Page 32 of Passion
That man was too fucking smart for his own good. I had no idea that he and Gentry talked like that. He’d never mentioned it to me. It wasn’t like I was ever really available for conversation. “He didn’t come home because he got drunk and couldn’t drive. Even then, he wouldn’t be able to see after the kids if they needed something through the night. So I had to stay.”
“You know I will fly out there at the drop of a hat, right? You just have to say the word.”
“No. This is a mess I created.”
“So you gon’ let that muhfucka destroy what you have with Gentry? You gon’ waste all your money and Gentry’s money? Y’all paid a grip for those services. Not being with him over some bullshit you can rectify would be like throwing that money in the trash. I would be pissed if I were Gentry.”
“It’s not that easy. My babies are the only ones in the world that will never turn their backs on me, at least not while they’re this young. I can’t have them traumatized from this bullshit. Listen, Vegas. I have to go. I’ll call you back.”
“Uh huh. Don’t make me come out there, G.”
“Okay. Bye.”
I ended the call wishing they would all understand the turmoil I was in. My mama did her best to encourage me. Whenever Clayton got home tomorrow, I would let him know of my intentions for Monday. I rested my head on the cushion of the couch, praying aloud that God would intervene. I turned to my side and rested my head back on the couch cushions. As I lay there, I decided to go take my braids out.
That would give me something to do to keep me busy. They were starting to look rough anyway. When I got to the bathroom, my phone chimed, indicating I had a text message. I pulled it from my pocket to see Gentry’s number. I’m sorry for being rough with you. We need to talk though. Face-to-face. I’m tired of texting and having phone conversations. Real shit.
From that text, it didn’t sound like he was sorry for being rough. I didn’t care about that though because I knew my actions were the cause of this. Instead of waiting until tomorrow, I FaceTimed him. He answered the phone with a deep frown on his face. “Giselle, see, you fucking playing with me. This ain’t the face-to-face I’m talking about.”
“I know. I just wanted to see your face now. I’m sorry.”
“I’m getting tired of that shit too. You ought to be tired of apologizing for shit you’re allowing. He got you right where he wants you.”
“What do you mean? He said y’all got along tonight.”
“That nigga fake as hell. He’s only trying to get along with me to prolong shit. If you think we’re progressing, you won’t file at the courthouse.”
“Gentry, really? You don’t even know him. Clayton isn’t a faker like that.”
“Apparently, you don’t know him either if the way he’s acting has caught you by surprise. Pay attention to him, and you’ll see it too. I gotta go because I’m getting angrier by the minute. I don’t want to be that person with you.”
“What person is that? Don’t be fake. Show me.”
“Oh, you don’t want that, Giselle. I really care about you. You are the last person I want to be mean and petty to. I’m not being fake. I’m restraining myself.”
“No, please don’t do that. Show me who I’m dealing with. You’re obviously the person I don’t know. I wouldn’t call being around you for a month sufficient time to know the real you.”
“You ain’t been around me but for a week! You been dealing with that nigga. Maybe you should’ve married him. You know what?”
He looked away from the camera and slowly shook his head with a smile on his face. It wasn’t a friendly smile. It was one that said I was about to get everything he was trying to hold back. My heart was bleeding already. I knew he was about to deliver the final blow to put me out of my misery.
“I’m tired of being tied down to someone who doesn’t seem to want to be tied to me. Why don’t you come get your things. You’re barely here anyway.”
When I saw the tear drop from one of his eyes, I knew just how hurt he was. He ended the call right after. I assumed he didn’t want me to see his emotions. I called right back as the tears streamed down my face. He answered once again with a frown until he saw my tears. “Gentry, please, give us a little more time. I wasn’t trying to accuse you of anything. My anger is speaking loudly. I’m upset with the situation too. Please, baby?”
I’d never begged a man for anything, but I didn’t want to lose Gentry. He’d gone above and beyond for me, trying to make things easier on me. He just stared at me as I tried to compose myself. “Mommy, why are you crying?”
I turned to see Kizzie walking toward me. Before I could stop her, she sat on my lap and stared into the phone. “Hi! I’m Princess Tiana. Are you Gentry?”
I closed my eyes briefly. When I reopened them, Gentry was smiling at Kizzie. “Yes, I am. Wow. I never thought I would ever meet a real-life princess. It’s so nice to meet you, Princess Tiana. You’re so pretty.”
Kizzie blushed as she looked up at me. When she saw my smile, she said, “Thank you. I knew it was you because I heard Mommy talking to you earlier. She said you’re someone she likes a lot.” She glanced up at me then whispered in the phone, “I think she might want to marry you.”
I slightly rolled my eyes, but I could see Gentry smiling at her. “You think so? Why do you think that?”
“She talks to you when she’s over here. She doesn’t talk to boys. So she must love you. Do you love her?”
His gaze shifted from her to me, and he bit his bottom lip for a moment. “I do love her. So much until I’m willing to wait… give it more time.”