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)
“Mayven Jennings is taken. It’s only a matter of time before those two catch on.”
I shake my head as I think of Pit and Skittles. They are inevitable. I’m still surprised they haven’t caught on. It’s coming.
“Well, as you’ve said, you have a year. A lot can happen in a year. A few parties, some blind dates, we’ll get this done.”
I work to get my shirt buttoned back up. I’m not going to worry about this now. Push comes to shove. I’ll find someone to pay. For now, I need to focus on getting the kids back.
My thoughts go to Skittles’s words. Shawna is in some type of trouble. One call, and I can find out what’s going on, but that will drag me back in.
You need to pick one or the other. You are in, or you are out. You can’t do things of our world from outside of our world.
Pappoús was right. This is my chance. I can’t step back in. Not to mention, if I don’t know what the problem is, I can’t do anything about it.
Yeah, I need to keep my head on straight for those who need and want my help. What looks like a simple fix will actually come back to burn me in the end.
“Believe me. If you go back on this deal now without trying, all your gains will be temporary.”
I snort. “When did you become a mind reader?”
“Eight years is a long time to learn someone and you have a lot of your Tou nonoú mannerisms.”
I release my first genuine laugh in months. When I was a boy, I wanted to be just like Blake, even as I watched him from a distance. When it comes to the life, he’s the other side of the coin.
Shawna
“Shawna, are you going to send me your list?” Joshua said into the phone. His deep, sexy voice washed over me like warm honey.
“Um, I was going to text it tonight.”
“There’s no time like the present, baby girl.”
“Okay. Fine, I’m sending it now. What do you want this for anyway?”
He asked me months ago for a list of my dream locations to visit and see through my lens. I’ve taken my time to really think about it. A shoot bucket list is something personal.
“Got it,” he says with a smile in his voice. “I now have a guide to your dreams. We’re going to make them happen.”
“What?”
“When you want something, it’s good to write it down and make a plan. This is the start of our plan.”
“Are you serious?”
“Yeah. It’s also a guide to making you happy. I do have selfish motives.”
“When will you send me your list?”
“I’m simple. No list needed. If you’re happy, I’m happy.”
“Joshua?”
“Don’t. Whatever you’re going to say, hold on to it until you meet me.”
I come awake with a groan. It dawns on me that a foot to my hip is what woke me. I turn slowly to find Danny glaring down at me.
“Get your ass up. We need to move,” he snarls.
I hold back from giving him the finger. I can’t help wondering if I’d be here if I were more like Ven or Lex. Tears burn the backs of my eyes, but I’m not going to allow them to fall. They’re the one thing I have control over.
I sit up silently, that dream still clinging to my thoughts. I remember that day when we talked on the phone. I was so excited to get to meet Joshua in person. We’d grown so close, or so I thought.
As my face and ribs pulse with pain, I lock onto the dream and will myself to be strong. I’m going to get out of here and I’ll live out my dreams. I’m not giving up.
“That mouth isn’t so fucking smart with a broken jaw, is it?” Danny snorts.
I roll my eyes and give him the finger. He laughs and turns to walk back out of the room. I hate him so much.
Chapter 38
Just Missed
Kelex
Six months later…
I stand in my bedroom getting ready for Skittles’s birthday party at Fuck Off. Pit and Skittles have finally pulled it together. I’m happy for them.
I pull on a light-blue linen shirt and button it up, leaving the top three buttons open. Rolling the sleeves up, I then put a belt on my white slacks. I take a glance in the mirror before turning and going to sit in the accent chair to slip on my light-blue loafers.
I’ve just gotten my shoes on when my door creaks open. Vernice sticks her little head into the room, bringing a smile to my lips. That reminds me, I’ll have to bring in that braider. Her cornbraids are starting to look fuzzy.
“Hey, you. I thought I put you down for the night,” I say.
She pushes her way in and pads over in her footie pajamas. I lift her onto my lap and notice right away something isn’t right. She settles in and tucks into my side.