“You know you were always stuck on yourself. Ain’t nobody trying to break up your little make-believe life. I had you before the swagger, nigga.”

Paul looked at her and laughed. “You know, it kills me how you sit around and try to act like being with you was a great boon for my life. The best and only thing you’ve ever done for me was give me a beautiful son, who I love with all that I am. Other than that, you were a fucked-up dream.”

“Maybe, but I’ll bet it was a wet one.” She spread her legs a bit, letting Paul get an eyeful of her bush.

Paul looked from Rhonda’s exposed pussy to her scheming eyes. Her hand slowly made its way down her chest and stomach before it came to rest on her vagina. Using her index and ring fingers, she spread her pussy lips and began massaging them with her index finger. A low hissing came from somewhere deep within her, causing Paul to shudder.

“Whatever you’re selling, I ain’t buying,” he said, standing up.

Noticing the slight bulge in his shorts, Rhonda pressed her attack. “Paul,” she said, slithering off the couch, moving next to him, “why you acting like that? It’s been a long time since you let a bitch taste that.” She grabbed for his crotch.

“Keep your hands to yourself,” Paul backpedaled.

“Ain’t nobody here but us. I won’t tell if you don’t.” She reached for him again, but Paul caught her about the wrists.

“Where’s P.J?” Paul asked, his tone making it clear that he wanted no part of what she was offering.

Rhonda’s eyes flashed hurt and then anger. “He’s in the park.” She jerked away from him. “You didn’t see him when you came in?”

“If I’d seen him, I’d have never come upstairs in the first place. Later, Rhonda.” Paul headed for the front door, but Rhonda stopped him.

“That bitch really got you trained, huh?” she asked, smirking as if she couldn’t believe he’d turned her away.

Paul smiled as if she didn’t have a clue. “It ain’t about being trained. It’s about knowing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity when it comes your way, and having the good sense not to fuck it up over a leftover piece of pussy. Peace.” Paul left the apartment leaving Rhonda stuck on stupid.

After dressing, Billy made her way into the living room where she found her mother hard at work on the laptop. Regina worked downtown at a large corporation as a financial analyst. The title was much more glamorous than the pay, but it kept the rent from falling behind and food on the table.

“Must you always bring your work home with you?” Billy asked playfully.