Jordan’s eyes roamed in Coye’s direction. Coye was talking, so he didn’t notice.
My brother returned his focus to me. “Does he make you happy?”
I couldn’t stop the smile that spread across my face. I thought about how much better things seemed to be with Coye, even going through cancer with my dad.
“He does.”
Jordan stared off into space but didn’t say anything.
“Since as far as I can remember, I knew I had to protect you. Dad made sure to tell me that all of the time. I took my role seriously, even though I’m only four years older than you. I remember one time you fell, and I got up to pick you up. You were crying, and I held you and rubbed your back, and you quickly stopped crying.” He chuckled. “And every time after that, if you cried, I picked you up. I hated every nigga that broke your heart. I wanted to fight them but couldn’t ’cause I wasn’t trying to go to jail. You are my heart, Babygirl. The most important thing is your happiness. Coye is a good dude, or he wouldn’t be my best friend. If he makes you happy, then there’s nothing I can do but accept it. I know he would protect you just as much as I would.”
I wrapped my arms around my brother and hugged him tightly.
“Thank you. I love you.”
“Love you, too.” He kissed my forehead, then got up.
I stayed in the corner a little bit longer. When I was ready, I went to spend time with my friends and family as we reminisced about my dad.
I’d give myself a few days before I called Coye and see if things would work. It felt like a weight had been lifted after getting my brother’s approval.
The service had been nice.They sent Pops off the best way they knew how, and the town showed up for him like I knew they would.
I’d arrived a little late because I didn’t want Jordan to see me and be on some bullshit. I wanted to go to River and comfort her, but I knew she was in good hands with her mom and her friends.
My heart raced every time we made eye contact. It pained me to witness the hurt in her eyes, but she still tried to remain strong. I wanted to engulf her in my arms and hold her tight while she released all her pain. I wanted to kiss away her tears and reassure like I had been doing, that I was there for her. I just wanted to be in her space. Things hadn’t been the same since we took a break from each other. I was over that shit, but I knewI needed to talk to Jordan first. I missed my boy, and I knew things could be fixed with a conversation.
I saw him and River talking, so I gave them space, but when I saw him go outside, I went behind him.
He stood near the curb with his hands in his pockets, staring at the sky. The rain stopped, but the ground was still wet, and a few stubborn clouds lingered.
“I knew I’d find you out here,” I said as I approached.
“And I thought I told you not to show up.”
I shook my head and chuckled. “You knew that wasn’t going to happen. He was just as much of a father to me as he was to you.”
I shoved my hands in my pockets and moved a little closer to him. We stood next to each other in silence, both in our own worlds.
“I can’t believe he’s gone, man.” Jordan dropped his head and shook it. His voice wavered a little.
I patted his back when I noticed him swiping at his tears.
“It’s still crazy to me, too, but I’m glad I was able to spend some time with him.”
Jordan made a noise that resembled laughter, but there was no humor in it. “Yeah, he told me how you came by. He also told me that no matter what, I had to remember our friendship and that you wouldn’t do anything to hurt me. At first, I didn’t understand why he said that, but now I know.” He turned to face me. His eyes were still wet and red. “Why my little sister?”
I let his question filter through my mind for a second. This conversation was long overdue, and I knew I needed to be honest with him.
“For one, she’s not your little sister, she’s a grown ass woman.” I kept my tone steady. “But why not? River is beautiful, smart, ambitious, funny, and she’s about her business. I mean, what is there not to like about her? I didn’t purposely makemyself like her; it just happened. You know me, though, J. You know I wouldn’t fuck her over.”
He stared at me for a second.
“I know, man.” He rubbed his hand down his face. “It’s just crazy. My best friend and my sister. I never thought I’d see the day. You know how protective I am over her.”
“And you know I am the same. That won’t change. If anything, I’d be even more protective. That woman in there has my heart, J. I can see myself marrying her.”
Over the last couple of weeks, I realized just how hard I’d fallen for River. I was ready to risk my friendship for her if I had to. That was how serious I was about her.
