"No, Pop." I shook my head sharply tears burning my eyes again. "She didn't leave because she stopped loving me. She left because you guilt tripped her."
Mama burst into tears. "I was scared!" she cried. "You came home bruised up! Melo was crying! I couldn't lose you too!"
"But you already did!" I shouted back, voice breaking. "You already fucking did!"
The second those words left my mouth Mama physically flinched. And that instantly made me feel horrible. But I was hurting too bad to take it back.
"I finally found somebody that made me happy again," I said brokenly. "Do you know what that took for me after Kendrix?" My chest heaved hard. "Do you know how hard it was for me to love somebody again?"
Mama covered her mouth sobbing. "I wasn't trying to hurt you, baby."
"But you did." My voice dropped. "And you hurt her too."
Mama slowly sank down onto the couch, tears falling quietly "I just got you back happy again," she whispered voice quivering. "I didn't wanna lose my son."
My anger softened instantly hearing that. Pops gave me that look, thick brows lifting. I nodded. Exhaling slowly, I stepped around the couch crouching down in front of her.I took both her hands into mine. "The reason I'm happy again is because of her, Ma," I said softly.
Fresh tears welled in her eyes. "I can see that now," she admitted quietly. "I just thought I was doing the right thing for you and Melo."
"I know." I squeezed her hands gently. "And I appreciate you for that more than you know." My voice softened further. "Butyou can't keep me from my heart, Ma. I love her. I'm not giving up on her."
"That's what makes you so special, baby." She smiled sadly through her tears. "Your heart is so pure."
A small smile pulled at my lips. "Y'all raised me right."
"That we did." She squeezed my fingers tightly. "I'm sorry."
"It's okay." I lifted her hand kissing the top softly. "You were just trying to protect me like she was." I shook my head slightly. "And I shouldn't have yelled at you either."
She reached up touching the side of my face gently. "Oh baby…" her voice cracked. "I understand why you did. I will say this," Mama sniffled wiping underneath her eyes. "Despite my fears… I truly am happy you found somebody else to love." A small smile crossed her face. "She really is a lovely young woman."
"She is," I said softly. "That's why I gotta bring her back to us."
Pops walked over then, resting his heavy hand on my shoulder. "What can we do to help, son?"
I straightened slowly, determination settling into me for the first time in two days.
"I'ma call Boog. See if I can get him to give me her best friend's number so I can talk to her."
"I can talk to her too if you need me to," Mama offered quickly. "Apologize for meddling."
I smiled faintly shaking my head. "It's all good, Ma. I got it."
Angel walked over and linked her arm through mine. "Go get your girl then, big bro," she smiled warmly.
Chapter 52
Isipped my iced lemonade. My purse with my gun inside tucked tightly on my shoulder. I held the phone to my ear while I waited for my food.
"You still working at that sales job?" My dad asked.
I almost snorted a laugh. "No, I left. Been trying to figure out my next move."
"Good. Figure it out down here with me. You should spend the summer with me and your uncles on the farm."
The cashier smiled holding up my takeout.
Pressing the phone against my shoulder and ear, I accepted the food with a silent thank you. "I don't know if I'm built for farm living, Dad." I pushed out the door, my eyes already scanning the parking lot. It was all clear. "You know I'm a city girl,” I continued
