I placed a lunch order for him from BJ’s and sent it over to the office.
Me: Lunch on me, Chief. I love you.
It wasn’t much, but I wanted to return the favor for breakfast this morning. I didn’t expect a text back so soon, but of course he replied.
Chief: Thank you, Queen Lou. I love you more.
My second was to my girls. I needed a strong alibi for my disappearing act this evening.
As soon as I hit the video option, the back door opened and Quincey entered along with Aric and Tia.
Quincey didn’t even acknowledge me while Tia, trailing both men, offered a wave as they headed toward the office.
“Hey, y’all!” I greeted them as they were out of sight and out of fucking mind.
“Hey, Johnni! I’m so happy to see your face. We’ve been worried. We caught the news about the shooting at the fundraiser when Q gave his words on the people who lost their lives that night. Are you two okay?” Mickey asked, moving about. I could tell she was in her workshop.
“No for real. I feel like your life has been on go since before the pageant. And then the masked man happened, are you good? We tried to stop by but I guess Quincey got y’all on lockdown because the man in the booth wouldn’t let us in,” Hollis co-signed.
Another fucking problem. It seemed as if I was the only one who wasn’t allowed visitors.
He has to know about Courtland, Johnni, and this is punishment.
“That’s because it has been on go but thank y’all for asking. Yes, I’m good…we’re good. Q is still healing and I’m dealing. I think I’m more stressed about everything than he is honestly. Two other people died that night. My heart goes out to them right now more than anything.” I let out a heavy sigh.
“Have they said anything about who it was? When I watched the news, they said no suspects but we know how they lie to cover shit up,” Hollis asked as I shook my head.
I was sure Quentin had a name by now, but I also knew neither him nor Quincey would tell me if they did.
“No. But, enough about that. Can we make real plans this time? I miss my girls and I’m breaking free soon. Hollis, I apologize for missing the party you planned too. You know ittakes me days to come down and get my mental back right. Prior to the shooting, there’s been a lot going on behind the scenes now with Q. I’m juggling practices plus adding this campaign on the schedule. This one is different.”
And a whole new relationship outside of your marriage.
“I can’t even really be mad because of what just happened, but know I said some ill shit about you. I do want your ass to replace my bottle of Black Ops I got for us to celebrate with though, heffa.”
“Hollis, don’t act like I haven’t kept you busy enough. Where the hell are my damn pictures? I’m not going to keep giving you free samples and shit. And Johnni, I told you, we get it, life is lifing hard. When you can pop up for air, just let me know. Me and Minnie literally do nothing but eat, sleep, and shit.” We shared a laugh.
“Heffa, lies you tell are growing long and far, Mickey. I’ll have Callie send them directly to you. She said the clients are loving the oil and I am loving the tinctures. You got Mackie in the assisted living zooted for real.”
“That’s what BK said too, but Mackie is in there feeling good because of the goodies his ass be dropping off still.”
That had me remembering the tinctures and jumping in the conversation.
“Oh yeah, speaking of, I need a couple bottles please. It’s going to be useful over the next couple of months for both Quincey and me. He’s already stressing me out, and ya know, after everything, it’s needed.” I groaned, grabbing the bridge of my nose, rubbing my tension spot.
These last couple of days I had run through a month’s supply thanks to Quincey and this bullshit.
“I can drop them off today. We’re packing up to head to see Mackie in a few. Let me know when you’re free.”
“No ma’am, as I said, I’m coming off the sick and shut in list today, I’ll be by later.”
“Oh, well damn, yeah it’s official. Well look, let me make it to Mackie before BK comes home and finds his family gone. I love you and I’ll see you in a bit.” I plopped back down, frowning at Mickey ending our call so soon. I figured it would have Hollis until she jumped in.
“Oh shit, I have to take this. I’m working on a story about Siren and the teapot is warming up. I need it before it’s hot. I love y’all too, and Johnni, please give Q our prayers. Love y’all see y’all later!” I laughed at Hollis inviting herself over and I made a mental note to grab food and drinks on my way over. I walked past the office, putting my ear to the door to make sure he was deep into whatever he was doing. Through muffled voices, I knew the end was clear. I made it to the foyer, stepping into my shoes, and grabbing my purse so I could head out of the door.
An hour later I was pulling into BJ’s to place my to-go order before heading to Mickey’s house. By the time I made it, Hollis and I were pulling up together.
“Well, well, well, I guess the queen can leave her throne to grace us peasants.” I flipped her off as she made her way over to me, helping me with the bags of food.
