Can't Leave It Alone

by Nicole Jackson

  “So, you never loved me?”

  He took a deep breath. “No. I liked you and cared for you, but I never loved you.”

  Those words were like sharp daggers piercing through her heart. Her lips trembled. “Why would you do this to me?”

  He wrapped his arms around her. “Hey, stop that crying, man.” He kissed her cheek. “I’m sorry.” He pulled away from her. “I gotta go.”

  She nodded as she sniffled. He walked out of the door and she knew in her heart that he wasn’t coming back.

  ******

  “This is a nice spot, man.” Dina said as she glanced around. She had been at Ryan’s house helping her set things up. They’d just come from furniture shopping and were now sitting in the master bedroom, which was the only room that held furniture.

  “I know.” Ryan nodded as she bit into her Club Royale sandwich from Jason’s Deli.

  “Damn, that sandwich look good, but did you have to order two?”

  “Hell yeah.” Ryan got out with a mouth full of food. “Shit, I’m hungry.”

  “Whatever. You got the munchies?”

  “Yep.”

  “Bitch, let me find out that you smoked that last blunt without me.” Dina cut her eyes at her cousin, who was a known dope dog.

  Ryan couldn’t lie with a straight face. She broke out into giggles. “My bad. I’ll get some from Desmond.”

  “You wrong, man.” Dina tossed a pillow her way.

  “I know, I know.” Ryan nodded. “It was some fire too.” she continued to chew on her food.

  “What yall in here doing?” Desmond asked as she stepped into the room.

  Dina looked up. “Nigga, you stepped lightly, huh? I didn’t hear you come in.”

  “Yeah, I was trying to sneak up on yall.” He smiled.

  “I don’t know why.” Ryan shook her head.

  “You know you sneaky. You might’ve been over here plotting to take a nigga’s kids again.” He piped sarcastically.

  Ryan rolled her eyes. “There you go with that shit again.”

  “Get used to it. If the shoe was on the other foot, you’d make me suffer every now and again.”

  She sat in silence knowing that he was right. She’d done something that couldn’t be easily forgotten. She couldn’t blame him for having suspicions from time to time.

  “But you aint gon beat her down with it either, are you?” Dina asked. She didn’t agree with what her cousin had done, but she knew that it wasn’t healthy for him to hold that over her head.

  “Naw, man. I just want her to know how I feel. That’s all.” He shook his head as he plopped down on the bed. His eyes landed on the wrapped sandwich sitting next to Ryan. “This for me?” he grabbed the food.

  “No.” she reached for the sandwich.

  He looked at her like she was crazy. “You eating one right now.”

  “So. Go get your own. Jason’s Deli is right around the counter. Gimme!”

  He unwrapped the sandwich. “Damn this shit is good.” He moaned as he bit into the croissant bread

  Ryan’s mouth fell open. “I can’t believe you ate my shit.”

  “It’s good too.” he teased.

  She rolled her eyes with a frown. “Where were you, anyway?”

  “I had to handle some business.” He said with a mouthful.

  “Ugh. You and your woman are both nasty. Eating with your mouth open and shit.” Dina crinkled her nose.

  Ryan and Desmond both shrugged causing Dina to laugh, knowing that they didn’t intentionally do the same thing at the exact same time. They just did things like that all the time and were oblivious to the fact.

  “I smell perfume.” Ryan leaned in and sniffed his shirt. “You smell like Ed Hardy.”

  “What?” He faked confusion.

  “You fucking heard me.” She snapped. “You went to go see that bitch?”

  He finished off the last of the sandwich. “Yeah, I went by there.”

  “You did what?!”

  “Uh-oh.” Dina bit her bottom lip. “Let me give yall some privacy.” She stood and left the room.

  “What?” He opened his arms. “I went over there to tell her that it was over.”

  “Well why the fuck do you smell like the bitch?”

  “I hugged her. She was crying and shit.”

  “Well, that’s good for the bitch.” Ryan huffed. “Did you get your shit out of there?”

  “Naw.” He shook his head.

  “And why not?”

  “Cause the shit was so uncomfortable that I just wanted to get out of there.”

  She tilted her head. “That’s some bullshit, and you know it. Now you got a fucking excuse to go back over there. I want you to go get your shit now!”

  “First off, lower you fucking voice. And if that’s what it takes for you to quit bitching, then fine. I’ma go get my shit today.”

  “Good.” She nodded. “I’m going with you.”

  “Going with me for what? That will just make shit worse.”

  “What?” she asked in disbelief. “So, I can go get my shit from Jacob without you?”

  “Hell no.”

  “Alright then. I’m going, and that’s that.”

  ******

  “I can’t believe I let your ass talk me into this.” Dina complained.

  Ryan rolled her eyes. “Whatever.”

  The two cousins were sitting outside of Jada’s condo, in the garage area, waiting on Desmond to come down. He’d been upstairs packing his bags for over thirty minutes. Ryan wanted to go up with him, but even she knew that that was crossing the line. A huge part of her was jealous. Her townhouse was shit in comparison to the upscale condo Jada resided in. Since sitting in the garage they’d spotted two local celebrities and even a few rappers.

  “I can’t believe he had this bitch set-up like this.” She fumed as she continuously gazed around.

  Dina shook her head until it caught Ryan’s attention.

  “What?”

  “Why you gotta be such a hater? I mean, you got the nigga. Then you have that huge ass house. Damn, how much more do you want?”

  Ryan rolled her neck. “I want it all. Any and everything he got. I don’t want him to look out for any bitch that aint got my or his blood flowing through their veins. Damn, the next bitch. He got this trick living over here in the lap of luxury, while me and mines was just in the projects.”

  Dina laughed hysterically. “You are so damn overly dramatic. When did you and the twins ever live in the projects?”

  Ryan shrugged.

  “Exactly. Now, yall didn’t always live in the best environment, but that was your personal decision. It was one thing for you to leave Desmond, but to hide his kids…you know that he would have helped you. You was just too busy being stubborn. But besides all that, ole boy been having you in his spot for a minute. And there aint shit cheap about that townhouse. So, let that broad shine. She was supposed to live good. He’s back with you now. So, some other nigga gonna have to take care of her now.”

  “She might think that it’s still his responsibility.” Ryan went on refusing to let it die.

  “Well, just go up there and kick her ass then, Ryan.” Dina piped sarcastically.

  Ryan rolled her eyes before turning to look out the window. “Fuck you.” She was about to tell Dina off when she noticed a familiar face. “Hey, aint that Zyrie over there?” she pointed.

  Dina leaned over to get a better look. “Yeah, that’s her.”

  Ryan rolled down the window. “Look at all that ass.” She teased in a deep manly voice.

  Zyrie spun around prepared to go off, until her eyes landed on the Lexus. She stepped a little closer. “Ryan?”

  “Yeah, it’s me.”

  Zyrie smiled as she walked over. “What are you doing out here?”

  “Waiting on this nigga.”

  “Hey, Zye.” Dina spoke.

  “Hey, girl. What nigga?” Zyrie questioned confused.

  “The twins’ daddy
. I don’t think you’ve met him before.”

  “I haven’t but I do recognize this truck.”

  “How so?” Ryan asked with a raised brow.

  “This chocolate toned dude drives this. He goes with this light-skinned chick named Jada.”

  “How do you know?”

  “Amir’s cousin lives on the same floor as them. Shit, I just went shopping with ole girl the other day.”

  “Ole girl? You talking about Jada?”

  “Yeah.” Zyrie nodded.

  “Oh, you weren’t sitting with us at Trinity’s party, huh?” Dina had to ask.

  “No. You know that I sat with Amir. I came and sat with yall earlier in the day.”

  “Well, it’s a small world.” Dina laughed.

  “Shit, fill me in. Give me the tea, baby.” Zyrie insisted as her mouth watered. Like most women she loved hearing about drama that didn’t involve her.

  Ryan spoke up. “The nigga that drives this truck used to live here with ole girl. You know the whole story about me and my B.D. Well, he’s my babies’ daddy. He just met the twins for the first time at Serenity’s party. A few days later he came over to my house and never left. Long story short, he’s supposed to be packing his shit so that we can burn.”

  “Whaaaat.” Zyrie stressed. “Shit, the way that girl talks I thought that she had it all in the bag. I mean, he got her in a brand new 2011 BMW and you don’t wanna even know how much this condo’s costing. Shit, I told Tutu that he’s better than me, cause aint no way in hell I’d pay those prices.”

  “I guess.” Ryan pursed her lips. “Well, the bitch better enjoy it while she can cause Desmond better not do shit else for her.”

  “I heard that.” Zyrie slapped her high-five. “Shit, if this was Amir I’d be doing the same thing. Do you and Jada know each other?”

  “Yeah, I know that bitch. She used to fuck with my twin all the way until he got killed.”

  “Really?” Zyrie asked surprised. “That’s some foul ass shit.”

  “On both their parts.” Dina added.

  “Well, I happen to know that my brother never cared about Jada. She was just something to do. Shit, I actually think that Twin tried to hook them up behind my back.” Ryan admitted.

  “What?” Dina asked in shock. “Where did you get that from?”

  “I would always hear Twin telling Desmond about her and she would openly flirt with him. Twin would just laugh about it. Really, he was making her look like a fool, but I think she thought that the shit was cute. You know Twin liked to share his hoes with all his boys. At one point him and Desmond used to tag team bitches, but that’s a whole other story.”

  “I guess.” Zyrie giggled.

  “So, you got the inside scoop on the bitch. Tell me everything you know.” Ryan insisted.

  “Girl she…”

  “Zyrie.” Amir called out to her, cutting her off.

  “Huh?” she twirled around.

  “Man, you was supposed to come up damn near twenty minutes ago. I thought somebody had stolen your ass.”

  “Boy, shut up. I’m out here chopping it up with Ryan and Dina.”

  Amir stepped over as his hazel eyes searched the Lexus, making sure everything was on the up and up. “What’s up, yall?” he spoke.

  “Nothing.” Dina and Ryan said simultaneously.

  “Amir you knew Desmond was shacked up with ole girl, huh?” Ryan pressed. She had known Amir through Raven and Jahrein from years back. So, he’d known her and Desmond while they were still together.

  Amir waved her off. “Main, I was minding my business. Shit, I didn’t mention that I knew where the nigga lived just like I never told that man he had two kids out here. I wasn’t about to place myself in the middle of that bullshit. I knew that eventually somebody would.” Amir laughed. “Jahrein is a muthafucka.” He shook his head.

  “Jahrein?” Dina asked confused. “What Jahrein got to do with this?”

  As soon as the name was mentioned Ryan figured out the connection. Jahrein was the person who’d hooked her up with her job. He was who knew Jacob first. Jahrein must’ve recommended Jacob to Desmond knowing that he’d run into her. Shit, he was probably the same person that had invited Desmond to Serenity’s party.

  “Girl, he just placed us in the same places at the same time so that nature could take its course.”

  “What?” Dina was still confused.

  “I’ll explain later.”

  “Whatever.” Dina shook her head.

  “So, Ryan, you over here regulating, huh?” Amir teased, knowing exactly what her presence in that building meant.

  “Shit’s about to get drastic if this nigga don’t hurry the fuck up.”

  “Aw, shit. Let me go give my boy fair warning.” Amir laughed as he headed back to the elevators. He couldn’t stop shaking his head, thinking about how sticky the situation was. He’d seen enough to know that both women involved had feelings for Desmond, but he also knew that Desmond’s heart was with Ryan. Still, from what he could tell Jada wasn’t ready to let him go. Hell, she’d just lied to him and Zyrie just a few hours earlier, claiming that Desmond would be home shortly.

  Once Amir reached the ninth floor he exited the elevator and could hear loud shouting. He knew exactly where the commotion was coming from. Jada’s door was wide open as she yelled at the top of her lungs.

  “You and that bitch won’t be enjoying this!” she screamed as she threw something at Desmond.

  “Ay, I aint gon keep telling ya muthafuckin ass!” Desmond shouted.

  Amir walked over and tapped on the opened door. “Knock, knock.”

  Desmond looked his way. “What’s up, man?”

  “These people gonna call the laws. Yall need to lower this shit or at least close the door.” Amir said as he looked down and saw Louie luggage piled up near the doorway.

  “See, I told your stupid ass.” Desmond shook his head as he stalked over and began grabbing his bags.

  “You need some help?” Amir asked.

  “No, Amir, don’t help his cheating ass!” Jada yelled.

  “Yeah, man, grab some shit for your boy.” Desmond nodded as he headed out the door.

  “Alright.” Amir nodded as he grabbed the rest of the bags. He too headed out the door.

  Jada jogged after them. “Amir, you are so wrong. Your boy is foul. You helping him to pack up and be with another bitch.”

  Desmond gave her a glance as she followed them. “Take your silly ass back in the house.” He didn’t want her to follow him down to the garage. That was the reason he’d been in the condo for so long. Every time he’d try to leave she was right behind him. He didn’t need her and Ryan in the same space.

  Desmond hit the elevator button and was silently praying that they didn’t bring the hood to the high-priced condominiums. When the elevator’s doors opened they all stepped on.

  “Jada, man, go back in the house.” He insisted. He was only trying to protect her. He knew how Ryan and her family could be. He didn’t want Jada’s feelings to be hurt no more than they already were, and he didn’t want Ryan and Dina jumping on her. He meant it when he said that he cared about her.

  “I’m a grown ass woman.” Jada snaked her neck, while Desmond watched as the elevator dropped floor after floor.

  When the elevator finally reached the garage the doors eased open. Ryan and Zyrie were in plain sight, talking. They both turned to look at the elevator.

  Jada’s blood began to boil as she laid her eyes on Ryan. “I know damn well you didn’t bring this bitch here.” She gritted.

  “Go back up stairs.” Desmond said with tight lips.

  Ryan stood back on one leg with her hands on her hips. Her long hair framed her face as she rocked a part down the middle, while her ends brushed against her hands. She was rocking the hell out of a white race-back Valentino mini dress. The dress hugged her child-baring hips. Her gold Chanel sandals made the ensemble pop, as she gave her enemy a look like “Bitch, I know I’m the s
hit.”

  Desmond thought that Ryan was going to go off, but she remained calm. It was Jada who couldn’t keep her composure. She really felt that both Desmond and Ryan had some nerve. It was definitely a bold move to show up to the next woman’s residence. Jada never did like bold bitches.

  “What the fuck is she doing here, De-De?” Jada questioned.

  Desmond ignored her as he stepped off the elevator. He walked towards Ryan and his truck. “I thought I told you to take the Benz and go home.”

  “And I told you that I wasn’t going anywhere until you came back down.” Ryan spoke as calmly as she could muster.

  “Okay, man.” Desmond sucked his teeth, as he threw his bags in the tail of the Lexus. Amir was right behind him, placing the bags he carried inside as well.

  Jada briskly switched over, while her hair moved with every bounce. “How pathetic are you?”

  Ryan glanced behind her. She looked all around. She daintily placed her hand on her chest. “You talking to me?”

  Jada nodded. “Yeah, I’m talking to you. Why would you come to our house?”

  Ryan slyly grinned. “Girl, girl, girl. Why did you bring your ass down here?”

  “Because I live here and can do whatever the hell I please.”

  Ryan tilted her head, and poked out her bottom lip. “You live here, huh?” she mocked. “Well, in that case, you should be thanking me. At least for a little while you was able to eat good. But they say all good things must come to an end. Sorry for you.”

  Dina stood by sniggering. Zyrie was wishing like hell that she had some popcorn. Desmond wanted to snatch Ryan up so that the stupid scene could come to an end. Amir hated to admit it but he was a little amused, but was definitely glad that he wasn’t in Desmond’s shoes.

  “You know what, bitch?” Jada seethed. “You can take this as a joke all you want. You think you tough shit right now because he has decided to be with you. But just remember that he had been mine for the past five years. You are old news and once he realizes that he was just stuck on the past, the way shit used to be, he’ll be right back. Cause I love him more than you ever could, baby girl. So, I’ll give him the space to get his mind right. And in the mean time I’ll be here in our condo that he paid for. I’ll be driving the BMW he bought me. Cause just like he looked out for you, he looks out for me. This won’t be the last time you see this face.”