My Bestfriend's Man Read online

  Chapter 2

  Savannah

  I was so embarrassed. I literally wanted to crawl under the table and hide when Roxie decided to have a little temper tantrum and stomp out of the restaurant. All eyes were on us and the only thing I could do was apologize for my best friend’s behavior. She had the nerve to call my phone. I rolled my eyes and kindly ignored it. She wanted to act childish that was on her, but I refuse to entertain it.

  I sighed as I looked up at Brian. He is just as shocked as I am. I knew Roxie could be over the top, but this was uncalled for. She has always been protective of me and I appreciate that, but sometimes her presence could be suffocating. It’s like she wants me all to herself. My co-workers are always talking slick, saying Roxie wants to eat my box, but I brush it off. Sometimes her behavior put a lot of questions in my head.

  “You okay baby?” Brian asked me while rubbing my shoulder. I looked up at him and smiled.

  “Yes, I’m sorry about that,” I replied scooting over so he could sit down. He sat down in the booth beside me and rubbed my arm. His touch alone sent a heat wave through my body. I cleared my throat and tried to stay focused. “I did not expect for things to go down like that.”

  “It’s cool,” he said. I could tell Roxie’s actions caught him off guard. “Is there something else-,”

  I looked at him sideways. “Hell no. I don’t get down like that,” I frowned pissed off at his question and accusing eyes.

  “I’m just playing baby. Dayum, calm down,” he said grabbing me in a bear hug and kissing the back of my neck.

  Here he was again invading my personal space and it was getting harder for me to resist his touch. Brian and I have been dating for the past five months and have yet to reach third base. I wanted to take things a little slow. I recently had a bad breakup with my boyfriend of eight years and I’m still trying to get over that.

  I shrugged Brian off and scooted over to put some space between us. I could tell he was a little upset, but he knew the deal when we first started talking, I wanted to take things slow. From the look, he just gave me I assumed he didn’t realize that I meant this slow. I was feeling him and we do have good times together, but I just want to make sure I’m ready to go there with him. I don’t want to have any regrets later.

  “Let’s get out of here,” he said reaching into his wallet throwing a few dollar bills down on the table.

  On the ride back to my place, I could tell something was up because he was quiet. Too quiet. I say this because he can talk and at times it was hard for me to get a word in edgewise. I looked over at him and watched as he bobbed his head to French Montanna’s “Pop That”. The tension in the car bothered me and I wanted to know what was up. At first, I figured it may have had something to do with Roxie, but my gut told me it was something deeper than that.

  “Okay, what’s wrong?” I asked pressing the volume button turning the music down.

  “Nothing,” he said shrugging his shoulders before pressing the volume button to turn the music back up.

  “Brian, come on,” I said turning the music down again. “I said I’m sorry about Roxie. I had no idea she was going to act like that.”

  “This has nothing to do with Roxie. Well, I mean, part of it does.”

  “Well, talk to me. Let me know what’s going on. Don’t shut me out.”

  “But you can shut me out?” He asked looking at me sideways. I curled my lips up trying to figure out what he was talking about. “Don’t look at me like that Vee.”

  When he called me Vee, I instantly thought about Roxie. She was the only person who called me Vee. It was a pet name she gave me when we were younger. If Roxie heard him call me that she would definitely pitch a bitch. I shook my head and cleared my mind. I will deal with Roxie later. I had another attitude I was dealing with at the moment.

  “Tell me what’s up then?”

  “We’ve been kicking it for a while now, but I don’t think you take this relationship as seriously as I do. You’ve met my family, but I’m just now meeting your best friend and you haven’t even mentioned your parents. I mean, I know you want to take things slow but dayum, what you waitin’ on the second coming.”

  I snickered at that comment, but I cleared my throat and ran my fingers through my hair because he was dead serious. I sat back in my seat and looked out the window. Are we really having this conversation? Is it me or are the roles a little reversed. Here he is questioning me about meeting my parents and I’m not going to front, I still had some reservations about that. Like I said, I’m feeling him and I really enjoy his company, but something was holding me back from giving him my all.

  Brandon my first love left a huge gash in my heart. It still bleeds from the pain he caused. He was damn near my first everything. I can’t say he was my first kiss, I gave that to my next door neighbor, Richard Washington, one day after school when we decided to play house. Other than that Brandon was first in everything including breaking my heart. It’s been almost a year and every time I think about him and his betrayal I still get misty eyed.

  Sometimes I find myself watching one of our all-time favorite movies ‘Love and Basketball’ and find myself balling like a baby.

  “Hello,” Brian said to me waving his hand in front of my face.

  “Look, I know how you feel. I really do, but I’m just not ready. Besides it’s not like your mother likes me anyway,” I said rolling my eyes.

  “What are you talking about my mother loves you?”

  All I could do was look at him sideways. His mother was on a different level and I wasn’t in the mood to go there with him.

  “I told you that I wanted to take things slow. Can you just be patient with me, please?”

  “I’m being patient,” he snapped. He must have caught the look of surprise on my face because he apologized. “I’m sorry Vee, it’s just that I’m getting a little frustrated over here,” he said pointing his eyes downward.

  I smirked and looked at him sideways. “Is this what this little charade is really all about?”

  “No Vee, it’s not just that. I’m really feeling you and at times I just get the sense your feelings aren’t on the same level as mine.”

  “Wait, why do you keep calling me Vee?” I asked attempting to change the subject. He fell for the bait.

  “I don’t know. Isn’t that what you said ole girl calls you? And I have to ask what is up with her anyway. I know you said you didn’t get down like that, but what about her?”

  I wasn’t about to put my best friend on blast. Yeah, I’ve heard some low down shit about her, but that wasn’t any of his business. “No, and if she did why does it even matter. I don’t think that should be your main concern.”

  “I’m just saying.”

  “Anyway don’t call me Vee. Roxie is the only person who calls me that, okay.”

  “Aight,” he said.

  We pulled into my housing development and I knew something was up because he didn’t even walk me to the door like he usually did. He waited until I got in the house safely and pulled off. As soon as I walked through the door my cell phone started singing. My gut feeling told me it was Roxie. She needed to cool off some more, so I decided to ignore it. A nice hot bath is what I needed to clear my mind. After my relaxing bath, I hopped in the bed and was out like a light.

  When I woke up the next morning and checked my cell phone, I had nine missed calls. Eight were from Roxie and one from Brian. I wanted to lay back and enjoy the comfort of my bed. Monday would be the start of a three-day, twelve hour shift at the hospital. I’m a proud registered nurse, working on the maternity ward at PRMC hospital located in the heart of Salisbury, Maryland. I started out in the ER and I hated it. That’s actually where I met Brian. A position opened up on the maternity ward, I applied and God showed me favor because working on the maternity ward is one of the most sought after positions and I was lucky enough to get it.

  I yawned, stretched and immediately sat up. I knew if I were to lay back down a
nd close my eyes I wouldn’t get back up. Since I had Sunday off I decided to go to church. I wasn’t the deeply religious type, but I did believe strongly in the Lord. You wouldn’t see me in church every Sunday, but when I could make an appearance I would. It took me all of thirty minutes to eat, shower and dress before I was on my way, but of course, I was still late. Service went a little longer than I expected, but I still enjoyed the word. Pastor talked about removing people from your circle. I couldn’t help but to feel as if he were speaking directly to me.

  Chapter 3

  Roxie

  I checked my phone literally every five seconds to see if Savannah had bothered to call me back. To see that she hadn’t bothered to at least send me a text message really had me in my feelings. I knew she was ignoring me and I couldn’t stand it. I talked to Vee damn near every day and I hated when she acted like this. I was tempted to call her ass, but I figured I would give her another hour or two.

  It was Sunday and I really hadn’t planned on leaving the house, but if Vee didn’t get her act together she would give me no other choice but to make an unexpected visit to her house. My phone rang and I snatched if off my stand like it was the last piece of Turkey on Thanksgiving. I was all smiles at first, but that quickly faded once I realized it was Harold’s thirsty ass.

  I ignored the call and set my phone back on the stand and lay back in bed. It hurt that Vee was doing me like this. All because she up and got a new man. I wondered what was up with his ass anyway. He was sneaky. His eyes told the story. With me being Vee’s protector, it was up to me to find out what exactly was up with this dude. I reached over and checked my phone again just to make sure a text or phone call hadn’t slipped under my nose during the five seconds I was occupied in deep thought. My phone was dry at the moment and that would have been fine with me if Vee wasn’t acting like a bitch.

  This was torture and I couldn’t take much more of it. Knowing Vee she probably went to church this morning. It was past three in the afternoon, so I knew she should be back by now. I decided I would make it my business to go over there. I took a quick shower, brushed my teeth, threw on a pair of booty shorts, a tank, some flip flops and headed out the door. I called my Vee on the way to her house to let her know I was on the way, but she wouldn’t pick up.

  As I pulled into her driveway, I noticed an all black older model Lexus parked beside Vee’s truck. Jealousy consumed my heart and I felt myself near tears. Something told me the car belonged to Brian and my heart ached. She had time for him, but she didn’t have the decency to give me a call back. I really don’t know much about this dude and didn’t care to either, but I could already tell I didn’t like my best friend’s man.

  I hopped out of my Range hotter than a bull seeing red. I stomped up the steps. My first initial thought was to bang on the door like the damn police, but I held my reserve. I gave myself a pep talk. I realized you catch more bees with honey. I paced the front steps for a few seconds, took some deep breaths, gathered my thoughts and decided to start over. Calmly I knocked on the door, pulled my boy shorts out of my ass and fixed my hair.

  “Hey, Roxie,” Vee said, like she hadn’t been ignoring my phone calls. I decided to play fake right along with her ass.

  “Hey girlie. I’m not interrupting anything am I?” I asked trying to peer over her shoulder.

  She stood there for a second. I could see it in her eyes, she was contemplating on letting me in. I stood there impatiently waiting for her to make up her mind. I prayed she found her right mind and let me in, if not I would definitely have to set it off. A sigh of relief escaped my lips when she moved to the side and allowed me to enter.

  “Look, Brian is here,” she whispered.

  “I figured that,” I responded.

  “We are going to try this again. I don’t want any of that bullshit you pulled last night. What the hell was up with that anyway?”

  “I’m sorry Vee. I was having a bad day and I just wanted to talk to my bestie about it. I thought it was going to be just us girls and you threw Lil Morris on me.”

  She laughed. “He does kind of look like Morris Chestnut doesn’t he?”

  “Yeah, a little, just not as cute,” I answered instantly throwing shade. She placed her hand on her hip and gave me a look. “I’m just being honest.”

  “Whatever. Are you going to behave yourself?” She asked me.

  “Yes, dayum. Wait, before we go. How long have you been dating him?” She looked down at the floor. Guilt was written all over her face and I was heated. “How long Vee?”

  “Five months.”

  “Really Vee?” I asked feeling myself near tears. I wondered how the hell she managed to keep this shit under wraps for five months.

  It was happening again. The same shit with Brandon. In the beginning of their relationship, it was all cool because Vee would always include me in the things they did together, but as we all got older things began to change. Vee was spending less of her time with me and more of it with Brandon. Then he started talking that marriage bullshit and I quickly put an end to that. I wasn’t having it.

  “I’m sorry Roxie, but I know how negative you can be at times.”

  “I’m not negative Vee. I’m your friend, isn’t that what friends do? Of course, I’m going to critique him. I’ve always had that sixth sense about people. Just like with Brandon, but you didn’t believe me and look what happened.” I knew Brandon was still a sensitive subject and I hit a sore spot, but I didn’t care. I was pulling out all the stops and if using Brandon as ammo would work to my advantage then I was all in.

  “Roxie don’t start.”

  “I’m just trying to be a good friend. If you don’t want my advice then why keep me around this long?” This chick looked like she was actually pondering the question. My insides almost boiled over. I brushed off the odd silence that surrounded us. “Are we going to do this or what?”

  “Yeah, come on,” she said quietly giving my outfit the once over.

  I followed her into the living room. The sight of Brian lounging on the couch as if he owned the place made me sick to my stomach. I did my best to hide my emotions, but he was making it hard. He looked too comfortable.

  “Brian.”

  He tore his eyes away from the television, then looked from Vee to me. I could tell my presence made him feel uncomfortable and that’s exactly what I wanted. I somehow managed to twist my face into a smile as I stuck out my hand.

  “Hi, my name is Roxie.”

  “Brian,” he said with hesitation.

  “I’m sorry about the other day. Women problems, I’m sure you know all about that don’t you.”

  “Roxie,” Vee said.

  “Stop smothering his balls Vee. I’m just teasing,” I said as I sat down on the love seat opposite him. I could see it in his eyes he didn’t like me. I’m sure he knew the feeling was mutual. This was war. We were both vying for the same woman’s attention. Just like Brandon, I had no problems with sending him packing with his tail tucked between his legs.

  Chapter 4

  Brian

  I can’t deny Roxie is a bad chick. It was hard for me to stay focused with all them thighs and ass in my face, but her ratchet attitude helped me look past that. One look into her eyes and you could see this chick was off her marbles, crazy recognized crazy. I could tell by her hostile attitude she was trying to take it there with me, but for the sake of Savannah I wanted to keep the peace.

  “Brian I apologize,” Savannah said shaking her head.

  Savannah sat down beside me and I could tell by the look on Roxie’s face she wasn’t feeling that. I know I said I wasn’t about to stoop down to her level, but I couldn’t resist. I placed my arm around Savannah’s shoulder and she scooted closer to me. I smirked and nibbled on Savannah’s ear. The look on this chick’s face was priceless.

  “Babe,” Savannah giggled moving her head to the side.

  “So, Brandon-,”

  “Brian,” I corrected.

  �
�I’m sorry, my bad,” Roxie laughed. “I was thinking of Savannah’s ex. You know his name was Brandon. Their so similar Brandon and Brian.”

  “Not really.”

  “Anyway. What is your occupation?”

  “I own a club. You ever heard of a club called Envious?”

  She frowned, but I knew she recognized the name. “Hold up, wait a minute. I know Big Brian and you don’t look anything like him,” she smirked folding her arms across her chest like she caught me in a lie.

  “He’s my father.” Her smile quickly evaporated. “I’m sure you heard of me.”

  “Big Brian has lots of kids. What makes you so special?”

  Savannah cleared her throat. I could tell by her demeanor she had enough of the back and forth between me and Roxie. I wondered if Roxie was part of the reason her and ole boy didn’t work out. Savannah said he cheated, but something told me Roxie played a part in some of it.

  “I’m sorry babe,” I apologized and kissed the back of her neck. “What you got cooking anyway. It smells good.”

  She smiled. “Lasagna.”

  “You made homemade lasagna?” I asked.

  “No, Stouffers,” she laughed giving me the side eye. “You know I don’t do much cooking.”

  “I know, we’re going to have to work on that,” I laughed.

  Savannah and I sat on the couch and talked like it was just the two of us. Roxie sat there like a damn pig in a blanket. She was the odd man out. Every now and then she would try to join in on our conversation or interrupt our chemistry, but her tactics just weren’t working.

  As we continued to talk for a moment, it actually did feel like it was just the two of us in the room. It was something about Savannah that I found intoxicating. I was addicted to her energy. I was like a plant and she was the sun. I needed her oxygen to survive. I thought back to the day when we first met.

  My little brother dropped me off at the emergency room after a fight broke out at my club. In the midst of me trying to cool things down, a bitch in thug's clothing had the nerve to pop me in the back of the head with a bottle. I winced as I thought back to the pain that shot through the back of my head, but the minute my eyes landed on Savannah I found temporary relief just from her smile.