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“Duh, that’s why they want me to get you to come. They know you can’t say no to me.”
“I’on know about all that, Meg. The last time I went over there, it was one blow after another. I’m not trying to spend my days dealing with that toxic shit. If they can’t accept my choices and the way I live, they don’t have to be in my life.”
“I hear you, and I respect whatever decision you make, but I think they don’t understand how much that bothers you.” Londen sucked his teeth and headed back inside with Megan following close behind. “Hear me out. You might tell them no, but you don’t actually express your boundaries, Londen. It wasn’t until I told Mama straight up, I was tired of her talking negatively about me leaving so young, and if she continued to do so, I would no longer talk to her, that she stopped. Same thing with Daddy before I left. He kept insisting that I go to the University of Memphis, and I told him whether he paid for my tuition or not, I wasn’t going. When he realized I was serious, he left me alone and still paid. Tell them how you feel about what they’re saying and what you expect from them, and I promise things will change.”
“It might be that easy with Mama, but I don’t know about Pops. There’s a lot at stake right now. He’s going to drill me about this until he gets his way.”
“Are you going to let him?”
Londen scratched his head as he considered her question. If things were over with Lei, he had less to lose. Going back to the streets would be a good distraction. What reason would he have to live right and be legit without her?
“Honestly, sis, I don’t know. A part of me wants to stand firm and stay legit. The other part of me is starting to waver.”
“Well, if my opinion matters, I think you should stick to your guns and stay legit. He’s been doing just fine without you. Live the life you want, Londen, and don’t let him or anyone else make you shift gears.”
Londen couldn’t deny how happy he was to have his sister back home. Their relationship didn’t require they talk daily, but when they did, they always lifted each other up. It just so happened this time around, it was his turn to be lifted up, and he appreciated flying on her wings.
They chilled for another hour before there was a knock on the door.
“That’s her,” Megan whispered. “You want me to leave?”
“Let me see what she on first. Go outside.”
“Outside?” Megan repeated loudly as they stood, looking just like their mother. They shared the same walnut brown skin, round faces, and thin lips. “I ain’t no damn dog.”
“Girl, just go chill on the patio for a second. Or go down to the beach.”
“Fine,” she grumbled. “But I want to meet her.”
“Aight.”
Londen waited until she was on the patio and had closed the door before he went to let Lei in. With his hand on the knob, he closed his eyes and took in a calming breath. As soon as he opened the door and set eyes on her, Londen released, like he always did at the sight of her.
“Hey,” he spoke, opening the door wider so she could step inside.
“Hi.”
Cupping her hands in front of her, Lei took small steps toward him. He allowed the door to swing shut on its own, unable to keep himself from wrapping his arms around her. Even dressed down in a sweatsuit, Lei was beautiful. Her hair was pulled into a bun and her face was lightly made. Chunky hoop earrings dangled from her ears, and the diamond crown necklace he gave her hung from her neck.
“I don’t want to hold the past against you. I want to be with you. It’s going to take me some time to get over this, but we’re worth the work. I’m…” Her mouth twisted to the side and eyes shifted briefly. When they landed on Megan, her brows wrinkled as her grip around him loosened. “Why didn’t you tell me you had company?”
“That’s my sister Megan.”
“Oh. I can come back later.”
“Nah.” Gripping her chin, Londen regained her focus. “Finish what you were saying.”
Lei’s hand slid down his chest. “I was saying…” she whispered, smiling a small smile. “I’m falling in love with you. I-I am in love with you. I love you, Londen.”
Her statement made him feel taller, bigger… better. Expanded lungs pulled in deep, satisfied breaths.
“Say that again.” When Londen lifted her into the air, she squealed. Once he had her legs wrapped around him, Londen smacked her ass. “Baby.”
“Hmm?”
“Say that shit again.”
Cupping the back of his neck, Lei brushed her nose against his. “I love you.”
