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“Yeah, me either. I will, but you think about what I said too. I love you, J.”
“I love you too, baby.”
I hugged her, and she kissed my cheek. I gave her a slight smile. “I’m proud of you, superstar.”
After winking at her as she blushed, I left the room, letting the smile fall from my face. I had to get to Uncle Jasper’s to smoke before the private viewing. I needed to mellow out ASAP.
* * *
I was sorelaxed by the time I got back to the viewing. Uncle Jasper and I got lit as fuck. I had to have smoked three blunts. When I got home, I could barely function enough to shower and get dressed. I ended up taking an hour nap then handled my business so I could get back to the barn on time.
Instead of dressing up, Noah and Jess suggested country attire for the evening. I was just fine with that shit. After the viewing, J. Paul was gon’ kick the party up a notch, and we were gon’ show Noah how we did it in Big City Nome, Texas. Watchful Eyes would be on the premises as well, securing the event.
No one had made any moves as far as our inventory went, nor had anyone shown up in Nome to fuck with anything. Maybe Tyrese decided not to go through with it. I didn’t know, but I wouldn’t let my guard down so soon. As I walked around, making sure everything was straight, I saw Decaurey walk in.
“What’s up, nigga? What’chu doing here?”
“I had to show my face for a little while. I’m not staying long. My babies need me.”
I stared at him and realized what he was saying. I smiled and slapped his hand. “Congratulations, big dawg.”
“Yep. So I guess I’ll never know if she’s telling the truth or not.”
“Did you tell her you were doubting it?”
“Naw. I told her if I did a DNA test, we wouldn’t have to fool with Tyrese. That was proof enough.”
“Good.”
“Yeah. Well, let me mingle a lil bit before the video comes on, because I’m leaving right afterward.”
“A’ight, man.”
Nate had already arrived, and he was seated toward the back… with a woman. That was shocking as hell. I hadn’t had a chance to talk to him so I made my way over to him. He stood from his seat, and I saw he had on Cinch jeans, a huge ass blinged-out belt buckle, and boots. I nodded repeatedly as he smiled. When I got closer, I slapped his hand.
“What happened to you last night, man? Noah said some shit popped off, but he didn’t know details because Yendi wouldn’t say exactly.”
“Whatdidshe say?”
“That something from your past basically had you fucked up. I don’t know her exact wording, because you know Noah uses a lot of words and shit sometimes. So I forgot exactly how he said it.”
I nodded repeatedly. She was protecting me even in that moment. That woman was so damn perfect. “She was right. My dad and I have a rift because of something he did in the past. He was locked up for twelve years. I saw him at the game. You know I trust you if I’m telling you that much.”
“Absolutely. I know you’re pretty private, so I’m shocked you said that much. I hate that happened. I was looking forward to turning up with y’all. We beat them by fifteen so the turnup would have been even better. I cut up for y’all though.”
I chuckled. “Congratulations. How many points you ended up with?”
“Twenty-five points, eleven assists, and three blocks, my nigga.”
“That’s what’s up! Congrats again. So, umm… who’s the woman?”
“A decoy to make Brix comfortable and to help Jess move on. If she thinks I’m done, then she’ll be done.” He slid his hand over his face. “She’s my cousin’s homegirl. We practically grew up together. She knows the deal though. So if I kiss her or be affectionate, she knows it’s an act.”
“Wow. That’s big of you. I hope it’s an act for her too.”
“It is. She has a man. This shit was hard, but I listened to what you said, and I’m trying to do something about it. I want Jess to be happy. Real shit. Even if she’s happy with someone else. I love that woman, for real.”
I patted his back as some lady went to the mic to announce the entrance of Noah and Jess. Finding my seat, I watched my cousin strut out in some too small cut-off shorts, knee-length boots, a plaid halter top, and a Stetson. My frown was way too deep. Jess sure knew how to push the limits, walking in here looking like a fucking buckle bunny. I glanced around the room to see frowns on all my uncles’ faces, especially Uncle Storm’s. However, Nate was stuck… eyes fucking glued to her.
