Page 51 of Gang of Roses: Dice

“That night, we never spoke about anything other than our little chats during intermission. The day I came to the casino, I had just buried one of my best friends. I come from years of deep pain, and we can get into that at a later date. I kinda have to give you that part of me in dosages.”

I respected him for not pushing and just moving on.

“When did you find out you were pregnant?” he asked.

“Months later. I’m a plus-size girl, so having a fupa is nothing new to me. I honestly didn’t think of grabbing a Plan B. The road is my therapist, and I needed to tell the highway all my problems. So I hopped on Bessie and left.”

“Bessie?”

“Oh, Badass Bessie, that’s my bike.”

“Oh, okay. Who is the guy in there?”

“That’s my cousin, Coreal. But as you can tell, he goes by the name Coca. Do you have a problem with gays?”

“Absolutely not. Shidd, I look at it like we're just in different communities. He's down with them letters. My community straight.”

He offered a shrug.

“But why didn’t you tell me, shawty?”

“I wanted to. I went over several ways to tell you I was pregnant, but every time I worked up the nerve, I talked myself out of it. Before I knew it, months had passed. I didn’t want you thinking I was after your money or trying to trap you. I will say this, though... if I had ever been struggling, I would've come to you. My pride would've never let me suffer just to prove a point. If you turned me away, then at least I could say I tried.”

“I think you got me pegged all wrong, mamas.” He widened his stance. “You talking money. I'm talking presence.”

That made my nipples harden.

“Damn the money. Revv's college fund will be set up before I leave these mountains. My father walked out on my mama and left her to raise three kids alone. I was the oldest, so I hit the streets trying to make sure we never needed another man. That's why this hit different. You put me in the same category as that bitch nigga.”

His voice stayed calm, but every word landed heavier than the last.

“I've only known my son a little over an hour, and I'd trade that whole damn casino to get back the time I already missed. A real man don't run from his responsibilities. He runs toward 'em.”

“That got me feeling like shit.”

“That’s not the goal. I ain’t gone lie, though…I had my tech guy at the casino playing PI, trying to find you, but that ain’t really his lane. The nigga stayed swamped with work, so every time he came back, it was with bits and damn pieces. It’s like your ass became a ghost.” His eyes stayed locked on mine.

“I didn’t think no more after that night. I took it for what it was. You said that wasn’t your first time offering a proposition. I for sure didn’t think that night would have you looking for me.”

He shifted on the cabin-style bench. I’m sure because it was too hard.

I mean, I eventually let the shit go. Tom stayed buried running the tech side of the business, so he’d only look whenever he had some free time. Then your ass bought this cabin. Once he saw your name pop back up, it sent him right back down the rabbit hole. Only when he looked outside of Magnolia Valley, within a hundred-mile radius, did he stumble on medical records.

I told Coca to put this cabin in his name. I should have spoken with Rebel; she would have had my information sealed.

My heart damn near stopped. I sank lower into the tub, hoping this observant ass man didn’t notice it trying to beat its way out of my chest.

“Stalking again? Should I file charges?”

He lifted a brow.

“Can’t lie. I missed watching my favorite show.”

“I didn’t even come that often.”

“Often enough to catch my attention.”

This man had a way with words.