Page 34 of If You Love Me

“Are you not spending any money?” he fussed.

“I don’t want to overdo it, Daddy.”

“It’s a black card. Ain’t no limit, so you could never overdo it.”

I palmed my face. “Daddy.”

“Evenie Marie. I told you to get what you need. No questions asked. You’re an authorized user on the account. Spend what you want and give it back.”

“I love you, Daddy.”

“I love you, too, baby. Let me talk back to Nina.”

I handed the phone to her. “He wants to talk to you.”

“Hey, Mr. David… Yes… I can do that… Just so we’re clear, you’re giving me permission to take off my belt if she doesn’t act right and spend this money. Got it. Love you too!”

I rolled my eyes. My father loved to treat Nina like she was the big sister and I was the little sister, even though we were the same age.

“All right. You heard what Daddy said. Swipe that card, friend.”

Swipe I did. By the time we left the mall, I had a new wardrobe, a new phone, and a couple of other things. We loaded up the trunk of Nina’s car and piled in so we could head to see my parents. When we pulled into the driveway, I noticed the fleet of cars parked along the road and the big smile on Nina’s face.

“What is going on?” I asked.

“Well… you had to have a welcome home party, babe. Your father called me this morning and told me they were putting a small get-together in place so the family could see you. I hope it’s not too much.”

I smiled. “It’s not. I’d love to see everyone.”

“Good. ’Cause my parents are here, too, and you know Ava Loren would have thought nothing of pulling up at the house.”

We laughed as we got out of the car and made our way around back. The music was already bumping, and I could smell my father’s famous ribs on the grill. When we stepped through the back gate, I was greeted by the smiling faces of so many of my family members yelling “Surprise!” My heart swelled at the feeling of being completely loved. I went through hugging every person in attendance.

“Mama, Daddy. You didn’t have to do all this,” I said, walking over to them.

“Yes we did,” my mother said. “You deserve to be surrounded by people who love you, baby.”

“I appreciate it. Gosh… so many of the kids have grown up!”

My father chuckled. “They don’t stay babies long. Summer Rose always has a lot of kids to play with when she comes over. Since your disappearance, the family gets together a lot more often. We just want to love on each other while we still have time.”

“I know what you mean.” I rested my head on his shoulder. “This is love.”

The DJ they hired began playing music. When the sounds of “Anything” by SWV came on, Nina came over and grabbed my hand, pulling me into the middle of the yard. We started dancing, and it wasn’t long before our girls and most of the guests joined in. I was having a good time until the back gate opened, and Tyrion walked through.

I would have been a lot more upset if he hadn’t walked in looking so damn good. He was dressed in a plain black T-shirt that hugged his frame, black cargo shorts, and a black and white pair of sneakers. A white gold chain hung from his neck, and an iced-out watch glistened on his wrist. Tattoos peeked frombeneath the sleeves of the shirt, and he walked like he smelled like heaven.

When Summer Rose saw him, she ran over and jumped into his arms.

“This smooth bastard,” Nina said, giggling. “Coming in here looking like that. I should fight him.”

I couldn’t pull my eyes away from him. Even though he was on my shit list right now, I had to give him credit. He looked amazing.

Nina snapped her fingers in my face. “Earth to Evenie.”

“I’m here, girl, damn.”

“Uh-huh. I see you eyeballing that man.”

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