“Is there a problem, ma’am?” he asks.
“Not anymore. Thanks for coming over, officer. I’m done. This visit is over,” I tell him.
“Roberts, up,” he demands and Rush is furious.
He mouths “This ain’t over, bitch” as he stands. His eyes glare a hole into my skin as he walks past me.
Visitation protocol at this facility requires that the inmate is escorted out first at the end of the visit. Once he’s through the door, a female C.O. walks toward me and I’m walked out through the visitor entrance. Swiftly, I follow the exit signs. As soon as I’m in the parking lot, I exhale loud as hell then smile.
I’m done with Rush for good.
There’s nothing left between us.
He’s out of my life, our life.
He won’t hurt my babies again.
Out of habit, as soon as I’m in my ride, I call my mother’s phone. I don’t know if that instinct is ever going to leave me. In a flash, sadness floods my soul. She always wanted more for me, especially when it came to Rush. She would have been ecstatic to hear what just happened. I can practically hear the excitement that would have been in her voice as I told her.God, I miss her.
Her voicemail plays and her beautiful voice fills my ear and heart. When it ends, I’m tempted to hang up. However, I can’t and I don’t. Instead, I sink into my seat and leave her the message I wish I could have told her while she was still here withme. As happy as I am to be finally free of Rush, I regret not doing it sooner.
Chapter 7
Xai
It’s been five days since my wisdom teeth were removed and I finally feel normal. That fucking stabbing shit is gone. I’m still following the doctor’s instructions and eating soft foods, but as soon as he checks me tomorrow and says I can eat, I’m taking my ass to Diablos Steakhouse for some real ass food to celebrate. For now, I’m settling for a drink.
Rick and I are at Black Diamonds nightclub. It’s Tuesday night and there’s actually a decent crowd. My usual spot is McCall’s but I’m not trying to run into Narissa tonight and kill my vibe. Besides, Black Diamonds and McCall’s are two different clubs. I’m feeling the fuck out of myself tonight and this all-black, plush VIP lounge matches my energy.
I popped my shit this evening.
Two hours ago, I officially became the owner of my second Clean Ridez. My offer was accepted and I signed a stack of what felt like a hundred documents to secure my new property and keys. My business just expanded and I have successfully made my future even more secure.
“Congrats again, bruh,” Rick says before sipping from his glass of yak.
“Preciate it,” I tell him before finishing my bourbon. “Shit feels good as fuck. Never even imagined having one location, let alone two. You know how shit was for me growing up. Hustling was the only thing I knew to do to take care of Kadean and my moms. This business shit was you, not me,” I tell him.
“You hustling now. Hell, so am I. The difference is now you can’t get locked for making money.”
“Real shit. You right. The grind don’t stop when you’re hungry and I’m never full,” I tell him, then wave our server over.
“Would you like another bottle?” she asks as soon as she reaches our table.
“No. Just a glass of Black Barrel bourbon,” I tell her then look at Rick. “You good?” I ask and he shakes his head. “That’s it,” I tell her and she smiles before walking off.
“What time is your appointment tomorrow?” Rick asks.
“Eleven.”
“You gon’ be straight?”
“Why wouldn’t I be?” I question.
“Ol’ girl,” he says with a smug ass look. “That medicine had you saying some wild shit to her,” he says, then chuckles.
He’s been riding me about Adora since he’d picked me up from the dentist. I don’t remember half the shit he says I said but I don’t care either. Whatever I said, I clearly meant it. Adora is beautiful and she had my ass speechless before any of the drugs or IV.
“I stand on it. Shit. You saw her,” I say and he nods.
