Cold As Ice Read Free Page A

mind, you know that?” Rah says, standing up from his seat and towering over me. “Do you really think I’m stupid, Jayd? I know you and that punk-ass white boy are more than friends—no offense, man,” Rah says to Chance, who looks like he wants to jump in but chooses against it. When Rah gets this angry, there’s no reasoning with him. Nigel gets up from his cozy spot next to Mickey just in case he needs to cool Rah down.
    â€œCome on, man. Let’s take a walk,” Nigel says, trying to distract him. But Rah’s eyes are set on me, and mine on him. Nellie scoots over, putting more space between her leg and mine. Chance scoots over on the floor just in case Rah takes another step and accidentally crushes Chance’s fingers underneath his new Jordans.
    â€œYou betrayed me, Jayd. You betrayed us,” Rah says between his teeth before storming out of the living room and through the front door, passing Mr. and Mrs. Esop on his way down the porch steps. Nigel looks down at me and shrugs his shoulders before following his boy. I haven’t seen Rah this angry with me in a long time.
    â€œRah, wait a minute. It’s not that serious,” I say, rising to follow them out. He can be so dramatic sometimes.
    â€œHello, Jayd,” Mrs. Esop says, leading her husband through the open door. I smile at Nigel’s mom and dad before walking through the foyer. They look stunning in their Sunday best, fresh from church.
    â€œWhat’s wrong with Rah?” Mr. Esop asks, turning his head to watch Rah start his car while Nigel tries to reason with him. Then Mr. Esop heads to the game room next to the living room. Mrs. Esop takes off her large white hat and smoothes down her hair while looking in the antique mirror hanging in the entryway.
    â€œOh, the usual,” I say, looking back at my crew, who are looking at us instead of the muted screen in front of them. A live show is always more interesting. “I’ll be right back,” I say, adjusting my purse on my shoulder and walking down the steps. I’m so sick of doing damage control, but it’s an unavoidable part of maintaining friendships. And sometimes boys can be more difficult to deal with than girls when it comes to matters of the heart.
    â€œJayd, I’m looking forward to continuing our discussion about you becoming a debutante soon,” Mrs. Esop says. I thought I was out of that deal when she went off on Mickey the other day.
    â€œBut I just assumed you wouldn’t be interested in coming to the shower anymore,” I say, trying to speak low so Mickey doesn’t hear. I haven’t told Mickey about my deal with Mrs. Esop yet. But from the look on her crooked face, I’d say Mickey has heard the entire conversation. Shit. Now I’ll have to deal with her drama, too.
    â€œJust because it’s not my grandchild doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy the festivities,” she says with a cunning smile. “And I am nothing if not a woman of my word. Besides, a deal’s a deal,” Mrs. Esop says, waving to Mickey, Nellie, and Chance before walking up the stairs. Mickey looks at me like she’s going to explode, she’s so pissed, but I’ll have to deal with her later. Why does my life have to include all this bull? Right now I have to catch Rah before he does something stupid, which is the usual when his head gets this hot.
    â€œYes, ma’am,” I say, making my way out the front door. I guess I’ll have to catch up with Rah later because he’s already gone, and I’m in no mood to pick out baby clothes or to be grilled by Mickey. All that will have to wait until tomorrow. I just want to live a little longer in the moment Jeremy and I had earlier. I should’ve stayed right where we were—damn reality. But, in reality, shit happens, and my friends always seem to be in the thick of it.
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    Whether it’s the weekend or a school day,