Married to the Money

Chapter Twenty-three

Pulling up to the home I once shared with Dominic, I winced. My clothes and belongings were tossed all over the lawn. My panties were in the bushes and my bras were hanging from the tree out front. I moved slowly because of the pain in my face, but piece by piece I gathered my shit. An older couple out walking their dog stopped and asked if I was okay. I guessed they figured I’d been abused because of the bruises and the display of clothing that had been tossed out onto the street. What a mess!

“I’m good, thank you.” I smiled as best I could, and they eventually went on. Leaning down to grab my last pair of shoes, I noticed a police car in my peripheral vision. I groaned because I didn’t need another run-in with the law today, but then I sighed with relief when Tone walked up.

“Damn, what the fuck happened over here?”

“It’s nothing.”

“Chanel, look at your face. Did D do this?” He looked at me and back toward the house.

“Would you be surprised, snitch?” I mean-mugged him.

“Snitch?” He looked confused.

“You told on me and that’s cool. I thought we were cool, but you’re his frat brother, so you don’t owe me any loyalty.” I wasn’t really mad at him. How could I be?

“On the frat I didn’t say nothing to D.” Tone made the fraternity symbol with his arms and hand. “I couldn’t break my dude’s heart like that, and I wouldn’t. Even though you ain’t shit, D loves the ground you walk on, and I wouldn’t dare throw salt on that.” Tone was telling the truth. I could see it in his eyes.

“So who told on me I wonder?” I said more to myself than to him.

“My guess is that plain-looking girl you used to hang out with. She was over here the other day.”

“I guess that’s her name.” Tone shrugged. “Anyway, back to your face. Did that nigga from the other day do this?”

“No, I was robbed at work today.” I sat down on the steps.

“Damn, that was your bank? I heard about that shit earlier. You okay?”

“Yeah, I’m good.” I leaned forward to remove my heels because my feet were aching.

“Why are you out here? Let me get you inside.” He reached over to help me up, but I waved him off.

“I can’t go in there. Me and Dom are through. He put me out.” As I informed Tone of the tea, his expression wasn’t that of a shocked person just finding this out. Therefore, I knew he had already been put on game.

“Damn,” was as all he said.

I smacked my lips. “Don’t act brand new. You probably knew he was putting me out before he even told me.”

“Look, I ain’t gon’ lie. He told me y’all was having problems. He also told me you were cheating on him with a nigga from Detroit. He asked me to look into it, and I did, but I never got a chance to tell him what I found out. I guess your girl got to him first.”

“That bitch!” I laughed lightly. What else could I do?

“Let me ask you something. Why did you do it? You used to call Dominic the man of your dreams, but the minute his chips fell, you bounced.”

“I don’t know.” I shrugged my shoulders. “I guess my addiction to money outweighs my love for Dominic. I need to be with someone who can make my dreams come true, Tone.”

“I mean, look at this house. Eventually Dom will get back on track, and y’all would’ve gotten married and had beautiful babies. What woman doesn’t dream of this life?” He waved his hand, gesturing to the manicured lawn, upscale neighborhood, and picture-perfect scenery.

“You know I’m different. I’ve never dreamt of picket fences, kids, a dog, and playing the Stepford wife. My dreams consist of being rich, living in the lap of luxury, shit like that,” I replied honestly.

“Why is having money that important to you?” Tone leaned back on the step.

“I can’t really explain it. You know how some people are addicted to drugs, sex, or food? Well, I’m addicted to money. I just have to have it because I love the way it feels. I like pushing the lavish whips, wearing the latest gear, and flossing expensive jewelry. I do stupid things like toss money over a balcony in a club or go into a store and spend a grip just because I can. I like the power and the respect it gives me.”

“Wow, that’s deep,” was all he said.

“I tried to hang in there as best I could, but Cash came along, and my common sense flew out the window.” I laughed to lighten the mood.

“Speaking of Cashus, do you know he is a convicted felon? That dude ain’t no joke, Chanel.”

“What exactly did you find out about him during your investigation? I don’t know about all his dealings, but I know he is into something with drugs.”

“He is into a whole lot of something other than drugs. Robbery for one. Abduction, money laundering, and running a criminal enterprise.”

Tone ran down the list, but the one thing sticking out was robbery.

“Dude manages to beat the system every time. There are more cases being built against him as we speak, so we will catch him eventually. I advise you to stay away from him, but if I know you, I know you won’t.” He shook his head and stood when I didn’t respond. “Chanel, you take care, and please call me if you need me.” Tone left me sitting there.

I waited another hour to see if Dominic would come home, but he didn’t. I wanted to apologize in person for the way things turned out but had to write a letter instead.

I know you don’t want to hear anything I’ve got to say, and I don’t blame you. If I were you, I’d hate me too. I just wanted you to know my disloyalty had nothing to do with you. You are a great man and will make a great husband someday. I’m just sorry you won’t be mine. Here’s your ring back. This should help on a few bills.