Page 50 of Gangsta

“I was too jumpy around Mo. Your daddy suspected that Mo had been trying to get at me. If he had any idea what the real issue was, he might still be here.”

I stood from my seat, and so did Sasha. “What do you mean by that?” Yunique asked.

“I think Mo had something to do with your dad getting killed. I couldn’t prove it, so I never said anything. I think he believed that it would only be a matter of time before Yusef found out what he was really up to. When your dad died at the hospital, he hugged me and said that he would make sure he took good care of all four of us. That shit literally made my skin crawl. When Ice had Joshua looking after us, I was grateful. Everybody, except Ice, was afraid of Joshua.”

When she mentioned his name, Joel came to mind. While he was feeling a way about his father, I was thanking God for him. There was no telling what would have happened to us had he not been looking out for us. “Well, I’m glad his ass is dead now. He finally got what the fuck he deserved.”

That was all I could say. I couldn’t address my mother’s part in it, because I needed to calm down and truly think about the position she was in. I would have taken a chance and told Yonkers exactly what was going on. I wouldn’t have allowed that grimy muthafucka to keep pushing his fingers inside my baby. What if I would have contracted bacterial infections and shit?

“How often was Mo at the house?” I asked.

“Just sometimes. It was always random. Had he been coming around more, Yusef would have known something was going on. He never brought the personality of Yonkers home, but had he known, there would have been no controlling him or how he would have handled it.”

My mama stood from her seat and approached me, putting her hands to my cheeks. “I love you so much, and I’m sorry I didn’t do more to protect you. I didn’t know how to do that and keep all of us alive. I’m thankful that you hadn’t suffered physically from what happened.”

I closed my eyes and nodded. “I have to go. I have to be at the airport by one. See you in the morning, Nique,” I said, turning my mouth toward my phone.

I ended the call before she could respond, then said to my mama, “I wish I never had to know.”

“Me too. I would have never told you about that, especially since you had no recollection of anything.”

I nodded then leaned over and kissed Sasha’s cheek. “See you in a few hours.”

I loosely hugged my mama then left. As I walked to my car, I couldn’t help but take slow deep breaths. It felt like I was about to have a whole anxiety attack. Leaving tomorrow would be just what I needed, regardless of the reason for the trip.

SEVENTEEN

JOEL

When I landed at Tallahassee International Airport, my nerves picked up. I knew had I told Dr. King I was coming, she would have refused to see me for fear of what I would do to her. She’d probably seen more of Joshua in me than I’d seen in myself until what I did to Keondra. That was another reason I was nervous. I’d originally wanted her to be with me on this trip, more to keep me in pocket. However, it seemed not even she could do that if I was angry enough.

When I got to the Uber, I sent Jungle and Isaiah separate text messages, letting them know that I was headed to my hotel. Isaiah and I had talked a couple more times, and he assured me that I was making the right decision. I’d finally admitted to him and myself that I wanted to get to get to know Dr. King… Solé King… my mother.

I would show up at her office after I got some food on my stomach. It was only eight in the morning, and I found out that she wouldn’t be in the office until nine o’clock today. She had a nine-thirty appointment that would last about thirty minutes. She didn’t have another appointment until eleven. That would give us time to talk. Maybe I could take her to lunch.

Once we arrived at the hotel, I grabbed my bag. I only packed a duffel bag since I was leaving tomorrow evening. There was no sense in being here a long time. She and I would have today and what her schedule allowed for tomorrow. After tipping the driver, I made my way inside to the desk to check in.

I thought they would give me a hard time since check in wasn’t until three, but they didn’t. I assumed they had rooms available. It helped that the lady at the counter liked what she saw. Her eyes had graced every inch of me. Had I not been trying to get Kee back, I would have fucked her until her insides were hanging out.

Once she gave me the key card and told me what room I was in, I thanked her and made my way to the elevator. I nearly dropped to my knees when I walked around the corner though. Keondra was standing there with a smile on her face. I dropped my bag and practically ran to her. I hugged her tightly as I closed my eyes, begging my emotions to stay in check.

She chuckled softly as I pulled away. I couldn’t even say shit at the moment. I was in shock. I picked up my bag and pressed the button for the elevator then grabbed her hand. Surprisingly, she didn’t say anything either. Once the doors opened, I stood to the side and allowed her to step on first.

When I joined her, I couldn’t keep my eyes off her. She looked so beautiful in the baby blue sundress she wore. That shit didn’t hide much. It had spaghetti straps, and I could see her hard nipples through it. I could also see the print of her thong. She’d noticed me staring at her because a smirk appeared on her face.

Once the elevator doors opened, I grabbed her hand again and led her to my room. The minute we were inside, I dropped my duffel bag on the bed. “Keondra, damn. I was not expecting this at all. Remind me to hug Jungle when we get back. I mean… I’m assuming you’re leaving when I do. Why did you come?”

She pulled me to the table so we could be seated. I watched her take a deep breath and close her eyes. “I knew you needed me. I refused to leave you hanging.” She took another deep breath. “I missed you, despite everything that happened. I’m scared though. I’m afraid that if I take you back…” She shook her head then reopened her eyes, staring into mine. “What assurances will I have that this shit won’t happen again?”

“Baby, if I fuck up in this manner again, I will let Jungle fuck me up on sight. There is?—”

She put her long, slender fingers to my lips. I couldn’t help but kiss them. A slight smile graced her glowing skin. “I’m here for you, Joel, but I want to take things a little slower. Although I feel like you’re sincere, I need to feel that assurance from within. I love you, and I never want to be without you. I just need to be comfortable again.”

I pulled my bottom lip in my mouth. She said she loved me. I didn’t know how she expected me to be able to go slow after that admission. Apparently, she realized what she said, because she quickly stood and ran to the bathroom, locking herself inside. I went to the door and asked, “What’s wrong, baby? I’ve felt your love for a long time now. I’m just happy you could finally say it.”

She remained quiet, so I went back to the table and sat after pulling my phone from my pocket. I sent Jungle a text. Thanks, bruh. When I get back, I’m gon’ kiss you like Pacman Jones did Cam Newton.

I chuckled when I sent the text, and he responded with crying laughing emojis and the message, The fuck you are, nigga!

Source: www.allfreenovel.com