Getting married to the right man can be a good thing. Don’t let your relationship with Reggie change how you once felt about settling down and having children.”
Reggie is a certifiable jerk. He’s made a fool out of me for the last time. And I mean that. “I hear you, Auntie. Well, I’ll be arriving in Hilton Head sometime tomorrow night. Again, thank you so much for the listening ear, and for always being so supportive. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“You don’t have to thank me, Sasha. You’re my sister’s only daughter. It’s my job to listen to you. And if that Reggie gives you any trouble when you tell his behind you’re leaving him, just give me a call. I’ll be in Nashville faster than you can blink your eyes. I can’t wait to see you. It’s going to be so much fun having you here in Hilton Head. Richmond, Slade, and Dirk can’t wait to see you. Even stupid-behind Russell says he can’t wait to see you.”
“Like me, you’ve gone through so much with a man…Uncle Russell.”
“That’s how I know you’re going to be okay. If I can get over what Russell did, you can get over Reggie. It ain’t gon’ be easy, but with time you’ll be just fine. Now, get off this phone and go get some rest. You have a long drive tomorrow. I love you, Niecy.”
“I love you, too.” Letting the sheer drapery slip from her fingers, Sasha ended the call.
“Who the fuck were you talking to?” Reggie’s demeaning voice asked from behind. Oh boy, here we go. Swallowing, Sasha slowly turned from the window to find Reggie standing in front of her. Tall, dark, and controlling, Reggie frowned. Taking a step closer to her, his lips twisted. “I know you’re not telling some man you love him in my damn house.”
Sasha sighed. “Reggie, I’d never disrespect you like that.”
Reggie snorted. “Who were you talking to, Sasha?”
Sasha sucked her teeth. “None of your business, Reggie.”
Reggie’s eyes were flat, hard, passionless. “Oh, it’s like that, I see.” His grim tone chilled her.
Growing further irritated, Sasha rolled her eyes. If she knew for a fact that Reggie wouldn’t follow her to Hilton Head after she told him she was leaving him, she’d tell him she’d been on the phone with her Aunt Leslie. However, she didn’t know how he was going to react to the breakup. Or if he’d try to follow her to the Low Country.
Dreading to tell Reggie she was leaving, Sasha swallowed the big knot in her throat. “There’s something I have to tell you. Let’s sit down.” She gestured to the sofa against the wall.
Reggie’s eyes darkened. His jaw muscles flickered. He extended his hand towards her. “Give me your cell, Sasha.”
Looking up at him, Sasha’s nerves tensed. “I’m not giving you my cell, Reggie. Now can we please sit down and—”
Reggie swung, his fist connecting with Sasha’s cheek, splitting it into. Her stomach flopped. Mouth wide open, her hand shot up to her stinging cheek. Thin blood oozed from her face onto her shaking fingers. Stunned, tears formed in Sasha’s eyes.
Yes, Reggie had cheated on her too many times too count. And yes, he often stayed out till the wee hours of the morning and had recently become overly controlling. But he’d never hit her before. Her mind reeling, still cupping her cheek, she narrowed her eyes at him. This will be the last time he ever hits me.
Reggie clutched Sasha’s shoulders. “I’m so sorry, Sasha. I didn’t mean to hit you.”
Tears came into Sasha’s eyes. “Get your hands off me, Reggie. We’re through. I’m leaving you. Tonight,” her voice cracked.
Reggie’s eyes darted back and forth. “No, baby. Please don’t leave me.”
Pain rippled in Sasha’s burning face as she rounded Reggie to head for the bathroom. On her heels, Reggie followed her. Standing in front of the mirror inside the bathroom, Sasha lowered her hand from her bloody face to find it swollen and bruised. Oh my God. A tear slid down over the scar.
Sasha pulled a tissue from the box. Dabbing at the ugly scar on her face, another tear streamed from her eye. Somewhat in shock, she turned to face Reggie. “I can’t believe you hit me. You’ve stooped to an all-time low. Leave, Reggie. Just leave. Before things get ugly.”
Standing slightly inside the bathroom, Reggie huffed. “I said I was sorry. If you would’ve just given me the damn phone like I asked you to,