AllFreeNovel
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“What you’ve done on the block, any motherfucker could’ve. But what you’ve done for my life, nah. Niggas at this table ain’t fucking with that. Best gift ever, hands down, nigga. I appreciate that. I appreciate you. So, to Nelson.”
“To Nelson,” the room erupted in cheer.
A good sport, he nodded, hiking his glass in the air as well.
“She fucking the boss now, dog. When you see her in the streets, look the other way and we gon’ be aight. No hard feelings. It’s love, all love, ’cause you the nigga I have to thank for giving my baby up. That extra key on me.” I chuckled. “And that still ain’t enough ’cause I could never repay a nigga for fucking up that bad.”
“Right on. Right on,” Nel responded, tilting his glass again.
“Now, back to the money!”
I popped the bottle of champagne and refilled my glass. When I sat beside Glacier, I leaned closer so that she could hear me clearly.
“Never feel threatened by a nigga in my presence. I will kill everything breathing in this bitch about you. Don’t ever get that twisted. For you, I will clear a whole town. For you, I will lay shit down. For you, I will wage war. For you, G, hell ain’t even the limit. Fix your face, that’s your past. I’m your future.”
“I love you,” she responded, reaching for my hand underneath the table.
She sought security, comfort, and validation. I met her exactly where she was, willing to give her whatever she needed. Our fingers intertwined as the meeting continued. Though I was fully present, mentally, physically, and financially, I still kept my eyes open and my ears to the ground, making sure there were no lingering feelings associated with the conversation Nelson and I had just had.
“I love you more, Mommas.”
Roulette rounded the table, ending up beside me with her hands concealing the words coming from her mouth as she whispered in my ear.
“I’d like to take Glacier into a more comfortable setting. Roaman, Range, and Royce are in the lounge having drinks. She’s welcome to join them.”
“The entire gang is here, huh?”
“Not exactly. We’re missing a few and the obvious one.”
She was referring to Chem.
“Right. Let me ask her.”
Roulette nodded, stepping away as I turned toward Glacier.
“Baby, the woman conducting this meeting is Chem’s sister,” I explained lowly so that she was the only person at the table able to hear me.
“Your Chem?”
“Yes. My brother. His sisters are in the lounge having drinks and she’s offered to take you back there if you’re more comfortable.”
“Baby, I’m comfortable wherever you are,” she clarified. “But after all of this, I could use a drink and some girl chat.”
“Aight. Bet. She’s going to lead the way. When I finish up, I’ll come get you.”
“Okay.”
“I’ll have your food delivered to you,” Roulette told Glacier as she stood.
Intently, I gazed in her direction as she followed Roulette out of the boardroom. Wedding bells and flowers and white gowns and rings clouded my head. Without a doubt, I knew one thing to be accurate in my future.
I’ma marry the shit out of that fucking girl.
The reassuring smile she gave me before exiting, letting me know that she was in good spirits, made my heart pound against my chest. I responded with a head nod, letting her know it was all good.
ELEVEN
“All right, Mr. Hodge. You’re going to play nice tonight?”
