“Damn, like that?”
“Like that.”
Silence fell over us again. I had a feeling he needed to think over what I confessed to him, and I gave him the time to process it.
“I guess I have to accept it. I don’t need to tell you not to break her heart, because you ain’t that type of person.” He paused for a couple of seconds. “She told me how you wanted to tell me, but she didn’t. I appreciate you for at least wanting to. Most importantly, I appreciate you for being there for her. I could see how happy she was when y’all were spending time together. I also knew when y’all stopped because her attitude changed, and I knew it just wasn’t because of my dad. I just want her to be happy, and if that’s with you, y’all got my blessing. It’s not like y’all needed it.” He laughed.
“And by the way, I’ve been feeling guilty about putting my and River’s situation before our friendship, and everything going on with Pops,” I told him.
Jordan waved me off and scoffed.
“On some real shit, I’m glad you were there for River. My wife had me, but at times, I worried about my sister. It’s all good.”
He smiled and held his hand out. When I placed mine in his, I pulled him in for a hug.
“I love you, brother,” I told him.
“Love you, too. This shit should be winding down soon. Go get your girl.” He pointed his head in the direction of the door.
“I will. Let’s catch up soon,” I told him as we slapped fives.
He agreed, and I turned to go back inside. My steps were a little lighter, and I prayed that River was ready to pick things up where we left off.
When I walked back inside, I found River talking to her friends. Sophie spotted me first and offered a smile. Her action made Lily and River turn in my direction.
“Ladies, you mind if I steal River for a moment?” I asked as I approached.
Both ladies looked at River, and she nodded. Lily whispered something in River’s ear that caused her to giggle. It was quiet, but it was enough to make my heart relax.
“Hey,” she said when they walked away.
“Hey.” I gazed into her eyes. They held a slight sadness but something else. Maybe it was hope that everything would be okay.
I inched a little closer to her and wrapped my arms around her waist, and she didn’t stop me.
“Asking you how you are feeling probably isn’t the right question, but how are you feeling?”
She smirked and closed her eyes. “I’m here. The last week has been draining. I think after today, I can start putting my life back together.”
“Does that include me, too?” I asked as the corner of my mouth lifted.
I looked down at the dress she had on that hugged her curves. It was appropriate for the occasion but still sexy on her.
“I talked to Jordan, and he’s okay with us dating,” she informed me.
“Good, because I talked to him as well. I’m glad he’s cool with it, but I wasn’t going to stop anyway. I told you until you tell me to stop, I’ll be here.”
She put her head on my chest and put her arms around me. We held each other as I inhaled her smell. I missed that shit, and I hated it once her scent disappeared from my house.
“So where do we go from here?” She looked up at me.
“We go back to my place, and I cater to you for the rest of the day. I’m sure you are overwhelmed with everything that happened today, and talking to so many people. We can get some food and chill. I just want you back in my arms again.”
“Can I say goodbye to everyone?”
“Of course you can.”
I released her and stood back as she walked to her mom and her friends.
