Cruel Summer

Chapter 2

~Dina~

"Looking good as ever, Dina!" Keyshia said as she took the hair salon cape off me and smiled.

"You did it again, girl. Thank you so much, Key! I owe you."

"Girl, you just make sure your son makes us proud by going to the NBA. He's gonna go places. Right, y'all?" Keyshia said as she looked around the beauty shop for agreement.

All the ladies smiled and agreed.

"Thank you girl, as long as he keep God first. He's going to be fine." I said as I gave Keyshia my debit card.

"Ok girl, you wait here." Keyshia said as she took my card to make my purchase.

As I was fixing my purse, I looked outside and noticed a familiar face.

"Umm, Keyshia, I'll be right back!"

"Ok, girl!"

I power walked to the front of the salon as I closed the door behind me.

"There's my favorite!"

"Stop it! What are you doing here?"

"You know what I came for. Damn, you wearing that skirt." He said as he smiled.

"Shut up! Didn't I tell you to not come in public? You know how stupid and crazy this looks? Huh?"

"Well, you wasn't saying all that at three this morning now were you?" He said as he licked his lips.

"Look, you know my husband might see you. I can't risk anything."

"Oh really, he doesn't know again? Huh?"

"What he doesn't know won't hurt, ok? I need you tonight. Well, we can meet before seven at my son's game."

"I told you we ain't doing this in the school parking lot again. We almost got caught."

"I don't care! It's not my fault you can—"

"Dina, just chill, baby. You good?" He said as he rubbed my arm.

"I just..."

He pulled me to the side of the salon building to where no one can see us.

"What's wrong, D? Huh?"

"I'm lying to my family. I can't keep hiding this. This isn't healthy."

"Shhhh, it's gonna be okay."

"No, it's not! It's not okay! I keep lying to my husband and kids."

"Well, we can stop this."

"No! I don't want to stop. I need you. Please. You're so good to me. I-I—I can't stop."

"Fine. I need $200, though."

"For what?"

"What we been waiting on, D. This could be our big break. You my #1."

"Fine. I'll kiss up to my husband for you, ok?"

"My girl." He said as he kissed my forehead.

"I'll call you, ok?"

"I'll be waiting, baby. Tell hubby I said hi." He said smiling as he kissed my hand before he disappeared down the street.

I smiled as I quickly went into the beauty salon.

"Girl, here's your card. You left your phone. Your husband was calling you."

"Oh girl, thank you so much! I'll be back soon."

"Thank you, Dina. Send the family my love."

I nodded as I waved goodbye to everyone as I called Derrick back.