Truce chuckled. “It’s been almost four weeks.”
“Four weeks!” she yelped. “So, this is fresh,fresh?”
“You can say that, but like I said, I feel like I’ve known her longer than that. It’s one of those situations where you know you’ve found your one, and time doesn't equate to feelings when you recognize what's for you.” His eyes were fixed on me as he said that, prompting me to smile and look away.
“I like that,” Amber commented.
My girls were eating all this up to regurgitate it later. It may have only been four weeks, but I’d been in Truce’s presence almost every day since I met him. It was inescapable that we connected the moment that spark flew on Thanksgiving. I wasn't trying to make this a thing with him, but it happened, and I was so conflicted yet ready for whatever.
The afternoon continued with everyone enjoying the festivities of my baby’s party. I had been smiling and laughing all day to the point where my cheeks were hurting. I hadn't felt this feeling in so long that I couldn’t help but think this would only be for the moment.
By seven o’clock, my mom took Scottlyn to get cleaned up and prepared for bed. My poor baby was worn out, but I knew she had the best time of her little life. Alex and Truce took the other babies in the den to watch movies while the girls and I went to the basement for drinks and conversation. I had to mentally prepare myself to tell them who Truce was and what we were now embarking on. Amber figured out how to work the radio and put some music on while Jas brought over a tray of shots. I took three to head before anyone else could grab their first ones.
“Damn, J. Slow down,” Marcy said, laughing.
“I can’t… I’m nervous.”
“What are you nervous about?” Iyana queried.
“About how she's riding that man like a rodeo!” Jas guffawed, going over to the bar and bringing the whole bottle of Casamigos over.
I had the opportunity to explore the house while Truce was back in Muskegon, and it was absolutely breathtaking. It wasn’t as huge as the Devil’s house, but I didn’t expect it to be since Truce lived alone. It was a regular bachelor’s pad with all the amenities needed for him.
“Why does that make you nervous? We ain't green to sex talk, sis.”
“Because… he’s Damien’s brother.”
Gasps and shocked expressions crossed their faces as I covered mine from embarrassment.
“Biiiiihh! Yassss! Nowthat'show you get your fucking lick back!” Amber exclaimed, then she and Iyana slapped palms.
“Period, bestie!” Iyana screamed. “You left with that idiot and came back with his brother! I am so proud of you!”
I shook my head at them, praising my wrongdoing. As much as I wanted to indulge in their jovial behavior, I couldn’t.
“Damien was abusing me…” I revealed. They were quiet for a moment before I continued, “Almost every day after I moved in with him, he made my life a living hell. He tossed out my old phone, never transferring my contacts, so I couldn’t call anyone. Every day, I prayed that God would just let him kill me so I could be released from the hell he was putting me through.”
And here come these stupid tears.
“Jela… I’m so sorry and mad at the same time. Now I’m even more happy you ran off with his brother,” Marcy said.
“How did that happen, by the way? Since when did he get a brother?” Iyana asked.
“That's what I said when he introduced us. Apparently, he had been living here for a while, but he never introduced us. Y’all… I feel messed up about it, but at the same time, I don’t.”
Marcy shook her head. “As the fuck you shouldn't, especially if he’s treating you better than that asshole.”
“Yeah, but now they are at war with one another because Truce helped me escape. Damien doesn't know he did it, as far as I know, but the war between two brothers doesn't make me feel good about this. Not to mention, their mom was in the same boat with Damien’s dad, and she did nothing to help me. That lady just stood by and listened to me vent, never offering any solutions.”
“That's fucked up. I guess the good thing about this is that you’re back home, and you have that man upstairs to thank for that,” Iyana said, squeezing my hand.
“Yeah, but I don’t know how long this will last. Damien is fucking crazy. I just know he’s prowling the earth trying to find me. Truce says, ‘I’m safe with him…’”
“Do you believe him?” Amber asked.
“I’m really trying to. He makes me feel safe and loves Scottlyn so much. I don’t doubt that he’ll protect us, I just don’t want him to get hurt because of me.”
“Well, if he doesn’t have a problem with making sure you’re safe and protected, then I say, don’t worry yourself. He looks like he’ll fuck a nigga up and love a bitch down. Whew, chile!” Iyana exclaimed as we all laughed.
