Gini was getting ready to go to the store when Mama's call came in.

"Hey, sister," Gini answered.

"Hey. What did the boys tell you this morning?"

"They want to stay behind after school to practice for the inter house sport."

"Can they?"

"Yes, I told them only for an hour. They have to be back home by four, unfailingly."

"I hope so. Your boys are little rascals. I can't believe Taye really punched his brother yesterday."

"I spoke with them about it. What did you do?" Mama wasn't one for small talks so her behavior was strange and suspicious.

"What did I do? You must have mistaken me for one of the boys."

If Gini wasn't sure she did something bad before, she sure was now. "Defensive. You did something, say it already."

"Your boyfriend is coming to see you."

There! "I don't have a boyfriend."

"The best friend or whatever you call yourselves... the one you sneak up at night to meet."

"Bruce? Bruce is coming here? How does he know where to find me?"

"Because I told him. He hasn't seen you around in days and I think the boys went to his apartment last night, so they gave him some information."

"Mama, why would you tell him where I am? J is around."

"So? You've been sleeping with Bruce for years now. Where has J been when you needed him?"

"Getting his life together, that's where."

"Bruce asked where you were and I told him. You can tell him how you feel about it when you see him," Mama said stubbornly.

"Is he really on his way here?"

"Yes, and I gave him some clothes for you since you could go on a date with Juwon."

"If you know a date with Juwon is possible, why would you send him here then?"

"Are you sleeping with Juwon already?"

"No."

"Do you want to sleep with Juwon?"

"I still love him, Mama."

"Then tell Bruce that it's over. Don't just leave him hanging."

It was a tough situation but she had to do the right thing. "I will."

"Good. I'm sorry if I complicated things."

As stubborn as Mama was, she knew how to properly apologize. "It's fine. I'll wait for Bruce."

"I love you... still."

Gini chuckled. "I love you too. I'll talk to you later."

Gini made tea and waited for Bruce. She was hoping Juwon would come while she was waiting. He had to apologize for yesterday. What he did or didn't do was hurtful to her. She was trying to get back to where they left off but it seemed he was no longer interested in her. It made her think about all the times she used to tell her sister that he'd find her. She hadn't said goodbye when she ran away from home but she was so sure Juwon would look for her. That was too much expectation to place on anyone and as she grew, she knew it. It was almost impossible for him to find her by himself at such young age.

Even at that, she saved herself for him. She refused to really date anyone until few years ago when she met Bruce. They'd moved to a new house and Bruce was their next door neighbor. He'd been nice to her as he still was. He borrowed her money whenever she asked and they'd become close friends before she started sleeping with him. Her boys were at a sleep over the first night she went to him. Even with all his brawn, he'd been gentle with her. It was nothing like she felt when she started dating Juwon but she never expected it to be. She accepted the fact that she was never going to love any man as much as she'd loved Juwon. They'd practically been babies but their connection had been so real.

Gini sacrificed everything for him based off their foundation alone. She gave up her life with her father for him, gave up on her dreams to raise their three kids on her own. What had he done for her? Not a thing.

Gini straightened the living room as she waited. She didn't know who exactly she was waiting for. Juwon still hadn't come to apologize and Bruce was still on his way. She was left waiting, and waiting. She hurried to the door when she heard a brisk knock, and she smiled as she saw Bruce. He lifted her from the floor and kissed her gently. Gini tried to enjoy the kiss but it felt different and odd.

They went inside and Bruce gave her the bag he brought from her sister. She got him water from the kitchen and sat beside him on the couch.

"Your sister told me about your dad."

"Yea, I'm sorry I didn't tell you before leaving."

"I understand it was a matter of urgency." Gini had told Bruce a little about her dad when they started sleeping together. He knew they didn't have the normal father-daughter relationship. "I hope you don't feel any sort of guilt over what happened?"

"I really don't. I cried for him and that was it."

"That's fair."

Bruce pulled her closer and she went into his arms. She didn't need Juwon. She'd leave town in few days and know it was never meant to be. She'd continue with her life and deal with all her life choices. Her boys didn't need a father that couldn't commit to something as simple as dinner.

Gini pulled Bruce in for a kiss and placed his large hand on her breast, it went under her top and she worked on the button of his shirt. She tried to get into it but kept thinking about Juwon.

"I can't," she said and stood from the couch.

"I understand," Bruce replied.

"We can't again. I mean, we can't continue this," she explained further.

"What did I do?"

Gini went back to the couch and helped Bruce with his buttons. "There's someone else." She waited for his reaction and watched as his expression changed.

"It's fine. I knew this was bound to happen."

Gini felt bad for him. "I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize, Gee. We weren't really an item and we were a bad fit to be honest."

Bruce took her hand and kissed her lightly. He got up from the couch and went to the door like he was being chased.

"I'll see you back in town. Your boys talked to me about a computer so I'm going to get them one, you can pay me back when you have the money."

"Thanks."

"Hey, we were friends before this and we'll remain friends after it. I need to get going though."

"Alright. Love you."

"I love you too. I'll call you when I get back home. Take care, Gee."

"You too. Be safe."

Gini slid to the floor when Bruce left. She should have never taken their relationship that far, she could possibly have ruined the one good friend in her life. She heard a knock at the door as she remained on the floor and stood to open it. Juwon stood on the other end like he wanted an apology from her instead of the other way round.

"Yes?" she asked impatiently.

He took a moment then spoke. "Birdie, I know you're mad at me for not coming here last night but I was so busy."

"Come in." Gini opened the door wider and Juwon walked in. She was going to pretend like he didn't hurt her. She cringed at the fact that she'd cooked and dressed up for him. They were no longer in secondary school and she had to stop being so eager to please him.

"You had a guest," Juwon said as he noticed the two glasses on the table.

"Kinda."

"Will you have dinner with me tomorrow?"

"I'll check my schedule and get back to you," she said the same thing he'd said when she was the one asking.

"Really? You're going to give me an attitude."

Gini scooted far from him on the sofa."I don't know what you're talking about."

"I got you a present, birdie."

Gini pretended not to hear him. Juwon went out of the house and she picked the old magazine she was scanning a day before. He had to show more remorse before she'd consider forgiving him.