I blinked at Kaleo and realized that the stuff at the barber shop hadn’t been a one off. This man was actually crazy.
“You’re actually crazy,” I blurted.
“If that’s how you want to take it.” He shrugged. “I don’t fuck with bitch made ass men who get aggressive with women and acting like he was going to yank you out of my fucking care in front of me made me owe him an ass whooping.”
“Well, I’m sorry I dragged you into this.” I sighed. “Seriously, Kaleo. I didn’t mean to.”
“You didn’t drag me into anything. I did what I wanted to do and I’d do it again. We’re good.” Kaleo looked in the directionDonald had driven off in. “Didn’t you say the whole break up shit was mutual?”
“Yep.”
“It’s obvious he didn’t really want to break up and he wanted you to be sitting around crying and shit behind him. Don’t give him the satisfaction, alright?”
“Yeah, alright.”
“I’m serious, November. You deserve better.”
“I know.” I nodded. “I’d never seen him like that before and trust me, I don’t want to see him that way again.”
“Good.” Kaleo exhaled and adjusted his hold on his gun. “Have a good night, alright?” He didn’t wait for a response. He started down the front steps. He paused at the bottom and looked back at me. “And aye, if ole boy gives you anymore issues, I’’ve got a right hook that’ll lay him on his back every time. Just let me know.”
I chuckled at that. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Good. Do that.”
3KALEO
I shook my head at the sight of that fucking picture I’d taken of Novi popping up on my timeline. Another small blog site I followed had shared it. I liked the post and kept shit pushing. My socials and phone had been blowing up ever since I’d posted and honestly, it was annoying. I hadn’t even been trying to get the attention. I’d just shared her to piss her ex off and hopefully get her mind off him and prove she could get better if she really wanted it. Seeing her ex in person had reassured that.
I’d laid that man on his back with one hit. There was nothing he could ever tell me and if he wanted to take shit further than the ring we could do that too. There was something about men that acted aggressive toward women that triggered something in me whether I knew them or not. I was always down to throw punches and send off bullets if it came to that. I liked to play like I was the calm son, but I was my daddy’s child just the same as my brother and the shit we didn’t play about, we meant.
I flipped my phone face down on my work station and went back to making sure my area was cleaned properly and ready for clients.
“What’s up?” I said as soon as I heard the bell on top of the door. “What can I-”
I paused when I looked over and saw that it was Novi. My eyebrows knitted together.
“Hey.” She gave me a small wave and cleared her throat.
I ignored the way two of the barbers in the shop looked straight at me. I wiped my hands on my pants and walked over to her. I leaned into her and lowered my voice.
“What’s wrong? You good?”
“No. Everything is fine. I uhm, I just brought you some breakfast as a thank you.”
Novi held up a small bag. She shifted on her feet. It was funny to me how nervous she looked in front of me especially after the two of us sat together and talked for hours not even twenty four hours ago.
“A thank you for what, shawty?”
“For bringing me home, encouraging me and defending my honor. I appreciate all of it.”
“I didn’t do it to get anything in return, but I’m real thankful for the food.” I accepted the bag from her.
“Well, uhm, have a great day. Thanks again. Bye.”
Novi pivoted around and headed back out the barbershop. I looked down at the bag in my hand then shook my head as I trekked back to my stand.
“She seems nice,” one of the other barbers said.
