Page 36 of The Bitter Words

He takes a deep breath and releases it slowly. “That was a thoughtful gift. Thanks for bringing some hope back into her eyes.”

“You’re welcome.” I shrug. “I know we’re young and you might not believe in us?—”

“That’s not what this is about.” His gaze travels to the bed.

Something catches his eye. He strolls over and snatches the condom wrapper from where it’s peeking out from under the pillow. I shrink and remain still.

He crumples it up and tosses it in the trash can next to the bedside table. “It’s good to see you’re taking precautions, but she hasn’t even been home for an hour and…”

“We weren’t trying to disrespect you. We saw each other…” I motion toward the door with a wave of my hand. “It’s been months since we’ve been around each other. I’ve missed her and just wanted to show her how much I love her. I apologize.”

“It’s fine, Cash. I understand more than you can imagine.” He nods and half laughs. “You know something? You remind me of myself at your age.”

“Really? Why?”

“That’s when I met Lorna. Nobody thought we’d make it and look at where we are now.” He sits on the edge of the mattress and sighs. “All I ask of you is to be careful with Livianna. She’s in a fragile place.”

“I realize that.” I shuffle to a chair in the corner of the room and sit. “If it makes you feel better, she seemed sincere with me about going to therapy. She even brought up our loss. She’s never done that without it being centered around her saying sorry.”

“I can only hope she deals with it. It’s a traumatic thing to experience.” He pushes in the slightly ajar drawer where the condoms are.

I lower my head. If he knew why she miscarried, I’m not sure what would happen.

I would put money down that he’d make sure my family was out of her life and my dreams of a life with Lily and Mayhem would go up in flames. That’s the only reason I didn’t tell him what my uncle did to her.

“Honestly, Cash.” Mr. Hemings shifts and brings my attention back to him. “Do you see yourself marrying her someday? Because if you don’t and this is just something to?—”

“I absolutely know I’m gonna be with her. It’s gonna take a while because I wanna be able to support her and have things with my ma squared away first, but it will happen.”

“That’s refreshing to hear you say.” He rises to his feet. “I thought you might be thinking you two would get married as soon as she’s eighteen. It helps knowing you’re going to take your time.”

I nod and keep my mouth shut. If things go my way, I plan on having the resources to make it occur and that’s about the time I think it’s gonna take.

There’s no reason to wait. Not if it’s up to me.

I stand, listening to the guys riff in the background. “Well, I’ll take it day by day.”

“Good. Now let’s go find the ladies. I’m sure they’re planning a great meal to celebrate.” He leads me out of the room. “One of the perks of being with a Hemings woman, they know how to cook.”

“Do they ever. It’s the cherry on top.” I follow him out with my heart growing out of my chest. “You know, Mr. Hemings. You and your family… Thanks for making me feel welcome and part of something special.”

“Of course.” He waits for me to get to his side and pats my back. “I’ve never found the right time to say this and this is as good as any other. I love you like one of my own. Just quit giving me ulcers.”

I stop in my tracks as his words seize me up with overwhelming emotion. I’m getting choked up and my windpipe squeezes. My chest fills with warmth I haven’t felt since my pops was alive.

Mr. Hemings looks me over. “You okay?”

I clear my throat. “Yeah, but what you said. It means a lot to know you feel that way. Thanks.”

“You’re a good kid, Cash. Don’t let anyone make you believe otherwise.”

I don’t realize it now, but I should burn his statement into my soul. It could prove to be the protection I need to make it in this life.

Three months fly by with everything going my way. I’m on top of the world when Ur Boyz gets dropped and Leon Baker calls to tell us he’s ready to sign Mayhem.

He summons me for a meeting alone before that can take place, though.

I adjust my leather jacket as his assistant leads me into his office. She announces my presence. He’s on a phone call, sitting behind a large, exquisite mahogany desk.