Page 52 of The Sweetest Devotion

When I was fifteen, I’d joined a local gang. Getting jumped in proved to be a painful feat, but I’d done it, under the guise that it was worth it. To belong. At a chance to make money if needed. I’d never sold—much to my mother’s relief—but I’d avoided the hard path for an easy way out.

Dominique would be better than me.

“And?” I pressed, wanting to know what he was thinking.

Dom sucked his teeth, looking off into the distance as he still had a good amount of carts to collect. “My boy got some work for me. He been talkin’ about me linkin’ with ’im to get some extra money.”

I closed my eyes and bit my tongue, stopping myself from lashing out. Nobody when they’re young likes being told what to do.

I scrubbed my hand down my face. “I’m here. If you need a little extra money for help around the house, you got my number, you know how to reach me.”

Dominique’s eyes cut to me, the pride in them prominent. “And beg for a handout?”

“I’d rather give you my last than let you do something that’s gonna potentially fuck you up for life,” I told him.

I never wanted for much. I was damn near living paycheck-to-paycheck before Uncle Rod let me start using the garage to do side jobs as far as painting and customizing went. But I meant what I said. I’d rather zero out my entire bank account than let this kid start movin’ illegal.

Dominique frowned, refusing to look at me. “Keith.”

Tentatively, I reached out, placing my hand on his shoulder. In Bedford Heights, sometimes the city was counted out as a whole. But there was light here, good people with good intentions, and I’d do whatever it took to keep Dominique from falling by the wayside. To becoming another statistic.

“I got you,” I let him know firmly. “Do yourself a favor and stick with this job. You’re a minor now, but when the time comes, with school, you can elevate. Finnegan’s got a reputation for handin’ out scholarships for its employees. So, don’t act like followin’ your boys is the only way.”

Dominique issued out a lopsided smile as he slowly bobbed his head.

I pulled him closer and gave him a quick hug. Not wanting to be too mushy since his energy was still hostile. “Keep your head up.”

I let Dominique get back to work as I went back inside and collected a shopping basket.

The fresh smell of fish greeted me as I headed over to the seafood section of the store. The department was still open, and as I browsed their selections I was elated to see that they had skinless salmon like Kennedy liked. I ordered a couple filets before going over to the bakery and picking out a pack of chocolate frosted brownies.

I wouldn’t make herdoanything for them. It wasn’t her thing to give head, but I was glad she’d enjoyed it when I felt her wetness on my fingers when I touched her. I wouldn’t push, but I was hoping she’d do it again, on her own, unprovoked.

For now, she could have the brownies simply because she wanted them.

After checking out at the register I made a stop at the ATM and withdrew three hundred dollars. It wasn’t much, but I hoped it showed I was someone Dominique could count on.

“Come on, man.” Dominique’s eyes got a little glassy as I met him outside and slid him the money. “I don’t want that.”

When he shook his head once more, I reached out and put the money into his hoodie’s pouch. “Take it. I mean it, I’m here. So is Savon. You’re not alone, Dom. We got you.”

Misty eyed, he dapped me up and nodded. “Thank you.”

I ruffled his plaits. “Always got you.”

Because I didn’t want to overwhelm him, and let the fish sit out for too long, I left him to finish his shift as I got back in my truck.

By the time I made it home I noticed Kennedy’s car was gone. Inside, in my bedroom, I found a note and a fifty-dollar bill on my copy ofNight Changes.

Family emergency. – Sorry, K.

Sighing, I went and put the fish in the freezer.

I wasn’t disappointed. This was just a fling. Nothing more. Nothing less.

11

“So, what happened?”Jadyn asked me over the phone Wednesday afternoon.

---