Page 43 of One Good Reason

“Say less.”

“What made you get into tech?”

“Growing up, I was heavily into computers. I had a gift and used it to my advantage.”

“Gift of what?”

“I could hack into the most encrypted system there was. I ended up going to school for computers and when I finished, I knew I didn’t plan on working for anyone for the rest of my life. So, I started out writing and developing software.

Over the years, technology changed prompting me to try different avenues of tech. I saw what Steve Jobs was doing with Appleand decided I wanted to be on that level. Eventually. it led me to app creation. Now I create apps for other people.”

“Interesting,” she hummed.

“Which part?”

“All of it. I’ve never been a tech savvy person. I mean I know my way around computers, but to sit there and develop software doesn’t seem like something I would enjoy doing every day.”

“It’s not for everybody. I’m good with numbers and sequences so it was the best job for me. Now accounting would’ve bored the shit out of me.” I laughed.

“You look like the type to not wanna take orders from anybody.”

“I’ll let you boss me around,” I flirted and watched her fidget in her seat. “What made you go the route you did?”

“Kids are innocent and a lot of the situations they’re put in, they can’t help it. I wanted to give them a voice, help them navigate through the bullshit. The state sees a kid acting out and automatically label them as a problem child. Not realizing that they may be experiencing or have experienced some type of trauma.

Those are the kids I work with, that’s the reason I go so hard. I care about their future and outcome. I want to give them endless opportunities and show them that there is more to life than what they’ve been subjected to.”

“Gema did that for you?”

“That and so much more,” she acknowledged. “If it wasn’t for her and Papa Joe, I would have been lost.” The faraway look in her eyes had my heart aching with grief.

“They rescued you?”

“Changed my life,” she uttered. “The one person in my life designed to protect me failed at it. Had Papa Joe and Gema not stepped in, I would probably be in some type of asylum.”

“Thank God for Papa Joe and Gema,” I rejoiced.

“That’s why I’ll walk through fire for Gema. She fusses about me not living my life not realizing I owe her for everything that she’s done.”

“I’m sure she knows you’re thankful. I also don’t think she would be happy to hear that you feel like you owe her for rescuing you.”

“But I do!” she croaked as her eyes misted. When she turned her head to look off, I knew she was recoiling so I did what felt natural.

Calling out to her, I waited until her eyes met mine in the mirror and mouthed. “Thank you.”

If she asked what I was thanking her for, I would’ve told her for letting me in even if it was just a little bit. This was the second time today that she displayed that rawness that was drawing me in.

CHAPTER 10

Talitha

Itold Law I would meet him in the living room ten minutes ago and I was running late. And at no choice of my own. I had just gotten out of the shower when my phone chimed with a FaceTime call from my egg donor and her siblings. I’d spent the past few minutes arguing with them about fucking nothing.

“Willearl, I’m not refuting any of that. All I’m trying to get y’all to see is Gema is of sound mind and body. If she wanted to be in Warner Robins, she knows how to open up her mouth and say something. Where is this coming from anyway? The last time we talked, I thought we were in agreeance.”

“That was fo’ ya’ mama told us you got Mama up in Alanna and you ain’t even there.”

“Three nights… I’ll be gone for three fucking nights. I’m never away from her. This is the first time. I’m not out here on nothing personal. This is work for me!” I fussed as my tone elevated.

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