Rhythm Brooks
A few days later, me and my best friend, Joi, were at a little hole-in-the-wall that stayed open late and poured heavy.
Sitting at the bar, she slid me my shot and clinked her glass against mine. “To Mothers of the Block!”
I grinned from ear-to-ear. “To Mothers of the Block.”
The liquor burned on the way down, and I blew a breath as if that would soothe the sting.
Joi’s eyes narrowed as she studied me. “Alright. What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” I insisted, forcing a fake smile.
“Don’t lie to me like I don’t know you.”
I blew a heavy breath and then admitted, “Kodi. I’m still hurt about how he’s been acting.”
Joi sucked her teeth, rolling her eyes hard. “Girl, you already knew he was immature. He can’t wrap his head around anything on this level. I don’t know why you’re surprised.”
“I guess I’m just shocked. I’m trying to evolve, and he’s so cool with being stuck in that quick hustle mindset.
Every time it’s his turn to handle something with the kids, he’s scrambling for a quick lick, like that’s supposed to be the plan forever.
And I’m not judging hustle. I’m judging the fact that we’re too grown for it to still be random.
If he wants that life, then do what you have to do to be a kingpin or pick a career!
Then treating my come up like it was trivial was just the icing on the cake. ”
Joi took a sip, then tilted her head. “He still thinks y’all together?”
I scoffed. “In his head, yes.”
She called in a warning tone, “Rhythm…”
“I keep reminding him we’re not together. We’re co-parenting. That’s it.”
Joi snorted. “Kodi don’t believe a damn thing you’re saying as long as he still getting access to the coochie.”
I rolled my eyes and took another sip. “He really does act like we’re still together, like I’m just going through a phase and I’m going to come back.”
Joi pointed at me. “Because you keep giving him relationship benefits with no relationship responsibility.”
I pouted. “You’re right.”
Joi sat back, smiling like she was enjoying being right a little too much. “So, stop sleeping with him.”
“After the shit he pulled, I would be a goofy to continue sleeping with him.”
“You should have stopped fucking him when you broke up with him.”
I hesitated, then said it anyway. “The sex was good.”
Joi slapped the table once, laughing. “Of course, it was! Broke dick is always good.”