When You Know It’s Real(43)

“Siah, it’s business, but it doesn't matter. Please leave and go handle whatever you were in the middle of.” Her eyes moved to Karen, who was standing near their table with a grin on her face.

I pinched the bridge of my nose and inhaled slowly. I removed my body from the bench next to Nonie and then adjusted my clothes when I was on my feet again. My eyes were on Nonie, who looked mad as hell, but I really didn't give a fuck. Some shit just wasn't okay and this shit right here damn sure wasn't. Instead of me acting a fool and shooting up this damn restaurant, I decided to let it slide for a minute, but best believe that I was having a conversation with her later to make sure she understood my feelings on the matter. For now, I was shutting whatever this was down.

“I’ll be by your spot in an hour to get you. I bet you better be there.”

She sucked her teeth but didn't say anything while I turned to Laken.

“Look, my nigga, you’re in my city. You get a pass on this shit right here, but let's be clear, she is not available.”

This muthafucker chuckled and looked at Nonie. “I guess I’ll get with her about that.”

“Nah, you won't. I’m telling you now, she’s not available. Wrap this shit up.” I pointed at Nonie and then walked away.

“Sir, do you still need a table?” With everything going on, I hadn't even noticed that our hostess was standing quietly waiting.

“Nah, we’re good, baby girl. ’Preciate it.” I nodded and started toward the front of the restaurant with Karen on my heels.

“I take it we’re going to reschedule.”

“Yeah, I need to handle this shit right now.”

“She’s pretty, Siah,” Karen said as she attempted to keep up with me. I was beyond pissed and moving fast as hell. Faster than she really needed to be going in those damn high ass heels that were on her feet.

Ignoring Karen’s comment about Nonie, I glanced over my shoulder at her and stopped when we reached the front entrance. I had to get Karen’s nosey ass on her way so that I could get my head right.

“Who is she? It's not like you to be worried about a female.”

I could tell from Karen's question that she was a little jealous. She was right, if you weren't in my immediate presence, then I didn't have two fucks to give about who else occupied your time, but Nonie was different. I knew I was wrong as fuck, but she wasn't allowed to be with anyone but me, even with all the women I ran through.

Trust me, I wasn't naïve, and I knew that it was possible, even likely that she was chillin’ with other dudes. As long as I didn't have to see that shit, I was good, but she damn sure wasn't about to be kicking it with Laken. That nigga wanted what I had, and in the worst way. Nah, not happening.

“She is none of your got damn business. I’ll call you to reschedule. Have a good evening, Karen.” I pushed the door open and waited for her to walk through it.

I followed and made my way to my car, but I damn sure wasn't about to leave. Pretty had better be bringing her ass up out that restaurant and real got damn soon, or all bets were off and I was dragging her ass up out of there.

Not long after, I watched from my car as Laken and Nonie exited the restaurant. I was close to running up on both their asses when he hugged her, but I kept my cool because when he tried to kiss her, she pushed him away.

This nigga apparently didn’t like that because he tried again, and she held her arm out to keep her distance from him. That was her only saving grace, otherwise she would have been witnessing a homicide because my gun was loaded and in my lap.

After a brief conversation, Nonie was on her way to her car and Laken to his. I was happy as fuck that she drove because it meant that she didn't let him scoop her up at her spot. That shit would have really had me heated because he damn sure didn't need to be anywhere near where she laid her head. I pulled out behind Nonie, keeping my distance, and followed her home. When we reached her house, I was a few minutes behind her because she was already at the door when I pulled into her driveway.

I knew she was pissed because she looked back at me, walked inside and slammed the door, without even saying anything. I at least expected an argument, but she wasn't even offering that. Fuck all the attitude, she was just gon’ have to get over it. I made my way to the door, used my key to enter, but the damn door didn't open, which meant that she had the security bar on it. I knocked, called her name and waited, but of course she ignored me, so I made a quick call.

“What's up, Rocket? I’m about to text you an address, I need you to head over here and check out a door for me. Imma need it replaced tonight.”

“Tonight, Siah, damn? I don't know if—”