Page 101 of The Best Shot

Shaun dragged a hand over his mouth, then tried again. “CeeCee. Please. I’m trying here. I dropped everything to get to you.”

“I see that you showed up. And again, I thank you for that. But I’m not a slot machine, Shaun. You don’t get points for good behavior.”

“I’m trying.”

“I know.”

“Can’t you see that?”

“I can.”

“Then why won’t you come home?” Shaun’s hands flexed at his sides, then abruptly he swung to me, blame settling back into place behind his eyes. “This is because of you. You poison everything.”

“Shaun.” CeeCee’s voice cut through. “Stop. This is my decision. Mine. Yasmine didn’t make it for me.”

He stared at her.

Then at me.

Then he turned and walked out through the curtain without another word.

Mama stood frozen, eyes fixed on CeeCee’s face, searching for the first sign she could still be moved.

Then she shook her head at me and followed him out.

The curtain swung shut behind her.

I pressed my tongue against the back of my teeth to fight the sting at my eyes.

“Well,” she exhaled. “That was fun.”

I snorted, shaky around the edges. “You okay?”

“No.” She smiled tiredly. “But I will be. How about you?”

“Got my steps in for sure.”

I picked up her purse and handed it to her. “Ready?”

CeeCee swung her legs over the side of the bed slowly, one hand resting on her stomach.

“Yeah, let’s go home.”

29

SPICE CABINET

Annie: aight, listen up heifers. margaritas at Whiskey Blue. tonight. I need warm bodies and bad decisions.

Tabby: oh no, what happened?

Annie: I had a week.

Ava: Define “a week.”

Annie: let’s just say it was capped by my mother calling twice to ask when I’mma get my life together

Tabby: oof