“She okay?” I ask. He’s been in the bedroom with Jennica. I want to make sure I did the right thing. When I saw Noodle carrying her off to a bedroom … something about it ain’t feel right. I’m not some kind of tattletale. I hope that ain’t what he thinks. God, it probably is. He tells me he wants to go militant, and I bring him Zeke and Kimberly. I see a known asshole bringing a wasted girl into a quiet place, and I tell Brick. Maybe I am a tattletale.

“Do me a favor,” he says. “Help her get in the bed.”

“Noodle took off,” I tell him. “Don’t go looking for him.” Great. To top it off, now I’m the weak-ass chick who doesn’t want to see Brick in a fight. He’s never going to trust me. But why do I even care?

Brick nods. “I’ll wait here.” His voice is strained. “Just, make sure she’s okay, would you?”

“Yeah, sure.” Maybe I should have gone in there with him to begin with. But the look on his face was worse than thunder. And it all happened so fast.

The room is dimly lit. Jennica is already on the bed, asleep or passed out. Either way, not much for me to do. I prop a pillow against her back so she stays on her side, then I slip off her shoes and pull the sheet and blanket up over her. Tuck her hair back, out of her face, real gentle. Like a good friend would do. She’s breathing soft and even. I ain’t sure whether to wish she’ll wake up remembering or not.

True to his word, Brick is waiting in the hallway. “Thanks,” he says, when I emerge. “I owe you.”

No good way to respond to that. I shouldn’t get extra credit for doing a good deed. “Nah. I tell it like it is, right?”

“That’s only what I like most about you.” He touches my shoulder, his thumb kinda skating along my collarbone. My mouth opens, just a little. Brick’s eyes go cloudy. His hand’s up behind my neck and I’m not sure what to make of being caught this way. No time to think or to plan. He leans in and I don’t stop him. Why would I? He’s fine. He’s the king of all in sight and here he’s chosen little old me. He could have any woman he wants.

The unexpected thing is, it’s not just a hookup, either. I stepped to him and he liked it. He needs someone like me to keep it real with. I’m good for him. We balance.

Melody Jacquard, coming up in the world. And it feels great.

DEVANTE