AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Supply and demand is a simple business. Marijuana will soon be legal everywhere, and people were doing serious time and being killed on the streets a few years ago for selling it. Now the government sees the benefit and can make a profit too. Shit, alcohol and prescription pills are more dangerous than anything we push, but liquor and pharmaceutical companies are worth billions. And no one gives a fuck how many people die each year due to driving while drunk or popping pain pills because it’s the American way. So chill on all that worry. I’m good with my choice. Besides, my unc needs someone he can really trust by his side beside Ma.”
Unable to argue with anything he said, I held my hand out to him since I’d often used the same argument to defend why I sold drugs. “Duly noted. Respect your decision.”
Courage shook my hand firmly, and he opened his mouth to speak. Mamma walked into the room. She shut the door and stood with her hands on her hips, looking him up and down. Courage smiled, amused at her behavior.
“Oh, my God, he has George’s smile.” She wiped her fast-falling tears with her hand before opening her arms.
Courage’s eyes were now wide, scared like the kid he still was, as he glanced back at me, unsure what to do. I urged, “Go hug your grandmother.”
He rose from the chair timidly at first and into her arms like it was the most natural thing to do. They both closed their eyes and embraced each other. She pulled away first. “You want some spaghetti and meatballs? Or what about shrimp linguine with clam sauce? I want to cook for my boy.”
“As long as I can help you cook, I’ll eat anything,” he said.
“You mind if I join?” I asked.
She placed her arm under his. “I do. Want to spend some time alone with my grandson. I’m tired of your face. Courage and I have catching up to do.”
“Sorry, but I have to do what she says.” He grinned, and I could indeed see my father’s smile.
My eyes watered, and I silently thanked Diamond for giving my father back to me by having my son. “Go ahead. Get her to make some of her famous garlic bread and cherry wine spritz. We have plenty of time to get to know each other.”
Courage quirked a brow. “I guess we do.”
His confirmation that he wanted more time was enough for me, and I found myself smiling the rest of the afternoon while eagerly awaiting a home-cooked meal from Mamma and my son.
Chapter Nineteen
“Baby, our meeting wentwell. He’s in there with my mother in the kitchen, bothering the chef. Thank you for him. He’s a strong, well-spoken young man.” I leaned back in my chair, proud of how well our meeting went. Maybe he was kind to me because of the wealth I’d just bestowed upon him, a decision I didn’t second-guess. I trusted Diamond, and in some way, I still trusted Laffy and figured they raised him well. My gut told me that his interest in me and my side of the family was genuine, especially after he took so well to his grandmother.
Diamond sounded off. “Um...glad that the meeting went well. I have to tell you this. And I don’t think that Laffy cares if I tell you.”
I sat up, adrenaline already rushing through me. “Tell me what?”
“He’s up to something. Now that you know about him and Courage, I’m out of the loop now.”
“What the fuck is it now? I gave him what he asked for.”
“He wants Treme too.”
“I know that. Listen to what I am saying...I called your brother at Club Dreams and told him five days ago that he can have both since Desire used to run it.”
She inhaled and exhaled slowly. “Then I don’t know, Gianni.”
I replied testily, “Well, I do know...he’s taking my kindness for weakness. Using our history for his own gains.”
