“Shit, it sounds to me like you need a Pernelle in your life.”
“A, Pernelle?” I asked, confused because he couldn’t be talking about his wife.
“Not my P. I’m talking about a woman like her and someone to keep you grounded. Trust me, I had the same issues years ago. I didn’t give a fuck, and the saddest part is I didn’t want to until I had a wife and a family. A true prize to lose. I’m just giving you advice that a wise man once gave me.” Crew tapped on my shoulder twice before walking ahead of me.
I stopped in the middle of the hallway in deep thought about what he just put on my mind. I wasn’t in deep thought because I didn’t understand what he meant. I was in deep thought because I didn’t know who I should settle down with. Not saying his sister is even an option because her and I were just getting to know each other, but I wanted our situation to be put on the table just in case she's the Pernelle he says I need in the future. I should've gotten her big brother’s blessing before I even touched her to be honest.
“Hey, Crew, wait up.” I caught up to him just as he passed the front desk.
“Do you think I could be a good man to my spouse?”
“I mean, I think so. We all have good nigga in us, why?”
“Because there is someone I’m interested in and I’m not thinking marriage or no shit now, just wanting to get to know her.”
He adjusted his stance and then crossed his arms.
“Who is she?”
“Jasmine, your sister.”
“Bird’s nest?”
I couldn’t help but laugh at his response.
“Yes, bruh, your sister. I honestly think she’s beautiful, but I've been holding off on pursuing her fully because I want your approval before getting at her.”
“Oh, you got my approval, bruh.” He placed his hand on my shoulder.
“Jas special to me, and I’ve always wanted her to know she’s special period. I don’t trust many of these niggas she’s dealt with, and to be honest, I’m glad you popped that old one. I didn’t like that nigga one bit. I can’t stand thug ass niggas selling dope for others but portraying themselves as the boss.”
I laughed through my nose.
“But if I approve of any nigga to be with her, it would be you and that nigga right there.” He pointed at Hov, who was leaning over the counter ahead of us, talking to Kim and Scotty.
“But that nigga already in love as deep as the ocean, so it’s all on you, my boy. Look, come to the house tomorrow. We're supposed to be getting on that big ass pit that P had me order her for Mother’s Day.”
“Thanks, man. I’ll be there.”
“Alright, and I’ll have P make you up some chicken dogs to take home.”
Appreciate it, dog, I dapped him up. Just as I did that, I saw Elijah staring at us from the front of the shop. He probably never been invited to their spot, but that’s because there is a difference between him and me that he refused to see. I’m the real fuckin deal, and he synthetic. He was made to be the killer that I was born to be.He think we on the same level but it will take twenty years for him to become half of the man I was at birth. Fuck he talking about.
Me and Crew both started towards the front door when my cell phone rang from my pocket.
When I pulled it out, I saw that it was Detective Irvin, the retired PI I’d hired to find my mother.
I’d paid him up front and honestly didn’t expect to hear from him for at least six to seven months. Finding someone across borders wasn’t easy. Hell, trying to track somebody overseas seemed damn near impossible, especially someone who’d been gone as long as my mom.
“Yeah?”
“Amir, this is Jacob, Irvin.”
“Yeah, what’s up?”
“I was just calling you to let you know that I have reason to believe that I’ve found your mother.”
“Huh?”
