Deceitful | Book 3

| T W E N T Y |

TERENY

Martray wanted me to meet him at the river. As soon as I pulled into the parking lot, I saw him standing against what looked like a brand new Audi. It was a beautiful work of art. All I could do was keep my eyes on it once I put Bruce's car to a park. I felt kind of guilty riding up here to see Martray in his car, honestly. But I had pushed it to the back of my mind once the situation with him and Gabby came into play.

I just cleared my throat, checked myself in the mirror, and got out of the car to greet my baby's father. Martray walked over towards me and sent me into an instant embrace. All I could do was hug him back and just smile at him and cross my arms. I felt a little out of place, but I wasn't going to let that bother me. I'm sure Martray could tell something was off about me.

This possible pregnancy was playing in my head still. I swear...I know my body. And this isn't a game. This is the real deal. Bruce and I were about to have another baby. This baby couldn't have picked a greater time. Damn, I'm being so sarcastic.

"Is this what you wanted to show me?" I spoke with too much enthusiasm. "Your new ride, right?" I asked, trying to build up conversation.

Martray just smiled at me and looked back at it. The smile that he was giving me had me a little bit suspicious, but I wasn't too worried. All I could do was stare in lust at the beautiful black Audi that was parked before me.

"Naw, this my cousin shit. He came down for a visit and just let me hold it while he's handling business. You down for a ride?" He asked me. Hell, I felt I needed more than a ride. I needed some liquor.

"Sure." I say as I walk closer to the brand spanking new vehicle, jealous that it wasn't mine.

Martray opened the door for me and let me get inside. I felt like a rich married woman for a moment. I was definitely feeling this car.

He got inside and started it up without the keys. Damn. What would I have to do to get me one of these? Sell drugs, prostitute, shake a little ass? Shaky, shaky! My mind was off of my situation and I was, at that moment, glad that I came. I would've never been able to get my mind off of the situation on my own. But I knew soon enough, I was going to have to talk to Martray about why I was back in town anyway.

We drove around Palatka as if we hadn't been here in years. Things just looked so different from outside this new Audi. It was like I was seeing Palatka in a whole different light or something. Like it was amazing. Seeing the old historical buildings and then traveling to Washington Street to see all of the broken down homes and ghetto kids roaming the streets with their posse. Then going into the rich neighborhood where all of the white people stayed. It was just...beautiful.

Martray had some old school Trick Daddy playing on a low volume and I hummed most of the songs. (I really love me some Trick Daddy, y'all!) I was just feeling glad to be in Martray's presence and that was something new.

"So, where my daughter?" He broke the silence between us. I sighed and looked over at him to see him focused on the road. He was starting to look so much like his old self and I liked that. All before, he looked like a madman straight from hell.

"She's with Jeremy. He took his kids out and wanted to take mine to give me a little time to myself." I inform him. He looked at me with a bit of an attitude.

That's when I remembered... He and Jeremy share the same daughter. I take it that he wasn't quite over the situation just yet. I'd hit a soft spot, but I was telling him the truth.

"Ya'll still best friends, huh?" He asked me, sounding a little jealous. I smiled at how funny his little attitude was and nodded my head slowly. "He straight, I guess."