Page 58 of Pieces of Us

“Why?”

“Because she rarely talks to Justin. She’s not mean to him or anything, but she hasn’t been wanting to go with him like she has been with Hemi.”

“He hurt you. Megan isn’t stupid, Mo. A child feels their mother’s energy, and she saw you in pain. Did you really think their relationship was going to be the same? Not to mention, she has her real dad in the picture now.”

“I know, but—”

“Here you go, Mom.”

Megan returned to the bedroom holding up a black leather skater skirt, my black mesh bodysuit, and lace stockings.

“I am not wearing that,” I said, shaking my head.

“Why not? You bought it.” She shrugged.

“She’s right, Sis,” Drue agreed.

“I know, but I meant to take it back. That’s why the tags are still on. I thought I wanted it until I put it on and realized I didn’t want to dress that sexy in public as a married woman.”

“Umm, not to burst your bubble, but you’re kinda single now. So, go get dressed before we’re late.”

“Yeah, Mom. I don’t want to miss a minute of his show!”

I rolled my eyes at them as I went to get dressed. I had a feeling this night was going to end with my ass in the air.

By 6:30 p.m., Nehemiah pulled into my driveway in a brand-new Cadillac truck. I could see Chelsea, Shelby, and Shanise in the truck as Drue, myself, and Megan filtered out of the house.

“What’s up, Newson gang!” Drue exclaimed.

“Drueskiii!” Shelby exclaimed, jumping out of the truck and hurrying toward her. They embraced then Shelby wrapped her arms around Megan.

“You ready to sing Breezy’s songs, niecey pooh?”

“I aaam! I’m so excited!”

“Me too! You know that’s your auntie’s man, right? Let’s get it!” She laughed.

Shelby walked over to me and hugged me tightly. “Girl, you had my brother drooling when you walked out here. You look bad ass, Mo Boogie.”

I giggled as my eyes went to Nehemiah standing outside the truck staring at me. Only when Megan approached him did hetear his eyes away from me and smile down at her. I walked to the truck, heading to the passenger side as Chelsea stepped out. We locked eyes then fell into an embrace. I hadn’t seen the Newsons since coming back into Nehemiah’s life. When I saw Chelsea in the nail salon, I was frozen, not knowing whether to hug her or run. So when we hugged, I felt the tears surface.

“I missed you so much, Chels.”

“You have no idea how much I missed you. Please, don’t cry. You’re going to ruin your makeup.”

“Fuck this makeup.” I laughed and she joined in.

“Oop! Not my little church friend using profanity!”

“If you knew half of what I’d been through, you’d be cursing too.”

“Touché. Glad you’re back, Boogie.”

I smiled. “Glad to be back.”

Nehemiah approached us as he opened the back door for Chelsea, and she climbed in. He opened the passenger door, smiling down at me.

“You look like you’re ready to get fucked tonight,” he whispered.

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