Page 12 of Can I?

“Love you too,” we said in unison.

I wanted to talk to her about how the pregnancy was going, but she was right. This was time I only wanted to spend with Tiffany Henderson Semien. I didn’t want to share that time with no one else. I had my mama back, and I felt like I was breathing again. I saddled my horse and hopped on so fast I nearly slid off on the other side.

She smiled big at me and said, “When you are ready to really get into barebacking, I’m gonna get Legend and Red to come help you. They helped me tremendously.”

“Okay. Maybe after this rodeo, we can get into it.”

“Yep, and then you can at least get to know Ferris wheel.”

I rolled my eyes and giggled. The twins had called him the same thing. “I don’t know.”

“You knew Julius was shady. Your judgment in that area was spot on. You just have to work on your reaction to bullshit. You may have anger issues. I do too. I thought I had a handle on it until I slapped you.”

“That doesn’t count. The circumstances were extremely emotional.” I said it that way to avoid verbalizing Grandpa being gone. “You get a pass. That wasn’t just anger.”

She smiled at me. “I think you should still call Red Squared to get his number. Now let’s get on these barrels, Missy Poo.”

I giggled. She used to call me that all the time when I was a little girl. I slowly shook my head and said, “Let’s do it.”

When I walkedinto the diner, all eyes seemed to be on me. I iced up with nervousness. Maui and Ashanni came to me and hugged me tightly, then Aunt Jen and Aunt Chrissy did the same. It hurt my heart when Uncle Storm looked at me like I was a stranger and continued his conversation with Uncle Marcus. I swallowed hard as I walked past them without speaking.

We sat in a corner where my back was against the wall. I needed to be able to see who was approaching me before they got to me. My mama had convinced me to stop avoiding everyone and just go to the diner. Things between all of us wouldn’t get any better if I stayed holed up in the house. It took me three days to build up the courage to do so.

We would be leaving tomorrow for Birmingham and wouldn’t be back until Sunday evening. So, after this stressful moment, I would at least have a getaway to get my emotions straight. When Uncle Jasper walked in, I lowered my head. He was my favorite uncle, and sometimes, I thought I was one of his favorites too.

He glanced at us as he spoke to Uncle Storm and Uncle Marcus. I just knew he was going to sit with them and not bother speaking to me either, but I was thoroughly surprised when he came our way. My nerves picked up as Ashanni grabbed my hand. “It’s okay, Lani,” she said.

I supposed she knew her dad better than any of us. I didn’t think Uncle Jasper would be as difficult as Uncle Storm was being, but I didn’t think he would come to our table. I swallowed hard and stared up at him as he hugged Maui then Ashanni. He stared at me for a moment, then a slight smile formed on his lips. I stood from my seat and hugged him tightly.

“I’m so sorry, Uncle Jasper. I didn’t?—”

“Chill out. Them muthafuckas suffered the ultimate consequences. You good, niece. You didn’t do that shit. They did. I accept your apology though.”

He kissed my cheek as I laid my head on his shoulder. When I pulled away, I saw Uncle Kenny coming our way also. “Hey, y’all,” he said.

We all hugged him one at a time. When he got to me, he lightly pinched my cheek and smiled at me. When they walked away, I closed my eyes briefly then reopened them and took a deep breath. Once I sat, I saw Uncle Storm’s eyes on me again. I couldn’t bear that shit. He was making me so fucking nervous.

“I think I’m gonna take my Cajun pasta to go when Aunt Chrissy brings it out.”

“Why?” Maui asked with a slight frown on her face.

“Uncle Storm is making me so nervous.”

She looked over at him and Uncle Marcus. “Don’t let him run you off, Lani. He’ll be fine.”

I slowly shook my head. I could imagine Uncle Marcus was feeling a way about things, too, since Ace was being charged with three counts of murder. Standing, I went to the counter and asked Aunt Chrissy if she could box my pasta. She frowned slightly but agreed to do so. I made my way back to the table to hug my girls. They were trying to talk me into staying, but I refused.

As I made my way back to the counter to get my food, Asad and Ferris walked through the door.Great.Aunt Chrissy handed me my box, and I turned to head out. I smiled politely and said, “Hey, y’all.”

“Hey, Milana,” Asad said.

“What’s up,” Ferris said.

I nodded then walked past them and out of the door. Quickly hopping in my truck, I cranked the engine and was preparing to leave when I saw Uncle Storm walk outside.Hell naw.I backed out and headed home, refusing to hear what he had to say. I knew whatever it was would hurt my feelings and haveme depressed for days. I wanted no parts of that, especially not before my trip. He’d have to catch me when I got back.

CHAPTER SIX

FERRIS

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