“Mine either. Remember how I told you about me having sex with Malcolm last week?”
“Yes,” Savvy responded slowly.
“Well, we didn’t use any protection.”
“Okay. That’s nasty considering he lives with Mariah. But, go on.”
“Stop judging me,” Olivia snapped. “He’s my husband after all.”
“Alright. So, what else?”
“Evidently, according to Brinson, we didn’t use a condom either.”
“What?” Savvy screeched.
“Stop yelling in my ear. You’re going to bust my eardrum.”
“Oh. My. God.” Savvy lowered her voice. “What were you thinking?”
“I wasn’t thinking at all. I didn’t realize it until he told me,” Olivia said in sorrow. “I’m afraid of getting an STD. Or worse, pregnant by either one of them.”
Savvy laid her head back on the sofa. She had to soak in everything Olivia said. “You need to get to a doctor right away. They need to check you out from the rooter to the tooter. Even if you don’t have an STD, request a shot of something in case there is residual of some disease lurking in there.”
“You are too funny.” Olivia laughed.
Savvy didn’t see the humor. “I’m serious. You need to get a complete workup and a pregnancy test. It wouldn’t hurt to set up an appointment with someone about your memory. Two times of having sex with men and forgetting? Something may be wrong with you.”
Olivia let out a labored sigh. “Stop scaring me.”
“We better pray you aren’t preggo. You know how much I love being an aunt. Although considering your current circumstances, this is not the time to have a baby.”
“Duh. Don’t you think I realize that? I wouldn’t even know who the father is unless I have a DNA test done, too.”
“Oh, snap. What if you’re pregnant with Brinson’s child? What would you do?”
“I would know right at birth. The baby would have his Mr. Magoo eyes.” Olivia chuckled.
“Quit playin’, Olivia.” Savvy’s voice rose an octave. “Do you understand how complicated this is?”
“Savvy, I’m trying to lighten the mood to keep myself from jumping off a cliff. Okay? I’ve been laying here for hours trying to figure out my life. I appreciate your concern. Trust me, I’ve covered every scenario in my head,” Olivia cried. “I’m scared right about now.”
Savvy realized she needed to stop being too harsh. “I’m sorry. I know you aren’t taking this all lightly. What will you do?”
“I would have to have the baby. In the meantime, I’m praying I’m not pregnant. My life is already a mess. Imagine me having to raise another child on my own. I would lose my mind.” Olivia let out a sigh. “I’ll call my doctor right away to get an appointment.”
“Okay. What are you going to do about Brinson?”
“His lying behind? Oh. I’m going to give him a piece of my mind. Believe that.” Olivia paused. “Speak of the devil. This is him calling me right now. Let me drop my new knowledge on him. Thanks for the intel.”
THIRTY-SIX
Olivia
“Hey, baby. I’m thinking about you,” Brinson crooned into the phone.
“Oh, unh-uh.” Olivia gritted her teeth. Her hand opened and closed into a fist. “I need you to lose my number right now and don’t call me again.”
“What? You’re playin’ right?” Brinson sounded shocked. “Olivia. It’s me. Brinson.”
“Fool. I know who this is. I don’t deal with liars. I’ve dealt with enough con artists to last me a lifetime,” Olivia snarled.
“What are you talking about? I haven’t lied to you about anything.”
Olivia threw her free hand into the air in disbelief. “And there we have another lie. You don’t even know how to stop.”
“Olivia. Quit playin’ and tell me what you’re talking about,” Brinson pleaded.
“Okay. Tell me where and when you attended college.” Olivia plopped onto a chair in the kitchen. She drummed her right-hand fingers on the table and waited for an answer.
“I told you last night. Maybe you were too drunk to remember. TUWO. In Oklahoma,” Brinson stated with confidence.
“What years were you there?”
“I graduated in ‘91. It took me longer than planned. Is that what this all about? You’re wondering why I extended my time in school?” Brinson inquired with a chuckle.
Olivia didn’t stop her drill. “I don’t care about that. What year did you pledge Alpha?”
“Um. 1988 or ‘89. Like I told you. Are we done with this inquisition yet?” Brinson’s voice hinted at his impatience with her questions.
“How many line brothers did you have?” Olivia pressed.
“Dang, girl. I don’t know. I pledged a long time ago.”
“Brinson. Although I haven’t pledged anything, I know most people remember how many people were on their line. So, how many were there?”
“Well, damn. I guess about ten of us. Why?”
“Ten, huh? Um-hmm,” Olivia said with confirmed suspicion.
“Yes, ten. Are you happy now?” Brinson snapped.
“Bingo. You have officially confirmed you are a low-down, dirty, liar,” Olivia said in a reserved voice.
“What? Woman, what are you talking about?” Brinson asked.
“Are you going to act as if you weren’t lying with your answers to my questions? I’m going to give you an opportunity to confess. Tell me the truth, Brinson. You never pledged Alpha and you dropped out of college after your freshman year. On top of that, you got in trouble for credit card fraud.”
Brinson stammered, “W-where are you getting this nonsense from? Why would I lie to you?”
“Exactly. Why would you lie to me?”
“You know. Women like you will never get a man. Always accusing a brother of doing something he ain’t doin’.” Brinson’s voice elevated. “So-called Christians like you are exactly why people run away from the church.”
“Excuse me? I know you aren’t trying to twist the truth around. You’re a trip,” Olivia replied in disgust.
“You’re the kind of woman who needs to be taught a lesson about messin’ around with men’s hearts. I gave you my all last night. This is what I get in return?”
Olivia was confused. He sounded belligerent and wasn’t making sense. “Brinson. I don’t even remember being with you last night. I think that fact speaks for itself if you gave me your all. I’m
