Oh, Crudsickles.
He delivered them by hand this time.
I mentally prepare myself then walk over. He turns and shoots me a beautiful smile. There is no malice in his eyes like the last time I saw him. He looks like a different man.
Nat disappears from the counter. I force a small smile and greet, “Hello, Omarr. ”
He looks good. He’s wearing black jeans, sneakers and a polo shirt. His hair still styled in short neat dreadlocks. He walks over to me and surprises me when he kisses my cheek.
He says, “Hi Tina, how are you beautiful?”
I flush.
I’m confused. Why is he here?
I respond quietly, “I’m fine thanks. How are you?”
He smiles and says, “I’m good but I’d be better if you’d come to dinner with me tonight. ”
My face falls.
What the heck? Didn’t he get the delivery of crushed flowers the last time he tried this?
I put a hand on his arm and reply, “Omarr. I’m sorry. I’m with Nik. We’re together. ”
His eyes flash hatred and I’m immediately panicked.
He gently removes my hand from him and says, “You made the wrong choice, mami. ”
Now I’m getting pissed.
No I didn’t. Nik is good to me.
I stand taller and state, “No, Omarr. I made the best choice. ”
He shakes his head, looks up with sad eyes and replies “Tina, you don’t know your man. He isn’t right. You should be with me. I’d treat you like a princess. ”
I’m fuming now.
I spit, “Why would I be with you and get treated like a princess when Nik treats me like a queen. And like in a game of chess, the queen protects her king. ”
Take that, Omarr!
Uh oh…he’s pissed now.
He shoots me an acid smile, “Wrong choice, babe. ”
I’m on the verge of tears now. My neck is red and itchy as hell and all I want to do is scratch it to death with a pen.
I whisper, “I could never be with you. You have hatred seeping out of your pores. ”
His eyes flash pain and he responds, “Maybe there’s a reason for my hatred. Maybe you should ask your boy about Marcus. ”
Marcus? Who is Marcus?
“Is there a problem here?” This sounds terribly bored and coming from the store entry.
There stands Ghost leaning in the door frame.