This was the first time in a week that I’d convinced Wicked to let me go to work without him trailing me, and as soon as I saw a group of The Outlaws coming from out of my mom’s office, I regretted it. Pushing my way through them, I ran toward the door. I pushed it open, and she sat behind her desk looking like she’d seen a ghost. Closing the door behind me, I jogged over to her. Kneeling, I looked her over.
“Are you hurt? Did they touch you?”
Slowly, her neck craned, and she looked down in my direction. “Is there something you need to tell me?”
Blinking, I stood. “Huh?”
Ma chuckled and sat back in her seat. Her hands were in prayer position as she pulled in a deep breath.
“Those . . . animals told me you’re with that Wicked man. They said they gave you an ultimatum. A warning. That they told you to stay away from his club, otherwise, you’d be hurt. Yet they said they saw you riding with them over the weekend. Hamilton said since you made it clear whose side you were on, it was time I did too.”
Sitting on the edge of her desk, I asked, “What did he want?”
“At first, he asked me if they could have meetings here, and I said no. It’s bad enough that they eat here, but I wouldn’t stop them from doing that. My customers are uncomfortable the whole time they’re around, but to keep the peace, I let them eat and leave.” She huffed. “Well, after I declined, he told me I didn’t really have a choice. He said he was asking to be nice, but that this whole neighborhood is Outlaw territory, and I have to start paying them ten percent every month like the rest of the businesses do. He also said they expect free meals and to be able to start having meetings here without the police being called. I asked him what would happen if I didn’t pay and he said it was in my best interests not to find out.”
Having heard enough, I stood and pulled my phone out of my trousers. “I’m gonna call Wicked. He’ll handle this.”
“No!” she roared, grabbing my hand. “He said if I told them, they’d make me pay. He doesn’t want The Wilted Roses to know about this.”
“Get real, Ma!” I said louder than I’d planned to. “You don’t think it’s going to be suspicious for them to randomly start hanging out around here as a group? If Chris or any police officer for that matter rides around or shows up, they’re going to swear you snitched, and they’re going to punish you for it. He’s putting you in a no win situation. If I don’t tell Wicked, I have to tell Chris. Now.”
“God!” She surged from her seat and began to pace. “Why couldn’t you just stay away from him? I was grateful for what he did for you, but you should’ve just left him alone!”
“This isn’t Wicked’s fault! I won’t let you blame him for this. This goes far beyond him, or us. Daddy?—”
“Don’t bring your father into this! He didn’t want you with Wicked then, and I’m sure he wouldn’t want you with him now.”
“You don’t know that! They actually talked and worked things out. Besides, Daddy was working with a member of TWR and one of The Outlaws killed him. Trust me when I say those men are going to find any excuse they can to hurt you, Ma. Please let me tell someone.”
It was like oxygen left her body. Her chest caved as she weakly plopped back down in her seat.
“They killed . . . my husband?” she asked weakly.
“Yes,” I whispered, taking her hand into mine. “I’ve been trying to find out which one, but yes. Daddy was trying to work with an informant to get information on them, and when they met up to talk, that’s when he was shot. This isn’t just about Mario. They hate us because of him. Hamilton may have spared me as he says because what Mario tried to do was wrong, but there’s no doubt in my mind that if they have a chance to, they’re going to come after both of us.”
“And yet, you’re still galloping around with that man.”
And just like that, I realized she was just as brainwashed as Chris. She didn’t give a damn about what I’d said about Daddy. All she cared about was Wicked and The Wilted Roses reputation, which was crazy, because The Outlaws reputation was far worse. I understood why that would make her want to play their game their way, but what I couldn’t understand was why that would make her want me to stay away from my man.
“Do you want me to call Chris or not?” I asked, done with the conversation.
“I’ll call him myself. Donottell Wicked.”
Nodding, I walked around her desk. “Are you okay being in here alone? I need to clock in.”
She nodded wordlessly. With a sigh, I headed out of her office. This was not how I planned for her to find out about me and Wicked. She’d likely tell Chris, and then I’d have to hear his mouth as well. It didn’t matter though. This was my heart, my relationship, and my life to live. I wouldn’t live it in fear of The Outlaws or anyone else, and I for damn sure wouldn’t break up with Wicked just because my mother didn’t approve.
That Weekend
I’d met Wicked’s mom and sister today, and they welcomed me in with open arms. Them being so accepting of our relationship made me feel worse about my mom and Chris. They could have easily not wanted Wicked to have anything to do with me because his choice to save me took away ten years of his freedom, but that wasn’t the case. If they could respect and understand our choice to be together, why couldn’t the people that were closest to me?
My heart had been so heavy since the Outlaws decided they’d muscle their way into my mother’s business, and it didn’t help that she didn’t want me to tell Wicked. I wasn’t sure what Chris could actually do. He said he’d talk to Hamilton, but that was the opposite of what Hamilton wanted. I was a nervous wreck thinking Chris would make matters worse. All I could thinkabout was Hamilton doing something to the restaurant or my mother because she’d gone to the police captain of all people.
I didn’t realize I was zoned out until Whitaker gently cupped my shoulder. “You good, baby girl?” he asked, sitting next to me on the swinging bench in their backyard.
Nadia was in her own world humming along to the music that was playing, and Wicked was fishing at the lake. I didn’t realize how much I needed the calm moment to try and clear my mind until Whitaker talked to me.
“Yes, sir. I was just thinking.”
