Page 113 of Quasim III: King Inferno

“When you put that gun to your head… that wasn’t just pain, you were under pressure. You’ve spent so much time being the fixer and holding it down, and I honestly blame Pops for that. I used to be so jealous of the position you were in, one I wanted to be in. I didn’t know the amount of pressure and weight you carried on your shoulders.”

He sat on the stool, and looked over at me.

“You’ve been carrying so much for so long, none of us ever got to see you down. Never saw you break, because even when you hurt, you give yourself a few seconds, then throw that shield back up, and keep it moving like nothing bothers you.”

“Blaze.” I tried to push this conversation away.

“We’re gonna handle him, for what he did and what he took… that’s a given. This? This is the first time you’ve had to depend on someone. The first time you had to be saved.”

He allowed the silence to consume the space, as the words landed.

“Being real, you don’t like that the dynamic changed. That for once, you’re not the protector… she’s yours now, and that shit scares you.”

I couldn’t argue with him because he wasn’t wrong. Blair looked to me to save her, to be her safe space and things had turned. She was my protector and safe space, and I couldn’t accept that.

Tears fell down my cheeks as I intensely stared at my brother. “Why the fuck do I ruin shit that is good for me?”

“Get the fuck out your head… Rome wasn’t built in a day, Pop. You got back on your bike like it’s nothing… Nigga, we notexpecting you to run a marathon.” He sighed. “Shit, it took me longer to get back on mine.”

There another person went with that Rome shit, and now it was on my list of places I never wanted to see, because I didn’t give a fuck.

“Don’t have to ruin this… marriages go through some shit… have you met our fucking parents?”

I laughed. “Appreciate it, Blaze.”

He held his hand out and pulled me into a hug. “Not about to make you ruin the best thing in your life… me and B locked in.”

“Think you like her better than me.”

“And do!” We both started laughing as I mushed him. “Nah forreal, I witnessed where she used to be, and she deserves the best in life. Like my Sug, told myself I wasn’t going to approach her until I knew I could give her everything.”

I snatched the cookie and took a bite while sending a text to my wife.

Me: Miss you, Anjo.

I kept calm when I saw she read the message. Blaze was going on about something, and ten minutes had passed, and she still hadn’t replied to my message.

She always replied quickly.

The floating bubbles finally appeared and disappeared, with no response. I couldn’t tell you what Blaze was talking about because I tuned out when he said that he and Cappadonna were going to make somebody a cake.

The message remained read and she never replied.

Heard you,my love.

“It takes a lot to build all that muscle back and you have accomplished that… more oats?” Augusta Mae spoke, as she loaded more oats on my plate.

Elijah called me every night and told me what was going on. Although they were only a quick walk over, I wanted to give her space. I didn’t want her to feel like shit was forced because she left.

Augusta Mae had asked him while we were on the phone what he wanted for breakfast, and I figured that was the best time to pop up onMrs. Left me on read.She had a doctor’s appointment, and I would be damned if I didn’t show up.

“Augusta Mae, remind me to stop by the house to get my luggage so I can pack…” her words trailed off as she stared at me sitting at the kitchen table with a bowl piled high with oats.

Augusta was so busy at the stove she didn’t notice the eye roll and annoyance that graced my wife’s face when she looked at me. “I won’t… you girls all deserve this trip. I will make sure Elijah gets to school.”

I raised my brow. “Going on a trip, my love?”

She ignored me and went to grab her avocado toast and tumbler that she always used. Between coffee, water, or soda, that damn tumbler saw everything. She was never without it, and as she snatched her purse up and swung it onto her arm, I scooted out from the table.

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