Page 23 of Ride

“He did get me the job on his commercial. Plus, his team wants me to do another styling job.”

“See, already making sure you get paid. Look at God!” Winter barked in laughter.

I came out of the building as soon as the elevator doors opened. I strolled to my car, jumped inside, pressed my phone into its holder, and put it on speaker.

As dramatically as she acted, Winter was right about him making sure I got back on my feet and I would thank him with dinner soon as an appreciation.

“Where are you headed right now?”

“I have to get to the store, grab food for my place, then order some furniture and pick up Kayne.”

“Then I will come by once you make it back home and we can catch up.”

“Okay, let me text you my address.”

“Please don’t go missing. Again, friend, happy you’re back.”

Passing through the streets in my parents’ second car, I made a note to thank my dad for letting me use it.

“I won’t, friend.”

Hanging up with Winter, I accidentally tapped on an incoming call. “Hello.”

“Amena, you've had your fun, time to come home,” Virgil growled. A loud slamming noise came though the phone.

“Virgil, we are divorced.”

“I told you to death do us part and I hold those promises.”

“Kayne and I are no longer your priority. Please go be with the woman and child you’ve kept hidden. She probably would love the limelight.”

“Bitch!”

“Goodbye, Virgil.”

Before he could say another word, I ended the call, tossed it in my purse, and pulled up at Kayne’s daycare.

I stepped out and placed my visitor badge on purse shoulder, then ambled inside and headed for his room. I knocked on the door and the teacher opened it to step outside.

“Hi, Amena. What are you doing here?”

I frowned at her statement. “I came to get Kayne. Is he sleeping?”

“His father picked him up.”

“No, how can that be?” I reached around her, yanked open the door, and ran in, scanning the room to find Kayne.

“He came about ten minutes ago and said you were working.”

“He doesn’t have permission to take my son!” I yelled.

Some of the kids stopped playing and started to cry.

“Amena, please step outside.”

“I can’t breathe.” What I knew at that moment Virgil was getting more and more possessive and if he hurt Kayne to get to me, I would never forgive myself. I took out my phone and dialed his number. It went straight to voicemail, and I dialed again.

Kayne picked up. “Hi, Mommy.”