Shawn

I had never been this angry in my entire life—and it wasn't even René. I was angry at myself for letting him get to me.

I glanced over at Amelia. She hadn't said a word since we left the restaurant.

"You okay, sweetness?" I asked, taking my eyes off the road for just a second.

"I'm fine," she said flatly.

We'd been hanging out for almost three weeks, and I was starting to learn what made her tick. I knew she wasn't fine.

When we pulled up to my place, she didn't wait for me. She got out and stood by the door. I opened it, letting her walk in first. She went straight to my bedroom, sat on the bed, and slipped off her heels. I sat down behind her.

"Amelia, please just talk to me. I'm sorry about what happened at the restaurant. If I'd known he'd be there, I never would've agreed to go."

She turned to face me. The hurt in her eyes was unmistakable.

"Do you really like me, Shawnette? Or am I just a filler until you can have the person you really want?"

"Is that really the kind of person you think I am?" I asked quietly. "You know how dope I think you are."

She stood and walked around the bed until she was directly in front of me.

"You didn't answer my question," she said. "You're in love with her, aren't you?"

I couldn't even look at her.

"God... how did I not see this before?" she said, shaking her head.

"Amelia, I'm not trying to play you," I said, my voice breaking. "I swear I'm not. I'm sorry."

She knelt in front of me.

"Shawnette, sweetie—you don't need to apologize." She lifted my chin so I had to look at her. "I know you're not trying to hurt me. I like you. I really like you. And that's exactly why I have to go."

My chest tightened.

"At first we were just having fun," she continued softly. "But if I let myself get any closer, I'll end up with a broken heart. I won't be that girl chasing someone who's already in love with someone else."

"I must look like a fool to you."

"Not at all," she said gently. "I saw the way she looks at you. The way she reacted to seeing me with you. Janet loves you, Shawnette—not him. Who am I to stand in the way of that?"

She kissed me softly.

"It's a shame," she added with a sad smile. "We were fucking hot together."

She gathered her things and headed for the door. I followed her.

"Let me at least drive you home."

"Nah," she said. "I like finding my own way. But thank you."

She touched my face one last time, smiled, and disappeared down the hallway. I knew I'd probably never see her again.

I closed the door and collapsed onto the couch.

She was right. Janet did love me. I couldn't believe I'd let my judgment get so clouded.

My phone rang—it was Gil.

"Hey, babe."

"Shawn, Preston and I are almost at your place. Janet promised she'd call when she got home. I've called her six times—nothing. Something's wrong. We have to go get her."

"Okay, okay. I'm dressed. Just tell me when you pull up."

"Five minutes. Come outside—and bring your bat."

I stepped outside and jumped into the car as soon as they pulled up. Gil was frantic, crying.

"Calm down, boo."

"I can't," he sobbed. "I know he's done something to her. I swear to God, Shawn, if she's hurt I will fucking kill him."

Preston glanced at me in the rearview mirror. He looked just as worried.

"You doing okay, Pres?"

"Not really, Ms. Heard," he said. "I've driven for her for years, and I haven't seen her in weeks. She hasn't called me once. So if y'all don't mind—hang on. I'm about to step on it."

It hit me then how many people loved her. How many people were ready to fight for her.

The gates to Janet's house came into view.

We all got out of the car. I tightened my grip on the bat as we approached the door.

"Y'all ready?" Gil nodded. I looked at Preston.

"Let's get this motherfucker," he said, slowly pushing the door open.