By the time the sun started dipping down, Bully took us back to the complex. Once we pulled in, I saw that the door was fixed, but I damn sure didn’t feel like dealing with what was behind it.
“Count your shit up,” Bully said as he turned the car off.
I started stacking the money in piles on the seat. I had to smile when I finished counting.
“It’s about 55K.”
“With this money and the money Gio left, I should be able to take care of moves, his bond, and re-up. You think you can hit T for me?”
Bully paused.
“Give me the money and I’ll re-up for you.”
He gave me a look, but I didn’t question him and handed him 20K.
“I’ll take care of that for you, and we can hit the block tomorrow.”
We hopped out of the car, and I walked around the driver’s side. Bully hugged me as I thanked him for helping me.
“You’re family, I know brah would do the same for me. Slide through when you’re ready to hit the streets.”
I nodded and hopped in my car and pulled out with Bully standing there watching. As I drove to the hotel, I felt accomplished. Gio getting locked up was not in our plans, but just like Keyshia Kaior, when it’s my time, I’ma grind for my nigga the way he did for me.
When I got to my room, I lay across my bed and thought about what was next when my phone rang.
I looked at the number and didn’t know who the fuck it was.
“Hello,” I said, low and confused.
“Hey, baby.”
My heart melted.
“Gio! Hey, baby. Whose phone you using?”
He laughed. “I got a guard’s phone, I needed to hear your voice. I damn sure wasn’t waiting until tomorrow.”
I smiled. “I miss you.”
“I miss you, too, girl. What have you been doin’?”
I rolled on my stomach with my smile getting wider by the second.
“Well, I have secured your lawyer; he’s working on a bond hearing. And I hit the streets with Bully today and made some money.”
Gio started clapping.
“Islah, my wife! I’m so thankful and proud of you, baby!”
“It’s what I’m supposed to do. I’ma hold shit down when you can’t.”
“You know, I’ma smart ass man for marrying you, right?”
We laughed.
“Nah, but the next few days are going to be very busy. Getting movers, packing, and everything in between. I hope Groom can get you home.”
“Me too, baby,” Gio said low. “Just know they can’t hold a nigga down for long. You won’t be doing this without me forever.”
