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whole relationship had been a lie, and she’d been his sexual and financial means to food, clothing, and shelter. And he’d been her unsuccessful foray into opposites attracting. Where was the love she’d had for him?
    Drowned in crab killer and Jheri–curl juice, no doubt.
    â€œYour Honor,” Dante continued, “she promised to take care of me in the downtime. Can I get palimony?”
    â€œNo!” Judge Dunn bellowed, trying not to lose the battle to another bout of hysterics.
    â€œShut up,” Tia muttered through bared teeth.
    â€œWhat?” both Dante and Judge Dunn replied.
    â€œNothing, Your Honor,” Leroy said and gave Tia a stern look.
    Tia bit her tongue and sniffed the air, smelling smoke. She searched for the source and realized it was her ridiculous life!
    She’d dedicated her career to becoming the kind of person people would take seriously. But they wouldn’t now. Not after this. If Dante said one more thing ...
    â€œMs. Amberson, if there’s another outburst, you will be in contempt of court. And the fine is hefty. Fifty dollars a word. Understand?”
    Tia didn’t move. She felt that if she nodded or spoke, she’d go airborne, leaving the amused cop at her side zapping wind.
    â€œShe understands,” Leroy answered, a death grip on her elbow. “When can my client regain possession of the property?”
    â€œSeventy-two hours. Officer Rivers can escort her to the property to make sure there are no complications. And that should be enough time for Mr. Manuel to find other accommodations.”
    Tia wrenched her elbow free. She was fine. As long as Dante didn’t say anything else stupid.
    â€œI need more time, Your Honor,” Dante said, sounding pitiful.
    â€œDo you work?”
    â€œI’m between projects,” he confessed.
    The judge sighed dramatically. “And why is that?”
    â€œBecause the parts I play are complexual. That’s complex and intellectual at the same time. I won’t take just anything. The part has to fit me.”
    â€œInteresting,” the judge said, his hands white against the black robe. “When was the last time you had a role that met your criteria?”
    â€œTwo years ago. I had a callback for a movie with Jamie Foxx, but I didn’t get it, because of her.”
    â€œWhat did Ms. Amberson do?”
    â€œYour Honor, I don’t see how any of this matters,” Tia interrupted. “He’s in the condo I own.”
    â€œMs. Amberson, please refrain from commenting until called upon. I’ve already warned you,” the judge admonished.
    Dante’s smug look made her want to scratch his eyes out.
    â€œAs I was saying,” Dante continued, “I feel that after all the hard work and energy I put into my home, I shouldn’t have to give it up to a woman who was just using me for my elite address, among other untangible things.”
    Tia swayed, while fire from her stomach reached her throat. “Shut up using the wrong words,” she said.
    The judge banged his gavel. “Quiet,” he warned everyone in the courtroom.
    â€œAnd she gave me a disease,” Dante complained loudly.
    â€œYou lying dog,” Tia exclaimed.
    The judge banged the gavel until he was red in the face.
    Tia felt her neck being held tightly and realized it was Leroy. “You’re going to jail if you say another word, and I’m not going with you! Say something else,” he threatened, “and I swear, I’ll walk out like I don’t know you.”
    Tia elbowed her cousin away. He wasn’t helping her in the least.
    â€œMs. Amberson,” the judge said, “I won’t tolerate outbursts in my courtroom.”
    â€œWhat about the fact that he’s lying?” Tia demanded. “I see that it’s amusing to you and the rest of the people in this courtroom, but it’s not a damned bit funny.”
    â€œDon’t