My Bestfriend's Man

by P. Dotson

  “Hey, momma Karen,” I said initiating a hug. I could have sworn I felt some tension in her body. That made me feel some kind of way, but I shrugged it off.

  “Hi Roxie,” she said sounding formal.

  It could have been me, but for some reason I felt my presence made the air around us tense. Everyone got quiet like I was the reason the chemistry had suddenly become off balanced. We all had stood there in silence for a few seconds before momma Karen decided to make her exit.

  “Okay ladies, I’m going to head on up this road. I know your father is looking for me by now. I was only supposed to stop in and get one thing,” she said shaking her head as she looked down at the three shopping bags in her hand.

  “Okay mom, love you,” Vee responded giving her mother a hug.

  “Love you too,” she said kissing Vee on the cheek.

  I started to make my move to give her a hug as well, but she began to make her exit before I could. For some reason, I looked over at Zaheeda. She had this smirk on her face that I wanted to remove.

  “It was nice seeing you again Zaheeda, bye Roxie,” momma Karen said as she walked away.

  “Bye,” I said although my feelings were hurt, but I tried my hardest not to show it.

  “Okay, I’m starving,” Vee said rubbing her stomach. “You think our food is ready?” She asked as she looked over at Zaheeda.

  “Yeah, it should be,” Zaheeda responded.

  “Oh, make sure you keep an eye on our bags,” Savannah said looking over to where I was sitting earlier.

  “Aight,” I said as I made my way back to the table.

  My food was probably cold by now. Besides I forgot to cover it up with a napkin and it’s too many flies floating around in this place for me. I pushed my tray to the side and waited for Vee and Zaheeda to join me. I wanted to go home. It felt like everybody was against me, but I didn’t want Zaheeda to think she had won.

  “A penny for your thoughts!” Vee asked as she sat down.

  “Nothing much. Just tired.”

  “From what?” She asked looking at me sideways.

  “Life I guess,” I said shrugging my shoulders.

  “So Roxie, what is it that you do again?” Zaheeda asked me.

  “Medical Assistant.” She looked me up and down checking out the diamonds in my ears, the ice that decorated my wrist and fingers before shrugging her shoulders.

  “Okay,” she said digging into her Chinese food. It got quiet again but not for long. “So, I’m sure you know all about the Brian situation?”

  “Don’t start,” Savannah said looking at Zaheeda sideways.

  “No, I think now is the perfect time to discuss this. If Roxie agrees maybe you will finally listen and do us all a favor and leave this Brian character alone.”

  It was petty on my part, but to hear that Zaheeda hadn’t meant Brian yet made me feel warm inside. Maybe Vee still held me high in some regard.

  “Zaheeda,” Vee said giving her a sideways glance. “I came out to shop and bond with my two friends. Now is not the time for drama.”

  “When will be a better time then? When you’re already unhappily married with two kids? Then you become another statistic because as soon as the children are grown you decide you want to get a divorce. I bet my top dollar Brian’s ass would play dirty.”

  “Here we go,” Vee said shaking her head.

  “Well, I have to agree Vee,” I pitched in even though I had no idea what was going on. From my understanding, things between Brian and Vee were good. Now I was back in my feelings again because Zaheeda apparently knew something that I didn’t.

  “You would,” Vee answered, taking a sip of her drink.

  “All I’m saying is if you’re not happy why continue to stay?” Zaheeda asked.

  I sat in silent shock. Vee isn’t happy? She never said anything like that to me. My feelings were hurt. She practically dissed me to be with a nigga who didn’t make her happy. I couldn’t believe Vee would play me like that.

  “I already told you I feel bad,” Vee answered.

  “You gone feel even worse twenty years later when you’re horny, old and fat.”

  “Whatever,” Vee laughed.

  “What?” I asked confused. This shit was getting on my nerves. I’m supposed to be her best fucking friend and apparently I was out of the loop about everything.

  “Oh, I guess Savannah didn’t tell you. Well, ole boy can’t fuck.”

  “Who, Brian?”

  “Bingo.”

  “All this time you made it seem like you were happy,” I said in a low voice.

  “I never said that,” Vee answered.

  “Apparently there’s a lot you haven’t said,” I responded shaking my head. It got quiet between all of us. I didn’t want things to get weird between us again. My heart was crushed because it’s obvious she and Zaheeda have formed a bond, but I would deal with that later. I concluded that in my head a few seconds ago. “I agree with Zaheeda if you are unhappy then you need to leave him alone,” I said hoping to use this new found information to my advantage.

  Vee sighed and shook her head. “It’s not that easy guys.”

  “You are only making it harder by prolonging it,” Zaheeda said.

  “Brian is a really nice guy and he’s helped me out a lot.”

  “No, he’s just been a distraction that has now turned into a headache. You probably didn’t think he would fall in love on your ass, but he did. You better clean this shit up while you can.”

  Vee sat back and I could tell she was in deep thought. I wanted her to leave Brian’s ass, but I couldn’t believe she was up here taking this bitch’s advice over mine. I told her in the beginning Brian wasn’t any good, but did she listen to me, no. Then to find out she’s having personal conversations with this bitch had me heated.

  “You’re right Zee,” she said with a sigh. “I can’t do this to him anymore,” she said sadly shaking her head. “I care for him, just not the same way he cares for me. It’s not fair to him.”

  “Good! Now that we have gotten that out of the way what are you going to do about Brandon?” Zaheeda asked.

  “Brandon,” I said frowning my face at the mention of his name. “What about him?”

  “She needs closure on that relationship.”

  “No, she doesn’t. He cheated on her, she left. That’s’ the end of the story.”

  “Yeah, but she still needs to sit down and talk to him about it.”

  “For what? That’s like opening up fresh wounds.”

  “It’s not if the fresh ones still haven’t healed.”

  “I don’t think it’s a good idea, Vee,” I said looking over at her, praying that she would take her long time friend’s advice.

  “No, Zee is right. I need to finally finish this thing with Brandon. I think me never sitting down to talk to him is the reason why I haven’t officially moved on with my life.”

  Zaheeda just sealed her fate. I can’t stand her ass with a passion. I can’t believe Vee up here taking advice from this basic bitch. Some people just can’t leave well enough alone. I wasn’t fazed though. Brandon could deny all the hell he wanted to, but I’m sure Vee would believe her own eyes over his truth. I’m not worried. Now that Bri has finally has moved out there are no strings attached on my end. Well, with the exception of one skeleton that I prayed Brandon kept hidden in the closet.

  After eating, we were all too full to continue shopping. We were supposed to catch a movie, but none of us were in the mood for that either. We decided to call it a night and head home. I tried to get Vee to ride back with me, but she declined. All the more reason I need to get rid of this Zaheeda chick. Some bitches will never learn how to stay in their own lane. Oh well, she gone learn today.

  Chapter 24

  Brian

  “If two people love each other what’s the big deal?” I said. The phone line went quiet. Savannah and I were having a little discussion about moving in together. I think we are ready, but for some reaso
n she is holding out on me. She has no idea how much I have to offer. I’m more than willing to build and share my empire with her if she would just let me. “Hello,” I said before glancing at my phone to make sure she hadn’t hung up.

  “I’m still here,” she whispered.

  “Then what’s the problem Savannah? You know how I feel about you. I just want to make you happy, if you will stop being stubborn and let me.”

  “Brian-,”

  “Savannah.”

  “We need to talk.”

  This time I got quiet. The way she said ‘we need to talk’ didn’t sit too well with me. My throat was suddenly dry and a funny feeling entered my stomach. The same funny feeling I got when Macy told me we needed to talk. I took in a deep breath trying to convince myself that maybe I’m overreacting.

  “Hello,” she said.

  “I’m still here babe. What did you want to talk about?”

  “I’d rather not discuss it over the phone. This is something I would rather talk about in person.”

  That did it for me. I knew what it was about. I balled up my fist and swung at the air, doing everything possible to keep my emotions in check. Any bitch would be happy to be on my arm soaking up the luxuries I have to offer, but not Savannah. I couldn’t stand another heartbreak. I pray she rethinks her decision and quick, it could be hazardous to her health if she didn’t get her mind right.

  “About what?” I asked her again.

  She sighed. “About us.”

  “What about us.”

  “Brian just come over tomorrow so we can talk.”

  “So you’re going to make me wait until tomorrow? You are going to keep me in suspense?”

  “Well, you said you have some business that you need to handle. Isn’t that what you said earlier?”

  She was right. I couldn’t much fight her on that one. Maybe the longer I held off on this talk she wanted to have the more time she would have to rethink her decision.

  “I’m sorry baby girl, yes I did say that. Well, I will catch up with you tomorrow then. We can do breakfast,” I said glancing at the clock on my wall. It was a little after seven. “Aight, well are you in for the night?”

  “Yeah, me and Zee are just chilling.”

  “Zee? Who the hell is Zee?” I asked feeling my temperature rising a few degrees.

  “Chill bruh, I work with her,” she laughed. “I already told you that.” I ain’t find shit funny.

  “Okay. Well, lock up and I will call you later. I love you, Savannah.”

  “Goodnight Brian, be safe,” she said.

  “Thanks. Goodnight, Savannah,” I said ending the call.

  I sat back in my chair and stared up at the ceiling. It hurt like hell that Savannah hadn’t bothered to say that she loved me back. Anything could happen between today and tomorrow and she didn’t have the decency to say it back. Love is just too complicated and aggravating. I swear on everything that I love if this thing between me and Savannah doesn’t work out I’m officially done with it.

  I’m a good guy, with a good heart. Well, I’ve done my dirt along the way. It’s only natural, I’m a man. I’m trying to do right by the woman that I love and want to spend the rest of my life with, but she is starting to act like she doesn’t want it. I wonder what is missing. I’m a good looking guy, easy to get along with, and I don’t mind taking care of my woman.

  “So what is the damn problem?” I said out loud to myself.

  “She doesn’t appreciate you?” I answered myself.

  “You’re right. I’ve spoiled her ass. I even fronted her a couple thousand to go shopping today and she ups and tells me we need to talk. I mean she tried to push the money back at me, but she eventually took it.”

  “She can’t get away with this dawg. She can’t throw you away like yesterday’s trash and think that shit is good.”

  “I know, but I love her,” I said leaning forward putting my elbows on the desk and placing my head in my hands. “I love her,” I whispered. “There has to be another way.”

  “What if I told you there is.”

  I looked up and searched my empty office. My heart pounded in my chest. I didn’t take my medicine today and the voices have been punching in and out of my head like a time clock. I opened my desk drawer and stared at my meds.

  “Not yet. I told you there is another way.”

  “Just say it,” I snapped as I stared at the bottle of medication in my drawer. I nodded my head at the idea. It’s a risky move, but I’m desperate, and desperate people do crazy things. Yep, I’m crazy enough to do it. “Good fucking idea.”

  “Who the hell you talking too?” Ace asked as he walked into my office dressed in all black.

  “Dang nigga ya hands broke or something? You don’t know how to knock?” I snapped quickly closing my drawer.

  He looked at me and shook his head. “I did knock,” he said looking around my office before looking back at me. “So who the hell were you talking too?”

  “I was on the phone.” He gave me this look like he didn’t believe me, but I really didn’t care one way or the other if he did.

  “So you ready?” He asked taking a seat across from me.

  “Yeah, give me a minute,” I mumbled as I opened up my desk drawer and grabbed a pair of brass knuckles.

  “Are you sure?” He asked.

  “What I tell you about questioning me?” I said through gritted teeth.

  “Nigga I ain’t one of ya little flunkies. You have been getting real reckless when you talking to me. I suggest you get that shit in check or we gone have problems.”

  The air surrounding us was thick with tension. There wasn’t really shit I could say because he was right. We couldn’t afford to be at each other’s throats right now, we had business to handle. A nigga we supplied with product has been coming up short with his payments, so Ace and I decided it was time to pay him a little visit.

  “Let’s go,” I said standing up and adjusting my pants. I grabbed the gun strapped underneath my desk and tucked it inside of my waist. I was ready to get this shit done and over with. I had other shit to handle. Ace stood up and followed me out of the office without saying another word. We would squash our beef like always. We had our differences, but that’s one nigga I knew had my back like no other and I had his.

  Chapter 25

  Savannah

  Zee shook her head at me as I got off the phone with Brian. “What?” I asked snapping my neck back.

  “You should have ended it there,” she said taking a sip of her soda.

  “I can’t do that. You can’t break up with someone over the phone. That is so high school,” I responded rolling my eyes.

  “Okay, just make sure you tell him in a public place. Muthafuckas now days can’t handle break ups.”

  “Brian isn’t like that.”

  “Okay chick, if you say so. Can we get back to this game,” she said holding up her card. We were in the middle of playing speed when Brian called.

  “You basically won any damn way,” I said rolling my eyes.

  “Don’t cheat me out of my bragging rights,” she said looking at me sideways. I could tell by the expression on her face that she was dead serious.

  “Aight,” I said getting comfortable and holding up my cards. “Ready?” I asked rolling my neck.

  “Yep,” she said nodding her head.

  “Let’s go.”

  “Speed,” she laughed throwing her final card down. She got up and began to twerk. “I won, I won,” she chanted.

  “Okay, it’s really not that serious!”

  “Oh, but it is boo,” she said sitting back down. She started fanning herself. “It is that serious when I beat ya black ass four games to one.”

  “Cause you cheated.”

  “Don’t get mad.”

  “I ain’t mad. It’s all in fun.”

  “And bragging rights.”

  “Yeah, okay.”

  “Aight it’s time for me to bounce. We are so corn
y. Here it is a Saturday night, we’re single well you almost single, no kids and we cooped up in the house playing cards. Did I mention its summer time?”

  I laughed because she was right, but I’ve never been into the club scene. I preferred to stay home and either read a good book or watch a movie. Too much drama went down at the club now days. People act more like their shoe size than their age and I have too much going on in my life to get caught up in some bullshit. Ain’t nobody got time for that.

  “Aight chicka, I’m getting ready to bounce,” Zee said standing back up.

  “Okay,” I said standing up with her. As I stood up I couldn’t help but to think about Roxie. I wish things could be this simple between she and I. Zee knew how to give me advice without going overboard.

  “What’s on your mind now?”

  “Roxie,” I said shrugging her shoulders.

  “Oh,” Zee said curling up her lips.

  “And what is that all about?” I asked.

  “Nothing, just keep your friends close and your enemies closer. All I’m going to say is I got my eye on that chick. She doesn’t like me and the feeling is mutual. It’s all good because I’ve never been one to let a bitch throw me off my game. I don’t do petty. So as long as she doesn’t disrespect me we can keep it cordial. We don’t have to be buddy, buddy.”

  “Okay Zee,” I said throwing my hands in the air. I really didn’t want to jump on the bash Roxie bandwagon right now.

  “I’m just saying. Oh and before I forget you know you got one more phone call to make right?”

  “Huh?’ I asked looking at her sideways. “What are you talking about?”

  “Brandon.”

  I looked up towards the ceiling. I wanted to move on from that chapter in my life, but for the life of me it feels like I’m stuck. I thought Brian would have fixed that heartache, but he didn’t. He was only a temporary Band-Aid because my heart still bleeds. It still hurts just like it was yesterday.

  “Hey, you okay?” Zee asked me.

  “Yeah,” I said blinking hard to keep the tears from my broken heart at bay.

  “Well, as much as it hurts, I think this is what you need Savannah. It’s been what a year and you still crying over that nigga. He must got that keep a bitch kind of dick.”