Cabo removed his phone and checked the message he had from Ava asking where they were. He replied that they were on the way then allowed his head to meet the back of the seat and closed his eyes.
“How much for the lawyer?”
Cabo lifted his head again and gave East his attention. “A little under twenty grand for the services he provided and his accommodations while doing so. Which is too fucking much considering I pay him a monthly retainer, but he’s worth every penny.”
“I’ll get that to you.”
“I’m not asking for your money, East.” Disapproval laced Cabo’s tone and was etched on his face.
“I don’t like owing people. You said we’re a lot alike so I’m sure you understand that. I’ll get the money to you.”
Cabo chuckled and shook his head. “Apparently we’re as close to family as we can be. I don’t want your money. Family looks out for their own. Keep it. Spend it on your lady. Those bruises are pretty bad.”
“I didn’t do that shit,” East barked at him defensively.
“I know, but it doesn’t mean you won’t want to make it right, which includes making her feel better and handling the person who did it.” Cabo offered East a knowing look before he shut his eyes and allowed his head to fall back again. That was the end of the conversation. East mulled over Cabo’s words while Cabo tried to steal a minute of rest. He was exhausted and ready to head back to Miami. Right after Ava got her conversation with East, that was exactly what he planned to do.
18
The second Joi heard the knock on her door, she was on her feet and heading right to it. Ava was on her feet as well, but she stood in the center of the tiny space that would be qualified as a living room. Joi had already received word that East was out and would have no further legal issues behind what happened, but she needed to see him. She was carrying the weight of what happened, and with good reason, so Joi needed to be in his presence to apologize and somehow make things right.
“Hey.” Her voice was barely audible when she heard the door open and her eyes finally landed on East. The bothered look engraved on his face didn’t help her anxiety but there wasn’t much she could do about it.
“Hey, beautiful. You can fix that face of yours. Didn’t I tell you I would handle this for you?” Cabo winked at Joi, entering the apartment. East was right behind him and only acknowledged Joi with a quick glance before he looked past her when he heard another voice.
“East?” Ava’s brows hiked slightly as she waited for him to respond to the question she already had the answer to.
“Yeah.”
“Come, sit. I understand you had a long night, so I won’t?—"
“Auntie, not tonight, please. Can we do this another time?” Joi’s pleading eyes darted from her Aunt Ava to Cabo. She had already created enough of an inconvenience in East’s life, she wasn’t about to allow him to go through her aunt’s interrogation.He likely won’t want anything to do with me after tonight anyway.
“No, we absolutely cannot. We will do this right now. I need to have a conversation with him.”
“Ava.” Cabo put just the right amount of persuasion and authority behind his tone. Her eyes made it to him and narrowed instantly. The two shared a look which caused her to concede.
“Fine.” She rolled her eyes and faced East. “She’s my baby. My only baby. My sister’s baby who became my priority…”
Ava left the statement open then walked over to the tiny counter meant to separate the kitchen from the rest of her tiny space. East frowned and looked to Cabo for clarity.
“My lady is threatening you, East.” Cabo chuckled as she moved to his side, clutching her purse.
“I most certainly am.” Ava narrowed her eyes at East before she gently reached for Joi and pulled her into a loving hug. “I love you. Call me tomorrow to let me know that you’re good.”
After releasing her, she spoke to East while Joi hugged Cabo beside her.
“You’re a very attractive man, Eastland. I’m sure that’s a big part of what she sees in you. I’m trusting that you’re more than just this.” She waved her hand toward East, who didn’t react or respond.
“Ava, let’s go.” Again, Cabo’s tone was lovingly persuasive but firm. He kissed her on the cheek and guided her to the door. “Lock up, Joi. East, I’ll be in touch. We have a few details to work out.”
East only offered a nod before the two of them were gone and he was left alone with Joi. The tension was thick and the vibe was awkward, at least for Joi. East sensed it and wanted to be upset but the more he looked at her the more his anger shifted away from Joi to her ex.
After a slow evaluation of the damage done, East walked over to her bed and sat on the foot. It was positioned so low that his knees were damn near at his chest until he extended his legs in front of him.
“Come holla at me for a minute.”
Joi sucked in a deep breath before she joined him, sitting close but making sure to leave some distance between them.
