Chapter 4
Payson
Grabbing my bag, I start to walk out with her when my phone starts to ring. Excitedly, I dig through my bag clutching my phone only to realize it’s not Kraig’s name flashing across the screen. To say I would rather not answer the call is the understatement of the century.
“Vivian, how nice to hear from you,” I say flatly and sarcastically, answering the call.
“It’s Aunt Vivian to you, dear.” I roll my eyes. Never has this woman ever been anything to me but a thorn in my side all my life.
“What do you want?” I make sure the hatred in my tone is clearly recognizable.
“You better watch that mouth of yours. You have no idea what kind of trouble it can get you into.” I roll my eyes again.
As I continue toward where my car is parked just ahead, I hurry and connect my phone via CarPlay. There are details that need to be finalized before the party tonight. That means I have no time in my schedule to deal with her shit.
“What can I do for you?” I ask again, trying to stay calm.
“Jarrell is not answering any of my calls. Would you be kind enough to tell him that his sister is trying to reach him? It’s very important.” Sighing, I talk myself out of telling her that that is Jay’s way of telling her to fuck off, but think better of it.
“Yes, ma’am. Is that all?” Her fake laugh comes through the speakers of my car.
“You will learn one day, Payson. Hear my words.”
Is she threatening me? I must be mistaken.
“If you’ll excuse me, I have to get back to work,” I say, clearly tired of this conversation. Just when I am about to end the call, the faint sound of a man’s voice stops me. But before I can properly identify whose voice it is, the call is disconnected.