It felt like an eternity passed by us before he spoke, but when he finally did, I was still at lost for words. “So, when you moving?”
“Huh?” I asked expressing confusion.
“I spoke to that nigga several times, and he made it very clear that Sage Springs wasn’t gon’ ever have him as a resident. So again, when you moving?”
Chuckling, I said, “Royce, I don’t why you got that in yo’ head all of a sudden, but I’m not leaving my home.”
“Yes, the hell you is.” Sitting up, he braced himself on his knees as he gave it to me as raw as possible. “Look, if it was anybody but him, I probably would’ve had buddy knocked by now. However, it is him, so I know how he stepping. That nigga ain’t going for nothing else when it comes to you, and now that baby. I did my part. I protected you, financed everything in yo’ life, catered to you, even caught bodies for you. He gon’ always have the one up though, ‘cause I can’t love you the way he can. This bond run deep, but it’s platonic as hell. That shit with lil’ cuz though… he gon’ lay down his life for you, that lil’ one, andLincoln. He gon’ prioritize you as his number one the same way I do Klarity. You outgrew the Springs and that’s cool. I ain’t tripping. I promise you I ain’t. A nigga lowkey happier than a muthafucka for you. I see the way you look at all the Atkins couples. This one is yours and I ain’t taking it from you… not this time. Take lil’ Lincoln and go build a life in Florida. I’m gon’ always be here if you need. You know that.”
My emotional ass was in tears by the time Royce came to the end of his speech. For years, this man has run away any guy he thought wasn’t good enough. However, to see him give Bentley his approval had me sobbing like a damn child. He loved me, that I knew. He showed it several times over. Hell, I felt like a baby bird being kicked out the nest.
The Atkins had been by my side for a long ass time. They wouldn’t allow anyone to call me an outsider. Mama Rose even included me in her will. I had a home, a family in them. This was so bittersweet because I knew for a fact my heart was with Bentley.
The time I spent with him, the conversations, the laughs… they were all moments I wanted more of. Moments I wanted as a permanent fixture in my life. It felt good having a man love me out loud and proud for once. I wasn’t a second choice for him. He knew what he wanted in me. I loved that about him.
Love. Damn, were we there already…
“Royce, what I fuck it up? What if he changes his mind? What if?—”
He interrupted my rant with, “Ain’t no what ifs. And if it is, lil’ cuz gon’ have to see me,” he threatened. “You safe Heidi. He gon’ keep you that way.”
That brought a chuckle out of me. I reached over and grabbed a few Kleenex to clean my face. He wasn’t saying anything wrong. I was just terrified that I was going to mess up. I didn’t know if I was ready to be someone’s partner for real.
“Dammit Royce. I don’t like being pushed away like this.”
“You gon’ get the hell up out of here though. We damn near adopted yo’ ass, so you forever an Atkins. If he anything like us, he gon’ want his family under his roof and yo’ last name changed ASAP. Sage Springs ain’t for you no more so go be a fuckin’ wife dawg. That nigga love you.”
“You think so?” I asked needing more reassurance.
“I know so. Go be a family for real lil’ nigga. It’s everything it’s cracked up to be,” he jested.
Nodding, I made the decision right then and there to go after my man. Royce knew me best and saw something I didn’t think others could see. I was lonely and Bentley gave me the right kind of company. Lincoln liked him and that was all that mattered.
Florida was always a good time, now it was a permanent residency for me and mine. I didn’t let my man know what was up, and I asked the Atkins to stay quiet as well. This was a decision I made for me and our kids to live a life of comfortability. With him, I knew it was a guaranteed future of happiness.
I waited at least a month before leaving Sage Springs for good. Baby boy to my side and four months pregnant with baby girl growing inside of me. I only knew that because I was impatient and had them draw my blood for the gender. Nevertheless, Lexus was going to be loved by both her parents.
“Mama, is Bentley here yet?” Lincoln asked.
The bond they built was virtual, but he’d grown to love Bentley. Every time I was on the phone with him, Lincoln just had to speak for forty-five minutes straight. I never made himfeel like he couldn’t build with him because I was doing the same. We were both in the same boat when it came to Bentley.
“He is. We’re going to see him as soon as we get in our rental,” I stated grabbing his hand. All of our things were getting shipped down, including my cars so me and baby boy came down with just us.
“Yay! I brought him one of my Woody’s.”
“You did? I think he’ll like that very much.”
“Ms. Mitchell, your vehicle is ready.” Turning around, the rental staff was standing with the key in tow and a smile.
“Thank you so much. I appreciate you doing this for me. I know it was very last minute, and I am so sorry for that.”
“No worries. Someone will be to retrieve it tomorrow morning from said address. Enjoy your day.” She handed over the keys and was out our hair.
“Come on baby boy, let’s go see Bentley.”
Lincoln was on my heels. He hopped in the back while I hopped in the front. Checking Bentley’s location, I saw that he was at the club. Club Sin was put into my GPS, and we were on our way from the airport.
I knew nothing about the Florida streets, but it was time I learned. Lincoln would be starting school after the summer break, and I needed a little comfortability. I researched the best schools, and everything for him. My plans for us to live a good life would be fulfilled times two. I had no doubt about it.
