Chapter 4
CHAPTER FOUR
ROSALYN
“The movie was great,” Maggie says as we walk out of the movie theater. It distracted me for a moment, but nothing can take away the flood of concern that’s imbedded itself in my soul.
“Right?” I mutter, barely hearing her. All my thoughts are on Tony as always.
“Earth to Rosalyn. Come in.” She waves her hand in front of my face.
“What’s up?”
“You look upset.”
“Nothing.”
“Don’t nothing me.” She pulls my arm and I come to a stop in front of a couple who huff as they move around us. “Fuck off,” she hisses at them and turns back to me. “What’s going on?”
“It’s really nothing.”
“No, it’s not. Are you and my brother fighting?”
“No. What makes you think that?” We’re not fighting because we’re not even talking these days.
“You called me out of the blue wanting to hang out. Not that I mind, but you also haven’t checked your phone since we got here, and you look freaking miserable.”
“It’s just your brother’s been working late and…” I bite down on my lip, unable to say my fears out loud.
“You think he’s cheating, don’t you?” she shouts.
“I don’t know what to think.”
“Girl, please. The man is obsessed with you.”
“I doubt that. He’s been working nonstop even to the point that I’m already sleeping when he gets home.”
“Look. Let’s talk in the car.” We walk to my car and climb in.
As soon as the doors close, she turns to me and continues, “We grew up poor. My dad died before I could walk, forcing my mother in a very tight spot. We lost our home, starved many nights, and lived in poverty. Tony promised us the day he got his first job that we would never know the feeling of true hunger again. He’s probably just doing what he has to do to keep his company successful for the both of you and any little nugget you bring into this world.
Look, talk to my brother. I’m positive that he’s madly in love with you and would do anything to make you happy. ”
“Thanks, Maggie. I needed that. I’m drowning in self-doubt and fear. You won’t believe what happened this morning.”
“What?”
Tears well up in my eyes just thinking about it. “The lady next door walked in on her husband with his assistant. She packed up and left his ass, but I’d think I’d die if Tony…”
“Don’t go there. I know my brother. You two may have only been together for a minute but trust me when I say you’re it for him.”
“His assistant makes me feel otherwise. Is she pretty?”
“I’d say she is, but Tony’s never paid that bitch any mind. I don’t doubt she wants his money, so tell him that you don’t like her. He’ll always pick you over anyone else.”
“I can’t do that.”
“The hell you can’t. Stand up for yourself and your future.”
“Okay. Let’s get you home so I can wait for Tony to get off.” I drop her off ten minutes later and their mom waves to me. I wave back and power up my phone before pulling out of their driveway.
I’m about halfway home when my phone buzzes with messages from Tony. He sounds pissed which irritates me, so I call him to let him know I’m on my way. He’s got a lot of nerve to be angry with me.