My Bestfriend's Man

by P. Dotson

  “Yeah, you’re right.”

  “Be honest. How do you feel about this man? Does he make you happy and most important are you completely over your ex?”

  That last question put me on mute. I opened my mouth to say something then closed it. She gave me a knowing look. I sighed again and placed my forehead in my hand. I wasn’t over Brandon yet and I knew it. As hard as I tried I couldn’t get that man out of my system. My gut told me I needed to talk to him, something wasn’t right, but I wasn’t ready to do that yet.

  “Yeah, you need to tell Brian you’re not ready to make that move yet.”

  “Why are love and life so complicated?”

  “I just look at it like this, anything worth having never come easy. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication. Just like with our careers. Becoming a nurse is no joke. We had to work our asses off. Hell, at times I felt like I wasn’t going to make it, but I fought hard for it and all I can say right now is I love my life. It still gets hard at times, but I love my job and the pay ain’t bad either,” she laughed.

  “I know that’s right,” I said raising my hand in the air so she could slap me five. “Girl you are crazy.”

  “Hey, I’m just keeping it real. I have one more question to ask ya boo, that’s if you don’t mind?”

  “Go ahead.”

  She looked around and scooted closer to me. She leaned in and whispered in my ear. “How’s the D?” I couldn’t even dignify that with a response. All I could do is shake my head and roll my eyes. “That bad, huh?”

  “That bad.”

  “That’s a sign right there. God creates someone for everybody and if you can’t cuddle with that man after sex because he left you hanging, then it’s time to hang up on his ass.”

  “Let’s get back to work,” I laughed.

  * * *

  Roxie was sitting on my front step when I pulled into the driveway. After a long twelve hour shift, this was the last thing I wanted to come home too. I was tired and so not in the mood for the drama. I couldn’t begin to hide my attitude when I stepped out of my truck.

  “What are you doing here, Roxie?” I asked standing directly in front of her with my hands on my hips. I couldn’t help, but give her the once over. Her wardrobe put me on edge. She always dressed like this, even in front of Brandon.

  “Well, hello to you too,” she snapped.

  “Roxie, if you came over here for drama, I’m not in the mood for it. It’s almost eight at night and I had a long day at work. I just want to take a shower, put on my pajamas and watch Lifetime.”

  “With Brian, huh?”

  “Bye, Roxie,” I snapped ready to step around her.

  “No, Vee wait,” she said grabbing my arm. I snatched away from her. I could tell she was hurt. “Just hear me out.”

  “If you come here to bash Brian I really don’t have time for it.”

  The air around us grew silent. We stared at each other longer that I intended to. I shook my head. I’m so over this childish shit with Roxie. I sighed and fiddled with my ponytail.

  “What happened to us Vee?” Roxie finally asked me.

  “I don’t know Roxie,” I looked towards the sky searching for the right words. “I’m not going through the same shit that I went through with Brandon.” She gave me this look like she didn’t know what I was talking about.

  “You always choose them over me Vee.”

  “This is what I’m talking about. I’m not choosing anybody over you Roxie. I always made time for you when I was with Brandon and I’ve done the same with Brian, but it’s like you want all of me. I don’t know what’s going on with you Roxie but…,” my voice trailed off. I really didn’t want to go there, but it needed to be said. I had breathed deep before I continued. “I don’t look at you in that way. I love you just not the way you want me to.”

  The look in her eyes said it all. I knew I just broke her heart, but I couldn’t continue on like this. Not the way she wanted me too. I wanted to apologize. The look in her eyes made me feel horrible. My intentions were never to hurt her, but the air needed to be cleared.

  “Fine Vee. I can’t change the way you feel about me. I can’t help who I am and how I love. It’s been you and me all my life. I just want the best for you. Sorry for making you feel so uncomfortable.”

  “Roxie,” I said shaking my head. I was so tired of her over dramatic ass. She always tried to turn the shit around on me, but I wasn’t biting the bait this time.

  “No, it’s okay Vee. Eventually, you will learn that Brian is no different than the rest of these bum ass niggas out here. Despite the way you’ve treated me these last couple of weeks I still have enough love in my heart for you to come over here and warn you.”

  This chick was talking in circles and my head began to hurt. I swear she should be on some soap opera. She is the epitome of drama and I couldn’t stand too much more of it. I didn’t even bother to ask what the hell she was talking about. It was time to end this conversation.

  “Bye Roxie,” I said.

  I stepped around her with my keys in hand. I unlocked my door and walked in the house. I turned around, Roxie was standing up now. She was looking up at me, waiting for me to say something, but I couldn’t give her the satisfaction. This game between us was getting old. It was time for me to end it.

  “Bye Roxie,” I said closing the door in her face.

  “So it’s like that Vee,” she yelled at me. “You’re throwing away eighteen years of friendship for that no good ass nigga. I see how it is now. I tried to warn you. Brian isn’t who he says he is. Ask him what happened to his ex-girlfriend and her brother. Ask him about Macy Cain.”

  After that she finally left. Her words went in one ear and out the other. I am over her bullshit and I am over her. I cut off my phone and grabbed a bottle of wine out of the cupboard. I needed it after what just went down between me and Roxie. I hated things had to end this way between us. I felt like shit on the inside, but I knew this was a long time coming. Maybe in the future we can get back to where we use to be.

  Chapter 16

  Roxie

  Tears clouded my vision and I could barely see. The Lord must have been with me because I don’t know how I made it home. My heart ached after Vee basically threw me away like yesterday’s trash. I pulled into my driveway and abruptly put my car in park.

  I placed my head on the steering wheel and allowed my anguish to be released through my tears. I moaned and slowly rocked myself back and forth. I tried to coach myself. This thing between me and Vee is only temporary. If she were to ever permanently walk out of my life, I couldn’t handle it. I would go stone cold crazy. If I couldn’t have, her nobody could.

  My phone began to ring and I immediately sat up. I prayed it was Vee calling to apologize. I dumped the contents of the purse out on the passenger seat and grabbed my phone. My heart dropped to my stomach when an unknown number flashed across my screen.

  More tears leaked from my eyes as disappointment began to set in. I clutched my phone in my hand as I got out of the car and made my way to the front door. I needed something, anything to take away what I was feeling right now. It still seemed so unreal to me. I can still see the nonchalant look on Vee’s face when she slammed the door on me. She acted like I didn’t mean shit to her.

  I’ve been by her side since day one. I was there through everything. Whenever she needed me, I was front and center. Now she treats me like shit stuck on the bottom of her shoe. This was too much for me. I wiped at my tears, but that didn’t do any good because as soon as I wiped away the old tears fresh ones would appear. I paused at my front door as I dialed Prince’s number.

  “Hey baby girl.”

  “Prince,” I sniffled into the phone, laying it on thick.

  “Roxie, what’s wrong? Are you okay?”

  “No, I’m not okay. I need you.”

  “Give me a minute, I’m on my way.”

  “Thank you, baby,” I whispered before hanging up.

  I
walked into the house greeted by darkness. Bri was probably working a shift down at Crazy 8’s. Thank goodness for small favors because I needed this moment of peace to gather my thoughts. I walked into the kitchen and ransacked my cupboard in search of something strong to drink.

  A bottle of gin caught my eye and I quickly grabbed it. I took off the cap and took a huge gulp. That shit burned the hell out of my chest and I couldn’t handle it. I gagged and coughed for what seemed like hours. I dry heaved for a couple of minutes, but that eventually subsided. That was a bad idea. I ain’t built like that.

  I searched my refrigerator and grabbed a bottle of orange juice to mix with my gin. With my bottle of gin and orange juice in hand, I walked into to the living room and sat on the couch. This emotional shit isn’t me and I knew I had to get it together. After a couple more drinks, my nerves had finally settled down. A knock came at my door and I knew who it was.

  “You aight baby girl?” He asked me as soon as I opened the door.

  Chapter 17

  Brian

  I walked into my office feeling like a new man. Things between Savannah and I are finally on the right track. I think for the first time we see things eye to eye. Well, except for us moving in together. She still seems a little hesitant about it. Other than that we are making progress. We still haven’t set an official date for me to meet her parent’s yet, but I know its coming.

  “What’s up fellas?” I asked both Ace and Prince as I sat down in my office chair. I loosened the tie I had around my neck and unbuttoned the first three buttons on my shirt.

  “Ain’t shit,” Ace replied with a toothpick dangling out of his mouth. “What’s up with that goofy ass grin you got plastered on your face? Savannah finally gave you some didn’t she?”

  I couldn’t help, but to chuckle. That was one of the reasons, but a nigga is just feeling good. I had my lady, money was flowing, shit is just kosher.

  “None of your muthafuckin business,” I said answering his question.

  “Since when did you not kiss and tell? She got ya fuckin’ ass whipped,” Ace said shaking his head.

  “I’m not saying all that. It’s just that it comes a certain point in a man’s life when you meet that special someone that make you change your ways.”

  “Like I said pussy whipped,” Ace said laughing.

  “Whateva nigga. How the money looking? Talk to me.”

  “Honestly, in my opinion, shit isn’t moving fast enough for me. You know when I was out on the block I worked that shit like it was nothing. These young cats, man I’m telling you. They don’t nothing bout hard work. They think everything is supposed to be handed to them,” Ace said, looking over at Prince.

  Prince’s top lip curled up as he frowned. “What the fuck you look at me for?”

  “Because I’m talking about you, nigga. That’s why.”

  “Yo’ B I think you need to check ya brother.”

  “He ain’t got to check shit. You can check me if you man enough. It really ain’t that serious we just having a general conversation, but when you step in the ring with me, nigga take that ass whoopin’ like a grown man. Feel me?”

  “Aight now that we have gotten that out of the way,” I said, interrupting the conversation to leave Prince some of his manhood. He talked a good game, but I knew he wasn’t ready for Ace. The fight would be over before it started. Before I could carry on with the rest of the meeting, Prince got a phone call.

  “Hold up B,” Prince said holding a finger up.

  I frowned as I looked over at Ace. Ace simply shook his head and gave me that I told you so look. I decided to give Prince the benefit of the doubt. Maybe it was an important phone call. Mom might be trying to reach him or something.

  “Hey baby girl,” Prince said oblivious to the look I had on my face. I watched as his face retorted into a frown. “Roxie, what’s wrong? Are you okay?”

  I almost jumped out of my damn chair and smacked the shit out of his ass when that bitches name rolled off his damn tongue. I can’t believe he actually interrupted this meeting to take a phone call from that psychotic bitch. That bitch got under my skin. Maybe I felt threatened a little because we both wanted Savannah. They have a history. Savannah said she didn’t get down like that, but the women of today changed like the seasons.

  As soon as Prince got off the phone he jumped up. “I gotta go.”

  “What? Man, I know you not about to diss us for some bitch you just met,” Ace said looking at Prince sideways.

  “You need to watch ya mouth. She’s not a bitch,” Prince said through gritted teeth.

  Ace wasn’t fazed at all by Prince’s hostile demeanor. He simply shrugged his shoulders. “I call ‘em like I see ‘em.”

  “You gone sit up here and let him talk to me like that, B?” Prince asked.

  “You a grown ass man now. If you got a problem address that shit. Brian can’t control how I feel. I’m trying to help ya black ass out. It’s not my fault you can’t handle how the information is presented. Not everybody gone sugarcoat shit for ya ass,” Ace barked.

  I could tell by the tone of Ace’s voice that some shit was about to go down. I loved both of my brothers and I hated to be put in the middle of this shit. Ace had a point though. Prince is used to me being his protector. At some point in time in his life, he was going to have to stand on his own two feet, but if we were going to work together, we had to squash the beef and just do business.

  “Look, both of you calm the fuck down. Am I in the room with two bitches right now? Men don’t act like this. Can we move on from this shit so we can do business? I want the both of you on my team so we all can break bread. Feel me?” I asked looking at them both.

  “I got you Brian,” Ace finally answered.

  “Prince,” I said waiting for a response.

  “You don’t ever stick up for me B. You sit up here and let this nigga disrespect me and my woman.”

  You should have seen the look on my face as I looked at this nigga. I’m trying to remain calm, but Prince is sounding like a weak ass nigga. I’m trying to keep the fucking peace and he still running off at the mouth about this shit. He sounded like a straight up bitch. Ace shook his head and laughed.

  “Something funny?” Prince asked as he stared Ace down.

  “Yo’ what the fuck is your problem Prince? I just asked the two of you to squash this shit and you up here carrying on like some damn female.”

  “He disrespected me B.”

  “Look man, I apologize. Ain’t no hard feelings between us,” Ace said as he touched the bridge of his nose. I could tell, by the way, the veins bulged out of his neck he was pissed, but he was trying to keep his cool. “So can we get down to business or what?”

  “You good now?” I asked Prince.

  “I gotta go,” Prince finally said after a moment of silence.

  I frowned at his ass. “What?”

  “That was Roxie. She needs me B.”

  “I know who the fuck it was. Are you serious right now Prince? Please tell me this is a joke. Am I being punked?” I asked looking over at Ace, but he looked the other way. I’m up here trying to let him in on some important shit and he let this bitch come in and cloud his mind.

  “She needs me B. She didn’t sound good. You would do the same for Savannah.”

  “Yeah, because Savannah is my woman. We are in a relationship. I wouldn’t do it for some random bitch. I bet you don’t even know what the pussy smell like?”

  “No, but I’m sure I won’t have to wait six months to find out either,” he said turning to leave.

  That nigga hit me below the belt. Ace didn’t even look at me. He just continued to stare straight ahead like he wasn’t trying to get in the middle of it. Prince is young. Right now, he was thinking with his little head instead of his big head. He couldn’t see Roxie for the type of woman she really is. She’s high maintenance. She really doesn’t want Prince. She only wanted what he could do for her, but his dumb ass was too blind to see it. I to
ok a deep breath and tried to take a different approach.

  “Look, I know you not use to bagging bitches like Roxie, but. . . ,”

  “So what you saying I can’t bag bitches?”

  “Will you just shut the fuck up and listen? Got dayum,” I snapped.

  I’m doing my best to be patient, but like always Prince had a way of testing it. As I looked at his dumb ass all, I could do was shake my head. He’s not ready. I called this meeting with good intentions. After talking with my mother, I decided it may not be such a bad idea to give Prince a small portion of the club. I’m not so sure about it now.

  “He’s not saying that. We’ve been around way longer than you Prince. We know Roxie’s type. She’s a gold digger. She has a reputation. She’s known to fuck nigga’s for money. You’re his little brother. He is only trying to look out for ya ass, but you up here looking all starry-eyed over this bitch and she probably sucked more dicks than super head.”

  “I’m tired of you disrespecting my girl,” Prince snapped.

  He never saw me come around my desk. I grabbed him by the collar and backed him against the wall. I couldn’t take it anymore. He sounded like a bitch plain and simple.

  “Hey B, what the fuck is wrong with you? Get the fuck off me,” Prince yelled.

  The fear in his voice pissed me off even more. I wanted him to respect me not fear me. Ace and I had that understanding. He respected me, but he wasn’t afraid of me. We’ve come to blows on several occasions, but we held enough love and respect for each other to let the bullshit ride and keep the family ties together.

  “Come on Brian,” Ace said grabbing me.

  “You sound like one of those fucking thirsty, lurking ass nigga that be on Facebook. I’m up here trying to bat for your ass and you up here sounding like a bitch. I know what type of bitch Roxie is, but you so desperate to get ya damn dick wet you can’t see the fucking obvious. It’s okay to get pussy just don’t let the pussy get you.”