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“She’s taking a nap with Cherish and Promise. They were watching movies in her room, but when I walked by, the movie was watching them.” He chuckled lowly.

For some reason, the sound of his laughter made my body react. Sex should have been the last thing on my mind, but I couldn’t help it. Everything about my best friend turned me on, and it always made me jealous to think about other women getting to enjoy a part of him I never would.

“Oh, well, can you ask one of my sisters to come help me?”

“Everybody is scattered all over the house. There’s no need to bother them.”

“Then how am I supposed to take a shower? You know I can’t undress by myself, and I’m not supposed to get my arm or foot wet.”

“I got you.”

I stared at him like he had two heads because I must have misheard him.

“Umm, you’re gonna help me take a shower?”

“Yeah, why not? I used to bathe my momma when she was sloppy drunk off her ass or high. The only difference is that she was usually pissy or covered in throw-up. Hell, if I can bathe her, I can bathe anyone.”

He chuckled and shrugged like it was no big deal, which was how he usually reacted whenever his mother came up. I heard stories about Meesha from Miyana, and it made me sad to know they grew up with a mother who didn’t care about them.

When she first got locked up, she called all the time, and I never understood why they even bothered to answer. I could see how much interacting with her affected them, because they would always be in a somber mood when the call ended.

“As long as you’re comfortable with it, I don’t mind.” My words came out cool and collected, but inside I was freaking out. Solo and I had slept in the bed together, but I had never been completely naked in front of him.

“You’re overthinking. I’ve seen too many naked women in my day to ever be fazed. I promise you don’t have anything to worry about.”

I was slightly offended, because in my delusional mind, I wanted to believe that seeing me naked would be different. Lord knows, if I ever saw him fully undressed, I would lose my mind.

“Oh, well damn. Keep my humble best friend.” I playfully rolled my eyes. Of course, he ignored me and lifted me in his arms before carrying me to the bathroom. Solomon gently set me down on the counter, then turned on the shower. A chair was already in the shower for me to use. My momma had been helping me shower and wash my hair since we got here. She tried to help me yesterday, but I was too sad and didn’t want to be bothered.

Depression had been getting the best of me, which made me feel shame, which in turn made me even more depressed. It was hard to truly enjoy time with my family because all I kept thinking about was how disappointed they must be in me.

When I looked at myself in the mirror, I was disgusted by the girl looking back at me. She wasn’t the person I used to know. I couldn’t believe I had let someone break me down and dim my light.

“Hey, get out of your head. I know you’re going through a lot, but you’re not in this alone. I got you.” Solomon kissed my forehead again.

He lifted my shirt over my head, being extra gentle with my cast. I sat there while he undressed me like a child. He must have forgotten something because he walked out without saying anything. I waited a few moments, but he returned quickly with multiple plastic grocery bags in his hands.

“Solo, what is that for?”

“You said you couldn’t get your arm or foot wet.”

He shrugged like it made perfect sense.

“This is how we used to keep our hair dry when we couldn’t afford a shower cap. The hood way is the best way.”

I didn’t bother to question him any further. Instead, I held out my arm and watched him wrap it in plastic bags. I felt like a fool, but I didn’t have the heart to hurt his feelings.

Once I was naked, he removed his shirt and socks, leaving only his shorts on. He picked me up again and pulled open the shower door. I felt so vulnerable and awkward being naked in his arms, but I held on tight to him.

Solomon placed me in the chair and got right to work. I sat there stiff as a board while he lathered my towel and washed me from head to toe. When it was time to wash my intimate areas, he helped me stand and handed the towel to me. He watched me intently, but not in a sexual way. It was a protective stare.

He helped me rinse off and repeated the steps. When it was time to wash my hair, he leaned me forward so I could wet it. Solomon grabbed the shampoo bottle and damn near poured half of it onto his hand. I giggled, as shampoo dripped everywhere.

Solomon ignored my laughter and stepped closer. My breasts were pressed against his lower chest as he massaged the shampoo into my head. My head tilted back, and I closed my eyes, relishing the feeling. My momma had always been the best shampooer, but Solomon was a close second.

“Mmm,” I moaned while he scratched and massaged my scalp. I wrapped my arms around his body for support. My eyes stayed closed as he pressed his lips to my forehead and lingered for a moment.

“I promise I’m gonna make everyone pay for hurting you.” He vowed.