Though I knew Royce had to do her job, that bullet had little to do with it. That was more personal than it was business.
“By shooting you?”
“By any means,” I quoted Royce verbatim.
I sighed, releasing my transgressions.
“She believes in me, Ma.”
Royce’s body was in full view. That’s where I wanted her forever.
“And, that feels good to me. She feels good to me.”
“Then do right by her.”
I nodded as if she was in the same room.
“I will. Hurting her hurts too much. I can’t do that to my baby.”
“Don’t.”
“Are we still scheduled for dinner.”
“Yes. That’s another reason I was calling. Are you still coming?”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
“I’ll see you then, Son.”
“I’ll see you then.”
“I love you and worry not. This is in God’s hands.”
“I love you, too.”
I ended the call.
My mother had raised us all on the same belief system. We fully understood the importance of remaining neutral in matters of the heart. Because, it didn’t matter how upset the partner of someone you loved made you, they wouldn’t stop loving them because you told them they should. In fact, your opinion was more likely to drive them into their lover’s arms faster.
My mouth twisted rightward. I shook my head at the realization that it was hardly anything anyone could tell me about Royce right now. She had my head so far in the clouds that I didn’t care what motherfuckers on the ground was talking about. God, Himself, would have to tell me she was no good for me when she sent my Black ass to heaven. Until then, I was fully invested in what we were becoming.
“Good morning.”
My body stilled. I searched for those big, wondrous eyes. I couldn’t find them. Not until Royce slid her arm down her face, revealing parts of her I obsessed over. The detailed sketch on my pad was proof of Royce’s reign.
“Good afternoon,” I corrected.
She sat up straight, glancing in my direction. Her hair was wild. My thoughts were wilder.
“Afternoon?”
“It’s nearing the one o’clock hour.”
“But–plans. We had plans. I’ve slept the day away.”
“No plans, my baby,” I assured her with a shake of my head. “I’m listening to your body, not a made up itinerary.”
“Ish.”
