“Nothing.” She shook her head.
“Why you sitting here looking like that?” He joined her on the couch and pulled her onto his lap.
“I was just thinking.” Giselle leaned forward and set her mug on the table. “A lot. Prischa said some things on the way home. I know I shouldn’t have let them get to me. She was purposely pushing my buttons.”
“What did she say?”
“You really want this, Huey? Like us? Me and you?’ Giselle searched his eyes, hoping to find the answer there.
He looked at her like he always did, a mirror. The reflection of herself in his eyes was something she didn’t get everywhere. That hardened stare that usually rested there could warm her on the coldest day when he looked at her.
“Must be serious. Got you calling me by my government.” He chuckled.
“Don’t do that.”
“Why you asking this? My intentions ain’t clear enough for you?”
“Because I need to know you’re here for me and not just because of our kids. I know you love them and want to be in their lives and give them everything you didn’t have?—”
“And I want to do that with you.” He reached out to stroke her wet curls. “Don’t get that fucked up. It starts and ends with you, princess. Bottom line. You having my seeds solidifies everything between us. I love Pri, but it doesn’t go beyond me wishing her the best in life. If that’s her and Viggo, then that’s what it is.” He cupped her chin and swiped his thumb over her juicy bottom lip.
“I got something else for you too. Move over.” He nudged her off his lap so he could go into the inner pocket of his blazer.
Giselle curled her legs behind her and tucked her feet as Heavy removed the papers Vo had given him and opened them.
“What’s that?” Giselle leaned forward.
“Met up with an old friend of the family tonight.” He slid her the information, and she studied the numbers before looking up at him.
“What does this mean?”
“In about twenty-four to forty-eight hours, everything owed to you will be returned, including Knox Designs.”
Jaw slack, eyes glistening, Giselle’s hands trembled so hard the papers slipped from her grasp.
“Are you serious? How did this happen?”
“Alonzo ain’t the only nigga connected. Malcom will probably be calling you soon.” Heavy reclined beside her.
“Oh, my God!” Giselle squealed, jumping into his arms and straddling him. “Do you know what this means?”
“Nah, why don’t you tell me?” Heavy stroked her chin with his index finger.
Part of him wondered if this was a good or bad thing. He couldn’t help but consider Alonzo’s words.Would she want more?Giselle came back because she lost everything and didn’thave anywhere else to go.Now that she had her own resources, what would she do with it? Was this always just her back-up plan, or would she really be able to plant roots in Southwick?
“You’re the one with all the options now.”
Remaining in his lap, she pushed away from him, not liking the tone in his voice.
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“We talked about me and what I want, but what about you? You think you can stay here in this small-town life and be happy?” Heavy presented.
“You still think I’m that selfish?” Scoffing, she dropped her hands in her lap.
“I think you came back here because your back was against the wall, and everything you knew and had was taken from you.”
“And now what? You think because I got it all back, that means what? I’m just going to leave?” she questioned.
