blowing me up at midnight like their damn nails can’t wait until the morning. One even asked me to swing by her house before she left for work. Girl, fuck you and your nails.”
“That’s wild,” I said, leaning back with my glass. The liquor sat on my tongue for a second before I added, “Speaking of wild… Justin came by the other night.”
Both of them froze, then turned their heads at the same time.
Nia smirked. “And what happened?”
“You know what happened, so don’t start.”
Tiana narrowed her eyes like she could read right through me. “Zo, that man is consistent. He checks on you… he shows up… he puts in effort. Why you keep acting like you’on see it?”
“He’s good on paper,” I said, steady. “But good on paper don’t mean he’s good for me. I’m not moved like that, and I’m not about to force myself just to say I got somebody.”
Nia raised her brow. “Or maybe you’re scared of somebody actually treating you right.”
I set my glass down with a soft thud and smiled. “Or maybe I just know what works for me. Either way, y’all not about to make this about me all night.”
We were halfway through another round when I leaned back and asked, “Y’all still coming to the big race with me?”
Tiana smirked. “Of course. I already got my fit laid out.”
Nia tipped her glass, grinning. “Bitch, please. You know I wouldn’t miss that. All them fine niggas in one place? I might beat you there.”
We all fell out in a fit of laughter. I was still catching my breath when a shadow fell across the table.
“What’s good, beautiful?”
The three of us looked up, but his focus never left me. He gave Tiana and Nia a respectful nod before locking back on my face like they weren’t even there.
I arched a brow, keeping my voice calm. “Do I know you?”
“Not yet.” His grin spread slow, deliberate. “Name’s Semi. I’m the one setting up shop across from you.”
I knew exactly who he was. I’d spent most of the day sneaking glances through the window like a creep.
