“I’m not trying to put you back together again. Only you can do that. That’s a battle going on inside your mind. It’ll take a very long time, and it’s going to be really tough to win that battle. Hell, you may lose, but no matter what, I’ll always be here for you. I’ll be a listening ear if you need someone to talk to.”
He’s so fucking sincere, but I don’t want his help. “You’re breaking my black heart,” I say sarcastically. “Are you going to let me in? I have to take a piss. Or should I just go all over your porch?”
“Oh right, sorry.” He steps to the side, allowing me to enter.
This house is a home, nothing like the mansions I grew up in. Shoes are lined up beside the door. Family photos adorn the walls. The burgundy-colored furniture set is worn and matches the curtains. A jacket is draped across the back of the loveseat. Magazines cover the coffee table in front of the wide-screen television.
“Follow me. The bathroom is just before the bedroom you’ll be sleeping in. The kitchen is down the hall from your bedroom, so it’ll be convenient for you if you want a late-night snack or drink. All of your stuff arrived this morning…”
Now he’s rambling.
“Just breathe,” I say.
I walk into the bathroom then slam the door shut. After washing my hands I open the door to find Ricky standing there with some woman. She’s a beauty with mahogany-colored skin, deep chestnut-colored eyes, and short curly black hair.
Here comes the welcoming committee.
“I’d like you to meet my girlfriend, Missy.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Art. Can I call you Art? I was told that’s what you prefer to be called.”
“Our bedroom is to the left upstairs,” Ricky says.
“Wait, she lives here?”
“Yes, and her daughter too.”
“Ricky, don’t you know it’s a sin to shack up? Missy, what type of role model are you being for your daughter?” I ask, shaking my head.
“I don’t know exactly what you’re used to, Art, but I can imagine. In this household, you will show respect,” Ricky says.
“What did I do?” I ask innocently.
“You know damn well what you did,” Ricky snaps.
“Ricky, it’s fine.” Missy grips his forearm. “Why don’t you go get the kids so we can eat dinner? Art, you can take a look around in your bedroom. It’s just down that hall.”
I turn away from a seething Ricky to walk towards my temporary cage.
“If that fucker gives you any problems, you let me know. I’ll be over there in a heartbeat,” Trevor says.
I’m sitting cross-legged in the middle of my twin-sized bed, having a Facetime conversation with Trevor. My cousin, Lilah, is standing at the window like a lost puppy waiting on her master to come home. When she found out about Art, she invited herself to dinner. She loves fucked-up bad boys. He’ll most likely be drooling all over her as soon as they meet. She’s the complete opposite of me. She’s super girly with enough ass and titties for the both of us. Her jeans fit like a second skin, and her ample-sized breasts are practically spilling out of her tight black V-neck sweater. Her curly hair is in a ponytail. It’s going on eight o’clock, but we still haven’t had dinner because my mom said we had to wait for the guest of honor to make an appearance. She has been in the kitchen for several hours, alone, insisting that she cook the meal by herself. I’m very afraid.
“Don’t worry.”
“Josh told me all about that sick bastard.”
“Trevor, I can take care of myself.”
“I don’t want you to take care of yourself—that’s what you have me for.”
“Lilah, will you move away from the damn window?”
She waves me off without looking back.
“Okay, big macho man, I’ll play the damsel in distress and call on my prince if the dragon tries to slay me.”
“Good. Are you leaving the window open for me tonight?”
