Page 39 of So I Know it's Real

Two Weeks Later

Say You Won’t Let Go

“Mama Jo! Open the door!” I yelled as I carried three cases of water up her stairs.

She cut her eyes at me as she pulled the screen door open. “Don’t rush me, Buttah. I was in the kitchen. Take the water in there, and sit them next to the washer.”

The aroma of biscuits and bacon caused my mouth to water. “I guess I showed up right on time. Is breakfast ready?”

“It is, but you’re too excited about a basic meal. If you get with a woman who’s worth more than what’s between her legs, you wouldn’t have to come over here to get a good meal.”

I grabbed a stack of mail from the counter and looked through the envelopes instead of responding to her statement. If anyone wanted me to settle down, it was my grandmother. She often expressed how she was getting older and wanted to be around to raise her great grandkids. Though I understood where she was coming from, she would have to rely on Mercy to fulfill that dream.

“Good morning, good people!” Mercy exclaimed while speeding to the refrigerator.

“You’ve been here all this time?” I wondered aloud. “I know you saw me calling you.”

“I also knew you didn’t want anything. Your greedy ass only comes over here to eat.”

“Whatever. Where are you going all suited and booted?”

“I have a second interview at Ryker’s recording studio.”

My brows climbed up my forehead. “Oh, shit. That’s what I’m talking about! You put on your good shit and let your twists loose, so I know you’re serious.”

She plopped down in the chair beside me. “I have to be. The world is spinning while I’m at a standstill. Even you’re moving on. I don’t want to be left behind.”

“I respect you finding your own path, but I would never leave you behind. Wherever I go, you’re welcome to ride. I just want you towantto be there.”

She nodded. “I get it. That’s why I’m making moves.”

“You look pretty while doing it. You should keep this look.”

“On my soul!” Mama Jo interjected.

“Oh, hell nah!” I groaned. “Mercy, you got my granny sounding like the hos in this book Clover read to me the other night.”

“Clover?” Mama Jo repeated her name.

Mercy’s brows met on the ends. “I’m stuck on the reading part.”

I knew I fucked up by dropping her name, yet Clover stayed on my mind so much I couldn’t help but mention her. We had been on two dates since we settled the debt with The Pablos, and I was starting to get used to having her around.

“We’ve been kicking it. Dating,” I clarified. “Mama Jo, why didn’t you introduce us? Clover’s family has been going to your church for years. You know hips and dimples are my kryptonite.”

“I also knew you two weren’t ready for each other. Clover isn’t at church often, but people talk. She had a lot on her plate.Her baby daddy was locked up for years. Then he was killed after being home for a hot second. I never met him, but I heard he was a gangbanger.”

“A banger?” I chuckled. “Is that why you didn’t want me to have her? I’m a gangsta too.”

“No, it’s because you were heartbroken and bitter. I didn’t want you to take your anger toward Kehlani out on Clover.”

I glanced up from the mail. “You think things are different now?”

“The Lord brought y’all together, so I’d say so. Be sure to bring her to my party.”

“I wouldn’t come without her.”

With a hefty plate in hand, Mama Jo walked over and rubbed the top of my head.

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