Page 16 of Love U Down II

“Trust me. I know.” I sighed. “I don’t even want to think about it though. There’s nothing I can do about it right now and stressing will make it worse instead of better.”

“That’s actually probably true. Good idea.” Charm scoffed. “God. I don’t know how I’m ever going to survive another tour without you here.”

“Please don’t make me even think about it.” I stuck my lip out.

As happy as I was to be getting away from Retta, I was also sad as hell that Charm and I wouldn’t be glued at the hip anymore.

“We’re still going to be friends and see each other all the time.”

“And if Retta isn’t a weird bitch, I’m sure Allison would be down with letting us do another song together.”

“And if she is, we’ll get together and talk shit about her.”

“Of course,” I agreed immediately.

We giggled as our waitress came back. She gave us our drinks, set bread on the table, and took our orders.

“Speaking of talking shit about people, are you going to release that diss track you wrote now that you’re out of contract?” Charm wagged her eyebrows.

“Maybe once Drix finishes doing whatever he’s doing. The last thing I need is it to seem like I’m bullying a freshly postpartum mom because my husband can’t keep his dick in his pants.”

“Good point.” She nodded.

“But when I see her in person? I’m stomping her anytime and anyplace like Janet mothafuckin’ Jackon… as long as the baby isn’t actively in her hands,” I added.

“As you should.”

“Mhm.” I took a sip from my glass. “And speaking of things Drix is trying to take care of, he wants me to reach out to my brother.”

“Your brother?” Her face scrunched. “For what? Have you spoken to them since your album release?”

“Somewhat. I mean, we don’t hang out or anything, but they’ve both texted me individually since that night and we actually had fun during the party. I don’t know. They seem okay when our parents aren’t around.”

“Are you trying to validate your relationship with them to me or yourself?” she asked.

“I don’t know,” I admitted. “And I hate that you called me out on that.”

We both laughed.

“Look, I support you building a relationship with your family. I know you love them and nothing is wrong with that. I just want to make sure you’re okay, taking care of yourself, and protecting your peace. There’s enough bullshit being thrown your way.”

“I get that and I appreciate you. For real. Drix wants Zamir to take on his custody case so I guess we’ll see how that goes before I start trying to integrate our lives or anything.”

“A trial can’t hurt.”

“Hopefully.”

“Well, even if things go left, you still have me and Drix and his family.”

“True.” I exhaled. “But moving on. Let’s talk about you and Rome.”

“Myome, there is no me and Rome.” Charm rolled her eyes with a smile. “We’re friends. That’s it.”

“Okay.” I lifted my hands in surrender. “Y’all just be looking real cozy.”

“Because we’re genuine friends, both single and love to flirt, even if it’s sometimes with each other, but that’s all it’s ever been.”

“That’s valid.” I nodded.