Chapter 3
Deshona
“Ithink you should give Columbus one last hoorah. If you want, I can tuck in my son, then suck and fuck his daddy and meet you so I can be your wing woman.”
“Your pregnant ass can’t even make it through dinner without falling asleep. How the hell are you gonna do that and be my wing woman?” I ask before a bubble of laughter escapes my mouth at the memory of Korrena telling me about almost drowning in a bowl of zuppa not too long ago.
“Girl, I can take a nap or something.”
“Or you can pretend that I did so I don’t have to subject myself to any more torment.”
I was born and raised in this city, but even the idea of traveling down unknown roads or exploring new territory can’t stop me from the urge to run far away from here.
I’ve had too many moments in Mom’s shadow and kissed far too many toads.
The thought of going out and partying, even for a final time, fills my belly with dread.
“Come on. Be a good sport. One last dance. It’s only right to go out with a bang.”
I sigh heavily while I try to come up with another rebuttal. It takes me another minute or so to reach a conclusion.
“Fine. But if this backfires, just know that you’re gonna owe me big. I also don’t want your man coming for me, so I’ll do this little rendezvous without you.”
“Ooh. Deal. Hit up one of the bars downtown because it’s sure to give you everything you need for your final romp around town.”
I bite the corner of my lip as I contemplate the suggestion before I nod, despite Korrena’s inability to see my action. The downtown bars are expected to be a great time, so maybe it’ll be the perfect way to leave my fair city.
“Alright. Let me get off this phone so I can find something to wear.”
It takes another minute or so to end the call with Korrena, and then I go to my email.
When I see an email from Kaiku Luxury Apartments, I damn near trip over my fingers to open the new correspondence.
Kaiku was one of five apartment complexes I applied for in Kaigood, Ohio.
It’s the one I wanted most, as it’s fully furnished and within fifteen minutes of Downtown Kaigood.
The amenities within the complex are a full gym, pool, game room, and a walking trail that also includes a dog zone.
“Yes!” I pump my fist when I see confirmation that I can secure the apartment in Kaigood.
It’s what I needed in order to officially get the ball rolling so I can vacate Columbus without delay.
I go through the motions of paying the deposit and first month’s rent, as requested within the body of the email.
The lease is a temporary six-month agreement that should be perfect for me to get to know the city and determine my permanent move.
Once that’s done, I exit my email and lay my phone down before I head to my closet for something to wear.
Time flies by, and in no time, I’m walking out the front door with my mind on one last hoorah in my hometown.
“One time for the birthday chick. Two times for the birthday chick,” I sing as I throw my hand up and move to the beat as I enter the lounge twenty minutes later.
There is a group of women on the dance floor, clearly celebrating a birthday as evidenced by the sparklers and whistles surrounding them.
A warm smile forms as I head toward the bar to grab my first drink.
Due to my work-from-home job, I don’t have any friends outside my relationship with Korrena, who also doubles as my cousin and best friend.
As I watch the group of women, a pang of tenderness stretches across my chest, not having anyone to be reckless with.
Maybe it’s something else I can focus on after my move.
“Can I get a—”
“Lemon drop martini with Grey Goose and Grand Marnier instead of triple sec.” My skin instantly heats when I hear a familiar baritone voice completing my drink order.
“Nah, little bit prefers Titos with a splash of cranberry juice,” another male voice counters, and I close my eyes from the sound of it.
How in the hell did I manage to come out and run into these two niggas? Ugh. This is why the hell I’m getting my ass out of dodge.
I jump at the feel of contact on the left and right sides of me as I slowly peel my eyes open and look from left to right.
Dan and Dino wear matching smirks that I want to slap off their sexy faces.
I unknowingly was dating identical twins who got off on playing games with unsuspecting women.
I thought I was dating Dino but didn’t realize that Dan would often slip into his brother’s shoes.
The reminder of the blowup with these sick mothafuckas has me throwing my hands up and foregoing my plans before I can settle into a seat.
“You know what, nope. I ain’t even about to do this bullshit tonight. I told Korrena . . .” My words trail off as I leave the bar with my sour stomach and a deep frown.
Ain’t no way in hell I’m about to explore this lounge with my past in the same room. I quickly exit the lounge and head toward the lot where my car is parked.
“This is why I should have stayed my ass home and started the process of packing for my move.”
My phone vibrates in my pocket, and I retrieve it to see Korrena’s name on the screen.
Korrena: I’ve arranged for a family dinner at Olive Garden two weeks from tomorrow. It’s either gonna be a celebration of you changing your mind or a farewell shindig. You can inform all of us tomorrow.
I simply give a thumbs-up and put my phone back in my pocket. The farewell dinner with my family is in order because thanks to Dan and Dino, my decision is final. I’m not sure how things will go, because neither Mom nor my big brother LaKendric is aware of my plans.
“Don’t forget that I’m only a stone’s throw away. Let mothafuckas know that you have a big brother who will fuck shit up behind you,” LaKendric says as his arms tighten around my body, instantly enveloping me in his strength.
“I know.”
LaKendric is only three years older than me and is the reason I’m not worried or fearful about reestablishing myself in a new city.
“I know work isn’t why you’re leaving, but don’t let desperation have you slipping and sliding in pussy waters. If shit gets too bad, call me, and I’ll have one of my jump-offs send you a few rubber dicks and a singing dickgram.”
A bubble of laughter falls from my mouth when I look up and see LaKendric’s smirk and the merriment in his dark eyes.
“I’ll pass on both. But thanks for the offer.”
The last thing I need is a hookup from my brother or whatever woman is vying for his affections.
“Alright. But if you come home for a visit with a chick on your arm, I’m gonna know that Ma got her wish. Be strong, Sis.”
I laugh again because LaKendric has been taunting me about Doretha since Mom tried to push me off on her.
“Never that. I’m strictly dickly.”
“Mhm. Word around town is that Doretha is rocking a nine-inch hammer, and from the women on her arm all the time, she might know how to work it.”
“Bye, LaKendric.” I step out of his arms and walk toward Mom as his laughter fills my ears.
Yesterday’s surprise farewell dinner with my family went much better than I anticipated.
Mom didn’t put up much of a fight since I lied and said my company needed me closer for a few mandatory in-office days.
My ability to formulate a lie so effortlessly should be studied.
But it was necessary to keep Mom from drilling me about my decision.
“What am I gonna do without you nearby?” Mom’s face is a mask of pain as her watery eyes peer into me.
“I’m just a phone call away.” I regurgitate words similar to the ones LaKendric had given me as she pulls me into her chest.
My heart races as I fight the urge to let the tears welling in my eyes spill over.
Kaigood isn’t that far, so I’m optimistic that I’ll come home for visits once I get myself settled.
Over the last fourteen days, I have been extremely busy preparing for my relocation.
I sold all my furniture since my new temporary residence comes fully furnished.
For now, I’m even going to use the bed set up in one of the two bedrooms.
Thankfully, there is an empty second bedroom I’m excited to set up as an office like the one I have now.
The only things I kept were my clothes, shoes, and the mini standing desk thing I will use to work on.
Thanks to the people who bought my belongings, I have money in the bank when it’s time to purchase new items.
“If you need me, don’t hesitate to call me. No matter the day or the hour, I’m here, Dee.” Mom’s voice is choppy as she pulls me back to look into my eyes.
Her bottom lip trembles, and I simply nod, unable to formulate words from the heaviness of this moment. Roslyn Edmonds might have been a woman incapable of tolerating or dealing with men. But she never failed to love LaKendric and me.
“Alright. We’ve held you up long enough. It’s time for you to go before Ma hogties you to that pole in her basement.” LaKendric’s voice breaks up the melancholy of this moment as Mom and I giggle simultaneously.
Today is moving day, and I stopped at Mom’s house before officially getting on the road for Kaigood. My SUV is loaded with my remaining belongings, and my adrenaline spikes when I realize that the moment is upon me.
“I love you, Deshona Charise,” Mom says before she places a gentle kiss on my forehead and backs away from me.
“I love you more,” I return before my eyes shift to LaKendric. “Take care of her, or I’m going to kick your ass.”
“Hush up. Your little ass will have to come back to do anything, and I ain’t worried about your little threat.” LaKendric waves me off with a wink as I turn and walk to my vehicle.
My heart races, and the vein in my neck pulses wildly, yet I open my door and slip inside without further rebuttal. I start the engine, honk my horn, and pull off as water slips from my eyes.
“Lord, I don’t know what’s waiting for me in Kaigood, but please let it be better than what I’m running from.” I sigh, then turn up my radio so my playlist can help me through the drive.
It matters to have a great playlist when you’re going on any road trip, and I’m grateful for the one I created.
The nearly two-hour drive feels like twenty minutes when I pull into the attached garage at Kaiku Luxury Apartments.
It takes me twenty minutes to breeze through the process of getting the key for my unit.
A giddy feeling surges through my body when I exit the elevator and walk to my new front door.
I insert the key and push through the front entrance with a warm smile.
“I did it. I’m here. There’s no turning back now, Deshona.”
My eyes bounce around the area as I take in my new home.
The cream-colored walls feel warmer than the white ones that lined my previous dwelling.
The living room is set up with gray furniture that doesn’t look cheap or from a thrift store, which pleases me.
There’s also a large plant with a bow around it on the small dining table that connects to the dining and living rooms. Adjacent to these two areas is a bar-like structure that separates them from the kitchen.
My feet lead through these three areas before I go around the corner and head to the back of the unit.
The first door I reach is a modern-style bathroom that doesn’t give me pause.
I continue searching for the bedrooms. The room next to the bathroom is empty, with stark white walls that prompt my mind to wander over various ways to decorate the space.
Satisfied with what I’m seeing, I move on to the master bedroom.
“Oh yeah, I can totally work with this,” I say when I walk in and see the large king-size bed that appears to be on some type of platform.
There is also a bench at the end of the bed and a large dresser, but the bed is bare, which delights me.
While I don’t have a problem with a fully furnished apartment, I draw the line at sleeping on sheets that have been used by others.
First, I’ll unload my vehicle, then go shopping for new bedding.
I do a little jig as I exit the bedroom, heading toward the front door feeling lighter than I did when I left Columbus.