Page 27 of Pieces of Us

“If we’re being technical, I didn’t take anything away from you. You had sex with his daughter, which caused that bitch nigga to take her away from you. I told you that shit wasn’t going to work, Son, but you didn’t want to listen.”

“I didn’t listen because I didn’t give a fuck about what her pops said. I honestly should have just taken my chances with you being pissed at me for not going to Atlanta than to lose her.”

“Then you would have had to suffer the consequences of losing her altogether. Her father would be in the dirt, and you would have still been without her. So, now what?”

I shook my head as I stood. “I can feel myself getting upset, so I’m going to end this conversation. If you would have killedher father, she wouldn’t have known it was you who did it because I would hope you wouldn’t have told me.

“I hated that I allowed you to dictate my life. You knew Diana wasn’t shit, but you still forced us to marry. I’m glad I woke the fuck up when I was trying to get her pregnant. This shit would have been an even bigger disaster, but it’s cool. I’m going to find Morgan now that I have the money to do so and get my girl back.”

“You love her that much? Even after almost fourteen years of being without her?”

“I don’t expect you to understand. What Mo and I had was special. I saw a future with her, and I fucked up by letting her get away. But that’s about to change.”

My father held his palms up in surrender. “I hear you, Son. Just know if her daddy is still on that bullshit, be prepared to console her at his funeral.”

“Speaking of funerals, are you trying to have one of your own?”

He frowned at me. “What the fuck is that supposed to mean?”

“Why do you have all of these people where you rest your head? You’re exposing yourself to potential danger.”

“Everybody here has been vetted. You also know I would never invite an enemy to my house.”

“Are you ever going to let the streets go? You’re getting older, Pops. Your children are going to eventually start having children, and I, for one, don’t want mine around this street shit. I’m sure BB and Chels would feel the same way.”

“That time is coming. I already have my replacement in place. Just two more drops, and I’m done. You’re right. I am getting older, and I do plan to be here for my grandkids.”

I nodded as I walked toward the door. “If Queenie never taught me anything, she taught me to only trust actions, neverwords. Let me know when that time comes. I’d like to be more present.”

With that, I left the room.

“What kind of doctor are you?” Kenzi, Ruger’s wife, asked me.

We were sitting at the table playing spades and talking about everything. I hadn’t seen Ruger since my uncle Honor passed away. Ruger was my cousin on my mom’s side. His dad was my mom’s brother, so to lose them both within a three-year span had been tragic. I had gone off to college, and he had been going through the loss of his father. We would text every now and then to check up on each other, but other than that, we hadn’t seen each other since my mom’s funeral.

“Pediatrician.”

“That’s so cool. I was going to be a pediatrician, but I wanted to help people who have mental health difficulties. I do love children, though.”

“I do too. It’s why I got into the field.”

“You always been smart…just not smart enough to beat me at spades,” Ruger said, cutting my jack of spades with the king.

“Damn! I thought you played that shit already.”

“We can’t be partners if you gon’ be losing and shit, bro,” Loon fussed, shaking his head.

“My nigga, I literally made all of these books by myself.”

“Man, whatever. I’m going to get me some food. Fuck this game.”

Ruger and I chuckled just as Chelsea walked up.

“Hey, Mekai. Hey, Kenzi.”

“What’s up, Chels?” Ruger greeted her.

Kenzi stood to hug her. “Hey, Chelsea. You look so chic, girly.”

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