Standing, I looked down at Heidi and she mouthed, “Thank you”. I ain’t know what she was dealing with internally, but if she allowed it, I could be that escape goat for the both of them. I could be that shield of protection in every area of their lives and sense of peace. She just needed to realize it.
“Bentley, can you play with me on the game for a little bit? I finished my homework already,” Lincoln asked.
Looking over at Heidi, I waited for her permission. She was claimed on my end, but I still wanted her to feel like she had control. She gave a nod for the umpteenth time approving our son’s request.
Yeah, I said our son. The fuck she thought.
“He has a game area upstairs. He’ll show you where it is. Are you thirsty or anything? I can make you guys some snacks.”
“Nah, I’m good. You can have dinner with me later though. I found a restaurant not too far from here called The Gilded Fork. You’ll give me that?”
“Give you what Bentley?”
“A moment of peace. I been ripping and running since I got out. A nigga just need some peace right now. Believe it or not, you provide that. So, what’s up? You gon’ do dinner with me?” I questioned again.
I could see the many ways she wanted to decline a nigga written all over her face. I was just hoping OG looked out for mefor the one time. I ain’t want much from her today. Dinner and meaningful conversation was all I was looking for. Hitting her with the details of being my wife and mother to my kids would’ve scared her off fa sho.
“That’s…”
“A simple request. I took heed and put us in a public setting. It’s dinner Mama. You got to eat.”
She was hesitant as hell, but she finally agreed with, “Fine. What time?”
“How ‘bout… 6:30? I ain’t trying to keep you from lil’ man for too long,” I answered with a smile that stretched from ear to ear.
“That’s fine. I’ll see you at 6:30.”
She walked away and my focus stayed glued to her backside. This was ‘bout to be a walk in the park. She just ain’t know who the hell I was.
19
HEIDI
What the hell have you gotten yourself into Heidi? You don’t know that man.For hours I let the conversation from earlier play on a loop. Seeing Bentley in the flesh and in clothes that weren’t of orange fabric. He looked damned good, I couldn’t deny that. I was so used to seeing him over Facetime that, that unexpected visit became the highlight of my day.
Since that man was given my number, he’d made full use of it. However, this go round, he didn’t bother to call or text me about his release. To make it so bad, prior to his pop up, we shared a night on the phone with great conversation and laughs. Not once did I hear anything out the ordinary or suspect that he’d already been set free. Him in Sage Springs was quite the surprise.
We’d discussed things like dates, but I never expected for him to follow through on his word. I never expected him to make that request in person and with so much confidence. It was almost like he knew I would say yes. Not to mention, he got in good with Lincoln without putting forth any effort. My son clung to him as if he was his savior or something. I was taken aback by it, if I was being honest.
“Helloooooo? Bitch, you don’t hear me talking to you?”
I ran to my phone set up on my vanity. I had spaced out and completely forgot Niyani was on the phone. She wanted to watch me get ready for my dinner date with Bentley.
“Shit friend. My bad. What were we talking about?”
“Oh bitch. I see Mr. Atkins got you losing yo’ shit. You know, y’all would’ve been married with children already if we would’ve stayed at his birthday party. And let’s not forget, richer than rich too. What Yoncé say? A whole lot of brown chil’ren on yo’ Forbes list,” she jested.
Her comments caused me to blush, and I didn’t understand why. Me and Bentley didn’t have that kind of relationship. Yeah, he called me baby at times, and I allowed it even. Hell, there were times when I allowed that man to speak to me like I was his woman for real because of how good it felt at times. He told me once he was out that he was coming for me, and I didn’t believe him. I guess this was him standing ten toes on his word.
Why wouldn’t I take his word for it? He’s a damn Atkins.
“You silly,” I said shaking my head.
“No, I’m dead ass serious. I think you and Bentley would make a cute couple. He’s real laid back… dangerous but laid back. Then we have you who’s this calm wave and just as soft as you want to be. You have a story and I’m sure he does as well. I think he’s the one that can give you the love of a man that’s not platonic,” she expressed.
Ni wasn’t saying nothing I didn’t already know. Bentley had indeed been on a chick’s mind taking over every single thought. The night of the dinner, I felt so many emotions for him. To know that he had somebody like Enzo on his team was crazy to watch unfold.
Imagine not having your parents there to love and guide you through life, so they leave you with the necessary funds to live comfortably, but someone who you’d put money in their pockets decides to try and take everything from you. Enzo was a bum andshould’ve been dealt with sooner. He was the kind of person that would steal from a child if it benefited him.
