13. Ronnie
Ronnie
We were just wrapping up the last meeting when my phone rang in my purse. I was tired after going through two hours of video surveillance. It’s being used against my client in a sexual harassment allegation, so I needed to go over it with a fine-tooth comb.
I cursed under my breath at seeing my dad’s name because I know why he’s calling me. He must’ve seen the pictures of Sin and me all over the internet.
“Yes, daddy,” I answered. Rolling my eyes inward waiting for him to trip out.
“Honey, what have you gotten yourself into?” Here we go. I loved my father, but he feels he needs to control every aspect of my life. His push is the reason I graduated from college at twenty.
“I don’t know what you mean, dad.” I played innocent.
“That boy, that singer... you hanging out with those types of people, Ronnie?” I pressed the button on the elevator, waiting for it to come up.
“He’s a client, and it was only a business meeting.” That’s how it started, but it ended up being so much more.
“Baby, do you take your old man for a fool? I know a date when I see one. Have you seen the things people are saying about you online?”
I saw the comments on Facebook this morning. Most of them mentioned how I’m not Sin’s type and how they don’t know what he sees in me. I tried to pay no mind to it, but I admit some were hurtful.
“Not all of them. I don’t care what people think about me,” I defended.
“That boy is nothing but trouble with his rap music and saggy pants.” I tuned him out, stepping in once the elevator doors opened. Thankfully, I was alone.
“It’s baggy pants daddy.” I leaned my hip against the wall, balancing the tote bag on my shoulder.
“Whatever! End this now, before you get yourself in a world of trouble!” he warned.
I’m tired of him controlling my fucking life. If I make a mistake, it’s mine to make it “I’m a grown woman. I can make my own choices.”
“If you move forward with this relationship, Ronnie Russell, you’re on your own.
Do not call me when he breaks your heart.
Do you understand what I’m saying to you?
” My dad’s willingness to stop communication shows his lack of trust in me and my decisions.
I did what he’s asked my whole life, yet this one choice I make on my own, and he has an issue.
“I understand.” I hung up. Feeling tears running down my face, I wiped at my cheeks.
I didn’t realize the doors opened until someone walked on. Now that I’m done with all I need to do, I’m meeting with Monae for dinner. We grew up in a similar situation since her mama is a doctor. If anyone can understand what I’m going through, it’s Monae.
My phone went off again. I thought it was my dad changing his mind. Instead, it was Sin.
“Hey,” I answered, smiling widely.
“Ronnie, come to the address that I just texted you. Hurry up and bring an NDA!” He disconnected the call before I could tell him I was busy.
Why does Sin need an NDA form? I sighed. Is this what it means to be his lawyer, traveling to an unknown address this late at night?
My phone pinged with a notification, and I assumed it was Sin sending the address. As nervous as I am, I was also curious. When I got in the car, I put the directions into my GPS system.
Shit! It’s gone take me thirty minutes to get to this location. I started not to go, but I didn’t wanna hear his mouth about it. Plus, whatever it is must be important if he wants me to bring an NDA. Monae’s ass gone kill me for this. With her being a newlywed, we barely got time to chill as it is.
I pulled her number up on my Bluetooth. As I waited for her to pick up, I backed my way out of the parking lot.
“Bitch! You better be calling me from a hospital or jail, because that’s the only excuse I’ll take for missing dinner.”
I snickered, she so dramatic.
“I’m sorry, Mo. I had something come up. “I turned onto the intersection.
Monae’s mad about dinner, but she gonna be furious about Sin. We always used to talk about how much we hated him. Now I done let him dick me down.
“Something like what?” she interrogated.
“Well, I got a new client yesterday,” I stalled.
“He got something to do with you standing me up? What’s his name? He had better be cute.”
“It’s Sin,” I muttered lowly, switching lanes.
“Come again.” I know she heard me the first time.
“Sin, Monae.”
“Sin Sizza?” she asked, appalled.
I looked down at my screen. “Yes.”
“And you not coming because of him?” she asked with interest. “It’s a little too late to be conducting business.”
“Well, we’re not just conducting business.” I made it known. I’m surprised she didn’t find out yet from all the pictures circulating around about us. Monae lives for gossip.
“You fucked him, Ronnie?”
“You fuckin’ lying!” she exclaimed.
“And it was good girl!” I bragged, switching to another lane when I saw the sign for my exit.
“Ronnie, I know you better than this. No matter how good the dick is, it doesn’t make the man.”
“You judging me?” I raised my eyebrow.
Despite all the shit she did in her life, I never spoke negatively about it. I’d appreciate the same courtesy. “You know I’ll never judge you, boo, but Sin Sizza ain’t the one.” She barely knows him. All she knows is what she’s seen on the internet.
“We’re just having fun,” I downplayed it. It started as me being horny and needing dick, but now I liked him.
“You don’t have fun, Ron. You fall in love, and I’m telling you he ain’t the one. What did your dad say? I know he called you already.”
“The same thing you’re saying.” I got off on my exit then made a right at the stoplight.
“Well, we agree on something this time. I won’t get in your business, but I want you to think about the life you want. Ask yourself if Sin’s who you want that life with.” Sucking my teeth, I made the last left to get to my destination.
“Ok, Iyanna Fix My Life,” I joked. She laughed along with me.
“Fuck you, bitch. You know I love you.” I heard a sigh.
“Well, I guess I’ll go home to get under my man. Be careful, boo.” I smiled.
“I will. Bye.”
I hung up just in time to pull into a brick warehouse. It was completely deserted out here. No other buildings were around, and men were unloading something from off the back of a pickup truck. I squinted my eyes to get a better look. Are those handguns?
What the fuck is going on?