Page 42 of The Perfect Verse
“You’re right.” He tucked his lips, wondering if his wife was eavesdropping. “Mulan!” he yelled. “You trying to leave me?”
“Oh, please, Chello,” they heard Mulan reply, causing them to laugh. “Grow the hell up. I’d put you down first.”
“See, about to have my own wife turn on me.”
“I’d never. If she said you all couldn’t help, her word is the final word, but thank you.” She lowered her gaze and stared at the screensaver once more.
“For what, sis? I ain’t did shit.”
“Listening.” She sighed, feeling like she was back at square one.
“I’ll do you one better. Send those photos to me. Give us some time. I just have one question. How do you want us to handle this?” He cocked up one brow, hoping she’d read between the lines.
“Naw, I don’t want Mulan involved. I wouldn’t feel right.”
“Too bad.” She appeared, crossing her arms. “I already am.” Chello grinned, waving her over. She couldn’t stay away if she wanted to.
“Is that how love works?”
“It does for us.” He grabbed her chin and slid his tongue in her mouth. She moaned, and when she wrapped both arms around his neck, Kaleela knew her time was up. “Baby, she’s still sitting here,” Mulan whispered against his lips.
“Trouble, see yourself out, and send that information.” She kissed her teeth before each corner of her mouth lifted.
“Today,” he added, then stood with Mulan in his arms. “Love you.”
“Yeah, yeah, nigga. I love you too.”
Chapter 17
Verse Seventeen
“Fuck!” Donovan slammed his cellphone against the wall. “This fucking girl. I swear.” He dragged his hand through his dreads, pacing back and forth. He had no clue what happened, but Chaney hadn’t answered any of his calls or text messages. He even called the shop and was told she wasn’t there either.
“You must have fucked up, nigga,” Scooter mumbled, trying to sleep with his arm over his eyes. He was tired after all the errands he had run before they packed for their tour. He had three suitcases, including one to carry his equipment. Whenever he was inspired by something, he wanted to settle into his hotel room and push it out.
“How?” He lifted both hands. “I just saw her before we took off.”
“Then whatever you did happened after that.” Scooter yawned and sat up, realizing a nap was not in the cards for him.
“The fuck how? I’ve been with you.” Scooter stood and stretched, rubbing his stomach. He hadn’t eaten before they left, and he always passed on plane food. He wasn’t much of a snackman anyway. He turned on the television and accessed the room service feature.
“You hungry?”
“Naw, I need to wring Chaney’s fucking neck.” He grunted. “If she even with that bitch, I swear?—”
“Hold up.” Scooter hiked up his sweatpants, his brows furrowed. Before he assumed anything, he needed clarification. His cousin was spiraling, which was understandable if his girl wasn’t communicating, but to insinuate anything that could be tied to his girl needed to be addressed. “With what bitch?”
“Nigga,” Donovan drawled with pursed lips. “The one you were friendly with. All that grinning in her face, smoking behind her, and giving her advice about her fucking person. Nigga, is you a fan or naw?”
A rough, short-lived laugh escaped Scooter’s mouth. He’d never explain to another man about who he dealt with, because who he dealt with was his business. In fact, short of Donovan not seeking retaliation for the sake of his freedom, he never once interfered as Chaney entered onto their scene. As long as it didn’t impact the business, his opinion remained tucked.
“What?” Donovan lifted both hands. “I’m lying?”
“Naw, you’re tripping. The fuck I look like being a fan of anyone, and, honestly, she ain’t about to be another one of your bitches. Take that shit out on your girl, or better yet, grow some fucking balls. Shay’s been dragging your ass for years. At this point, nigga, handle that shit with the laws yourself and sit down and do your time because between me and you, that bitch could never dry blackmail my ass.”
“Oh yeah?”
Donovan smiled as he plopped on the sofa, grabbing his blunt. He knew his suspicions were spot on since his intel came from Mango. She was the closest to Scooter, and she was the family’s personal gossip column. It didn’t take much for her toshare how cool Kaleela and her sister were, even how she was no longer on any waiting lists for services. Being Scooter’s sister had paid off in more ways than one, as Shonasia offered her a part-time job to work the front desk on the weekends.
