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Kahlil sucked his teeth before giving me a playful smile. “Look at you, sounding like the big brother for a change.”
All I could do was chuckle as he came and sat back down. I couldn’t get offended because that was the truth. We were so close in age I didn’t have the chance to learn from our father and plant those things in Kahlil. We learned from him and lost him at the same time. Though Kahlil and I matured at the same time, he was forced to grow up and become more serious with life before I was. I felt pride in the moments I was able to look out for my brother and his growing family in any way possible, that was why I couldn’t wait to share my news with him.
“Get outta here with that shit,” I said, stuffing my phone back into my pocket.
“What’s up, though? You good?”
“Yeah, I’m great actually. I stopped by to share some news wit’chu, but you looked like you needed that sleep, so I didn’t want to wake you up.”
Kahlil laughed softly and nodded his head. “I did. More than I realized. But what’s up? Is this about the meeting you had today?”
“Yeah. I officially released my last client. I’m done.”
He covered his mouth with his hand, shaking his head as his eyes temporarily closed. Flopping back in his seat, Kahlil nodded compulsively.
“Don’t play with me, Tyreek.” His expression was serious as he sat up in his seat. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”
“Yeah, brother. I’m done. I retired today, officially.”
He blew out a whistle and grinned widely as he stood. Kahlil grabbed my hand and lifted me from my seat, pulling me in for a hug as he laughed heartily.
“I’m so proud of you, man. This is the best news I’ve gotten since I heard about my baby. I’m so, so proud of you.”
He held me tighter, and I didn’t have to see him to know he was fighting back tears. This was something that had been a long time coming. Kahlil had been out of the game for years and had been begging me to do the same. Even when he continued on with the journey books, he stopped everything else after our father died. Sure, we still had favors that we owed, but when he got out, I directed all traffic that was meant for him to me. I didn’t want my brother touching anything while he was trying to go legit.
When he released me, he squeezed his eyes, brushing away his tears in the process. I looked away and did the same. I couldn’t imagine how much relief this filled him with. Even with his legal dealings, there was still worry and concern because of my choice to stay. Now, he was finally free of that.
“How are you going to celebrate?” he asked as we sat back down. “This is monumental, and it can’t just be slipped under the rug.”
“I’m staying lowkey for now. If anything, I’ll just turn up a bit more when we get to Vegas for the joint bachelor and bachelorette parties.”
His head tilted as he eyed me skeptically. “Anyone giving you a hard time about your decision?”
My head shook as I avoided his eyes. I didn’t want him to worry about Ahmad. That was something I’d handle if necessary. “Nah, I’m good, brother. Don’t worry about me.” I returned my eyes to his as Honey knocked on the door.
“Come in,” he granted, and she quickly scurried in, holding Kayla on her hip. As soon as she saw me, her eyes widened and she gave me a gummy smile, almost hopping out of her mother’s arms to get to me. When I first arrived, Kayla was in her bed.
“Gimme my baby,” I demanded softly, holding my arms out for Kayla.
“Say hey Unkie Ty,” Honey directed, but Kayla wasn’t paying her any attention as she opened and closed her fists and giggled at the sight of me.
“Hey, shuga buga.” I took her and covered her face with kisses. “I missed you.”
As I prepared to take her upstairs so Honey and Kahlil could be alone, Honey stopped me with, “Um… I know this is probably a long shot, but have you talked to Janae?”
I turned to face her, finally taking in her worried expression. Her brows wrinkled as she nibbled on her bottom lip, frame rigid.
“Not since we called things off. Is everything okay?”
“I’m not sure. She isn’t answering her phone. I called her job and they said she didn’t come in, and you know that’s not like Nae. I’m a little worried.”
“I’ll go check on her. Do you have a key to her place?”
“Yes. I was coming down here to tell Kahlil I was gonna go and check on her myself, but…”
“Nah, I got it. Let me get the key up off you.”
“Okay,” Honey agreed softly before heading out of the room. When she returned, I gave Kahlil Kay Kay as I asked Honey, “Do you have any idea why she might not be answering? Has she mentioned not feeling well or something?”
