Teach Me: Sinful Desires by Sienna Mynx Page B

who had valeted her car gave her a curious look. She forced the car into drive and sped away. Pushing all thoughts of him aside was her first priority.
     

Ten
     
    “Open the door!” Naiya’s fist hit like rapid fire. “Girl, it’s been two days! I’m worried sick about you. Open the door!” More banging came. Pounding and what sounded like kicking. “Dez! It’s me. Your car is out here. I know you’re in there. Open the door… are you okay?”
    Destini released the lock. She let the door open a slither, while holding tight to the top of her robe. Naiya’s eyes stretched with alarm. She panted as if she’d run a marathon.
    “Thank God. You scared the shit out of me. I’ve been calling you.” Naiya said.
    “Not a good time, Naiya. I’ll talk to you later, okay?” Destini tried to close the door.
    Naiya threw her hand up. “No, it’s not okay. What’s the matter? Open the door, girl.” Naiya pushed against the door. Another shove and Destini’s weak hold softened. She stepped back. She wore a dusty-pink robe and thick socks. She tried to smooth back the tangles in her knotty hair. She hadn’t run a comb or brush through it in days. She’d seen her reflection in the mirror though, so she understood the stricken look her friend wore. Her skin was ashen in color and no matter how many showers and hours of sleep, she could do nothing to recover. Even though she kept her condo dark, she knew the puffy rings of exhaustion under her eyes could be seen. But Destini made attempts to turn away, to conceal the rest of her face.
    “Holy Shit! What the fuck?”
    “Don’t feel good,” Destini mumbled. She eased carefully down into her favorite chair. Naiya closed the door. Locked it. Then she took inventory of her friend’s usually immaculate place. Destini never left anything out of order. But her small home was in complete disarray. Naiya’s scrutiny made her painfully aware. Dishes and empty water bottles were stacked on the counters in the kitchen and the sink. There was a closed-in musk to the usually airy, neat, lofty condo. Magazines were left on the floor alongside empty Chinese cartons from a place that delivered not far from there.
    “Open the place up and let in some air for starters.” Naiya went to her patio doors. She drew back the blinds and slid open the glass door.
    Destini turned away as if the mere sunlight and fresh air caused her pain. She drew her knees up to her chest. Naiya noticed that the cute pink and green computer bag Destini loved leaned against the side of her chair. Sealed inside was Destini’s other best friend: her laptop. It was a clear indication that something was wrong.
    “Baby, what is it?” Naiya asked.
    Destini shrugged. “A cold, I guess.”
    Naiya walked over to her. She dropped the back of her hand to Destini’s forehead. “You don’t feel warm. What hurts?”
    Destini didn’t respond. She didn’t look up. She just sighed, keeping her head down. Naiya dropped low to capture her eyes. “Dez, talk to me. It’s been two days. You haven’t called and you––” she looked back to the laptop bag. “You haven’t been online. What’s up?”
    Destini drew in her chapped lips and tried to swallow the lump in her throat so she could speak. She finally did. “It’s nuthin. I’m just tired. That’s all. Feeling a little taxed.”
    “Well, you’re going to shower and run a comb through that nappy head of yours.” Naiya smiled. “I’ll take care of you. How about I fix you something to eat? Okay?”
    “Why aren’t you at work?” Destini asked.
    “To hell with work.” Naiya waved it off. “Carson! Girl you haven’t heard. That’s why I’ve been calling you.”
    “What about him?” Destini frowned.
    “He quit. He walked in two days ago and announced he was resigning effective immediately. And poof,” Naiya snapped her fingers. “Like that he was gone.”
    “Huh? Are you kidding me?”
    “No shit girl. I don’t know what happened,”