Total pages in book: 128
Estimated words: 125020 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 125020 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
“At the moment, nothing. She’s not talking to me.”
“Ow,” I say and grab my arm where she just punched me. “What was that for?”
“I knew it. I knew you were talking to her behind my back.”
“It’s more complicated than that.”
“Josh, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t happy for you. You deserve to find someone to make you happy. However, this is Shawnnie.
“Don’t play with her. Not because she’s my little cousin and I’ll hurt you if you ever hurt her, but because she’s…”
“Sensitive, compassionate, at times unsure of herself and painfully shy despite being amazing, talented, caring and selfless?” I say.
“Well, damn. Yeah, all of that. I just want her happy. I wish I could take back what happened to her. I wish…”
“I’ll make you a promise. I’ll give everything I have to make her happy. No matter what it takes, she will always be happy and safe.”
“Can you really promise me that?”
“I just did. Have I ever broken a promise to you?”
“No, you’ve been my best friend. I trust you.”
“Then trust that I care about her and I’ve got her.”
“I knew I should have kept your pretty ass away from her. It was Pit’s idea to pair you two up in the wedding party. Ugh, now look,” she teases.
I fall silent and swallow down my guilt. Shawna was mine way before the wedding. I could come clean, but I made Shawna a promise as well. Besides, I don’t even know if there’s anything to come clean about.
“Do you want me to help? You know, fix whatever’s going on with you two?”
“No, I can work it out. I just need to see her.”
“I think I like you for her. You have a big heart. Don’t forget to show her that.”
I smile. “You want to get involved in this so bad, don’t you?” I laugh.
“I do. I really do. You’d be like her second boyfriend ever. I’m always so scared for her.
“I also worry about you. Are you sure you’re ready?”
“I know I am. She’s the one, Skittles. I’m not playing with her.”
“Good, I love you, Kelex.”
“I love you too.”
“Oh, and one more thing.”
“What’s up?”
“Is she why you changed your hair?”
I laugh and shake my head. I know she’s fishing for information. I just let it go.
Chapter 64
You and Me
Shawna
My car wouldn’t start, which made no sense. Achilles was kind enough to bring me up to the cabin, although that was kind of awkward.
I didn’t miss the look of longing on his face as he looked at the house. The music could be heard from out front and the house just seemed to be more lively than the last time I was here.
“Yo, you good, baby girl. You need anything?” Pit asks as he carries my bags upstairs for me.
“I’m fine. Thank you. Is Mayven here?”
“She and Kelex took off shopping. They should be back soon.”
My heart skips a beat with the mention of Josh’s name. I have no idea what I plan to say to him when I do see him. I know I can’t avoid him.
“Here you go. This one is all yours. I put you next to Kelex and across from Leo since they’re the only other single people in the house. You know, so y’all don’t have to hear those other motherfuckers fucking all night,” he says with a mischievous grin and a wink.
“Thanks.”
“No problem. You need anything else, let me know.”
“Happy birthday, Pit. Thanks again.”
“Thank you. You make sure you have a good time tonight.”
I sigh, knowing I’m going to be miserable all weekend. I go into my room and start to unpack my things for something to do.
“Hey.”
I turn toward the door and gasp as I see Lex with her head popped in the room. I haven’t seen my cousin in years. She’s actually Ven’s cousin but we’ve always seen each other as family.
“What are you doing here?”
“Long story,” she says and rolls her eyes. “Get over here.”
She opens her arms and I rush into them. Her warm embrace means everything in this moment. I squeeze a little tighter before I let her go.
“Come sit with me. You have to tell me everything that’s going on with you,” I say and tug her over to the bed.
“Well, I’m here with my husband,” she starts.
“Your husband?”
“Yes, and our son AJ.”
My brain races. I drop my mouth open as it clicks. Ven teased Ox the weekend of the wedding about that little guy. I have to admit, I had questions, but I never thought he belonged to Lex.
“Ox, your husband is Ox?”
“The one and only. Has been for about fourteen years.”
“Oh my God. How did Ven take it?”
“She was going to kick my ass until she saw it was me, but overall, she seems to be okay with it.”
“Oh, cool.”
“So what’s been going on with you?”