I tucked my bottom lip inside of my mouth. The smile forming threatened to tear the corners of them.
I moved my hand from side to side, pulling that bright smile of Teddy’s from that dark place that often consumed him.
“Then that’s all that matters.”
I couldn’t hold back that laughter.
“Richie said that if–” I hesitated, feeling my heart ache at the sound of my father’s name.
“He sai–” I cleared my throat, unable to continue.
“Richie was right, baby.”
I sighed.
“Yeah. He was always right.”
“We don’t choose who we love, Royce. I wasn’t the exception to that rule. Should you be in the public eye,no. Is it risky,yes. But what’s life without risk, baby? I risked everything for the woman I love. And, if I had the choice to do it all again…I wouldn’t change one thing. Make your bed and lay in that motherfucker.”
“It’s not me I’m worried about.”
He shook his head, shrugging his shoulders.
“I can handle myself, baby. I’m not an assignment of yours. I can’t be handled. Don’t try.”
I took another sip, needing to clear the thickness in my throat. So many emotions were toying with my heart.
“And–” I asked.
“And?”
“Teddy.”
I didn’t realize my feet had stomped the ground and my lips were poking out until Chemistry’s thumb and index fingers squeezed his nose. His shoulders squared immediately after.
“You’ve done well, Royce.”
“Yeah?”
His approval lifted my eyebrows and widened my nostrils. Chemistry nodded.
“He’s solid, baby.”
“Rugger told m–”
“Rugger knows. Rugger definitely knows.”
“You look well,” he paused, taking a good look at me. His hand landed on his chest.
“Is it the children?”
“The children?”
“That have you showing a little emotion these days.”
He tilted his head and then lifted it as quickly.
“Jru misses you.”
