He responded immediately.I’m on the phone with Mrs. Taylor. I’ll call you back in a minute.
I could feel the heat around my ears. That was something that happened at times when I was nervous. Could have sworn I was having hot flashes like my mama. My mind was working overtime, hoping that their conversation was going well.Jesus.When my phone rang and I saw the same number from the DA’s office, rage filled me.
“What in the fuck do y’all want? You’ve called me three times today already.”
I said that shit as soon as I answered the phone. They were on my last fucking nerve. Between them, ICE, and the board for the NFR, I didn’t know whether I was coming or going.
“I’m sorry, Miss Henderson. I was calling to get an email address to send documents for you to sign, saying you don’t want to press charges.”
“Send them to my attorney. Her name is Sidney Taylor. She will be filing harassment charges soon.”
“Umm . . . okay. I apologize for bothering you.”
I ended the call. I knew it wasn’t the lady on the phone’s fault. They sent her to take the heat they knew I would be sending their way. Those people could kiss my ass. Just as I was about to head back to where my mama was, my phone rang. When I saw Red’s name, I answered quickly.
“Hello?”
“Noni. Hey, baby.”
“Hey. What happened?”
“I’m back in, baby.”
“That’s great! I’m so happy. Those people been fucking with my nerves all day.”
“I have more news. Carter and I have been sought after for cameos in a movie about a bull rider.”
“What!” He laughed as I covered my mouth. “Red, for real? I knew something big was coming for these people to be after you so hard!”
“Yeah, baby. God is good. We taking you and Bali out tonight, if y’all free.”
“I am! I can’t wait to see you when I get off.”
“I can’t wait to see you either. I love you, Noni. Thank you for sticking by me, baby.”
“Thank you for sticking by me, too.”
“See you later.”
I ended the call and sat at the nurse’s station while they stared at me like I’d lost my mind. Once I got my emotions in check, I quickly stood and headed to my mama’s examination room to see her standing about to leave. I hugged her tightly as she chuckled.
“You okay, baby?” she asked after kissing my cheek.
“Yes. I’m more than okay. I’ll tell you the good news after I talk to Bali.”
She smiled. “Okay. Well, I’m going home. See y’all later?”
“Yes, ma’am. See you later.”
When she left, I went to my office and sat, allowing a few tears of joy to drop. Things could have gotten really bad for Red because of my bullshit. I was so happy that he was still reaping the rewards from his hard work. I would be there for him as long as this life allowed me to be. My doubts and negative thoughts about us were long gone. I couldn’t wait for us to fulfill our destiny . . . together.
CHAPTER 21
RED SQUARED
“So what movie is it going to be?”
“I can’t say right now, Mama. Just know that your son ’bout to blow uuuup!”
