I shook my head. Why the fuck was I surprised? The person I’d come up with was flaw and I seemingly knew nothing about the nigga.
“I have to look through my systems, but I’m sure I can get you the information on who he is and where he went. That is, if you need it, son.”
“Yeah, I’ma need it. And I want the shop.”
“Got you. Give me a couple days. Not as fast as I was a couple days ago. My lil extra help done went back to her life and some, so it’s just me these days.”
I laughed because I knew what he meant when he said “and some”. “I got you.”
“Speaking of and some… Are you that and some?” He peered over his glasses at me seriously.
“I’d like to think I am, sir. But you and I both know your daughter.”
Now it was his turn to laugh. “And I do know my daughter. You are and some. The change I’ve seen in her is unlike any I’ve witnessed before. You mean something to her and I hope she means something to you as well.”
“More than she’ll ever know,” I responded honestly.
“Good, then I don’t have to threaten your big ass over my daughter. I know she takes care of herself and won’t take well to anybody trying to fight her battles or protect her, but please, Iso. Take care of my rockheaded daughter.”
I nodded.
NINE
Liora
Two Years.I was being sarcastic when I said it during a conversation with Iso, then again, maybe I wasn’t. Maybe it was time and I didn’t realize it until I called myself going back and the suit no longer fit. Then again, was it because I no longer wanted to fit it? No lie, I loved what I did, and never saw myself giving it up until I looked up and it was all I had. The turmoil of being laid up empty and injured, not knowing anything else about myself because I’d spent ten years in constant motion.
“I stopped by the store today.” His voice filled my car as I drove toward the shooting range.
“For what? That’s kind of risky, don’t you think?”
“Nah, not really. I was in and out. You know how to fry chicken?” His question was random but not really considering our conversation this morning.
“Yes, I know how to fry chicken, Iso.”
“Good ’cause we’re eating fried chicken sandwiches for dinner. I got the pickle juice and everything.”
“And who’s cooking that?”
“Shit, me, but you’re gonna walk me through it.”
I glared at the center console momentarily before I nodded as if he could see me. “Fine.”
“Stop looking like that and go see your girl. I’m about to work on my raggedy ass car.”
“How do you know how I’m looking?”
“Because when you’re quiet, you’re nine times outta ten making one of those ugly ass faces like something stinks or mugged up,” he explained, bringing a smile to my face. For him to know these things meant he paid a great deal of attention to me. That wasn’t the only indication, but it was a big one.
“Did you get cheese? And mayo?” I asked, knowing damn well I was sorta looking forward to this cooking experiment tonight.
“Damn, you gonna eat mayo on your chicken sandwich? Who are you, shorty?”
“Um, what? Yes. What do you eat on yours?” I pulled into traffic.
“Ketchup and cheese.”
I turned my face up. “That is absolutely disgusting. I don’t know what I expected from the same man who has a standing delivery of coconut water to his house.”
