Page 150 of When a Soul Cries

I'd handle his big ass too.

Free of charge.

“I ain't met you yet, Soleia Monroe,” I whispered, “but something telling me you and that baby about to be all up in my business.”

I picked up my phone and stared at Rome's name.

For a second, I considered calling him back.

Telling him.

*There's something you don't know about me.*

*Something about you.*

My thumb hovered over his name.

Then I locked the phone.

Not tonight.

If I ever told my son the truth about how he came into this world, he deserved more than hearing it through a phone.

Tonight, he had enough on his heart.

I leaned back and pulled the covers over my legs.

“Lord, watch over that girl and her baby tonight. And watch over my hardheaded son, because I already know he's about to get on my damn nerves.”

My smile faded.

“And if she needs a mama…”

My throat tightened.

“You know I got room.”

I reached over and turned off the lamp.

Ten seconds later, my eyes opened.

I wondered what size clothes Halo wore.

“Nope.”

I shut my eyes.

“Irene Mae, go to sleep.”

Five seconds passed.

I reached for my phone.

“I'm just looking. Just in case.”

I damn near broke the heel off my shoe walking back to my car.

“Got me fucked up,” I muttered, digging through my purse for my keys. “Every last one of ’em.”