Page 27 of Rhodes to Love

“I’m good,” she said as her eyebrows lifted slightly.

She gave Karima a smirk before going back to the kitchen. I smiled slightly. I knew she was expecting my hood side, because that was what they probably remembered about me. I was still a kid back then. I’d changed for the better and knew when to engage that shit. Now wasn’t the time for that.

We sat on the couch as Mr. Henderson glanced at us. He was extremely quiet for a minute or two. Karima was so uncomfortable. Finally, he looked at me and asked, “So what have you been up to over the years?”

“Not too much. I got a bachelor’s degree from Prairie View in agricultural science and a master’s in animal science. I didn’t go until I was twenty-two or so. It was time to grow up.”

He nodded, seemingly impressed. “What are you doing with the degrees?”

“Nothing right now. I just moved back a few weeks ago. I’ve been trying to get my house situated before searching to see what was out there.”

“You must have really saved up to survive that long without a paycheck.”

I shifted in my seat slightly. “I did, but it’s mainly because I inherited my parents’ money when they were killed in California three years ago.”

“I’m sorry about your family. You’re an only child, right?”

“Yes, sir.”

He nodded. “That had to be difficult.”

“It was, but I’ve dealt with it. When they sent me here with my aunt, I was angry, but now I’m grateful. I would have probably gotten killed right along with them, because I’m sure I would have followed in my father’s footsteps.”

As he turned his attention to the TV, Karima leaned against me. When the door opened and closed, we all turned to see who was walking in. When I saw the two young men, I remembered them from the diner. They were extremely protective of their sister. I stood from my seat as they approached. The darker complexioned one shook my hand first.

“I’m Kingsley, but everyone calls me King.”

“I remembered your name, but didn’t know which was which. I’m Rhodes. Nice to meet you.” I took my gaze to Kane to see the frown on his face. “How you doing, Kane? I’m Rhodes.”

He nodded and extended his hand as well. They both shook their dad’s hand and hugged Karima then went to the kitchen to greet their mother as the door opened and closed again. That had to be KJ and his wife.

“The food is almost ready, everybody,” Mrs. Henderson said from the kitchen.

When Cassie came toward us, I stood again. Karima hugged her and said, “Sis, this is Rhodes. Baby, this is my sister-in-law, Cassie. Our due dates are a couple of weeks apart.”

“Okay. Nice to meet you, Cassie,” I said as I extended my hand to shake hers.

She smiled big. “It’s nice to meet you too, Rhodes. I like your locs.”

“Thank you.”

When KJ joined us, I started to fuck with him and give him a head nod like I’d been doing. I was trying to make a good impression, though, so I would chill out for now. “What’s up, Kendrall? How you doing?”

“What’s up,” he said.

He didn’t say it in a questioning manner. It was more like a greeting. Once Mrs. Henderson joined us and everyone was seated, I stood. They all stared at me as if wondering what I was doing, including Karima. The frown was still on Kane’s face, and one had graced Kendrall’s as well.

“I feel like I owe everyone here an apology. I’m deeply sorry for how I treated Karima. It didn’t come from a place of hate or animosity. My behavior stemmed directly from my fear of losing her. It’s not an excuse though. I ruined her life, and I plan to try my hardest to make it up to her for as long as I live. I love her so much, but I know what I did affected y’all too. When she hurts, I know it hurts y’all too. So I deeply apologize for my actions.”

“Rhodes, you didn’t ruin my life. I love you too,” Karima said.

“I can respect that, Rhodes,” Kingsley said as Mr. Henderson nodded.

“I can too. Just make sure you treat her right from here on out,” Mr. Henderson said.

“Yes, sir. I will.”

Kane never responded, but KJ said, “I respect it too. Just know that’s our baby. I don’t fight no more. You feel me?”

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