PIMP (Completed)

nine: pride aside

PRIYA PATTERSON

"Whatever you do... do not text him, do not call him." I coached myself as I looked at my reflection in the bathroom mirror. Gazing down, Egypt's contact was pulled up onto the screen and it was only the pride within me that was stopping me from making that phone call.

After last night, everything he said, everything he offered me; clouded my thoughts. I went from being so sure that I didn't need his help, to thinking maybe just maybe, it could benefit me. Only reason was because in using his first tip about putting my foot down and knowing my worth; I got to see another side of Pierre. A side I hadn't seen in a long time.

Not only from his heartfelt word, but for the first time in a long time, Pierre actually made love to me. It wasn't forceful, it didn't feel like routine, but it felt like every inch of my body was being loved on and I knew that if I wasn't pregnant before, I sure as hell was pregnant now.

I could see the change in him this morning and I figured it could only be through him knowing that I wasn't playing when I said those words last night. That I would leave if he even thought twice about playing me and though it was a normal anthem for most women, myself included. I never truly meant those words until I sat in the car after my conversation with Egypt and actually examined myself, realizing that I was in fact worth more than I probably even imagined and as much as I loved my husband, if he ever thought to hurt me; I wouldn't trip because it would be his loss... not mine.

After last night, I most definitely added tax. But still knew that deep down, switching it up for him to enjoy it wasn't a bad idea. We were both in this together and I should be willing to meet him half-way, which is where I figured Egypt would come in. Clearly, he was experienced and since although we had history, still were basically strangers due to our individual growth; I could let my wall down. I always heard it was easier to open up around strangers than people you know well.

That, on top of the fact that I didn't want Pierre to find out. It was a bit embarrassing for me. I knew that going to a special counsellor or buying a book is something he would find out about and the last thing I need is that awkward conversation. I figured I'd be around Egypt a lot working on the restaurant so it may be easier to kill two birds with one stone.

Parting my lips, I let out a brief. With all these factors, one would think the best thing to do would be to call Egypt, right?

Well... no.

Because my pride was in the damn way.

Flipping over my phone I proceeded to my closet to throw on something casual yet still cute. I figured today I'd go for my black Nike tech fleece track suit and whichever yeezy's my eyes landed on first. I wasn't really into the hype of brands, but Pierre was always into me being decked out in the latest. So, I had lost track of the names and numbers of most of my running shoes, mostly just going with comfort when I made my pick.

I got dressed pretty quickly, let my braids out of the tight bun, allowing them to drop to their length before I grabbed my purse then headed downstairs and as if on cue; my doorbell rang. I checked the display screen at the front, seeing Tahira dancing in front of the camera with my niece in her arms.

"girl, if you don't stop shaking my baby girl!" I said through the opened door.

"She was feeling the vibes too!"

I then outstretched my arms to take my baby, planting kisses on her chubby cheeks immediately. "I missed you booboo." I pinched her cheeks and she let out a giggle.

"She clearly missed you too, she's been in a funk all morning, driving me up the walls and now all of a sudden she wants to smile with you."

"What can I say, I got the magic touch."