ICU TOO

Chapter Seven

Memphis, TN

𝐂𝐑𝐘𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐋

"You know I'm really happy that I came out tonight." I said adjusting my stuff in the seat.

"I'm glad you came out. Even though you invited your friends over there-" Christian said turning his head to Denise and Brian.

Denise waved while Brian mugged at Christian in disgust. I know he'll be calling and Devale everything. That's why I have to get out of this bar.

"Tell me why you're not just gonna leave him." Christian said shocking me a little bit.

"It's complicated." I simply responded.

"I want to know why it was so easy to take you out tonight-"

"You calling me easy?"

"I'm saying there's something going on and you need to get it off your chest." He said sitting up.

I looked around and tucked the piece of hair behind my ears. I cleared my throat before speaking.

"I love Devale. Everybody knows that. My mom died when I was just a kid but my dad remarried and they've been together ever since. I want that for DJ. For Devale and I to be together for him." I tell Christian.

Christian sighed and looked away.

"Wh-what? You look like you have something to say." I said picking up my drink.

"Staying together for a little boy who knows nothing but the love of his parents, risking your own happiness for your son may seem like the solution but you're not gonna teach him anything but to lie to appease others. Kids can feel that energy and when they get older and realize mommy and daddy aren't happy they start to feel it's their fault. Don't do that to DJ." Christian said making me a little teary eyed.

I wiped the corner of my eyelids. "If I didn't know any better I'd say that you want me to leave my husband." I tell Christian.

"No I want you to do what's right for your son. He deserves that much." Christian said.

"Your parents divorced when you were young?" I ask him.

"Yes and I thought it was my fault." He said looking at his hands. "But when I finally realized it wasn't I felt a lot better."

"When did you realize it wasn't your fault?" I ask him. He looked at me and just blinked. "Recently." I answer my own question.

""Enough of the serious stuff. Let's dance." Christian said making me look around and giggle.

"Unless you know how to salsa dance I'm not getting up." I say listening to the Latin music.

He smiled and grabbed my hand as he stood up.

"Let me show you what I know how to do."

I stood up and followed him to the dance floor. Denise looked at me and I shrugged my shoulders. I spent too much of my time crying about Devale in the past. Im not doing that anymore. Married or not I'm gonna have fun and worry about myself because that's all Devale seems to do these days.

•••

Chicago, IL

𝐃𝐄𝐕𝐀𝐋𝐄

Knock. Knock. Knock.

"Coming," I said walking to the door of my hotel room.

I opened it and Zena looked around before giggling.