Page 37 of Weddings on the West: Vol. I Brick & Destiny

“And it's not just because I'm dressed… like this?” I asked, gesturing to my chest. His eyes lingered there for a split second before returning to my face.

“You think I pulled up on yo’ ass in the middle of the night to ask you on a date because I don’t like you, Peep? I can’t lie, I’m really enjoying how you put that shit on tonight, but I caught myself liking you before I even realized it or bought this dress… which is wild to me because you be dressing like a Vacation Bible School Teacher sometimes.” He laughed and threw his arms up when I hit him.

We were having such a good time together when I saw a rush of bright red walking into the doors of the private room and stomping right up to us. I instantly realized that this was the same girl from our first encounter. She was walking so fast that her breasts nearly spilled out. The dress looked just like one of the floss ones that he sent over to my apartment, and my insecurity reared its ugly head.

Did he want me to dress like that?

“Really, Brick?” she asked, throwing her hands on her hips. I raised my brows, looking between the two of them curiously. I saw a flock of her fellow birds standing at the entrance to our room talking and giggling. “This is what the fuck we doin’ now? I can’t get a meal from Bennie’s Burgers, but you out wining and dining fat bitches?” I narrowed my eyes at her, sat up in my seat, then turned to Brick to see if he would handle it. If she wanted it, I had exactly what she was looking for, but I was curious to see if he would truly stand on his word of not letting anyone try me.

“Mina… what the fuck are you doing right now?” he asked in a warning tone.

“And I hope you know he was just fuckin’ on me earlier this week!”

“And he wouldn’t even bring you out?” I asked, resisting the urge to shoot a glare in Brick’s direction. “Meanwhile, I won’t even let the nigga touch me, and I get whatever I want from him,” I chided, holding up my hand that was wearing a million dollars’ worth of proof.

Was it petty and completely insane to be arguing with a woman over what my sister would call “community dick?”

Yes.

Was it worth it to see the way her face cracked when the diamond sparkled in the light?

Also yes.

This time, she went completely silent as her friends whispered behind her. If looks could kill, the glare he gave her would have had her laid up in the front of somebody’s church by morning.

“Mina.” His voice sounded nothing like it did when he corrected me. My body tensed involuntarily because he was scary. “When the fuck has it ever been okay for you to disrespect me like that?”

“I—” Her bottom lip quivered as she started tripping over words. If she hadn’t just played in my face, I would have felt bad for her but screw her.

“Nah. You know who the fuck I am. You know how I deal with disrespect, so you know I’m not having it towards my family, fiancée included. I’d suggest you start by apologizing to her, then end it by walking the fuck away while you still have a choice to do so.”

“I… I’m sorry,” she mumbled, not looking in my direction.

“Did I tell you to apologize to me or her? Look her in her face and make sure the volume of the apology matches the volume of the disrespect.” The way he snapped at her made me jump, but I held my poker face.

“I sincerely apologize… I hope you two enjoy your night.”

She bit her lip like she wanted to say more, but ultimately decided to be smart, turning and rushing out straight past her friends and out of the building. Once she was completely out of view, his jaw unclenched, and he turned back to me.

“Peep… I’m so sorry about that.” He sounded genuine, but the mood was ruined. I sat there facing forward, nostrils flared holding onto all the animosity he’d just released.

“I’m ready to go,” I barely whispered.

“Baby, you didn’t even finish your food. Don’t do this.”

“I’m not hungry anymore. You can either take me home, or I’ll call a car,” I said simply, keeping my voice even and denying him any eye contact. He sighed in defeat before tossing his napkin on the table.

“Okay.”

I didn’t say another word as I gathered my bag and stood up before he could even attempt to pull my chair out. I brushed past him and stomped out past all the restaurant patrons who had undoubtedly heard that entire exchange. He trailed me with a pitiful look on his face as if I was the one who ruined our night.

When I got to the car, I tried to open my own door, but he wouldn’t even unlock it until he was able to open it himself. I stayed silent, pushing his hand away when he tried to help me inside. He paused on the driver’s side to send off a text, and I rolled my eyes. The fact that he had the nerve to be texting other women mid-argument with me had me ready to go home and never speak to him again.

“Destiny, I’m sorry,” he said again once he was in his seat and had started the drive back to my apartment.

“You already said that,” I acknowledged, turning to look out the window.

“Talk to me, please,” he pleaded.