Page 117 of The Promise

“A’ight.” I backed away. Ashira wasn’t drunk, either. She was on her bitch shit. “Time to get back toThe Bella, man. C’mon,”

ChapterNineteen

Part III

July | Three Years Later

“I’m so glad you’re coming home soon,” Josie yawned into the phone. “I’ve been missing you. You were right about talking every day, but I miss seeing your gorgeous face.”

I snorted, rubbing my eyes. “Oh, yeah?”

“Yup. I’m looking for a sitter now. I hope I don’t have to work on Thursday night. I’ll call out if I do. I can’t believe it’s been over two weeks,” Josie went on and on.

First, it was thanking me again for the car. Then, it was about work. Then, she talked about a disagreement she got into with a coworker. I’d been in and out of the conversation mentally. Shit was looking bad for me, and I knew it.

“You there, Ojasvi?”

I looked up from the carpet in my cabin. “Huhn?”

“I asked had the vacation been fun.”

“Oh.” I scratched my head, leaning back into the single oval sofa. “It’s been cool. Great food, beautiful beaches, and lots of recorded memories with Chivon. It’s served its purpose.”

“Here you go again, not mentioning Shi-Shi.” I could hear the eye roll in that comment.

“I’m sorry, Josie, but why would I mention her to you? You want me to do that every time we speak? Bring up Chivon’s mother?”

“No. It’s not that. It’s just…helps paint a visual of all that’s going on over there.”

“Sorry. I ain’t into that. I’m just with my people, enjoying Europe. Nothing more, nothing less.”

“I didn’t mean to upset you,” she tried to clean it up.

At first, I didn’t say anything because the last place I needed to be was talking to Josie about Ashira. I was uncomfortable and unsettled—a dangerous place for me.

Do you still want to fuck me?

I rubbed the back of my head, still smelling fermented grapes and spices from her breath. Her tongue was stained from wine, eyes low. The perfect combination I grew right away to love about her. The only thing missing was the scent of burnt tobacco on her tongue, lips, hair, and clothes, left behind by a stogie. “Nah. You’re good. Just wanted to explain that. Probably should have the first time you asked. Ashira and I have always had this…shaky relationship. For some reason, we struggle with our balance. Being out here these two weeks’ve been stressful on us, but we’ve been fighting to make sure Chivon don’t pick up on it.”

Not to mention me having to keep a pulse on work and worrying about Jug’s ass.

“Oh, baby!” She sucked in a breath. “I’m so sorry! Here I am being nosy, and you’re out there miserable.”I ain’t say all that. It had actually been the opposite. And that’s what had me fucked up tonight. “I’ll be praying for peace until you get back home. I’m proud of you. Wish you were my baby’s daddy rather than the dud I got now.” She laughed.

I didn’t.

My lips tickled from a trace memory of her kissing me last night. What the fuck was Ashira doing to me? Was this a game to her? I had a friend—a special friend. A friend I’d taken it there with.

My chest felt tight. I stretched my arms out, trying to loosen the tension. I may have gone too hard in the gym this morning, feeling I needed a new challenge instead of knowing it was a distraction I’d been giving myself.

“It’s late over here, J. I’mma shower up and get in the bed.”

“Okay. Can you do me a favor? Switch this to aFaceTimecall. I want to see your night view of the water.”

“Say less.” I stood from the sofa. “I got you.” First, IFaceTime’dher, then took to the door.

“Hot tamales!” Josie whistled, lipstick faded as she sat behind a desk at work. “Can I see more of that?” I was shirtless, down to just my pants at this point. I’d already said goodnight to Chivon before heading to my room to check in with Josie.

“Easy.” I smiled, not really beat to feed into the flirting.

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