Chapter 11
B lake could barely focus as she pulled out of Brooks’s parking lot.
The conversation with her brother had her trying to piece two and two together because something wasn’t adding up.
Brooks knew too many details. Intimate details only Taylor or Paige would know.
It wasn’t just concerned brother’s behavior; it was too specific. She knew pillow talk when she heard it.
Her gut already knew the answer before she connected her phone to Bluetooth and dialed Taylor’s number.
Paige wouldn’t run her mouth or judge. She’d been nothing but happy seeing Blake finally let someone in.
Plus, Paige knew Blake better than anyone; knew she’d cut things off quickly if Emon wasn’t worth her time.
“Hey girl—”
“Cut the shit,” Blake interrupted, turning onto the highway. “How long you been fucking on my brother?”
The silence on the other end was deafening. “Blake, I can explain—”
“That’s why you been so worried about Emon?
Because Brooks got you playing spy?” She couldn’t believe Taylor.
They’d been friends for a long time. Too long for backstabbing.
Taylor was a little older, but they met at vacation bible school and connected every summer until Taylor moved into her school district and they got to see each other more.
Taylor’s smile and warmth were always intriguing to Blake.
She was the quiet kid that played by the rules at all times.
They’d grown up in different households, Blake being the daughter of Boss and Taylor the daughter of Preacher.
They couldn’t have been more different. But somehow, Taylor had turned into family.
She didn’t like wondering if she could be trusted or if her interest in what she had going on was genuine.
“Blake, stop being dramatic. I’m grown and so are you.”
“What about Tyree? Like, girl, is this really you? You’ve been on me about my moves, but this is out of character for you.”
“It’s not what you think—”
“It’s exactly what I think. You ain’t been worried about me. You been trying to keep Brooks’s attention.” Blake merged into the fast lane, her hands shaking with confusion. “How long?”
“Three months.”
“Three… wow.” Blake pulled up to Emon’s house. It was beautiful, but she couldn’t focus on that at the moment. Putting the car in park, but staying inside, she continued. “Y’all could’ve just told me instead of all this sneaking and creeping.”
“Blake, it wasn’t that serious and you don’t know everything.” Taylor’s voice cracked, emotion bleeding through. “You just don’t.”
“Well, tell me what it is, then, because right now, this feels like my best friend betrayed me and if I’m wrong, I’m woman enough to say I’m wrong.”
“When’s the last time you called to check on me?” The question hit her in the gut. “Y’all all believe I have this perfect life and the truth is I don’t. At least not anymore.”
Blake softened despite herself because she was still sour about Taylor mentioning her father.
She hadn’t been feeling like checking in.
And maybe it was petty, but such was life.
“Taylor, be fair. You don’t say anything either.
You‘ve enjoyed being the perfect friend and the friend that had it all. I love you, but we gon’ keep it a buck. ”
“Yeah, well, maybe, but that doesn’t mean things have been perfect in my life. I got my shit too.”
“Well, I’m your friend, and I’m listening if you want to say more, but you go all recluse on us and we respect that.
” Blake sighed, realizing sometimes friendship was messy like that.
Sometimes there were seasons of girl time and constant calls, and sometimes there were seasons of insecurity and retreating.
Grace was the key that kept it together.
Maybe it was time to extend some of that grace to her friend. “I’ll do better.”
There was a pause on the line, followed by a shaky exhale. “Me too, B.”
“Well, then it’s settled. We gon’ do better. We been friends too long not to.”
“For the record,” Taylor sniffled, “I only told Brooks because he was worried about you, and he was worrying me about you when you weren’t answering his calls. You’re one of my favorite people in the world, sis. I need you safe.”
“I love you for that, but what’s really going on? You can talk to me, T.”
She exhaled slowly, her voice smaller than Blake had ever heard it. “Tyree and I split six months ago. His drinking... it just got so bad.”
“No way, what? Sis, six months ago? Why didn’t you say something?”
“Oh, girl, I was too ashamed to say anything. My parents didn’t even know until a month ago. I didn’t want to hear the sermon on sticking it out with your husband or to be pitied.”
“Taytay, I’m so sorry. Truly, I had no idea. And Tyree is just out of the picture? Are you ok? He put his hands on you?” Blake didn’t play that shit. If she ever found out he was hitting her friend, a drinking problem would be the least of his worries.
“I mean, he tried to get help, and at first, I just wanted to be a good wife, supportive, but then that irritated him too, so I had to make a decision. I decided that love just wasn’t going to be enough for me, so I made him move out, but he never hit me.”
“Sis, I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you when you needed me.”
“No, don’t do that. It’s fine. It’s not your fault. I needed to let my pride and shame go. I wasn’t ready to do that yet. I’m still not feeling at ease telling you, but I want you to know I would never betray you in a harmful way, and I want you to know that Brooks and I aren’t serious.”
Blake leaned back in her seat, stumped by the news.
Now she felt bad for being frustrated with Taylor.
You just never knew what someone was going through.
She was going to cut Brooks some slack as well.
Her brother was a good man. A provider of all things.
He was wise beyond his years, savvy, and kind.
He looked just like their handsome father. Brooks was just a little taller.
“I’m glad you told me. We getting Paige and linking soon. I need to lay eyes on y’all.”
“Don’t be mad at Brooks either. He was there for me when I needed him and here we are.”
“I would understand if it was something serious. We can talk about this another time or not.” Blake had her nerve wanting to love on Emon privately, but expected her brother to tell her all his business. He was grown and so was Taylor. She was going to let them be until that wasn’t the case.
“Ok, sounds good. Love you, sis.”
“Love you too.” They disconnected the call and Blake sighed, torn between running to her friend or running to her man. That was until she got two texts back to back.
Tay Tay : I haven’t said it, but I’m happy you’re happy. You deserve it and so much more. If you say Emon is good, then he’s good. Enjoy being loved. It looks good on you.
The other read…
Emon : Bring yo fine ass in here, baby. I missed you.
Blake made her mind up right then and there. She was going in to spend time with her man.