Page 45 of Welcome to the Heart Of A Maniac
Once work was over, I went by Publix to grab somethings to make for dinner. I asked Maniac if he was gon’ be out late tonight and he told me that he shouldn’t be. My goal was to break into his house and cook dinner for him. I’ve never broken into anyone’s house before but today was gon’ be a first.
I could’ve easily just made dinner at my house, but I wanted to use his state-of-the-art kitchen. One probably would say I should’ve just asked him for a key, but it wouldn’t have been a surprise if he knew I was gon’ be in the house by the time he got there.
I locked up the library and then crossed the parking lot to my truck. I really need to stop parking so far from the door, knowing that by the time I leave, it be dark outside. That’s the downside of day light savings. The time just went back and it be dark before five.
Climbing into the truck, I drove to Publix. A lot of people were heading into the store while I tried to find a parking space. I noticed a red sedan backing up and whipped around to that aisle. They pulled out and I drove straight into the parking space.
Getting out, I locked the doors behind me and headed for the entrance. “Aye!” I heard someone yell behind me, but I kept walking. I knew Maniac was crazy as hell and if he saw me interacting with a man, he’d probably beat his ass.
“You don’t hear me talking to you?” the guy said, but I kept ignoring him and went on into the store. Picking up one of the baskets, I headed over to the meats to figure out what I wanted to make. It’s late, so I can’t put a pot roast on. That’s something that you have to cook during the day in a crock pot while at work. Beef tips were out of the question as well.
Standing there, I tapped my index finger against my chin. “Do you need help with anything?” the butcher asked.
“No. Thanks though.” He offered me a smile and went into the double doors.
“I think I know what I want to make.” I picked up a pack of chicken and headed to the pasta aisle. Soon as I stepped on it, I saw Idris, staring in front of the pasta. I slipped back around the corner, not wanting him to see me. I hadn’t seen him since I showed up to the hospital to check on Cassius. Since I wasn’t dealing with him anymore, there was no reason for me to associate with any of his family. They were dead to me just like him.
I headed to the dairy aisle to grab the cheese and hopefully, by the time I make it back to the pasta aisle, he’d be gone.
“Wren?” I heard my name being called as I reached into the refrigerator and grabbed a pack of Parmesan cheese. My body went rigid. I knew that voice from anywhere. Idris.
Easing out the refrigerator, I turned and faced with him a fake smile on my face. “Hey, Idris.”
“I thought that you was you.” He pulled me in for an embrace. “How you doing?”
“I’m great.” If I wasn’t, I wouldn’t tell him for him to go back and tell Cassius. As far as he’s concerned, I’m doing excellent.
“That’s good. Cassius still be talking about you.”
“No offense, Idris, but I really don’t care. He had his chance, and he messed it up. Don’t he have some other women he should be concerned about?”
Idris tossed his hands up in the air. “I don’t have nothing to do with that. Cassius is a grown ass man. I told him you were the best thing to ever happen to him. You’re right, he did fuck that up.”
My phone vibrated and I removed it from my pocket. Staring at the message on the screen, my eyes widened and I looked around the store.
“I’m sorry, I have to go.” I removed myself from Idris’ presence immediately. Maniac knowing exactly what I’m doing right now baffled me. It’s like this man has a security camera on me or something.
I finished grabbing everything that I needed out the store and headed to self-check-out.
As I headed out the door, I headed to my truck. Soon as I was securely inside, I dialed Maniac’s number. “Are you watching me or something?” My eyes scanned the parking lot. I didn’t see any of his cars.
“You’re worried ’bout the wrong thing. Get yo’ ass to the house.”
“I was going anyway, and not ’cause you told me to.”
“Yeah, I’ll see you in a few.”
The phone beeped and I turned my attention to the road. When I got to the house, I stopped by and grabbed me some clothes so that I can take a shower at his house. Maniac has one of the best walk-in showers I’ve ever seen in my life. I was thinking about spending more time at his place just to use the bathroom there.
Pulling down to his house, I stopped in front of the front porch and got out the truck. Rounding to the passenger side, I grabbed the bags and went up to the front door. Maniac has a doorbell camera and one that points down at the driveway.
I rang the doorbell and waited for it to connect. “What are you doing?” he asked when his voice popped on.
“I’m breaking into yo’ house just like you did mine.”
“If you would’ve just got the key like I told yo’ ass to, you wouldn’t have to break in. Just put the damn code in.”
Rolling my eyes, I said, “Fine. What is it?”
