“The young fella wearing the Florida Gators shirt posted your bail,” The officer added. “Be safe out there Mr. Shelton, it’s obvious that you’re not built for this side of the law.”

Jermaine knew he was right. It had only been two days in the county lock up. It felt like he had done a ten-year bid.

Malcolm’s jaw hit the floor when Jermaine rounded the corner. He had spent a few weekends in jail and never had he come out looking or smelling the way Jermaine did.

Malcolm gagged.

“I’ll sit in the backseat, roll down the windows, and take me home,”

“You don’t have to tell me twice. How are you feeling man?”

Jermaine stared out the window. There was no need to answer that question.

Malcolm was glad that he didn’t. He wasn’t accustomed to asking other men how they were feeling. He also didn’t know what to say if he responded. This situation was truly taboo. Anything he said would be cliché.

Jermaine didn’t respond.

“Man, I know this may sound crazy. But do you think you could forgive Eden?”

Jermaine’s bloodshot eyes shot daggers at Malcolm.

“Forgive her? Hell no I can’t forgive that cutthroat bitch. I told her what Jerry did and she went looking for his ass. I didn’t even tell her where he was locked up. She purposely looked my father up to fuck him! I can’t forgive no shit like that,”

“Ok, you did the same thing. You started the cutthroat shit. Let’s not act like you hadn’t gotten Envy pregnant a few times. We’ve all heard the saying hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. We’ve known Eden since college, she didn’t have a ruthless bone in her body. The difference between you and Eden is you paid to get rid of your indiscretions, and she had hers to throw in your face. She matched your energy, and you can’t handle it,”

Pain ripped through Jermaine’s core. He knew his friend was right. If he hadn’t had the funds to correct his mistakes, he and Envy would have at least    three children.

Instead of telling Malcolm the true thoughts in his head, he switched the topic. He’d discuss his actual plans with his wife.

CHAPTER 15

Jermaine stared out the window trying to get his thoughts together. So much was on his mind that he couldn’t make sense of it all.

“Have you seen Envy? I’ve been calling and texting and it’s going to her voicemail,”