“I’ll make a deal with you,” Meco said. “If you have a conversation with Ma and Pops, I’ll forgive you for trying to replace me.”
“Didn’t you just hear what the fuck I said?”
“I heard you, but it still don't take away from the fact that you tried to make Durand your new brother.”
Lo chuckled since Meco was being petty. He would never be able to replace him or Devyn. Bonds like the ones they shared couldn’t be replicated.
“Do that and I’ll think about forgiving you.”
Lo didn’t have a response. He couldn’t live without Meco again. That wasn’t an option so he would take time to consider if he had the emotional capacity to have a conversation with his parents.
Meco stood and held his hand out. Lo slapped hands and watched his brother walk to his car. He sat, trying to figure out if he had it in him to head toward the road to forgiveness.
Lo sat inside his car, swallowing back the anxiety that crept up his throat. He glanced at the door, inhaling a weighty breath. Lo didn’t know what to expect since he was about to do something out of his element. He had been incrediblywithdrawn since the blow-up with Ada and Maddy. Bria had been patient but maintained distance, which he was grateful for. He figured taking time away from his misery and engrossing himself into her was the perfect remedy for them both. This surprise would be a start to express his apology for shutting down on her.
Lo admittedly didn’t know how to be a good husband. Bria probably expected this knight in armor, but he was far from that visual. Lo was fucked up, mentally. He didn’t know how to be vulnerable, and he didn’t feel safe with anyone. Marriage should’ve been a union that passed him by. Bria was such a romantic person. She wanted touches of the fairytale life. However, Lo couldn’t give it to her, and it actually frustrated him because he truly wanted to give her what her heart desired.
When the door opened to the dance studio, a woman walked out, and Bria followed directly after her. Lo’s sight zeroed in on her, engulfing her with a pensive stare. She literally took his breath away. Her face was bare, clad in a crop top that unveiled her killer abs. The shorts she wore displayed her toned chocolate thighs. Lo still found it difficult to believe that this was his wife.
He tapped on the horn, gaining her attention. She looked at the car, holding her hand over her eyes to shield the beaming sun. When she realized it was him, she hurried over, and he rolled the window down.
“What are you doing here?”
Damn, this girl did something to Lo. Her voice, perfect smile, and angled eyes were some of God’s finest work.
“I came to kidnap you. Can I have you?”
Blushing, Bria glanced back at the building. “I should go change. I don't wanna be out with you wearing this.”
“You fine as hell, Bria. Get in before I get out and put you in the car myself.”
Lo reached over and pushed the door open. Bria climbed inside, swarming the car with her floral scent. Once she was in, Lo drove away and headed for his destination.
“I’m surprised to see you. I haven’t been seeing much of you lately,” she noted.
Lo grabbed her hand and kissed it. “Listen, I know I’ve been real distant lately, and I apologize for that. Shit been hectic but I promise to do better.”
Lo meant every word. His effort with Bria had to increase. He wouldn’t assume she would grow accustomed to his difficult nature. Instead, he would go out of his way to prove to not only her but him that he could be a better husband.
Her eyes widened. “Is Kylo Crown apologizing to me?”
Angling his head, he replied, “A nigga ain't above apologizing, especially to you.”
“Hmm.” She nodded. “I’ll remember that when the next time comes for you to say sorry.”
Bria’s company was enjoyable. Her laughter was infectious. Becoming lost in her existence was the perfect getaway from his depressive thoughts.
“Where are we going?”
“You're about to see.”
Lo turned down a street and drove toward a gate. Once he arrived, he pressed a button and was granted access. He looked over at Bria while driving to capture her oncoming excitement.
“Oh, my God. Lo,” she gushed, then turned to him. “You're taking me horseback riding.”
He smirked as she bounced in her seat. This was refreshing to him. Like a cool breeze on a muggy day. The women Lo normally dealt with usually got elated when it involved money or material possessions. They raved over things that held no value like a purse or car. Bria was overjoyed to ride ahorse. That warmed his spirit so much that he couldn’t wipe the smile off his face if he wanted to.
He parked, and Bria quickly got out the car. An older Black man met them at the front of the barn wearing overalls, a straw hat, and checkered shirt.
