Page 29 of Welcome to the Heart Of A Maniac
“I’ll be right back. Let me know if you need anything else.” She took the menus and left the table. The way Maniac eyed me from the other end of the table, she should’ve took me with her.
Shifting in my seat, I asked, “Why you be looking at me like that?”
“I’m just staring at God’s masterpiece. Something wrong with that?”
“No,” I replied, barely audible with my eyes lowered.
I knew that I was far from ugly. Men let me know that I was pretty all the time. I just take the comment and gone about my business. Maniac was staring at me like he wanted to take me and lock me in a room to admire for the rest of his life where no one else can experience me. I’m not sure if I should be flattered or scared.
We sat there in silence ’til the waitress came back with our food. The chicken and potatoes were delicious. It’s something that I’ll order again when I come back.
After we were done with dinner, Maniac paid the tab, and we got up from the table. He gripped me by the hand, catching me off guard. I almost snatched away from him, but I can sense that he’s the type of person that was used to always getting his way. Ilet him have his lil moment as he led us toward the exit. Women stared at us as we made our way through the restaurant. I don’t know if they were looking because of my outfit, or him. Either way, I’m not sure how I felt about the extra attention.
“Do I need to order us an Uber?” I asked him as we made it to the door, and he chuckled. “What’s funny?”
When we got outside, I saw his Ferrari parked as if he’d drove it here. He opened the passenger door for me and I got inside.
Maniac took me to my trailer. “Thanks for dinner,” was all I said before climbing out of the car. It’s the least I can do.
Taking the steps, I unlocked my door and entered the house. Soon as I got in there, I noticed the broken cabinet in the kitchen was no longer hanging by a thread. Stepping to it, I opened the door, and it looked and worked like new.
“That’s strange,” I said a loud. I’d mentioned that I was gon’ get Uncle Trayvon to come over and fix that. It’s been a few things wrong with the trailer that I need to get worked on, but I never got around to doing it.
Exiting the kitchen, I headed down the hallway and noticed that it was brand new gray wood on the floor. All the old brown wood was taken out. I scratched my head as I stepped into the cats’ room and found them lying around in brand new beds. The only person that could’ve done all this had to be Manaic. I’m not sure why he’s being so nice to me, but I guess I’ll take it.
Removing my phone from my purse, I went to his name and sent him a text.
Me: Thank you.
Maniac
THE FOLLOWING AFTERNOON
The day before, I broke into Wren’s trailer again and fixed some of the things that I noticed was wrong the last time I was in there. I’m surprised that she texted and said thank you for it.
My phone vibrated and I reached over and grabbed it off my desk.
Murda: It’s ready.
Me: On my way.
I’d been sitting at the office most of the day, trying to prepare us for the event that’s coming up. Solei has been working hard and running a few things by me to make sure that it’s what I wanted. I couldn’t wait for everyone to get their hands on the new cognac. The shit fire as fuck—something that I worked on by myself.
A knock at my door grasped my attention. Looking up, I saw Grim standing in the doorway. “Yeah?”
He entered the office and took a seat in the leather chair in front of my desk. “I’m actually ’bout to head out,” I told him, so he wouldn’t get too comfortable.
“I wasn’t staying long. I just came to let you know that I handled that problem.” He brushed his hand through his loose shoulder length locs.
“Good. I ’preciate it,” I said as I lifted to my feet. That’s Grim’s job, he made problems disappear. Anything that went on dealing with the family and business, he was the man to go to.
Without uttering another word, he got up and exited the office with me directly behind him. I locked up because I didn’t know how long I was gon’ be gone or if I was even gon’ make it back to the office today. Exiting the building, I climbed into my Ferrari and headed for the chop shop.
When Wren sees her truck, she’s gon’ be so fucking excited. Hopefully, she’s appreciative of me fixing everything on it for her and don’t be too angry when she finds out that I’m the one who stole the truck in the first place.
Wren and I weren’t close as I’d hope by now. I’m trying to give her the space for her to give in on her own. I’m certain that once she let’s go and just goes with the flow, everything will align. Wren is meant to be with me, and she’ll see it soon or later.
Pulling up to the chop shop, I got out and headed to the door. Murda poked his head out and beckoned for me. This nigga was covered in black shit all over his white shirt and khaki pants. I’ll never understand why he preferred to work on cars.
