When You Know It’s Real(16)

“Look, ma, how many times do I have to explain this shit to you? I care about you because on the real, you're Jahari's mother. You do your thing when it comes to him and I appreciate that because he’s my world, but you and me, ain't shit there and it ain't ever gon’ be shit there. You need to find somebody who makes you happy, who wants to be with you, ’cause I don't, Anj.”

“So you’d rather let another man play daddy to your son instead of you just doing the right thing and making us a family?”

I let my hand move across my head and then down my face before I stood, lifting Hari with me. My hand caressed his thick curls before I kissed him on the forehead and then positioned him in his swing. I was calm as hell in appearance, but inside the beast was growling. After I started Hari’s swing, I turned slowly to face Anj, but the second our eyes met, my hand covered her throat, giving it a firm squeeze and her eyes bucked the point where I was surprised they didn't pop out her damn head.

Bringing her body to mine so that our faces were inches apart, I spoke calmly through clenched teeth.

“If you ever, and I mean ever, say some bullshit like that again, I swear on everything real, I will take your fucking life. I can raise Hari by myself, trust me Anj, and I will do it. He has one got damn father, and if you for one second think that shit is about to change, then you’re dumber than I thought. Now you can open your legs for whoever you want, in fact I think you need to cause my shit is off limits from now own, but my son...” I laughed sarcastically before I continued. “Is just that, my son, and that will never change. Now act like you don’t understand that and you’re playing with your life, Anj. We good on that?”

Anj nodded so I let her go. She covered her neck with her hands and began massaging it while gasping for air.

“You better not ever put your hands on me again, Jock, or I’ll—”

“You’ll what, Anj? Call the cops, get some nigga to step to me, tell your ratchet ass family?” A smirk formed as I began to unbuckle my son from his swing. “Do that shit, I don't give a fuck, ’cause I’ll handle all three. Now go get his bag, don't worry about packing extra shit. I’ll buy what he needs, but just make sure he has a few diapers and some milk for now. He’s rolling with me today. Your dumb ass needs some time alone to think.”

“Where are you taking my son, Jock?”

“Oh, he’s your son now? A few minutes ago, he was my son and you were just the babysitter.” I chuckled.

“Fuck you, Jock. You're not taking him. I don't know what you have going on, and I don't want my son in danger.”

“What I have going on makes it possible for your ass to sit up in this nice ass house all day with too much time on your hands, so don't question me, Anj. Go get his got damn bag.”

She looked at me but then left the room. A few minutes later, she returned with Hari’s bag and car seat.

I took the bag and left the seat. “I got my own shit, I don't need that.”

I began moving to the front door and she was right behind me, running her damn mouth. “When are you bringing him back, Jock?”

“Didn't I just tell your dumb ass not to question me? Go in the got damn house before you have these damn white folks looking through their blinds and shit.”

Anj hesitated for a minute, but she stepped to me and kissed Hari on the cheek. “Mommy loves you sweet pea,” she said.

After one last kiss, she turned to walk away. She knew better than to make a scene, so without her objecting again, I got my son situated and left with him.





Kizzie


“So, you’re chilling with your man tonight?” I laid my phone down on the bed after putting it on speaker so that I could talk to my girl while I straightened up my room.

Red had just left and I was about to clean up and relax for the rest of the night. It was almost seven and I had spent most of the day with him, but he had to go check on his locations since he had been out of town for the past couple days. I knew he would be back later, so for now, I was going to relax.

“If you mean am I chilling with Siah tonight, then yes I am.”

“Girl bye, I meant exactly what I said. You’re chilling with your man tonight.”

“Whatever, Kizz, what’s up with you? I thought you’d be up under Red at least until tomorrow. I mean, since you left me stranded handling business by myself all day.”

“I didn't leave you stranded, Nonie. I had my shit handled and you know it, but he just left. He had to go handle some business and said he’d be back tonight, but it would be late. I was going to stay at his spot, but I just wanted to be home. Don't forget we have to meet Archer in the morning to work out the details for his wife’s party.”