Page 35 of Love's Instant Replay
“Come to your funeral. Or keep the secret about your decaying body in my backyard?” Cutting off Jaxon, I give hima death glare, daring him to finish whatever statement he had been about to speak.
Fire mixes with ice in my veins as murder flashes in my eyes for the linebacker who’s twice my size bold enough to speak on my woman. Separation or not, I ain’t about to play the radio with these niggas about Kyelle.
“Whoa. I was just?—”
“Itching for this sensitive nigga to fold you like a pancake. Ain’t your mother ever tell your big ass to keep it cute? This nigga has been off all practice, so why would you step your dumb ass in the booby trap he set?” Rickey’s face is a mask of confusion while staring at Jaxon before Jaelon starts talking again, effectively shifting my focus and murderous thoughts.
“Let me give you some advice, bro. In times like these, our women’s natural defense is to run . . . Don’t let her. Swoop down on that ass and make her hear you out,” Jaelon says without an ounce of humor as his eyes flash with a hint of familiarity with my situation.
“What the fuck are y’all standing around Evans for? Hit the showers and go home.” Coach Sumlin’s booming voice causes everyone, including me, to do as we’re told.
Following behind the guys, I ponder ways to get Kyelle to talk to me and backup plans just in case the first one doesn’t work.
“Aye, Evans. Deal with whatever is humbling you outside of my facility, or the next time you’ll be sitting on the bench during our next game,” Coach Sumlin says to my retreating back, causing me to give him the okay sign.
Jaleel:
Clearly, you and Little Bit are on y’all period and shit. I’m putting my fucking foot down. Come smooth shit out with your daughter before you go anywhere else.
I thought my vehicle was headed to the east side of Ribax after practice. But the text from my brother let me know that I have to throw water on the firewood simmering at home first. Thankfully, I’ve had six years of practice calming the storm that is Mica Evans, so I’m not empty-handed. Exiting my vehicle, I grab the items for Mica and head to the front door, hoping she’s in a forgiving mood that doesn’t throw a monkey wrench in my plans. Inserting my key in the lock, I hesitantly open the front door, listening for the occupants. Hearing faint voices coming from the direction of the kitchen, I head that way.
“Keep talking with all that attitude, and I’m gonna bust your little ass, Little Bit. I’m about tired of your backtalk today.” From the hardness in Jaleel’s tone, I can tell Mica is tap dancing on his last nerve.
“Whatever, Uncle J. You always say?—”
“I know you ain’t in here disrespecting your uncle, Mica Evans,” I say, cutting off whatever sassy response Mica was about to express.
Her eyes balloon at seeing me walking into the kitchen as a smirk forms on Jaleel’s lips. “Mhm. What were you saying?” Jaleel asks Mica.
“Stop taunting her, and then you wouldn’t have to worry about her talking to you crazy,” I tell Jaleel before focusing on Mica. “What’s your problem, little Miss Sass?”
A cute pout forms on Mica’s lips as her eyes water, causing my chest to tighten and my feet to move toward her.
“I’m mad at you, Daddy. You hurt my feelings.”
“That might be true, but it doesn’t give you an excuse to mistreat your uncle. Now give me a hug.” Opening my arms, I wait for Mica to walk into my embrace before I wrap my arms around her tightly. “I’m sorry for last night. If I promise not to be mean to you, will you forgive me?”
Mica sniffles while bobbing her head up and down as I bend to pick her up before kissing her head several times.
“I’m sorry, Daddy.”
“No, I’m sorry, Cupcake. I was having a bad day, and you didn’t deserve me to snap at you. Will you forgive me? I brought you a present.” My tone is apologetic as a smile upturns my lips when Mica’s eyes glow with happiness.
“I’ll always forgive you, Daddy,” Mica says, kissing my chin as my heart expands as my world partially resets.
“Thank you, Cupcake.”
“Mhm. Did you bring me more books?”
Laughter sounds in the room, causing me to look at Jaleel who’s smirking at me. “Not until he eats c?—”
“Shut up, ni?—”
“Daddy, you’re not being nice again.” Mica cuts me off, causing me to glare at Jaleel.
“My bad. I didn’t buy you any books this time. But I’ll get you some soon. I did get you some of your favorite candy and a new bear though.”
“Okay. Can you ask Ms. Kyelle to pick some out for me?”
