Page 27 of Rayzor: Tell Me It’s Mine II

Her eyes grew wide. Her breath was caught in her chest. She grabbed the sides of her pants with her fists. I could tell it was to refrain from seeming weak, but the revelation caught her by surprise.

“He what?” she recalled.

“Yeah, and ain’t no telling where the fuck he was about to go or do. Maleek ain’t the only one keeping secrets.”

“And what is that supposed to mean?”

“You are too. Ask that bald nigga in the suit why he knows so much about me. And better yet, you too.”

He helped me up into the truck, then walked around to the front of it to get in on his side. I let the window down.

“You don’t even know the man you’re lying with every night.”

“And I still love him, his past, demons and flaws.”

I swallowed.

“I don’t pretend to know everything about Courtland. I’m not gonna pretend I do. He’s layered, but that’s the beauty of it, and I choose to stand by and learn him.”

She shifted on her leg.

“And if ever loving him costs more than I’m willing to give, I know when to walk away. He knows that. You’re missing out on a great man you raised. The world loves him. I love him. And you should love him too. Take care, Mrs. Kirkland.”

Rayzor kissed the back of my hand and pulled away from the curb, leaving her there. I watched her silhouette fade as we got further down the street. I knew she wasn’t going to admit it; she’s stubborn like Rayzor. But the look in her eyes told me she’d heard every word.

The ride back to his house was a blur. I think we were both in our heads. Rayzor was the pillar of compressing feelings. It had something to do with his father’s passing. But I knew tonight was different. The heaviness was in the air.

“Are you alright, baby?”

“Yeah, baby, I’m good. You?”

“Don’t ask nothing you already know the answers to.”

“How can she just treat you like that? Mrs. Kirkland is always so well-rounded and nice at the office.”

“She was once nice with me too until shit changed.”

“Sorry if I intruded.”

“You stood by ya man. Ain’t shit to apologize about. If anything, I need to apologize for putting you close to that shit.”

“I did what I wanted. If I didn’t want to go, I could’ve stayed back.”

He leaned over the console. “And that’s why I love you.” He kissed me.

We walked into the house hand in hand. The house wasn’t as loud, and the TV was on. Both kids were on the couch with Suki, and City was seated in the chair. They were watching a movie.

“Ma,” Levi called out, but stayed under Suki.

I sat next to them.

“Y’all took a bath?” I asked the kids.

“Yep. City bathe Levi, and I took my shower.”

“And, girl, they’ve been hanging on since. Levi keeps dozing off,” Suki joked.

“Nun uh. I’m up,” Levi argued back.