Page 22 of Feeling Blue

“What you think? You don’t agree?”

“Nah, of course I do. I’ve agreed since he had his homeboy pay her all that money for taking the case, then after y’all came back from Florida with all that man’s shit, I knew he had to be serious. Ain’t nobody just forking over racks to a complete stranger for the fun of it. I just also agree with Money about her taking him all over the place with her. He’s cool, but how do we know she’s safe?”

“I know you’re not talking? You practically force fed me food that I didn’t watch you prepare the first time I ever saw you, then made me come to your house, where you proceeded to molest me on your sofa. I didn’t know you, and neither did Forever, but she was game. Pushing me to give you a chance. How did we know I was safe with you?”

Jerrico looked at her like what she was saying wasn’t true. “Come on now, you know that was different. We were in the same city, and you’re best friends with my brother.”

“You could have killed me here or in another city, and fuck Marcellus right now.”

“I get the point you’re trying to make, but it’s not the same.”

She was prepared to argue her point some more, but was stopped by his lips on hers. He kissed her deeply before pulling away.

“However, Forever is a very smart woman. Has been since I’ve met her, so if she trusted him, then I do too.”

“Y’all just wanna judge him because he in the streets.”

“You know me better than to ever think I’ll judge anyone.”

Goody didn’t say anything right away, only looked away, contemplating her sister’s situation. As beautiful as it could be, society was going to make it bad, and she hated that.

“I’m not going to let anyone hurt my sister’s feelings again, Jerrico.”

“And I’m not going to let anyone hurt yours, so I’m on your side. No matter what that means,” he rubbed her back before pecking her arm. “I’ll talk to Money again.”

“Thank you. You better.” She looked down at him with a smile on her face. “You know, as soon as I left Marcellus, I came here. I was so mad that I was shaking,” she leaned over, resting her cheek on the top of his head. “You’re the only person I knew would make it better. I’m so happy I have you.”

“That’s what I’m here for. You don’t need a man for nothing else. The least I can do is make your life easier, a little bit more peaceful. Anything else you can do for yourself, so I got to make sure I stay on my game. Can’t have you throwing me out and dropping disk tracks about my dick being bad.”

Her laughter erupted loudly and took over her body.

“I might call you a fuck ass cooking nigga, or a bitch ass chef, but I’ll never say that dick is bad, or that food is nasty. I’ma already do your ass dirty, ain’t no point in lying too.”

His deep laughter made her smile. “Spare me, baby, please spare me.”

“I will because I can’t live without you,” Goody simpered while staring into his eyes.

“You’ll never have to,” he pecked the center of her chest a few times.

“Forever deserves this type of love. Me and Yummy already got it.”

Jerrico was quiet as he stared at her for a long, intent moment.

“I understand, love, and you have my word to give her and Blue a real, open-minded chance.”

“You muthafuckin better or else it’s a diss track coming for your ass.”

They laughed together, with Jerrico making Goody even more anxious for her sister to have the type of love she shared with him.

Welcome to the hood life

The sun was bright, and the streets were busy. The buzz from the passing traffic echoed in their ears as the overwhelming heat encompassed them the moment they stepped out of the airport. A multitude of travelers passed them back and forth as everyone did their best to get to their next destinations. It was so hot in Miami that Blue could literally smell the heat, and there was no place he’d rather be.

Home was definitely where his heart was, and he couldn’t explain the feeling his city gave him, even if he was asked. Which he had been, repeatedly, when he and Forever discussed where they would make their permanent home. Initially, Blue had been open to going wherever she went, just wanting to be close to her, but the more he spoke to his friends and family from home, looked at pictures of his gang chilling in clubs or on the block on social media, or recollecting on the days he spent in his hood, he wanted to be home. It was where he belonged. Only this time, with his girl.

With the unicorn type beauty on his brain, where she’d been for the past few months, Blue looked to his right to see Forever observing everyone moving around them. Completely different than she usually looked, her long chocolate legs were covered by a pair of denim shorts, while she showed her flat stomach in a white crop top. On her feet were a pair of golddesigner sandals while she sported a wrist full of gold bracelets, a gold Rolex, and two gold chains with a Z pendant on one and a rose on the other.

Blue had gotten them for her the day prior. She’d mentioned in casual conversation that she’d liked the one Azayna had been wearing with the E on it. Of course, he’d made sure she had one of her own plus more. With him, she’d never have to ask for anything twice. Even if she hadn’t really asked for it. Everything in Blue wanted to spoil Forever, and he would every moment he got.

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