Page 32 of Can I?

I didn’t know what any of that shit meant, but the both of them went over to him, and they talked and shook hands. I gave my attention back to Ryan. “While they enjoy their reunion, this guy is Dice. He’s ex-military and don’t mind fucking a nigga up on sight. That’s his wife, Bam. She’s one of the coldest shooters I know. That’s Shepherd. He’s also ex-military. If y’all ever see them, then you know shit done really got hot, especially Shepherd.”

He nodded for a moment. “If you see me back out here, then you know shit done got hot. My primary residence is still in Baltimore. These people don’t want me and my team involved in this shit at all. I promise you that. It will definitely be a war zone.” He smiled big and said, “A’ight. Ryan has left for now. I’m RJ again.”

He stepped down as I noticed some of his team shake their heads at his foolishness. Ali went back to the mic and said, “I recruited him, along with his team, to handle the issue we had with the people after Rhodes and decided to keep them on to help us if need be. I also brought in Shemichael Jameson. He’s Missus Taylor’s brother, and he worked at the federal prison with Chad Berotte for some years. He’s the one who got us in touch with Shawn, who’s also his brother-in-law as well, and Ryan. He has the inside track since he still works for the Feds.”

Ali released a deep breath and shook his head. “This is going to take some time to handle so things don’t get too ugly. We will practically live out here. All of us won’t be out here at once, but you will always see at least four of us here. Rondo and Dinalee live in Cheek, so they aren’t far away. Most of us are in Beaumont. However, we will take on different shifts. I will be in and out all day. Someone will always be at the diner, since it seems that’s where a lot of shit pops off.”

A slight smile formed on his lips as he said, “I just have to make sure that person ain’t Chad or Rondo, because they gon’ be off duty around all that food.”

We all laughed as Uncle WJ, Jakari, and Uncle Philly made their way to the platform. Jakari went to the mic and said, “We just want to be protected, family. Continue business as usual. There is nothing you need to do but be vigilant. Pay attention to your surroundings. Of course, Philly, PJ, and Rhodes are all here with us and are all a part of Watchful Eyes as well. PJ and Rhodes are recent recruits.”

“Thank you, Jakari,” Uncle WJ said. “So as you can see, family, we will be protected at all costs. Our family has become too large for only a couple of people to be looking out. That’s too much for anyone, even Mayor Henderson.”

Everyone chuckled as Uncle Storm rolled his eyes. “Family, you’re dismissed.”

I stood and immediately made my way to Jessica. She was talking to Mr. RJ and laughing. When I got close, he smiled slightly as Jess slid her arm around me. “RJ, this is barrel racer extraordinaire, Milana Semien. She’s going to the national finals. We are sure of it.”

I gave him a one-sided smile as I side-eyed Jess. “That’s what’s up, shorty. Congratulations.”

That Baltimore accent was stronger than before. It was like he truly had dual personalities. Jess escorted me away and said, “Give me that bitch’s address.”

I frowned. “What bitch?”

“The one that snuck you. I’m gon’ fuck her ass up.”

“Jess, no. It’s okay. Cool out. I don’t want you to get in trouble. Jacey needs you and so does Brix. Decisions, remember?”

She rolled her eyes. I swore she was more like my mama than I was. She often stayed with us whenever she came to town. Sheused to live in Houston. That move was prompted by her need to get away from Uncle Joseph, . . . her father. She was always somewhat hotheaded, but her being around my mama so much didn’t help a thing. It was like she was my big sister just as Karima was.

“Whatever, girl. If I’m not working, I’m gon’ have my ass at that diner. Now that I’m cool about Shayla, it’s open season on any of those bitches that want some smoke.”

I slowly shook my head. She kissed my cheek and said, “I love you. You know I got your back. Always.”

“I know, cuz. I love you too.”

I closed my eyes for a moment, feeling the maturity inmydecision just now. Had she caught me a few short months ago, I would have escorted her to that bitch’s house. I was proud of myself. Now, if only I could get Ferris to be proud of me, too, I’d be happy. Grabbing my phone, I sent him a text.

Ferris, I miss you. I’m going to text you every day until you respond and tell me you’re done with me. I really do want you in my life, and I want to be in yours. Can I prove to you that you need me as much as I need you? Can I… please?

I wasn’t above begging when it was something or someone I wanted. In a short time, I knew that Ferris was worth every whine that left my lips, every thought that graced my mind, and every deed I did with him in mind. I had to let him know that he’d made the right decision wanting to get to know me and that I was exactly who he thought I was.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

FERRIS

“Horsey, horsey, horsey!” Loren said repeatedly.

I rolled my eyes as I put my SUV in park. I had my nieces and nephew with me to fulfill my promise of taking them to ride horses. When I asked Asad to ask Mr. Red if it was okay, he thought it was a good idea to set up like a small petting zoo type of atmosphere for them. That would put me out here even longer with their bad asses.

Asad would be bringing his son out, and I noticed more kids that I didn’t recognize. When I got out, I heard another door open. I immediately knew who had opened it. “Kam. Wait until I come around and open doors for y’all. When I do, y’all are to stay close to me. If you run off, I will take y’all back home. Okay?”

“Okay,” they all said.

I looked at Loren, and she smiled. “You hear me, Loren?”

“Yes!”

I chuckled then got out to help them out. Once I had them all out, and we began making our way to the festivities, I took a deep breath. I saw Milana’s cousins. I hadn’t spoken to her since I’d left the diner Thursday last week, despite her numerous text messages. I still hadn’t made a decision concerning us, butI’d decided that if she texted again, I would respond. When weighing the pros and cons, that shit was even.

---