I blinked. “Touched down where?”
“Your city.”
My mouth opened, but nothing came out. I fumbled my phone, caught it, then dropped it for real this time. It hit the car mat with a thud, and I scrambled to grab it with shaky hands.
My chest grew tight.No. No, no, no. He’s here… now?
I clutched my phone like it was the only thing tethering me to the earth, heart racing, mouth dry, stomach twisting in ways that had nothing to do with morning sickness. Because Woods wasn’t supposed to be here. Not yet. Not until I figured out what the hell I was going to do. Not until I decided if I was brave enough to tell him.
I clutched my phone like it was the only thing tethering me to the damn ground, heart racing, mouth dry, stomach twisting in ways that had nothing to do with morning sickness. His voice drifted through the speaker, smooth as ever.
“You still there, gorgeous?”
I squeezed my eyes shut. Shit just got real.
T h eg e n e r a t o r sbuzzed outside the warehouse in Compton while I went over details with my boy Mario. “You said they need twenty-five jars?” I asked, thumbing through the paperwork in front of me.
“Yup. He got twenty-five large pre-wired and wants that holiday pack to hit exactly like the one from last holiday season,” he replied, holding up his phone to show the receipt. “Said it gotta be the same packagin’. Same label. Same everything.”
I nodded. “Cool. Let the team know to finish preppin’ ‘em by tonight. You and Zaine handle the drop off. That way it’s on the ground by tomorrow.”
“You ain’t hand-deliverin’ this one?” Mario smirked.
“Nah. Got somewhere to be,” I replied, grabbing my hoodie off the chair.
He raised an eyebrow. “Where?”
I didn’t answer.
“Ahh. One ofthosetrips.” He laughed, already reading my energy. “Say less, boss man. I’ll make sure all three sites hold it down. Ain’t gon’ be no slippin’.” We dapped up, and I left out, hopping in my truck.
On the way out of the lot, my phone rang. I glanced down to see Jay calling. “Yo,” I answered, switching to Bluetooth.
“You still leavin’ today?” he asked.
“Yeah. Plane gettin’ fueled up now. I’m makin’ a couple more stops then I’m out.”
“Aight, bet. I already checked in with the crew. Inventory solid, orders confirmed, and your fam’s delivery for Christmas Eve is locked in.”
As gifts this year, I’d gotten my mama the latest Chanel bag and a few bottles of perfume. I also sent Big Mama a new fancy ass cookware set along with a Pandora necklace and bracelet. I always made sure my old ladies were straight.
“Good looks,” I said, turning onto a side street. “Text Rob if anything shifts. I’m tryna be low for a few days and not double back for no bullshit.”
“You good, bro. Go do your Christmas crashout.” He chuckled. I smirked but didn’t say shit. He knew what it was.
???
B yt h et i m eI got to the outlet mall, my mind was on getting gifts for Autumn. She wasn’t officially my woman yet, but all that was about to change.
I copped her a solid-gold tennis bracelet with custom-cut diamonds, VVS clarity. I also picked up a gold anklet I could picture on her ankle, and them pretty ass French tip toes stealing the spotlight.
Then I bought a few outfits and some lingerie I could peel off her. Shit she’d look damn near edible in. I didn’t forget the luxury throw blanket and the Gucci perfume she always used. I also bought her a few candles. I was in and out of stores like it was a mission.
For her pops, I swung through a premium cigar lounge I’d heard about in Beverly Hills. Based on what Autumn had mentioned about him over the last few weeks, he liked to kick back with a glass of dark liquor and jazz music playing.
That said, I knew he’d appreciate the handcrafted lighter and cigar sampler set I had boxed up with a black-and-gold bow. After that, I hit up a few stores to grab me some clothes and other shit for the cold ass weather waiting for me in Arbor Hills.
Around one-thirty, I got back to my loft and dropped my bags at the door. I lit a blunt and leaned on the balcony, watching the LA skyline shimmer under the sun. I exhaled slowly, letting the smoke cloud up the night air, and my thoughts drifted.
