“What am I supposed to do with that?” I understood what he was saying, but it didn't mean that was good enough.
“Love him. That’s all I can tell you. He has a good heart, he just doesn't know how to give it to anyone. Don't blame him for that, blame me, but he loves you, Nonie. He really does.”
“I know that, but love isn't always enough, Senior. You of all people know that. You love a lot of women, which is why I’m struggling with your son.” The smirk that adorned my face caused him to laugh.
“Agreed,” Senior said before pulling me into another hug, just as Siah joined us again.
“Here you go with this shit. Let's go, Pretty, before I have to handle his ass,” Siah said, pulling me away from Senior. We all walked to the front and Senior got in his car to leave, while we got in Siah's to do the same.
“Thank you.”
I knew the motive behind my surprise breakfast with his father, but I didn't mind. I missed Senior, and never regretted spending time with him.
“You’re welcome.” Siah winked at me.
Jock
“Jock, hold up.”
I looked over my shoulder at the young cat who jogged up to me just before I was about to slide in my truck. My hand was on my gun because I didn't know him, but he was calling my name. You couldn't trust people for shit, and I wasn't about to die today. Fuck that.
“What’s up?” I asked, looking him over. He was dressed casually, simple but clean, so he didn't appear to be a fiend but you could never be too sure.
“I know this is your area, well yours and Siah’s, and I was wondering if I could get some work. It's just me because my pops just left me and my brother. We don't know where the fuck that nigga is and we gotta eat. I was hoping to get put on with you. I’ll start anywhere, I don't care, I just need to make some money.”
I looked him over, taking in his story, but didn't say much. Being around Siah for so long, I’d learned to read people pretty well. I wasn't nearly as good as Siah, ’cause that nigga could tell your whole life story just from looking in your eyes, but I was decent. Hell, you had to be in our line of work.
I leaned into my car, got out a business card, and handed it to him. It was for FlyKicks one of our legitimate businesses. I didn't know dude, so I wasn't about to talk shop with him out here on the street, no matter what his story was.
“Hit that number and tell them to set up a meeting with me. You get one chance. If I’m feeling you, you get a trial run. Understand this though, if you fuck up with us, it cost you your life and not your job, so make sure it's what you want.”
He paused for a minute, like he was thinking, and then nodded. “Cool. I can do that, and I understand. Thank you. I appreciate you even talking to me.”
Again, he nodded, and then extended his hand to me. He was young, I could tell, but he had heart. I accepted his hand; he smiled and stepped back. He watched me until I was in my ride and pulling off, almost like he was waiting for permission to leave. I guess I’d check him out and see what was up. If I liked him, I’d run it by Siah just for informational purposes, but the employees were my thing. He didn't really deal with it.
That nigga was all about money and big moves, which I was cool with. Everyone had their role, and I loved this shit. It was just my thing, no other way to describe it.
“I was cruising peacefully on my way to meet Siah until my phone went off, killing my vibe. I glanced at the screen, hit the Bluetooth, and Anjali’s voice filled my ride with Jahari screaming in the background. I instantly got worried because he rarely ever cried like that unless something was wrong.
“Jock, can you come get us? Something’s wrong and I think we need to head to the doctor.”
“Anjali, you have a damn car. If something's wrong, why the fuck you calling me? Take him and I’ll meet you there.”
“I can't, I’ve been drinking and I don't want to leave with him. Please, just come. He won't stop crying, and I don't know what’s wrong.”
I could hear the panic in her voice, so I hit the corner to turn around. I was currently heading in the different direction from her house and need to reroute. I needed to get there soon because if something happened to my son, I swear on everything, I’d kill her dumb ass. Anjali was a good mom, which was why she called me instead of putting our son at risk. But it was two in the afternoon, so why the hell was she drinking, especially if she had Jahari? I didn't really give a fuck what she did on her own time, but when he had Hari, she needed to act like a got damn mother.
“I’m on my way. Make sure you’re ready. I should be there in like fifteen minutes,” I yelled and then disconnected the call.