He was so close to my face I could smell his mint toothpaste. It took everything in me not to lust over those full lips of his. Even in jail, he kept his beard lined up. It suited him and brought out a masculine feature I didn’t find in Cojak. His eyes were low, lashes were long, and the deep brown irises drew you in immediately. They had a story to tell. The tattoos that covered his earlobe on down were complimenting his rich peanut butter brown skin. His aura and demeanor both screamed boss ass nigga. This man wasn’t just anybody and you could tell by the way he had the entire room silenced.
“Ball in your court, My Baby. What you want me to do with this broke ass nigga?” he inquired.
My Baby? Who the fuck was that?
“Atkins. Don’t spend a night in the hole. Get the hell off him now!”
They were still pulling and trying to get him to move even an inch, but he was too solid for them. His gaze never left mine and for the life of me, I couldn’t seem to look away. The woman that was stationed at his table finally got up and gently touched his arm. They shared a soft look, and he rose up.
That quick I was pulled out of a fantasy and pushed back into reality. He was a taken man. I guess being a protector was just his character. For a split second, I felt like I mattered. For a split second, I felt like a man knew my value. I couldn’t be upset that he was with someone else because if the shoe was on the other foot, I would’ve encouraged him to help. He was a good man, and I was appreciative.
“Stop letting that pussy nigga talk to you crazy. Matter of fact, stop letting that nigga talk to you period. You hear me?” His voice was low, deep, and so damn pleasing. I found myself nodding slowly to his statement.
When he was satisfied, he removed his foot off Cojak’s neck, bent down to hug the woman he was with followed by a kiss on her cheek, then allowed the guards to escort him out the room. Cojak was still scrambling for oxygen at this point. I was quite amused at the scenery.
“Jackson let’s go! Sorry, ma’am, visitation for him is over. You have to leave,” one of the guards voiced pointing toward the door.
“Gladly,” I said standing and exiting the room, then building altogether.
I smiled the entire way back to the car. There was never a time where I wanted anything bad to happen to Cojak, but there also was a time where I believed he’d do anything for me. I was fooled on more than one occasion, and I was cool with that. It was a lesson learned.Hewas a lesson learned. I could move on knowing I did everything I could as a woman to be his rock. He just didn’t appreciate it.
Once I was inside, I got comfortable and drove to the nearest Chick-Fil-A to grab me up some chicken tenders. I felt like I was deserving of something greasy since I’d endured enough of Cojak’s bullshit. It took me little to no time to cop my meal and be back at the house. God must’ve known I needed to relax and kick my feet up.
As I parked in the driveway, something told me to check my mailbox again. I waddled to it thinking maybe, just maybe, there was a note left behind this time or some sort of clue as to who was looking out. I pulled down the flap and it was empty. A sadness washed over me but quickly left once I realized themoney left behind was a blessing and greed didn’t need to come from it.
I took that stroll back to the top and took the few porch steps to the door. Inserting the key, I turned the knob and pushed the door opened. It wasn’t even open for a second before I pulled it shut, my hands flew over my mouth, and I took in deep breaths.
“What… the… fuck?” I asked aloud in disbelief.
When I left home, the only thing inside my living room was the shit I’d been living with for the past few years. However, opening the door to a living room full of shit for CJ and Essence was blowing my fuckin’ mind. I absolutely believed Cojak when he said he ain’t did shit for them. He was too selfish to think of anyone else.
Pushing the door back open, my eyes moved from the very first bag of clothes from Gucci to the many bags and boxes that followed behind it. I peeped a crib, bassinet, swing and many other essentials for my daughter as I scanned the items. Diapers, wipes, bottles, you name it. They were all there. CJ was thought about as well with rows of sneakers that lined the back wall from the ceiling to the floor. He had so many hats to match the many outfits I lost count after twenty.
Tears raced down my face as I stepped into the house completely. I was shaking so bad I didn’t know what to do for real. On one hand, I needed to report a break in but on the other, the break in was simply to make sure I knew somebody out there had us. I didn’t know who, but I was very thankful and grateful for everything they were doing.
I reached in my purse and called my auntie. It suddenly dawned on me that she said Seri would be coming by with some stuff for the baby. I didn’t think they would go all out like this.
“Hello.”
Still struggling to do anything but cry, I managed to get out a thank you. “Thank you, Auntie, for doing all this. I don’t know how I’m going to pay you back, but I swear I am.”
“Girl, what the hell is you talking ‘bout? Do all what?” She was just as confused as I was earlier.
“You know. Buying all this for the kids. You didn’t have to, but you did, and I appreciate it a lot,” I said trying to make my way through the clutter.
“All I got my baby was a few outfits and CJ a new pair of shoes. I’m confused on what all this is child.”
“So, you didn’t fill my living room wall to fuckin’ wall with all kinds of shit for them? I mean, it’s a little extreme but that’s just you,” I answered.
“I promise you that wasn’t me. Maybe it was their trifling daddy finally stepping up. Look, I got to go. Serinity should be there later on with my gifts. I’ll talk to you later baby. I love you.” With that, she disconnected the call, and I tossed my phone on the hall table.
I was utterly confused and grateful at the same time. The gifts would be accepted a hundred percent and put to good use. However, I was lost as marbles trying to put two and two together on who the fuck was being so kind. I hadn’t met anyone or been on any dates, so I was really at a loss for clues.
Whomever it was didn’t mind blowing a bag on my kids. I guess for now, I could truly relax and let my daughter make her entrance in peace.
Seven
Royce
