Page 44 of Spending Forever With You

This month, I want you to take the time to right your wrongs. A real conversation is needed and don’t skip that apology.

You’ve got me for a few more months, so I’ll be back.

Jimmy

I folded the letter, smirking at Jimmy working hard from the grave.

“Old man, let’s hope your plan works because I’m pretty sure she’s about to leave me tonight.”

And it was like he heard me because my next thought was loud and clear.

So don’t let her. When she moves, chase her down until you catch her.

Daniels, the starting pitcher, walking up broke me out of my head. I knew it was time for the bullpen session to help him get loose.

“You ready, Deacon?” he asked as soon as he approached.

“Yeah, let me slide this into my locker real quick.” I closed my lunch container, getting up to follow him out. While he kept going, I made a left for the locker room where I put my stuff away then grabbed my phone to text Hollis.

Me: Hershey, rules are rules and promises are promises. You owe me dates before you try and leave me again. I love you and I’ll see you tonight.

I turned my phone off and put it in my locker then grabbed my glove, further thinking about Hollis as I went to work.

CHAPTER 11

Hollis

“Help me understand what is happening right now. Y’all finished the probate process but Jimmy had another clause in order to formally inherit the house that legally requires you two to stay married, no, together, for another six months but you’re leaving,” Johnni said as I removed my clothes from the closet, tossing them in my suitcase.

I released a heavy breath since I was moving at ultra speed, going back and forth while she sat on the bed with CJ in her arms.

It was just us. She popped up on me on her way to pick up the baby from Mrs. Steph who babysat while she had to work. Johnni was no longer competing in pageants but had officially taken over the role of coaching younger girls in the art. After CJ was born, she opened her own studio called Beauty Girls, a foundation that coached pageant girls as well as prepared debutante ball contestants.

I told her that she’d opened a mini-Jack and Jill.

“Uh yeah.” I balled my face up at her statement, wondering what didn’t make sense to her. I didn’t even think it was necessary to explain myself. In my mind it was clear the deal was off. I did my part, the original agreement. Anything else was out of my hands.

“Why is my question then? Since you’re not saying shit else to make it make sense to me. Because the only thing I’m getting is you pissed off when you hang all that back up.” I paused my steps toward the closet, kissing my teeth, taking this time to catch my breath since I was treating packing like an Olympic sport.

“What do you mean why? Because I didn’t sign up for no extended ass stay with my ex-husband. Six months is a lifetime in hateful years. Hell, these last three weeks were a lot. Do you know the stories I missed out on because I had to be at his games? I mean, primetime shit. And don’t get me started on Omar’s yapping about this Shepherd Rowe story still not being done. I can’t write here. It feels icky being this close to these people and talking about them. Staying here is wasting my time and hurting my career,” I said as I huffed, stuffing my clothes into my suitcase, now wondering how I made everything fit before.

“Stop saying you hate that man. We all can see you still feel something blissful for him, Hollis, and six months with your husband isn’t a lifetime. Y’all were together longer than that when y’all were dating. Heffa, Deacon is still your husband that you agreed to help get the house and other stuff. Sounds to me like your part in this isn’t done. The Hollis I know doesn’t go back on her word, no matter how mad or uncomfortable she is. You remember Jermaine, that fuck nigga you dealt with a couple years ago? You said his breath was funkier than two dead skunks on a hot ass July day, but he had information on some rapper you needed. You rode that wave for months until the well was dry. I wonder if they ever figured out who sold their story to the press?” I chuckled as I placed my hand on my hip, thinking back to my younger years. I was wild and really did a lot for a story.

“Ugh, not you bringing up stinky man. My eyebrows still haven’t recovered from the funky ass pain he brought. And hell no, because back then I had like three other names I used to write under, not just Shanel Deke.”

It got quiet before I spoke again.

“I still have to work and do my job though. You’re missing that crucial detail in my decision. Again, I can’t do that here, not with me playing friends with Luke’s people. You know my rule, I don’t talk about friends and family. And no, we ain’t like best friends, but I do enjoy hanging out with her in the WAG suite.”

“Exactly and keep that in mind whenever he calls. Fuck Omar’s ass. He’ll be aight, but if that ick feeling is present for semi-strangers, maybe the time not writing is a call for a change in that area too. Not all endings are bad. Look at me, I have a whole new life now.”

Johnni rocked CJ in her arms while a cheeky smile formed on her face.

“Ugh, I hate you’re right. I still didn’t sign up for six months though, Johnni.”

“I know, but you also didn’t sign up to still be married. I remember you telling me this was for Jimmy’s wishes, not yours. If you need an escape, I know a place wher⁠—"

“Aht, hell no. I gets down, but no thank you. Plus, Luke closed our shit immediately. I told you I had to cut my people off. I got them on the temporary block list that doesn’t seem to have a turn on date in sight.”