“She got fucked up but she’s alive. And… we had a talk, my pops included.”
Bria’s eyes widened. “Really? About everything?”
“Yeah, we talked about it all. I don't wanna go into detail but there’s an understanding there.”
Bria pressed her palms together. “Oh my, God. I’ve been praying for this. You all needed healing, and I’m just relievedthat you broke the ice. Hopefully, you guys can start bonding, right?”
“For the time being.” He smirked.
“Well, I’m praying that it happens. I’m so glad this is over so we can move on with our lives. I’m sick of the drama.”
The Mob business always created new enemies. Lo wasn’t foolish enough to believe drama wouldn’t knock on The Crown Family’s door anymore.
“Can we go home? I just wanna be in my own bed with you next to me.”
“Yeah, come on but you gotta drive. A nigga too fucked up right now.”
“I got you.”
“Forever?”
She grinned. “Always, baby. Come on, so I can nurse you back to good health.”
Epilogue
Three years later…
Bria ambled down the hall, inspecting the floors along with the baseboards. She then entered a room and turned on the light. Her gaze scanned the space, looking for any imperfections her eyes could spot. When she determined everything looked immaculate, she walked to the lobby.
Bria’s dream had finally come to fruition. After years of pondering, dreaming, and plotting, she had finally bought a dance studio. The Bria Crown Dance Academy was slated to open on the following week. There had been months of renovations, and her vision was finally complete. Life had been such a ride these past three years that she didn’t know how she had the energy to even obtain a studio. Nevertheless, she was proud of what she was able to accomplish.
Bria’s phone rang inside her purse. Fishing through it, she grabbed it and immediately answered.
“Hello?”
“Hey, Bria. How are you?”
She smiled at the sound of Maddy’s voice. “I’m good, Ms. Maddy. How have you been?”
“Oh, I’ve been making it. How’s the studio coming along?”
“Good so far. The painters were here earlier so I’m just inspecting everything right now. I’ll be opening up next week.”
“That’s great,” she replied. “I wish I could be there during the grand opening but yeah, you know why I can’t come. I’m now on the outside looking in.”
Bria sighed, wishing she could snap her fingers and resolve the issues between Maddy and Lo. Ever since reconciling with his parents, Lo had distanced himself from her. He cut her off so abruptly that she had no choice but to reach out to Bria. It pained Bria to think about it since Maddy had been such an integral part of Lo’s life but she understood his stance. Maddy had crossed the line.
“You're not on the outside with me. I wouldn’t mind if you came but I don’t know if Lo would like that.”
“Ha!” She sarcastically laughed. “He don’t even talk to me anymore, so I know I’m not welcomed. Besides, you don't want me there. A fight might break out. You know how it gets when me and my sister are in the same room.”
Nodding, she replied, “Yeah, I know. I wish things were different between all of you.”
“I knew once he talked to them that they would turn everything on me. I shouldn’t have told him to make up with them at all. Ada has never accepted accountability. She will forever blame me for her lack of parenting. Now, I suddenly look like the bad guy which is bullshit because I’m the one who picked up the slack.”
“Yeah but Ms. Maddy you helped build a case against Dax. Lo took that very personal.”
Maddy smacked her lips. “That’s a lie. I only went to the police after they shot my house up.”
