“Next time, call and say something. The world doesn’t move when you and yours say so.”
I swallowed my defensive nature, remembering who the slick-mouthed broad was to Chrissy.
“Neptune,” Mrs. White bellowed. “I’m surprised to see you at dinner. It’s been at least six months since you came to the big house. I assume work is goingwellsince it keeps you so busy.”
“Something like that,” I replied in a low tone. “I appreciate the invite to dinner.”
“Don’t thank me. Chrissy insisted on bringing you.” She lifted a shoulder. “I guess that’s necessary since she has to keep you on a leash. My daughter told me you disappeared for days.” She shook her head. “You can’t ensure she’s taken care of if you aren’t around.”
My brows twitched at her audacity. “You should have taught her how to take care of herself. If something happens to you or me, Chrissy should know how to map out her next move.”
Her father sat back and pushed out a belly-rocking laugh. “When I leave this earth, Chrissy will have enough money to last her a lifetime.”
“Not with the way she spends cash,” I declared. “Every time I go to her place, she has a new bag or a pair of shoes she bought just for show. There isn’t anything wrong with splurging, but you have to make money to keep it flowing. It’s obvious you failed to teach her that.”
Mrs. White slammed her wine glass on the table. “Cut the shit! Do you plan to marry her?”
“Chrissy isn’t ready to be a wife. Those were her words.”
“That’s funny, considering she was engaged to be married six months before you walked into her life.”
“She walked into mine. I didn’t approach her.”
Mrs. White’s slanted eyes spread wide. “Chrissy! How desperate could you be?”
The woman I knew to be spunky and talkative sat quietly for so long, I had to look over to make sure she was present. Her chinwas pressedso deep into her chest, I knew her breathing was affected.
“It’s not as bad as it sounds,” Chrissy mumbled.
“It is, especially when you’ve embarrassed yourself for a man that won’t marry you.” Her lips turned up on the ends. “On second thought, this may be a good thing. You almost ended up with the type of man I warned you not to entertain.”
“What type of man is that?” I quizzed.
“Black! Hood!”
“Mother.” Chrissy scoffed.
“Don’tmotherme. You have been in the company of some of the most prestigious men in Slyde City, and you chosehim. We have allowed you to play in the gutter for too long. Enough is enough.” Mrs. White’s hazel orbs shot over at me. “You pretend not to be a hoodlum, but the tattoos and slang say differently. We all know you are not good enough for my daughter.”
I glanced at Chrissy, hoping my eyes on her would realign her confidence, but all I saw was the top of her head. I knew there wasn’t anything I could say to make her strong enough to step for herself, let alone for our relationship. Plenty of times, I told Chrissy I would make sure she was straight if her folks cut her off, but my word meant nothing compared to their influence.
“Mrs. White, you got shit all wrong. Your bloodline isn’t good enough to mix with mine. I’m a fucking king, and I would never allow my children to be connected to a group of prejudice idiots.”
“Neptune!” Chrissy blurted out. “Don’t disrespect my parents.”
“Oh. You can speak now?” I pushed my seat back, scratching the floor with the legs of the chair. “I know y’all have dealings with the police, so I’m going to excuse myself before I catch a case.”
“Baby.” The lady who had said very little reached for my hand. “Please, sit down. You’re being sensitive.”
“Are you coming with me, or are you staying here?”
Her raised shoulders lowered as she slowly dropped her vision back into her lap. I nodded and walked backward until I reached the hallway. My ego almost couldn’t take the rejection, but the part of me that didn’t crave Chrissy’s presence appreciated the idea of going home without her.
I cruised from the North Side, blasting J.Cole’slatest album, until I pulled into the parking garage of my condo. As soon as I changed clothes, I ordered Thai food, then rolled a blunt. I knew my family missed me at The Sinner’s Spot, but I chose to stay off the radar another night. The second I came into view, my father would question my absence, then find something for me to do in the casino or in the streets.
“Neptune! Neptune!” Chrissy hollered my name until she made it to the bedroom.
Her hazel eyes were red, and her makeupwas smeared, confirming dinner didn’t get better after I left.
