Royce and Klarity turned around simultaneously but the wicked laugh from Royce immediately after let me know he was with the shits. Toneshia didn’t play about me, but I was sure Royce didn’t play about his body being threatened.
“You better use it since you pulled it. It ain’t gon’ be another chance to do so, I can promise you that,” Royce voiced. He was stern and each word was laced with assurance.
“Royce, we didn’t come here for that. I’m pregnant and want a peaceful day. Ms. Afor, we really just want to talk and if you let us explain why we’re here, maybe you’d give us some of your time,” Klarity stepped in to deescalate the situation.
“I would greatly appreciate that. This is my personal space and private property. I’m not even sure how you got through the gates, to be honest,” I responded.
“You don’t think I can maneuver through a city my family built? I don’t need permission to do a damn thing in this muthafucka. Look, you the only person that can give me details on him right now. If it ain’t too much, I’d like to hear ‘em,” Royce claimed.
“What he means is there’s a family issue that came to light, and he could use anything to try and clear some things up. Ms. Afor, he is rough around the edges, but he is a sweetheart. Please allow us inside so we can discuss things in a more comfortable state,” Klarity pleaded.
I looked over at Taneshia and she never took her eyes off Royce. Derrek was big on making sure she knew how to protect herself. She was skilled in boxing as well. My girl was not to be played with for real. With her being with me most of my career, he wanted to make sure his wife was good to go.
That nosy trait I inherited from Chinara was what got me to drop my guard a little and agree to Klarity’s proposal. With the way Royce spoke to me and Nesh down to how he glared at us, I was uneasy about the conversation to come, but I wanted more information on Black. For some reason, what I knew wasn’t satisfying me.
Uncrossing my arms, I gave a light nod and stepped to the side saying, “You’re here so why the hell not. Come in and excuse the mess. I’ve been in a bit of a rut.” Maybe sending the maids away for the umpteenth time wasn’t the smartest thing to do.
“We completely understand, plus we’re not here to judge. Come, Royce, and be nice,” Klarity said grabbing Royce by the hand. He had yet to take his eyes off my best friend. I just knew he was someone who killed first and asked questions later. It was all in his demeanor.
He was hesitant but after telling Nesh to stand down, he relaxed more. “Nesh, put it away and come inside. I don’t need my neighbors witnessing more chaos. I got enough of that weeks ago,” I said annoyed by the events that were transpiring.
“Royce,” Klarity spoke softly placing his hand on her small protruding belly.
“I heard you, My Baby.” Turning around to face me, that fake ass smile was back. “Thank you for your time, Ms. Afor.”
This nigga is psychotic.
They walked in with Nesh following behind them. I pulled her to the side, and she immediately started assessing me. “Are you okay, bestie?” I nodded as I released a deep sigh rubbing my forehead. “Why the hell are they here?”
“I don’t know, but I do want to hear what’s up. Are you staying?” I inquired.
“Bitch don’t play with me. Do something with this and we’ll handle it when they leave. I’ll play host until you join us.” She handed over the bag and headed for the kitchen.
“If you’ll have a seat in the first room to your left, please. Give me one quick second, and I’ll be right with you,” I said heading to the guest bathroom I’d just called hurl in earlier.
I quickly placed the bag of tests on the sink and closed the door. Entering the living room, Nesh was handing them a bottle of water a piece. Whether she wanted to or not, it was like she entered her role as a COO and gave them respect. That switch up was something lethal.
Taking a seat on the couch that was adjacent to theirs, me and Nesh waited for them to speak first. They came over her wanting details, so I wasn’t opening my mouth until I was asked a question. Volunteering information wasn’t my forte.
“Sorry for his behavior. He doesn’t really understand that owning the city doesn’t mean the people are included,” Klarity jested, but me and Nesh found nothing funny.
“My wife made a joke to lighten the mood. The least you can do is fake a smile,” Royce chimed wearing a hell of a mug on his face.
Me and Nesh’s heads fell to the side simultaneously not realizing we were expressing the same emotion.He really is crazy. I see where Black gets it from.I heard Klarity just like he did but what I wasn’t going to do was fake anything. The Atkins were already causing me hell so behaving like a good bitch wasn’t happening again.
“We heard her,” Nesh voiced. Royce flexed his jaw, and I chuckled. He was going to have a time with Nesh. She wasn’t a do as you’re told kind of bitch.
“Aight, let’s get this shit over with before I flip the fuck out. Genesis is my baby brother, and I been looking for him for quite some time. I just learned about him not too long ago and wanted to get a gist of him before popping up on him. You spent time with him, so I figured I’d kill time and pay you a visit until I’m able to visit him in jail. We went by your company several times trying to be respectful and patient. However, you never showed. I told my wife we could pay you a wellness check. Aren’t I thoughtful?”
Little brother?I didn’t think he was that close in relation. I was assuming a cousin, but brother… It made sense now that I was witnessing Royce firsthand. Apples never fell too far from oneanother.
“What is it you want to know, Royce?” I questioned.
“What happened between y’all two and why you call them boys so late? I heard some things, so I’m confused on why you did it,” he answered.
My curiosity spiked because of that last sentence alone. What the hell did he hear and from who? I spoke with no one but Nesh about the things me and Black did and I truly didn’t let it be known until today. Black wasn’t a snitch, and I could tell from the way he looked at me when I was giving the cops the rundown.
“What do you mean you heard some things?” I inquired sitting up.
