Kaiser nodded slowly. “Suppose having that conversation outside wasn’t the smartest decision I’ve ever had.”
Lucas laughed. “No, it wasn’t. But, I’m glad you did it anyway, because I wouldn’t have a clue of what’s going on if you didn’t.”
“Look, if you’re trying to warn me off…”
“Nope, not a single thought of it.”
“Then why are you here?” Kaiser asked.
“To make sure that somewhere in this plan of yours to give Keegan the opportunity to live before she has to make the choice of settling down — or not — you remember to come back. She’s going to be looking for you in everyone she meets. And she’s going to at some point think that she’s not worthy of a mate since the fates didn’t give her one. That shit is almost as bad as being rejected by one.”
Kaiser nodded slowly. “I can imagine it might be.”
“And I also wanted to tell you how much I think of you, and how much I respect your decision. Was a time that regardless of her age, her family would have been making arrangements to marry her off. Some males nowadays make their intentionsknown, even if the female is still too young. You decided you’d bear the brunt of the pain so that she wouldn’t have to have the knowledge of her mate’s existence color her choices. It takes a strong male to do that. My Anahla and I want you to know that we appreciate that, and are thankful that it’s you who was made for our Keegan. So, while you’re off doing your thing, don’t get so far from home that you forget she’s here.”
Kaiser moved closer to Lucas and extended his hand.
Lucas shook his hand, then pulled him in for a hug. “You’re a good kid, Kaiser. She’ll be lucky to have you, when she’s ready.”
“Let’s hope she feels the same way when the time comes,” Kaiser said.
Lucas let go of Kaiser and backed away from him. “This is a good thing you’re doing here, Kaiser.”
“I’m trying,” Kaiser said.
“We’ll see you soon?” Lucas asked.
“Soon enough. We’ll see how it goes. This is all kind of for nothing if I come back here and can’t keep it to myself, isn’t it?”
“You are right about that. Let us know how you are,” Lucas said.
“I will.”
“Drive safe,” Lucas said, then walked off into the darkness.
Kaiser watched him go for a few minutes, then got in his car and tossed his duffel into the tiny back seat. He sat there smiling to himself. Lucas didn’t come to kill him. Instead, he came to make sure that he planned to come back for Keegan. He reached out and started his car, then eased it out of his parking place and slowly made his way down the long driveway. As he took a right onto the road that led to the highway, he noticed Lucas getting into his truck a little way down the road. Lucas had intentionally parked far enough away that nobody would notice his arrival.
Kaiser watched in his rear view for the headlights of Lucas’s truck to come on when Lucas started the truck. Once he sawjust that, he went ahead and accelerated, leaving the male to get home, now that he’d gotten confirmation that his truck had started. It wasn’t that he expected the truck not to start, it was that he just always watched to make sure anyone with him was able to get home before he left any place. The headlights coming on let him know the vehicle started, and people were on their way home. It was the only way he’d leave anywhere if others were leaving in their own cars. Otherwise, he’d have to circle back to make sure they got off okay.
Kaiser drove to town, then through it. Stopping at the last stop light before he jumped on the interstate to send Cristie’s text explaining that he had to get back and promising to call her soon.
He looked down at the text before he hit send.
Hey, had to go back to Atlanta suddenly. Thanks for hanging out. I needed that.
I’m going to put my phone on do not disturb while I’m driving so I’ll call you when
I get there. I’ll see you soon. I’ll miss you.
PS: Stop giving Remi so much shit. You’ll end up old and bitter because you didn’t
forgive your mate for being a male of integrity. That’s what the whole issue was.
And even if he made mistakes, which among us hasn’t? You’re making yours right
now. Talk to that male, and be nice.
I love you, girl. See you soon.
