“Juan, this is Jela Jackson. Jela, this is Juan Miller, a good friend of mine.”
“It’s lovely to meet you, Jela,” he said, extending his palm to me.
I accepted his large hand. “You as well.”
Truce nodded to the group of men. “Follow me. Come on, baby.”
He took my hand as we all headed into the living room. Since we hadn’t put away the party decorations yet, there was only one couch and chair available for sitting. Juan took the chair while Truce and I sat on the couch. He handed Scottlyn over to me as I continued to look at the men unsure of their company.
“My apologies. I’d offer your men a seat, but the little one had a birthday yesterday, so it’s kind of crowded,” Truce said.
Juan shrugged. “They don’t need to sit. We’ll only be here for a quick second anyway.”
Truce nodded. “I hadn't had a chance to brief you about this, J, but these men are going to be part of your security team while I’m away. I invited them here so they could meet you and understand what the job entails.”
My stomach felt queasy, but I shook my head in acknowledgment, letting out a breath. “And there goes my reality.”
“A temporary reality,” he countered, then turned to Juan. “A hundred thousand for a six-month stay. I’ve got a pool house outside with four bedrooms and all of the amenities everyone will need. I’ll need two of you to escort her anytime she leaves and take shifts guarding the house. Fair?”
Juan nodded. “Sounds fair. Ms. Jela… meet Sosa, Benjamin, Timothy, Ramone, Jason, and Carlyle.”
“Nice to meet you, Ms. Jela,” Sosa said, coming over and shaking my hand. “You don’t have to worry. We’re going to make sure you remain safe and protected at all times,”
“Thank you. Can you all excuse me for a moment?” I asked, standing and hoisting Scottlyn on my hip.
Truce smiled. “Sure, baby. I’ll meet you upstairs after I’m done here.”
I walked away and headed up the stairs, feeling overwhelmed. He shouldn't have to do this. Things shouldn’t be this way. If only I had dodged the damn bullet meeting Damien on the beach that day, none of this shit would be happening. But then I wouldn't have my Scottie Pie, and that thought hurt.
I entered Truce’s room and took my phone off the charger to call my mom. I sat on the chaise lounge by the window, giving Scottie her LeapFrog, and dialing my mom. She picked up almost immediately.
“I just love seeing your name on my screen,” she voiced. I could sense the smile in her tone.
I smiled. “Hi, Mommy.”
“Good morning, baby. Why do you sound so sad?”
I began biting my thumbnail, deep in thought. The spirit of Damien was getting to me, and I began to feel afraid again.
“I’m scared.”
“Why? Is Truce doing?—”
“No, no… it's not him,” I interrupted her while chuckling. I had to stop her before she drew her own conclusions and putTruce in the box with Dame. “He’s hiring a security team to stay here with me when he goes back to Muskegon.”
“Oh, that’s good, right? You and my Sweet Pea will be guarded and protected while he’s away.”
“I know, but… he shouldn’t have to do this, Mommy. Maybe I should call Damien and try to reconcile with him. At least try to calm him down…”
“Baby, listen to me,” she started before taking a beat to collect herself. “If you contact him… it’ll only make things worse. Think about how many times he has made you believe he was going to do right by you, then still did you wrong. Damien is not going to reconcile with you, Jela. You gave him too much power. He manipulated you to believe we were against you when really, we were againsthim.
“I’ve always told you thefool me oncerule. Don’t be a fool twice, baby—it’ll be all on you. Accept what Truce is doing for you. I have a good feeling about him, and I can tell his spirit is genuine.”
I bit my lip and looked out at the beautiful view of the snow coating the trees. “You’re right, Mom. I just wish I wasn't going through this. I just want to live my life and take care of my baby.”
“And you’re going to do just that. That nigga can’t win if he ain’t right within.” We both laughed, but that couldn’t be the furthest thing from the truth.
“I love you, Mommy. I’m so glad to be back home with you guys’.”
