When we made it to my car, I didn’t drive off. I sat in the driveway with my anger, my pain, and the woman who made it easier to deal with. There wasn’t an ounce of regret in my heart for snapping at my uncle, though there would be consequences. I would accept whatever came my way as long as I got my message across.
“Baby. We can go back in there if you want to,” Kannon offered.
“I’ve had enough of the bullshit for today. I want to lie up under you and feel my baby kick in your belly.”
She kissed the back of my hand like I had done hers plenty of times. “Add in some Italian food, and you’ve got yourself a date.”
Since I refused to drive to the hills, I decided we would end our night at Kannon’s house after picking up our food. I drove without a sense of urgency and enjoyed the old-school music playing on the radio. After one or two songs, the oldies became a karaoke track. I got ready to sing the best part of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s jam, but Kannon’s wide eyes caused me to turn the music down.
“What’s wrong, Kitty?”
“Drive off.”
My eyes turned into slits. “Drive off and go where?”
“Anywhere, but here,” she grumbled and sank into her seat.
Black trucks and a Cadillac were parkedin Kannon’s driveway. The scene looked like somebody with power and money had arrived.
“That’s my daddy and my brother and probably my uncles.”
“So fucking what? We’re not running from a soul. I just laid my folks out for talking slick to you. What the hell do you think I’ll do to yours?”
She palmed her forehead and forced out a harsh exhale. “That’s what I’m afraid of.”
I cruised up the block, then parked in the middle of the street. Before busting a move, I reached under my seat and grabbed the gun I kept stashed.
“Do not get out of the car,” I warned the rebel as I opened my door.
Though Kannon mentioned her uncles were nearby, only her brother and her father stood on the curb. Junior was a few inches taller than me, but his father and I were eye to eye.
“Can I help you?” I asked as I walked up.
“Actually, you can help me with two things.” Junior used his gun to pointtomy car. “Unlock the door and let my sister out of your car, then run me the bread your cousin owes me.”
“I can only help you with one of those issues.”
The gray-haired man next to him stared at me with an intrusive look. I was sure he was thinking about how much I looked like my dad.
“I heard your father died,” the old man stated. “I would hate for Valerie to host a second funeral so soon. I don’t know what you and my daughter got going on, but the shit stops now.”
“That’s not going to happen. Kannon is mine.”
Junior’s brows went crazy, and he tightened the grip on his pistol. “Nigga, I’m not going to tellyou?—”
“Junior, cut the shit!” Kannon yelled as she walked up beside me.
I grimaced at the rebel. “Didn’t I tell you to stay in the car?”
“You know I’m hardheaded.” She shrugged. “What are y’all doing here? What is all this, Daddy?”
“I came home for a meeting, but I wanted to surprise you. I guess I’m the only one surprised. You’re pregnant, Kannon?”
Her brother moved like he wanted to touch her, so I pulled a second gun from my waistband.
“Oh, what? Are you going to shoot me?” He smirked.
“If she tells me to,” I replied, matching his nonchalant attitude.
