Page 27 of The Perfect Verse
A pout naturally formed as she stomped toward her suitcase, pulling her clothes out. When she went past him, he caught her arm, both brows hiked. She couldn’t hear what was being communicated, but he replied “yeah” and “un huh” every few seconds.
“Make me fucking sick.” He yanked her by the arm and cuffed her by the chin before he kissed her.
“Fucking behave. I love you.”
“I love you too.” She sighed, praying not only for Sashay’s grandmother but for them, too. Just when it seemed like they were on the right path, the unexpected from their past showed up, and soon, in more ways than one.
Chapter 12
Verse Twelve
On the ride to Kaleela’s community center, fatigue set in as Scooter felt sleepy. He’d been at his grandmother’s waiting for Mango to finish up her study session. It was after an all-night session with Lanky. He had the studio all to himself since Donovan took the weekend off to celebrate the good news about their tour with Chaney.
In no time, sleep soon found him as snores lightly escaped his mouth. The roads grew bumpy from unpaved potholes, causing an occasional jerk of his body. His head fell in her direction, his full lips coming into view. They were the same lips that tasted her pussy, made her come. If asked, she’d say they were his best features as the center of her panties moistened.
“Kaleela, focus,” she warned herself. She needed to do this after Shawn had sent her a threatening text. He was concerned she’d relapsed. She hadn’t, not with the boys, but she did owe it to herself and to Shawn to do the work she’d started long before they entered her life.
When the truck came to a stop, he immediately shot up and glanced around.
“Kee, baby. You’re good?” She smiled at the slip he’d made. He rubbed his eyes and cleared his throat, not realizing he’d fallen off to sleep.
“Damn, I apologize. Nigga was supposed to be company.”
“Still company,” she replied. “You’re here, right?”
“Yeah.” He nodded. “I am but where are we at?” She pointed and sighed, filled with mixed emotions. After her third stint in rehab, it came to her. She wanted to do something useful with herself that had nothing to do with her former life. She couldn’t believe it had been more than a year since she’d been there.
“Bradshaw Community Connections. The Gift of Giving Back,” he read. It didn’t hit him at first but once he’d made the connection, a faint grin appeared.
“This yours?”
“Yes,” she whispered, feeling emotional. She remembered the day they had the grand opening. Her close friends from Reagan to Gabby, even Chaney, came out to support her and Shonasia as they dedicated this community center to those who’d benefit from it the most–those that were less fortunate. It wasn’t much to many but to those that needed a safe haven, it was everything.
“Had it for a few years. I rarely come through, but it’s fully staffed. The director is Mrs. Otto,” She chortled when she heard her voice in her head. “Her ass.”
She ran a tight ship and was worth every single penny. Like clockwork on the fifth of the month, they have their monthly conference call with the small board of directors. He wanted to ask why she wasn’t more present, but he figured she’d share whenever she was ready. He was glad he’d reached out since it was clear she needed a friend.
“Bet she’s good at it.”
“Better than good and she doesn’t play but the parents and kids love her.”
“Tough egg to crack like you, huh?”
“Naw, nothing like me. She’ll bend over backwards as long as you level with her. I’m the opposite. The second your ass ain’t upfront with me, I bring all the smoke.”
“Girl, ain’t no damn body scared of your ass.”
“Anyway, it’s also why she’s here and I’m not. A motherfucker mistreats a kid in front of me or has them in the streets doing some inappropriate shit to meet their needs and my shit comes out. I’m still working on handling conflict by using my words.”
“I feel you on that, but I’m on that same wave when it comes to kids. I’m ready, baby. Take me inside.” When she looked at him with dreamy eyes, he quickly stole a kiss. “And thank you for bringing me.”
“Thank you for coming.”
“Hold up. Now, if Mrs. Otto starts staring and flirting with me, don’t hurt her. She can’t help herself.”
“Fuck you.” She tittered as he stepped outside of her truck. By the time she’d lowered herself and was settled into her wheelchair, they headed inside. She could tell that he was excited while her palms were sweaty. They made it to the front door and she stopped.
“What?”
