“You promise?” I asked, turning her face toward mine.
“Promise, Momma.”
“Do you understand what just happened?”
She shook her head ‘no’.
“Did you see Shane at your closet door when you were getting dressed? Or have you ever noticed him staring at you in a way that made you feel weird?”
Once again, her head moved side to side, letting me know she did not know he was there.
“Has Shane ever touched you?” I stopped breathing. My body stiffened as I waited for her response. I was already conjuring up a plan in my head if she said yes. Rhema shifted in my lap. The innocence in her eyes melted my heart and filled me with a deep feeling of sadness I couldn’t ignore. It was my job as her parent to protect her at all costs.
“No, Mommy.”
Thank God. I breathed a sigh of relief, but I still planned to call the police on his ass. “You sure? You can tell me anything.”
“He’s never put his hands on me. I still remember when you told me that if anyone ever touched my private parts, I’m supposed to tell you. I never forgot that.”
My baby.
I had told her this when she was old enough to understand, but I wasn’t sure if she truly knew what I was saying until now. Rhema had understood, listened, and kept that conversation in her mind.
“That’s right, lovebug, Mommy is so proud of you. You can always come to me, and I promise to keep you safe.”
Rhema nodded, wrapped her arms around me, and nestled her head in the crook of my neck. I bawled as my baby girl held me tightly. For the first time, I did not hide my tears from my daughter. I let the tears flow as we stayed close to each other for the rest of the night.
CHAPTER 6
REASON
“My nigga,” Basheer greeted as I approached the table in the back of the restaurant where we were meeting.
Basheer Buchanan was my confidant, something like a big brother, and my business partner. He was an alumnus of the college I attended, but he still had dealings on campus, which was where we met during my junior year. And we’d been tight ever since.
When John left me in charge of the TV network, there were no questions about it—I was bringing Basheer along with me.
When I wasn’t available, he found the talent, met with clients, and traveled all over the world.
Basheer was currently in New York, meeting with a potential client who wanted to pitch a TV show. Every meeting I had in this city, he was right there. Since this was his hometown, and he knew it inside out, I usually let him handle all the affairs here.
I had some free time, so I thought, why not join him for this business trip and use our spare time to catch up.
“What up, dawg!” We dapped, and I took a seat.
“Mr. St. Pierre, it’s good to see you again.” The young, petite waiter waltzed over, welcoming me as soon as I sat down.
Basheer and I were regulars at this Soul Food spot when we were in New York, so everyone in the vicinity knew who we were. Even the owner, when she was present, would serve us our meal personally.
“Hi, Ashlyn. How are you?”
She smiled from ear to ear, batting her lashes. Basheer gazed at the young girl before his attention shifted over to me. I knew what was up. Ashlyn always made it a habit to flirt, but like every other time, I brushed it off. I never entertained women in a way that would disrespect my wife. My vows were something I took seriously. It didn’t matter how cute or how hard a female tried to throw the pussy my way; I was never catching that shit.
As Aslyn stood there all googly eyed, all I could think about was how lucky she was that Saje wasn’t here. My woman would’ve checked her twenty-something year old ass without hesitation.
“I’m great… now… Mr. St. Pierre,” she said, switching her voice to a more seductive tone.
Yeah, it was time to place my order and send her on her way. She was already lingering at our table far too long.
