-2 weeks later
Mariah

"So did you tell Dorian happy birthday?" Kendra asked over the phone

"No, we haven't seen each other."

These past two weeks have been so hard. I feel like all I do is cry lately. Our relationship is worse than it's ever been. We communicate through Joyce when it comes to spending time with Skylar. I moved back in my old house, but I still have a lot of unpacking to do.

"I hate that you're going through this Ry." She said

"Everything will be ok." I said, trying to sound assuring "Girl I love my child, but I'm so happy her grandma decided to watch her. I just wanna' cuddle up by myself and go to sleep." I changed the subject, not wanting to feel sad

"That's too bad, I just pulled in front of yo' house. Come open the door." Kendra said before hanging up

I sucked my teeth, exiting the kitchen to go open the front door.

When I opened the door, I saw Kendra and Rio walking up my porch.

"Get dressed, we going out." Rio said

"Going out? It's 9 at night." I sat on my couch

"Just two weeks ago yo' ass was tryna' go out at 10pm to spite Dorian." He said, sitting in the loveseat

"But Dorian got up in them guts and changed yo' train of thought." Kendra added, sitting beside me

"Speaking of, next time please hang up the phone." Rio gagged

I chuckled "I don't think there'll be a next time."

"Do you want it to be?" Rio asked

"Yes...no. Ughh I don't know." I felt myself about to cry again

"Hey, hey." Kendra hugged me "Don't cry."

"Too late." I spoke through my tears

"Aw Ry." Rio came over and sat on the other side of me

"I just want us to be happy together. Why is that so hard?"

"I know it's hard to believe right now but things will get better." Kendra held me "Y'all are the strongest couple I've ever seen, it'll get better."

"But you should go out and get a few niggas numbers tonight just in case it don't get better." Rio nudged me

"Don't listen to this fool." Kendra hit him

"Ouch bitch!" Rio rolled his eyes at her

I laughed at them before standing up "I'm not getting nobody number, but I will go out."

"Yay! Now hurry up" Rio rushed me

*

"Unh Unh. Why we at Dorian's club?" I said as the Uber pulled in front of the building

"Girl free drinks and a free section. The workers know we family." Rio said before getting out

"Nah. I'll take the Uber back home, y'all enjoy." I stayed in the car as Kendra got out

"Mariah you need to get out the house. Come one." She said

"Why can't we go somewhere else? I'll pay."

"Girl Dorian's not here if that's what you're worried about." Rio said

I pursed my lips "How you know?"

"We called ahead to make sure. Just so you can be comfortable and we can get drunk for free." He said

"Oh. Why didn't you just lead with that?" I said before getting out

Rio chuckled "I already called ahead for our section "

As we went to our section, a few of the workers greeted me, knowing I'm Dorian's wife. I spoke and quickly made my way to the section so I could drown my sorrows in a nice, crisp bottle of Don Julio.

"Damn girl, slow down." Kendra said as I poured my 2nd shot "We ain't even been in here 10 minutes"

"Y'all brought me out to help me feel better right?" I downed the liquor and poured another shot

"Yeah but-"

"Then hush and let me drink." I downed another shot

Dorian

"It's time for me to throw in the towel." I said to my crew

I had everybody in my club office to announce my retirement. I got Kendra and Rio to bring Mariah, but I ain't got no word back from them yet. I hope she came.

"You leaving the game?" One of the workers asked me

"Yeah man, I got a family now and I just can't jeopardize that."

"Who's gonna' be our new boss?"

"Tim." I said

"Huh?" Tim looked up from rolling his blunt

"I'm handing my empire over to you man." I chuckled

"For real?" He smiled

"Yeah nigga."

"Thank you bro." He smiled and we dapped each other up

"You deserve it." I nodded "Now, tonight we celebrate! Y'all niggas have a good time."

As they exited my club office, I looked through the one wall glass and skimmed the crowded club. A smile spread on my face as I spotted Mariah over in a section. I locked my office up and headed downstairs to her.

I made my way to the section "I thought I told you to text me when y'all got here." I said to Rio

"I was but little miss RyRy, started throwing back shots like water soon as we got in here." He side eyed her

Mariah rolled her eyes as I approached her "Y'all lied to me. You said he wasn't here."

"Mariah-"

"I don't wanna talk to you." She sneered

I tried to touch her hand "Baby-"

"Don't touch me." She snatched from me, throwing back the shot she had in her hand

"Ry, I quit the game. I'm done, I want my family back."

"I'm happy to hear that Dorian." She smiled "But I think we should get a divorce."

"Huh?" I looked at her in complete confusion "Look, can we talk alone?"

"Ughh." She groaned "If that'll make you leave me alone. Fine!"

We walked upstairs and went inside my office. Her lil drunk ass looked good as fuck in that dress. I didn't even want to talk, but now it's important that we do, she thinking about leaving my ass. I can't have that.

"What you mean a divorce?" I locked the door

She leaned against my desk "I don't wanna' feel like I'm forcing you to do anything. Let's be real, you didn't quit the game because you wanted to."

"When you moved out I realized shit had gone too far. I don't wanna' lose you again." I cupped her face with one hand

She moved my hand off her and stood up straight "So you quit because you were scared of losing me?"

"Is that a bad thing?" I asked in confusion

"Yes. It shouldn't take me leaving for you to realize your wrongs, and I don't just come running back whenever you decided you miss me."

I sighed "Mariah."

"If we stay together it's just gonna' be toxic on both our ends. I don't want Sky to be around that...let's just quit while we're ahead. Ok?"

"Man nah. Look, you been drinking. Why don't we talk about this when you sober up?"

"I'm more lucid than I've ever been. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a divorce party to attend to." She said, unlocking the door

"Wait-"

When she turned to face me, tears were in her eyes "We gave it a try. Let's not drain ourselves trying to hold onto a bond that apparently isn't there anymore." Then she rushed out

I wanted to chase her, but I could tell she was already upset so I decided to give her some time to herself.

"Fuck man" I rested my hands on my head

Maybe she's right.
We do always seem to bump heads. Maybe we can't get back to the love we used to have.

Aw man.

The End

-Carlisha ❤️