“Hello!’ she answered as she dropped her laptop bag on the floor.
“Where are you?”
“Sir, not right now. I’ll call you back later.”
“What’s wrong?”
“I’ll call you back later,” she repeated. She kicked her shoes off and stripped down to her underwear.
END. She tossed the phone on the couch and walked to the bedroom. The smell of fall filled her house as she walked through and wiped away tears.
“There are a lot of things that I can deal with but this isn’t one of them. To make me leave because I didn’t know someone was coming was crazy. It’s not even worth it. I need to check my account to see how much money I have saved. I refuse.” She blew her nose. “This is not your fault. The racism is following you.”
The rest of her clothes hit the floor as she turned the water on as hot as it could go. “It’s a shame that I have to shower again to get the day off of me and it’s not even 12 o’clock yet,” she shook her head as she closed the shower curtain.
Boom. Boom. Boom.
Brinley let out a sigh as she pulled her sweatpants up as she answered the door.
“Who is it?”
“Open the door.”
“What the hell?”
“I can hear you. Open the door.”
The door opened and her mother stared back at her.
“Did you quit? I’m ready to go down there and shut shit down.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Quinn, called me.”
“About?” she asked.
“Don’t play dumb. I know about that mess that’s going on at work.”
“Oh,” she answered grabbing the bag with the wine and chocolate to take into the kitchen.
“Did you quit?”
“Not yet. I called off today because I wasn’t about to log back in when I got here. I don’t feel like it.”
“When are you quitting?”
Brinley let out a chuckle.
“What’s so funny? I don’t see shit funny.”
“I have to check my account. I don’t want to be irresponsible.”
“That’s not being irresponsible. That’s standing your ground. Don’t let those racist ass people stop you from being happy. What kind of company do you work for? Do you know how many people used to come by my job and nothing was said?”
“That was a first for me. I don’t remember reading that in the handbook.”
“Well, hell you need to pull it up or request a copy because that sounds unprofessional. I know for sure I’ve never seen someone being sent home because of that.”
“I know. I don’t have the energy to deal with it right now. I’ll be alright.”
“I’m not questioning that you will alright. I’m questioning if I need to make an unannounced trip down there and let a few of them bitches know something. I’m retired but I’m never too retired to cut the hell up and show out for mine.”
Brinley started laughing as she placed her wine in the freezer.
“Don’t start drinking heavy because of them.”
“Ma,” she paused as she turned around to face her. “I have so much going on. I really don’t care what they think or say at the job. They all can kiss my ass. And I almost sent that email before I left the office. You know how my attitude is when I get upset. I don’t be caring about what I say.”
“I know that’s why I asked if you quit already.”
“I’m not going to lie. I don’t always like the people that I work around but I appreciate my job.”
“You can appreciate it without being taken advantage of. I’m sure you can find a better one in no time.”
“I know ma. Let me wrap my mind around what’s going on first and I’ll make my move sometime this week or next week.”
“Don’t waste too much time. You need peace.”
“Yes ma’am. So, where else are you headed?”
“Home. I might stop by the store on the way back.”
“You don’t need anything else for your house.”
“When was the last time that you stopped by my house?”
“It’s been a few months because you’re never at home when I stop by.”
“But have you been in the house even when I’m not there?”
“No ma’am. You don’t like people in your house when you aren’t home. Are you high?”
“Ha. No, I’m not.”
“I had to ask because you seem, different.”
“What do you mean different?”
“I don’t know.”
“Your mother is not high. I thought about getting some of that cbd oil stuff though. Have you tried it?”
“I have not. I probably need to look into it. How did you find out about it?”
“One of my friends at the bingo hall mentioned it to me because of her arthritis.”
“Oh, I wonder if I can get it from a local place?”
“Micro doesn’t have it. I know they sell crack and heroin around here but not cbd,” she laughed.
“What are you talking about? Who is selling drugs?”
“I’m pretty sure your neighbors sell them.”
“Which neighbor?”
“You will see. Open your big beautiful eyes.”
“I keep them open.”
“Not if you aren’t seeing what’s going on around you.”
“Don’t start.”
“I’m not. I’m about to head out. I need you to call me the next time something like this happens. You know I stay on ready and I don’t mind.”
“Be safe. Don’t forget.”
“I’m not.”
“And don’t drink that wine on an empty stomach.”
“Ma, I’ve been doing this for a while. I know what I’m doing.”
“Alright now. Your stomach is going to let you know.”
“I know. It’s not wine time yet. I got it so I wouldn’t have to go out later. And plus, I stopped to get it because I was going to log in for work but I decided against it. You know it gets dark earlier and I didn’t want to be out after work.”
“Yeah. Yeah. I’ll see you later.”
“I’m going to call Quinn now and make sure that she doesn’t call you for anything else.”
“Yeah and I’m going to text her not to listen to you.”
“Ma.”
“I love you too. I’ll be seeing you,” she laughed as she closed the door.
BRINLEY: Why did you send my mom over here?
QUINN: Because I know that you weren’t going to call me back. You always do that. You’re probably crying now.
BRINLEY: No, I’m about to eat lunch. I called off. I wasn’t about log in with that negative energy.
QUINN: Good for you. I know ma told you to quit.
BRINLEY: Yes, she did. Lmao
QUINN: I love it. she’s not to be messed with. I’m glad that you called off. Make sure that you start looking for new jobs.
BRINLEY: Y’all are so extra.
QUINN: But you love us even more.
BRINLEY: I’ll talk to you later.
“PUT THE PHONE DOWN. You have been on that phone since you got here.”
“I have to check in with my friend back at home.”
“I thought you came here for me.”
“I came here for work. Not you. You traveled to me. Let me live and check in on my friend.”
“I’m just saying. I don’t understand why you didn’t tell her that you were coming to the west coast to see your boyfriend.”
“Because I don’t have a boyfriend. I don’t know what you’re talking about. We are not exclusive.”
“Oh really?”
“Yes, really. I’ve been single for so long.”
“Why didn’t you say that before I traveled 12 hours to see you.”
“Because you know that. I don’t know why you’re tripping today, Lamar.”
“Please don’t start saying my name. Chill.”
“You need to chill.
”
“I’m about to head out.”
“Bye.”
“You’re one stubborn ass woman.”
“And? You knew that before you came to see me.”
“I can’t believe that you’re tripping like this.”
“I can. I’m tired.”
“Take a nap.”
“I will once I get situated.”
“I’ll be back.”
Quinn nodded in agreeance and sat down on the couch.
Chapter Fifteen
Brinley woke up from a much needed nap and stretched.
Knock. Knock.
“Who is it?” she called out.
“Open the door.”
“I already know that you’re in hiding.”
She started laughing when she recognized the voice. “What are you doing here?” she asked as she opened the door.
“It’s time to start my shift.”
“What time is it?”
“Almost 8. Why? What’s up?”
“Omg. I slept a long time. I took a nap about 1 o’clock. I thought that it was about 3 or 4 in the afternoon.”
“No ma’am. Can I come in? I don’t understand why you like talking in the entrance.”
“Because I don’t notice it until someone else mentions it. You look nice. Are you sure that you’re here to protect me?”
Kendall started laughing as he smoothed out his pants. “I just came from an interview not too long ago. It ran over and I didn’t have time to change.”
“Oh okay. Is it a big job?”
“Yes, a really big job. I want it too.”
“Well, that’s good.”
“Yes. Have you talked to Maverick since he left this morning?”
“Actually I have. He has caused some confusion and I don’t think that he knows it.”
“Confusion? Oh hell.”
“It’s not his fault, though. A lot of undercover shit is going on around me. Today has been challenging. I almost quit my job because of it.”
“Let me sit down.”
Brinley started laughing until her phone started ringing. She motioned for Kendall to hold on.
“Hello!”
“Hey, I’m on the way. Ask Kendall because I know that he’s there if he wants something to eat.”
“Kendall, do you want something to eat?”
“From where?” he smiled.
“He asked from where?”
“Tell that fool, not to worry about it. The answer is yes or no.”
“He said, yes or no?”
“Yes. I can’t stand his ass. He’s always trying to keep secrets. And he better bring something good. I don’t want that bougie shit.”
Maverick heard what he said. “I’m going to bring him a kids meal from McDonalds, since he’s talking so much.”
“McDonald’s kids meal.”
“I wish he would. He won’t be getting in. And that’s on everything.”
“That’s not his house. I’m on my way once I get the food. Do you need anything else?”
“Yes, some ice cream.”
“What kind?”
“Rocky road.”
“Get some Neapolitan,” Kendall chimed in. “And some cones.”
“Tell him to hush.”
Brinley started laughing.
“What’s so funny?”
“You two. Can you bring what he asked for and I’ll pay for it.”
“Don’t pay for that nigga. I got it.”
“What he say?” Kendall leaned in.
“Nothing,” she lied.
“Alright now.”
“We will see you when you get here.”
“Kendall, don’t be there when I pull up.”
“Oh, bet. I’m going to be the one that opens the door.”
Brinley started laughing again. There was a sense of relief for the laughter.
“Don’t let him answer the door. I’ll see you in a few.”
“Okay.”
“What did he say?”
“Nothing important.”
“I know that’s right. Where were we?”
“I don’t know. What was I talking about?”
“Work.”
“Oh yeah. Those bitches told me to go home today because I had an unannounced visitor.”
“An unannounced visitor. Maverick did a pop up at the job today? He’s trying to secure his spot,” he laughed.
“Yeah. I didn’t mind it. I was pissed and surprised when I got the email to go home because of it.”
“Hold up. What kind of place do you work at that doesn’t allow for outside people to come in?”
“A place filled with assholes. They act like I let a serial killer in and he attacked someone while he was there.”
“Does he know about this?”
“No, remember I said that earlier.”
“My bad. I forgot. I think I was thrown off when you started talking about it.”
“I know. It’s stupid. I can’t believe they tried me like that.”
“Did you work the rest of the day?”
“That’s a hell nope,” she laughed. “They have me fucked up today. I wasn’t the one or the two. It was so bad my mom came to check on me.”
“Oh damn. How did she find out?”
“My best friend called her.”
“Oh okay. I’m sorry that happened to you. Did they say anything else about it?”
“I don’t know. I haven’t logged in at all today. They had the nerve to send it to my email. Mind you that I was in the office when they sent the email.”
“Cowards.”
“Yes. I thought one of the typical nosey coworkers said something but she said that it wasn’t her. I don’t trust none of them.”
“I wouldn’t either. They’re full of shit. I hope things get better.”
“I do too. Today is Tuesday, I think and I’m thinking about taking a leave of absence until I feel safe to go back.”
“If it’s paid. Take it off. They need to be taught a lesson for being childish as hell.”
“Exactly. Assholes.”
Thump. Thump. Thump.
Maverick kicked the door since both of his hands were full.
“I’ll get it.”
Brinley smiled. “Who is it?”
“Open the door.”
“Raise your voice again and I’m not opening the door. Hand me the goodies and gone about your business.”
Brinley laughed. She got up and walked into the kitchen. Who knew that these two men would bring me so much joy while my best friend is halfway across the world? I didn’t.
“About time. Let me get the food and you can leave. My friend and I will like to thank you for your service.”
“If you don’t get out of my damn face,” he laughed.
“Clowning with you gives me so much joy.”
Brinley looked on from the kitchen.
“Where is my lady at anyway? I’m tired of looking at your dusty ass.”
“She’s sleeping. I put her to bed early.”
Maverick walked past him and into the house. “Brinley, where are you?”
“Open your eyes and come this way. Follow my voice.”
“Why did you let him open the door?”
“Because he told me that I was a lady and that I didn’t need to,” she lied.
“Oh, shit. Y’all getting a little too cozy for me.”
“Whatever. You heard what the lady said,” he played along. “What did you get to eat because I’m starving.”
“And you’re going to eat that outside by yourself.”
“No, the hell I’m not. I’m eating at this nice wooden dining room table. I don’t know who told you that I eat outside. I’m not an animal.”
“Damn.”
“What did you get us?” Brinley smiled.
“Hibachi. I hope you like that.”
“I’ve never had it.”
“What?”
“Yes, I’ve never had it. What’s wrong w
ith that?”
“Oh, nothing.”
“You’re missing out on one of the best meals. I love Hibachi. Quick and reasonable.”
“So, I’m a cheap date? Maverick am I a cheap date?”
Silence.
“Answer the damn question, Maverick. Is she a cheap date?”
“No ma’am. I thought since it was going to be the three of us and not two that I would get something quick. Do you like soy sauce?”
“I do. Is it like Chinese food?”
“Nothing like it,” Kendall chimed in.
“Man, I wish you would get your meal and leave.”
“I am once you give it to me.”
“All of them are the same. I also got an extra one with shrimp if anybody wants some of that one.”
“So, what did you get?”
“Hibachi chicken with rice with all of the vegetables.”
“Umm. I don’t eat meat,” she lied.
Maverick stopped in his tracks as he was taking the plates out of the bag.
“Oh shit. Maverick I think that means that you fucked up. Are you sure that you’re ready to be her man?”
“I thought—
“I was just kidding,” she busted out in laughter.
“She got you good. You looked like a deer caught in headlights.”
“I was about to say. I remember you cooking us sausage for breakfast that day. I almost shit on myself,” he explained holding his chest.
“I like you, Brinley. My kind of person. A jokester.”
“I appreciate that. He was so focused on you that he forgot about me. I didn’t get a hug, a kiss, nothing.”
“Get him. He’s so worried about me. He didn’t greet you properly.”
“Exactly. Damn, can I get a kiss since you’re causing drama at my job today.”
“Drama? I called you earlier and you told me that you were going to call me back.”
“I know. I was emotional. I took a nap and just woke up when Kendall got here.”
“Oh ok. What happened at work?”
“Them assholes told her to go home because she had an unannounced visitor.”
“A what?”
“You didn’t call ahead of time to let them know that you were coming by.”
“It’s called a surprised. What’s the phone number? I’ll call them fuckers right now and give them a piece of my mind.”
Running Deeper Than a Race Page 10