Black & Ugly as Ever Read Online Free PDF Page B

anything else before I get dressed?” I forced out.
“Naw.”
With that he made another call. I grabbed my phone and noticed the missed call I got when Smokes was banging my back out was blocked but I had a voicemail. I dialed my mailbox and waited for the message. My heart dropped when I heard Daffany’s voice.
Parade, its Daffany. I’m sorry about what happened earlier today. We need to talk cuz I hate beefin’ with you. When you get this message I’ll be at the IHOP in Bladensburg. I know its last minute but I really need to talk to you. Come see me. Please. Whoa! I can’t believe she actually reached out. Daffany is more stubborn than me. When she holds a grudge she never comes around. I’m not gonna lie, hearing her voice and apology made me feel better because I’d been thinkin’ about her and our friendship being over ever since I left her earlier.
I rushed to our bathroom, shut the door and freshened up real quick. Smokes was off the phone roaming around the house which meant Silver’s ass was on his way. I hated looking at him knowing he was Markee’s brother. And I was secretly happy that Jay had his ass murdered for raping his cousin.
Knock. Knock. Knock .
“Come in, baby.” I hollered, as I smoothed the toner on my face. Lately whenever I washed my face and used my toner, I noticed the smell was stronger than normal. Smokes came in and wrapped his arms around my waist and looked at me through the mirror.
“I didn’t mean to brush you off.” His breath smelled of barbeque sauce. “Silver’s bitch ass is on the way. Seems like this nigga can’t even hold his dick without my direction,” he continued, rocking me lightly. “I just like to make sure my wife is on point at all times.”
“We’re not married yet,” I joked, washing the cleaner off my face.
“You belong to me now.” He was serious but maintained a smile. “And I’d do anything for you.”
“I know honey.”
“Will you do anything for me? Anything? Even if it means death?”
Silence.
Hoping things would never get that far I said, “Anything, baby. You can count on me to come through. I just can’t do it tonight,” I giggled. “Daffany just called and wants to hook up. We meetin’ at the IHOP.”
“I thought ya’ll weren’t talkin’?”
“I know but she called me and said she wanted to apologize. We been friends too long to keep up shit wit’ each other.”
“Yeah whateva. Call me when you get there.”
“I will.” I turned around to kiss his lips. “I love you.”
“You know I’m feelin’ you too.” He smiled rubbing the back of his hand on my face. “Parade, you keepin’ the windows rolled up when you out?”
“Sometimes why?”
“Cuz you gettin’ a little darker. I don’t want the sun messin’ up my baby’s beautiful complexion.”
That hurt.
“I’ll be mindful in the future, Smokes.”
“Don’t be mad, Melanie. I’m just lookin’ out that’s all.”
Silence.
“Parade.”
“Parade what?” He sounded confused, but I wasn’t.
“My name is Parade.”
“I know what your name is.” He responded defensively.
“You called me Melanie again, baby.”
“Stop trippin’,” he said going for the door. “I know what I said. Just make sure you call me when you get there.” He walked out the door.
He’s called me his wife’s name at least three times since we’ve been together. Sometimes I wonder if he’s trying to replace her using me. What scares me the most is not that he thinks I’m her sometimes, it’s that I don’t care.
I made it to IHOP an hour after Daffany called me. I didn’t see her car anywhere. I looked overdressed with my red and green Gucci short set. But fuck it! Since I’m here I might as well grab a bite to eat.
After being seated by a little white girl I decided to order the Southwestern Omelette and a glass of water. I checked my watch one last time to see how long it had been since Daffany called. Exactly two hours passed. I was getting heated just thinking that