Dru helped me into my crib before leaving. I struggled into the bedroom, stopping when I saw Mariah seated on the bed with her arms folded across her chest. “Where the fuck were you?” She spat. Her eyes were red like she’d been crying.
I sat down on the bed, dropping my crutches on the floor. “I went out with Dru,” I responded. My words were slurring.
“Why the fuck is there glitter all over you? I can smell whatever bitch you were laid up with. You could’ve washed the bitch off you before you got in this fucking bed!”
“Aye, you trippin. I’m too tired for this shit.” I mumbled, lying back on the bed, kicking my shoes off. The room started spinning as soon as I closed my eyes. I felt like I was on a rollercoaster. A hard smack across my face caused my eyes to shoot open. “What the fuck!” I yelled, looking over at her. My face stung, so I knew one of her long-ass nails had cut me.
She jumped out of bed. “Nigga your crippled ass just laid in this bed knowing you’ve been out cheating on me. Fuck you! I’m done. I’m taking all of my shit and leaving. I swear I hate you, Saint!” She yelled.
“Mariah, come here, bro.” I sighed, sitting on the edge of the bed.
“No Saint. I’m leaving. You’re so disrespectful!”
“Baby, just come here, please.” I pleaded. I felt bad seeing her eyes swell with tears. She slowly made her way over to me, standing in between my legs. “On my daddy, I was not out cheating on you. Dru asked me to go to a party with him. It was one of our friends’ birthdays. He had a few strippers there, and I got a dance. That’s it, that’s all. I promise I wasn’t out cheating on you. I have never cheated and I never will. I love you,Mariah.” I wiped the tears from her face, placing kisses on her lips. She wrapped her arms around my neck, deepening the kiss.
She pulled away from the kiss, gazing up at me. “I’m sorry for putting my hands on you. Come on, let me help you shower.” She grabbed my hand, leading me into the bathroom. I hope this was the last of our arguments. I couldn’t keep doing this shit.
I wasn’t looking forwardto working with Saint today. His attitude yesterday rubbed me the wrong way. From now on, I was only coming to do my job and keep it pushing. At least today was Friday, and I wouldn’t have to deal with him again until Monday. The front door was already unlocked when I walked in. The smell of breakfast immediately hit my nose as I walked into the kitchen. Miss Jackie was in here throwing down as usual.
“Good morning, Miss Jackie,” I said, leaning against the counter. I set my bag down, taking my coffee as she passed it to me.
“Good morning, pretty lady. You hungry? I made some smothered potatoes, turkey sausage, and egg whites.”
“You know I am. Thank you.” I grinned. She made my plate and passed it to me. I took a seat and immediately dug in. Her food was always so damn good.
“Girllll, I am loving the new hair! It looks so good on you. Who does your hair?” She asked as she blended Saint’s protein shake.
Last night, I had Chanel give me a cute barbie ponytail with a swooped bang. I kept seeing the hairstyle all over social media and knew I had to try it. “My best friend Chanel does my hair. I’m so in love with this style. I feel like it fits my round face perfectly.”
“It does. Can you send me her website? I would love for her to do my hair.” I nodded, pulling out my phone to send her the link to Chanel’s booking site.
I turned, hearing Saint’s crutches coming down the hall. His girlfriend was in front of him, and he was following close behind her. I watched as she glanced at me, then over to Miss Jackie.
“Good morning, ma,” Mariah said, giving her a side hug. I could tell the gesture caught her off guard by the look on her face. “Uh, Blessing, right?” I nodded. “His knee is swollen. You need to do a better job at making sure he’s healing properly. You’re not getting paid for nothing. Do better.” She hurried out of the kitchen before I could respond to her.
I scoffed, shaking my head. I stood to grab my bag and threw it over my shoulder. “That was the last strike. Saint, the money you paid me will be wired back to your account as soon as possible. I hope you find someone else to suit you better.”
“Blessing wait,” Saint said, grabbing my arm. I snatched away from him, folding my arms across my chest. “Just come to the gym so we can talk. Please.”
“Saint, you better control that girl.” Miss Jackie said sternly.
I followed Saint into the gym and stood against the wall, glaring at him. “Say whatever you’re going to say so I can leave.”
“Look, I apologize for my behavior yesterday. I had no right to talk to you like that when you did nothing wrong. I was in my feelings about the conversation I had before we started oursession. I apologize for Mariah as well. I have already told her not to address you. I promise you will never have to deal with her again. Please don’t quit, Blessing. I need you.” He pleaded, looking down at me.
I sighed, “I don’t know, Saint. I’m used to the bad days from injured athletes, but I’ve never had any of my clients’ significant others constantly talk to me like shit. I don’t deserve that. I come here to do my job, that’s it.”
“Please, Blessing. Whatever you want, I’ll give it to you. I’ll pay extra. Just please don’t quit. I need you. You know you’re the number one PT in the city. I’ll get down on my knees and beg you.”
“Fine. But this is your last chance. One more incident and I’m done. I’ll take that extra pay. Don’t get down on that knee. It’ll only make it worse. Now explain to me why your knee is swollen. You were fine yesterday.”
“Man.. you gone yell at me?” He asked with a guilty expression. I shook my head, then gestured for him to continue. “Dru had me at a party last night, and this thick ass stripper gave me a lap dance. My knee was fine until I woke up this morning. I guess there was too much pressure on it.”
I burst into laughter, shaking my head, “I doubt that’s the reason. You probably slept wrong. Sit down so I can take a look at it.” I instructed. I squatted down in front of him, unstrapping his knee brace. I gently pressed down on the swollen area, glancing up at him. “What’s your pain level?”
“It doesn’t hurt.”
“Okay. So instead of our usual session, I’m going to give you a soft tissue massage to help with the swelling, then you’ll ice it for the next few hours. You should be fine, though. If the swelling doesn’t go down, talk to your PCP.” I stood to my feet, placing my hands on my hips.