“Take your time.” I had no idea why I even said that because I half ass meant it.
“No, I’m ready. This is long overdue. I’m free. This is grounds for an automatic divorce. Of course I have to wait for him to wake up to serve him, but I’m done and don’t have to worry about the contract.”
“Just like that?”
“Yes. Just like that. He called it a protection clause in the contract. In the event that something bad happened, he would release me to save my reputation and name.” She chuckled.
“So I don’t have to worry about his bitch ass daddy trying to come back with the identity theft you committed back in high school?” That was her secret. She was young and alone after her mother died, trying to maintain a household that her drug addicted father was determined to see fall. It started with students at school then turned into her getting over on teachers. When she got caught by Quincey, he stepped in, using his name along with Mrs. Steph to make it go away. Once I knew, it made sense why Mrs. Steph moved the way she did behind her.
“Nope, that’s under a NDA attached to this contract.”
The sound of her phone ringing paused our conversation. She picked it up to see it was Hollis.
“Ugh, I guess my moment is over.” I chuckled while she answered.
“Heffa, tell that man to open the door.” I frowned, not understanding until Johnni motioned for me to get the door.
“Don’t ask. She’s outside.”
“You damn right I’m outside.” I placed her feet on the couch while I got up to see both Hollis and Mickey standing on the other side of my door, wondering how they knew where she was.
“We leave you alone and your husband is shot and exposed for practically living a double life. I’m telling you, you think you know someone,” Hollis said, walking in first, heading straight for Johnni while Mickey physically agreed.
“Baby, I’ma give you some privacy. I have a few calls to make to the crew,” I said as I walked over to kiss her lips before giving her space to tell her girls the truth.
TWENTY-THREE
Johnni
“What if they don’t like me?” I asked as Courtland led me through the house that showed all the remnants of children at every corner we passed.
“Lou, I promise they will love you because I love you.”
“Do you think the kids will like their gifts I got?” Yes, I did that. I knew I wasn’t just meeting his brother, his wife and his father, but also the pirates.
“Yes, baby. The pirates will love them too. Breathe, Lou.”
Before I could further protest his words that didn’t soothe my nerves at all, he grabbed the handle of the glass sliding door and pushed it open, welcoming the music that mixed with the laughter from the kids jumping on a trampoline.
“Ahoy, mateys!” Courtland yelled, making our presence known as we walked further onto the deck.
The smell of food from the grill greeted my nose and had my stomach rumbling. I used my free hand to rub my small bump to calm the hunger pangs a bit.
“Uncle Tunk!” the kids screamed as they all made their way toward us. I let go of his hand right before they attacked him.
“Hi, you must be Johnni. I’m Liv, the sister-in-law. It’s so nice to meet you.” I turned to face a very pregnant woman extending her arms for a hug. I walked into her arms and instantly felt a sense of calmness and warmth that settled my nerves a lot.
“Yes, hi. It’s nice to meet you. Thank you for having me,” I said, still in her embrace. We separated and shared a quick, genuine smile. I wasn’t big on reading energy but Liv’s came to me easy.
“Of course. Can I get you anything? The food isn’t quite ready yet, but I’m sure I can find some snacks to nibble on while Tunk’s father and brother finish up on the grill.” She used her hand to motion toward two men who both held a resemblance to Courtland making their way over.
“Oh no thank you. I can wait fo?—”
“I got it, Liv. I’ma find her something once she meets the people.” Courtland cut me off from lying. I wasn’t aware of him paying attention over the kids all talking to him at once.
“Damn, I see he was telling the truth. It’s nice to finally meet you in person, Johnni. I’m Lando.” I laughed as I shook his hand.
“You too.” He stepped aside, heading back to the grill while his father made his way toward me.
