BFF

Hustler

Dave POV

"Alright, everything looks great," Dr. Lee said, peeling off his gloves. "You don't have to make any more appointments unless something comes up. The cast is officially off. Just keep working on that leg and building strength without it."

"Okay. Thanks, Dr. Lee," Tia said, adjusting her self.

We had just left her last appointment. She could walk without the cast now—her leg had to support itself again. It was a big deal. I figured she'd be happier.

"You happy about the cast being off?" I asked as we walked to the car.

"Yeah, I guess."

I didn't even respond. Lately, Tia had been on some other shit. Ever since I had to leave last minute for a business trip—right when we were about to fuck—she'd been snappy as hell. On top of that, I was dealing with Corey and his wanna-be grown ass. A nigga was juggling a lot, and her attitude wasn't helping. I could breathe wrong and she'd be on my ass. I knew what it was about—but she wasn't gonna get what she wanted with that energy.

"You don't hear me talking to you?" she snapped.

"Nah, I didn't."

"Clearly."

"Are you done, bruh?"

"I'm not your fucking bruh, David."

We pulled up to Kairi's preschool. Even though it was summer, we still liked to send her two or three days a week—keeps her social, keeps her learning.

We both got out. I grabbed Kenzie while Tia walked ahead. We stopped at Kairi's cubby, just outside her classroom.

"Kairi, no thank you," Ms. Rain said calmly. "You can't just take toys from your friends."

"No," Kairi said, clutching the toy.

"You have to give it back."

"No, I wanted it."

"That's not how we get things, sweetie. Now, what can you do while you wait for her to be done?"

Kairi scowled, then chucked the toy across the room.

Me and Tia walked in just in time.

"Kairi Chanel East," Tia snapped. "Pick that toy up and go apologize to Ms. Rain and your friend."

Kairi's face crumpled.

"Now," I added.

She pouted, but did what she was told. After that, we chatted briefly with her teacher, got her stuff, and made our way to the car. I put Kenzie in first, then helped Kairi into her seat.

"You buggin' out," I said as I pulled off. "You know you don't act like that."

"When we get home, you can go to your room," Tia said. "Since you forgot how to act."

"No, Mommy!" Kairi whined, kicking the back of the seat.

Tia turned around and popped her leg. "Stop telling me no! I don't know what your problem is today, but you better get it together. Telling your teacher no? Tuh."

Kairi started crying harder.

"Alright, girl," I muttered. "She didn't even hit you hard."

Back at the house, I got both girls out and took them inside. I needed a wood, bad. Went up to the balcony off our bedroom and lit one.

A few minutes in, I heard Tia come into the room.

"You couldn't close the balcony doors while you're smoking?"