This is book 3 in the Thin Ice Series Family. It can be read as a standalone without reading Thin Ice (1-12) or Noir Frost (1-5) but a significant amount of the ‘history’ may be lost on the reader.
Life is good. For Mister it wasn’t always. Revisiting the past is painful, the shame heavy. Sharing it, unthinkable.
Ronde cherishes his fathers memory, priding himself on keeping the legacy thriving. He finds out the hard way, not everything about his father should be kept alive.
Layman is playing both ends against the middle, dead center Ryan Bailey’s crosshairs, his daughters heart on the line.
How will it end? Who will remain standing once the chips fall?
Opening
“Hey sexy.”
Opening her eyes, she gave him a small smile, the water continuing to cascade down her body. His lips found hers. She returned the kiss shutting down her mind, slipping into character. The past three years she endured the living hell with no end in sight. Why wouldn’t he let her go? She never gave him what the others did. She thought once he realized her issue, he would lose interest and go away. Unfortunately, it seemed to only draw him closer.
“You missed me? I ain’t been over here in about a week.”
“Yeah, I missed you.”
The lie rolled off her tongue with ease, him none the wiser. She hated her life. So what are you going to do about it then? The sigh left her lips without hindrance. He pulled her closer, fraudulently believing it arose from desire as he continued to sexually arouse her. Recalling his presence and wanting to get through another night unscathed, she reigned the thoughts in. He returned to her lips another time, connecting as his tongue invaded her mouth. She fought the frown, the urge to retch, tasting the stale beer and cigarettes his palate preserved. His breathing grew heavier the longer they kissed. She began to fantasize. Her body reacted to the stimuli of her mind, readying itself for the physical assault to come as he lifted her against the shower stall. Diving fully into her fantasy, she imagined the hardness entering her now belonged to the other. He began thrusting into her, murmuring in her ear.
Shutting her eyes tighter, she lost herself in the fantasy. His touch, his taste, the perceived gentleness of his skill as he brought her pleasure. The man inside her went deeper, pumping faster, harder. She felt his breath on her neck, warm and hurried. Her orgasm loomed near as she saw the one she desired in her mind’s eye. His taste sweet on her lips, his tongue coated with her honey having tasted her earlier. His hard shaft slid across her clit and she exploded, biting her lip hard to stay the name rolling through her mind. The man inside her pumped furiously, his own orgasm reached seconds after hers, his seed leaving him, feeling like hot acid inside her. He put her down, kissing her neck. He lifted his head finding her eyes, holding them prisoner. She didn’t dare speak, barely breathing as she watched him. His expression spoke calm, but she knew better than to trust that.
“Finish your shower, I’ma go holla at Kazin.”
She nodded, and he smiled. The relief calmed her body while she watched him climb out, grab a towel and walk out of the bathroom. Allowing her breathing to level another time, she grabbed the body wash completing the task, stepping out seven minutes later. Having dried herself, she regarded her reflection. Is this really how you plan to spend the rest of your life? Exhaling heavily defeat hung across her shoulders. Her cell chimed. Looking at the display she read the message, a spark of hope reignited. This might be your last chance. Agreeing with the thoughts, she began to plot internally.
“Shawanna, you gonna stay in there all night?”
“I’m coming.”
Walking into the bedroom, she found him as always. Sitting on her bed, counting money, smoking a blunt. She made her way to him, climbing in, accepting the blunt he offered, taking a deep toke. The cell message never left her conscious thought.
“I need you to make a run and deliver the package to Scar tomorrow.”
Shawanna nodded. There’s a great starting point. The mind returned with suggestions. Unsure if that were a safe bet, she didn’t fully dismiss it. The one focal point for Shawanna remained escaping the life she once thought so great, and the man who kept her locked down.
“Sure Kuttah, anything you need.”
Chapter 1
ister took in the city with an entirely different point of view upon arriving. No longer a part of the city’s poverty, he finally saw the beauty of the skyline from the window of the suite he shared with KiSean. They accompanied their uncles for the final severing of pharmaceutical ties. Misters mind wandered to his hidden agenda. How would he pull it off? He knew for a fact Uncle Mook didn’t care for Kuttah, but would the dislike be enough for the man to allow his death. By Mister’s own hand no less. Exhaling another time his mind continued to whirl. Shawanna. She would be key in learning all he needed about his enemy. Taking another deep breath Mister contemplated if reaching out to her and opening those doors was worth it. Hell yes. You owe that asshole for all the drama, threats, coercion, he heaped on you. Mister grunted agreeing with his mind’s assertion. Kuttah was relentless in pursuing him to join his boys on the corner. Mister recalled them costing him the part-time job he held at the time. Kuttah sent one of his boys inside speaking with the owner, telling the man Mister sold drugs out of his place. Even though he denied it, the owner told him he couldn’t afford the trouble, still letting him go.
My mama and I struggled as it was, definitely didn’t need that disruption. The fury bubbled anew. His resolve shored that he not miss the opportunity for payback. What if Uncle Mook says no? Mister respired loudly another time. That couldn’t happen. Shawanna played in his consciousness another time. What if she’s still queen of the hood? Mister frowned marginally recalling the girl’s zeal for the gangster lifestyle. He assumed she had at least one, or two, kids with Kuttah at this point. He knew the man held zero hesitation when it came to knocking up every woman he slept with. He probably has close to damned ten kids, if not more, by now. Disgusted by the thought, knowing the man held no interest in being a true father or companion to any of the women he procreated with, Mister deliberately cleared his mind. Having deleted Shawanna’s number once he escaped the hell of his old life, Mister knew he would need to find a way to see her in person. Pretty sure they’re still in the same place. His summation wasn’t arrogance so much as reality. Without a stroke of luck, he and his mother would be in the same daily struggle for survival. Hearing his cousin on his cellphone, Mister turned his train of thought back to the present. His agenda would have to wait.
“Yeah girl, I’ll call you later. Have fun, tell Asia hey.”
Disconnecting, KiSean spoke to Mister, sitting down on the small settee, tying his shoelaces. They were headed to the other suite to meet their uncles. They were going to lunch, check out a few sights, monuments and such before their time with Scar. Mister another time thanked fates for his new life. For as long as he lived in D.C., the idea of visiting monuments and other touristy stuff left a bad taste in his mouth. With the money to afford any and everything the city had to offer; the taste wielded very sweet on his tongue.
“What did Tadj ask you to bring back?”
KiSean chuckled aloud. His cousin hit the nail right on the head regarding the earlier phone call.
“A couple of T-Shirts, and some mambo sauce.”
Mister burst into laughter.
“Yeah, I got the same request from Tedjra, plus t-shirts for Asia.”
“I don’t mind. I need to work on this proposal set up while I have everyone here.”
Mister smiled, nodding. He wanted to make Tedjra his wife as well. Have three or four kids and be the father he never had in his own upbringing. Can’t do that in prison for murder. Mister instantly evicted the thought. One thing he knew, if his uncles helped him, he wouldn’t get caught. So again, what if Uncle Mook says no. You know Uncle Riq or Élan won’t either. Choosing to see the silver lining instead of the dark clouds, Mister didn’t allow the what ifs to overtake him. None of his uncles held an affinity for Kuttah. There truly would be no reason for them to say no.
“Let’s head to the suite. I’m starved and hopefully they’re ready to go.”
Mister chuckled agreeing with KiSean. Picking up his suite key he followed his cousin from their own room into the hallway, their destination three doors down.
*****
Stopping short, Shawanna stood close enough to hear their conversation without discovery. She needed all the leverage possible to make her plans a reality. The thoughts saddened her, but what choice did she really have? There was no way she could exist in D.C. if Kuttah didn’t decide to let her go. Everyone knew she messed with him. No other guy would step up to talk to her, date her, or make a life with her. Hearing laughter she returned her attention to her own living area, Kuttah and her brother Kazin continuing to talk.
“I heard you had another boy.”
“Yeah man, that’s number eleven for me.”
“That’s a lot of kids man. Shit, you’re better than me.”
“Hey, these hoes want to have my seeds, I’m just out here trying to get my nut.”
They laughed another time while Shawanna’s repulsion grew.
“Why you still messing with Shawanna man, you know she can’t have kids.”
She leaned a bit closer hearing the words from her brother. The question a sincere curiosity of her own. When she didn’t become pregnant after sleeping with Kuttah for six months, he took note. “So you can’t have kids huh?” Shawanna swallowed hard, shrugging in answer to his question. “I mean we know it ain’t me, cuz shit, I got plenty of kids.” She continued to remain mute. “I got my eyes on you, so I know you ain’t on no birth control, ain’t had no secret abortion and shit.” Shawanna shook her head in agreement, the lone tear trailing her face. He exhaled heavily but said nothing more as the subject simply fell by the wayside.
“She’s good people man. I mean at first yeah I was a little outdone she couldn’t have kids but shit with these bitches dropping one every time I shoot, hell it’s a welcome change.”
“I get it.”
“Shawanna, she handles business, can hold a brutha down. I know she’s your sister, but shit, baby got good sex.”
Kazin laughed aloud giving him a look.
“TMI, seriously.”
“Right, right. I guess what I’m saying man, she’s more to me than just another bitch having a baby from me.”
“I get it man.”
Letting the conversation go, the two began watching the game anew, smoking the blunts they rolled enjoying their time and space. Shawanna supposed the statement was Kuttah’s way of saying he cared about her. Two years ago, she may have been fully flattered to hear the words. Now it meant nothing more to her than wasted oxygen. Walking back into the bathroom, she began combing her hair. Her mind calculated all the moves needed to escape, all the players she needed to engage. Her brother, her mother, were not among that grouping. Kazin sold dope for Kuttah. She stopped trusting him the day she caught him rifling through her purse and her room, finding the small piece of paper with the phone number and name. The guy it belonged to, she met on the train. He lived in another part of D.C. having zero idea who Kuttah was, or that she was affiliated with him. He asked her out, giving her his number before getting off at his stop. Shawanna put the number in her bra, immediately putting it inside the small jewelry box she owned when she made it home. Kuttah beat her that night, raping her repeatedly, threatening her life if he ever suspected another man talking to or touching her. With her brother working for him, Kuttah cemented a place in her mother’s good graces. The money Kazin made freed up her own. She hung out with her friends now, or whatever man she picked up for the month, paying little to no attention to either of them. Shawanna knew she was on her own, period.
Hair done and satisfied she looked presentable, she stepped back into her bedroom just as Kuttah came through the door.
“Wassup girl?”
“Hey Kuttah.”
He pulled her to him, kissing her sweetly. His hands slid down her body coming to rest on her ass as he squeezed. Holding her tightly she felt his forming erection.
“I’ll have that package ready for you to take to Scar in a couple hours.”
“Okay. No problem.”
“What’s wrong?”
Shawanna took a quick breath trying to put the façade quickly in place. Kuttah could never suspect she were anything but happy being with him. Her body, her psyche, were exhausted from the physical abuse.
“Nothing Kuttah, I’m okay.”
He exhaled heavily causing her to tense, praying silently he didn’t hit her.
“You heard about the baby huh.”
Following his lead, knowing he assumed she heard it from the streets, she went with the flow.
“Yeah.”
He kissed her.
“I know you’re hurt you can’t give me a seed, but it’s all good Shawanna. We good.”
She nodded, forcing the tears to come to her eyes. Taking the bait Kuttah kissed her anew, holding her close. He ended the kiss continuing to hold her.
“Stop letting this shit bug you Shawanna. You know I’m out here doing my thing, these hoes want babies, so they lie to me and shit about birth control. You’re still my number one baby, don’t sweat that, okay?”
“OK.”
He led her to the bed, pulling her in with him as he sat down on it. Shawanna put on her game face returning the kisses and touches, allowing Kuttah to have sex with her. Finishing, he looked into her eyes another time and kissed her lips.
“I got you Shawanna, no more sadness, okay?”
She mustered the small, fake, smile nodding yes. Kuttah gave her a genuine smile, releasing her as she rose and headed for the bathroom. Arriving she shut the door, regarding herself in the mirror anew. You have got to get the hell out of this night terror. Agreeing Shawanna made up her mind to make the first move today when she went to see Scar. You better pray it doesn’t cost you your life. Exhaling silently, she began to do just that. Scar supplied their dope. He and Kuttah did business for years. Would he help her? Fear tried its best to dissuade her, but desperation pushed her forward. If Scar did tell, Kuttah would probably kill her. Truth, with the hell she endured daily, Shawanna wasn’t too sure if death might not be easier.
*****
The server returned to the table putting the check down. She asked a final time if they were sure about dessert or to go drinks. Mook chuckled picking up the bill before addressing her.
“No, we’re all great. Thanks a lot.”
Placing four one-hundred-dollar bills inside the holder, he handed the packet back to her.
“Change is yours.”
“Wow, thank you so much. You gentlemen have a great day and if you come back, please ask for me.”
Smiling she left them alone another time. Rising they left the restaurant getting into the rented luxury SUV and heading for their destination. Tariq began conversation with Mook and Raider. KiSean and Mister listened making sure they didn’t miss anything. This would be their opportunity to see their family in action. Even with the disposal of Daxon, they only got highlights.
“How was the supplier with you direct linking Scar to him?”
Mook released the cigar smoke from his lips before answering Tariq’s question.
“Everything’s straight. He gets it about me pulling out fully. I told him Scar is straight, never been late, short, or funny with the coins or product.”
“Yeah I suggest he keep that track record cuz I know the Ariza crew doesn’t play.”
The three men chuckled.
“Dad, what exactly happens at this meeting? What should we be looking out for?”
“We sit down and talk for the most part. Scar pays me my money, we’ll do a conference call with Ariza, hand him the reigns. Real easy.”
Mister interjected now, his personal agenda never far from his conscious thought.
“Does Kuttah still sell for him?”
He of course knew the answer, he simply needed to water the seeds already planted in his uncle’s mind.
“Yeah as far as I know the little bitch is still around.”
Tariq and Raider burst into laughter at his statement, Raider speaking first.
“You really don’t like this guy huh?”
Mook chuckled.
“He was disrespectful when I dealt with him first time. I didn’t drop him then because he wasn’t on my list of things to do.”
Tariq nodded understanding.
“Well nothing like tying a loose end.”
Mister smiled. This was what he wanted to hear. He wanted Kuttah lying in a morgue before he left. True he wanted to silence him personally, having his uncles handle it would be just as much fun. Their laughter broke his thought.
“You’re right about that. Hell, make it a gift to Scar. One less bitch to have to guard his back from.”
“See there, win, win.”
They all laughed again at Raider’s statement.
Mister continued to smile as they rode talking over varying scenarios to take out his enemy. He noticed the scenery changing as they began roaming very familiar territory. He saw the same boarded up buildings. The same women walking the street begging for money or selling sexual favors to get drug money. The same corner boys remained accosting various people walking past them. In other words, not a damned thing changed in the three years since Mister left this place. The knot in his gut tightened as he imagined his life had his uncle not found them. I would have never been able to keep Tedjra in my life, go to college. The despair threatened to overtake him as the memories flooded his subconscious. What would he be doing now? Working some dead-end job? Selling dope on the corner like the rest of them? If Kuttah had his way you would have been. The realization angered him anew. Mister reinforced his determination that one way or the other, when he left D.C. it would be one resident short.
Mook pulled the vehicle next to the curb, the meeting spot immediately to their right. Mister recognized the unit. Run down but still being rented by the greedy landlord, the building screamed for repair and restoration. Getting out Mook locked the vehicle as they all gathered on the sidewalk, returning the stares given by the lookouts, and the curious, seeing the men. Mook’s cell went off and he checked the display. Two men appeared seemingly from the shadows greeting them. The lookouts returned to their business. The curious continued about their day. They followed the two men to a unit in the back, well camouflaged for the occupation provided, several noticeably armed men outside. One of the men opened the door, holding it as they all passed through. Stepping inside Mister immediately noted the operation to be very well organized. There were three women in the kitchen, clad in underwear only, bagging both powder and rock cocaine. Two other men, underwear clad as well, packaging weed and extasy.
“Come on in Florida, good to see you.”
Scar stood smiling, shaking hands with Mook.
“These are my partners, Top and Raider. My son KiSean, my nephew Michael.”
“How y’all doing, have a seat everybody. Michael? I thought your name was Mister.”
Mister smiled.
“Nickname. Michael is the government.”
They all chuckled as Scar nodded understanding.
“What can I get y’all? Weed, blow, liquor, beer?”
Tariq spoke first.
“I’ll take some weed, some yak.”
Mook and Raider nodded agreement, the latter speaking aloud.
“Yeah sounds good, except let me have vodka.”
Scar nodded, his right hand scurrying off to get the requests.
“What about you two? Anything?”
KiSean spoke.
“Beer is fine for me.”
Mister nodded. Scar gave his right hand the requests as he returned with the liquor and weed. After everyone received their request and began enjoying, Scar addressed Mook anew.
“I got everything in order Florida, money is being packaged right now.”
Mook nodded releasing the smoke from his lungs.
“Good to hear Scar. Once I get the money, we’ll call the connect, make introductions, and it’s done.”
“I want you to know I appreciate you Florida. You took care of me all these years. I’m appreciative you believe in me enough to turn it over to me and give me the connect.”
Mook waved him away.
“Scar you’ve always been straight with me. That’s how good business is done.”
Tariq and Raider nodded, continuing to enjoy their drinks. Mister’s mind raced wondering how he could broach the subject of Kuttah anew without arousing suspicion.
“You still got that little bitch Kuttah working for you?”
Mook seemed to read his mind, bringing up the subject for him. Sipping the beer, he waited for Scar’s response.
“Yeah he’s still around.”
Tariq picked up the tone, calling the man on it.
“Sounds like you would prefer he not be.”
Scar exhaled a bit, taking another toke of his blunt. Releasing the smoke moments later through his nose, he answered.
“There’s always some bullshit around him. Don’t get me wrong, he brings in the paper, which is one of the reasons he’s still breathing.”
“Yeah but paper with strings ain’t good paper.”
Tariq spoke the words, his eyes never leaving the man. Mook grunted agreement, giving voice to his own thoughts.
“I didn’t appreciate the disrespect when I dealt with him. Matter fact, I’m really interested in closing his eyes. Is that going to be an issue?”
Scar shrugged.
“Hell no, Florida, if that’s what you want, take him down. No loss to me. I’ll have his spot filled before they put him in the ground.”
They all tittered at the response before Scar spoke again.
“Maybe all these girls he got babies from can get some real help or find a real life.”
His statement brought Mister’s query to life anew. Was Shawanna still with him? How many kids did she have by now? You don’t need to contact her now. Your uncles are going to kill him, and Scar just gave them the greenlight. He grunted into the beer taking another long swallow. Another soldier entered the room walking over to Scar. Leaning down he began to whisper in his ear when the man stopped him.
“Everybody in this room is straight. Don’t be disrespectful.”
“Sorry Scar, none meant.”
He nodded as the soldier turned and apologized to everyone before speaking again, this time aloud so everyone could hear him.
“Kuttah sent the package.”
Hearing his name all the men reacted with varying degrees of disgust and dislike.
“He didn’t bring it himself?”
The man shook his head no. Scar frowned deeply. Mister knew he took it even harder because he lost face in front of his Uncles. Yes, Kuttah signed his death warrant and Mister couldn’t be happier.
“Send it in here.” Scar barked the command, furious. They all waited as the soldier left. He returned six minutes later walking into the room. The package bearer walked in thirty seconds behind him.
Chapter 2
Happy her son would be arriving soon; Jaleesa couldn’t help the trepidation she felt. Rondé called last night saying he would be home this weekend and wanted to talk. Please don’t let him say he doesn’t want a relationship with me anymore. Jaleesa knew her son remained deeply angry; his feelings of betrayal firmly rooted. She prayed he would be open to hearing what she had to say once they sat down. He asked Ryan to be present as well. She assumed that meant Jashon already knew what his brother would say. Thinking of her oldest son, Jaleesa smiled. They repaired their relationship with him forgiving her fully and them working through the past. He and Ryan continued to get along well, having sat down for a long talk between themselves. Ryan mentioned Jashon still wanting to talk to both he and Ian together about the business and things of that nature, but that was to be expected. After speaking with Tariq, Jaleesa knew her son only wanted to hear the other side of the story.
Pushing the thoughts aside not wanting to be any more anxious, Jaleesa turned her thoughts to Ryan and his continued quest to have another child. She continually tried to dissuade him that the five they shared were more than sufficient. He continued to adamantly cajole her to become pregnant another time. “This will be the last one baby, I promise. I just want one more.” She smiled faintly recalling all the bribes and promises he threw at her trying to commandeer a yes. Jaleesa loved Ryan, but a baby was nowhere on her bucket list of things she wanted to do in her life at this point. Thinking of children brought Ian to mind. He and Teagan continued to see each other, yet from her vantage point, Jaleesa saw zero depth on Ian’s part. He enjoyed the woman’s company, yes, but in love with her to the point of settling down or having another child, no way. He needs to find someone. Kiki will never leave Tariq. He says he’s over her, so what gives? In the spirit of transparency Jaleesa admitted Teagan seemed fully fine with their arrangement. She never picked up any type of disappointment or depth on her part as well. Maybe they both really are okay with them the way they are.
Hearing the garage door lift, Jaleesa took a breath. She hoped Ryan arrived first. She needed his strength to deal with Rondé. He reminded her more of Deuce daily. She prayed the demons that plagued their father didn’t pass on to the sons. She never wanted to see him turn into the monster of his father. Asia would surely leave him. A thought Jaleesa found very unsettling. The young woman was good for her son. She could tell he loved her intensely. The kitchen door opened moments later granting her wish as her husband walked inside.
“Hey girl.”
“Hey baby. How’s Ice?”
She knew the two met earlier to discuss business as well as sitting down with Jashon, and possibly Rondé, to talk.
“He’s good. He and Teagan are headed to some concert or other.”
“Oh okay. He’s living his best life huh?”
Laughing, Ryan nodded agreeing with her assessment.
“So you think he’s really okay with the divorce Ryan, or just trying to fool us?”
He took a deep breath exhaling slowly, thinking over her query.
“I asked him the same thing basically. He says it’s a day by day thing, ya know? He still loves her, but he understands they’re over.”
“Is that why he keeps Teagan at arms distance.”
“Probably. Ice isn’t going to be in any hurry to let another woman that deep into his heart again anytime soon.”
“I get it. I definitely understand. I just want him to be happy, really and truly happy.”
Ryan walked over to her, hugging her tightly after the statement.
“I think he’ll be fine baby. He has to work this out his own way.”
She nodded as he released her and walked over to their bar grabbing a glass, making himself a drink.
“What time is Rondé getting here?”
“I’m not sure, but it should be any time now. I’m glad you made it home before he got here.”
“This won’t be as bad as you’re imagining Tweety. Rondé has had time to think, and he’s talked to the crew, so I think he’ll be more open to listening.”
“I hope so Ryan, I can’t bear the thought of losing my son forever.”
“That won’t happen.”
As the words left his mouth, they heard the garage open anew. Ryan threw back the shot, pouring another walking back into the den. Jaleesa followed suit, a club soda in hand. As soon as they were seated, the door opened and Rondé walked inside.
“Hey fam.”
“What’s up Rondé.”
“Hi honey. I’m glad to see you.”
He gave them a short smile, walking fully into the den. Taking a seat in one of the recliners the room held, he regarded them both. Gathering his thoughts, he remained quiet moments longer. Ryan, sensing the hesitation spoke first.
“Whatever is on your mind Rondé, we’re here to listen. All we ask is you be honest, and of course, to listen when we answer.”
Rondé nodded, grateful for his stepfather getting the ball rolling, opened his mouth and began to enlighten them of his thoughts and decisions.
*****
Crashing waves, seagulls flying about hoping to catch a quick breakfast as the surf teased the sand, rolling in and out at will. Asia loved the water and the clarity it always brought when she spent time by the shore. Today she desperately needed that clearness. Rondé brought up the question of them living together another time. He didn’t push, at least not forcefully, but she could tell he wanted an answer soon. Thankfully she found temporary reprieve in the fact he was headed home this weekend to deal with his parents. That gave her at least two, or three, more days to formulate her answer. The twins helped her immensely with the actual no she would give. Asia just knew Rondé would want timelines of when, and if she couldn’t give them to him, then why. His excitement at them moving to something so permanent threw her. Sure, she really enjoyed the time they spent. His lovemaking skills were on point. They shared common interests, ideals. It would be so simple to say yes to everything he offered for their future. But….
Asia took another deep breath. Honestly, she hadn’t thought much about her life past college yet. She had another year and a half to go before real adulting took place and she was forced to choose a path so to speak. Do you love him? She sighed silently. She cared deeply for him. That’s not what we asked. Do you love him? Asia swallowed hard. The answer to that question was complex. What’s stopping you from loving him?
“That’s easy, me.”
Exhaling audibly after the statement, Asia continued watching the water crash against the shore. Little kids giggled joyfully, scampering out of the waters reach, only to run forward once it receded. She smiled faintly. Rondé’s words rang in her mind another time. If you’re not into forever, tell him. Let him make up his own mind. As easy as that sounded Asia didn’t kid herself. Rondé wouldn’t walk away. He would spend his time trying to change her mind, convince her of the huge mistake he perceived her to make.
“Why can’t he just let us enjoy what we have now?”
Great question, ask him. Nodding absently Asia agreed with her mind this once. The only way to settle things not only between them, but in her own chaotic mind, rested with them having an open and honest conversation. Full honest, or politically correct surface honest? Asia frowned marginally.
“Full honest, and Lord help me.”
With the utterance she sighed another time, picking up her phone and texting him. She asked if they could talk, offering to fly to Atlanta. The response came almost instantly. ‘Is something wrong?’ She loosed another breath, texting him back. ‘No, but I feel like we need to talk.’ Another time the response came quickly. ‘I’ll be there tomorrow.’ She texted back a quick okay before putting the phone down and once again focusing on the ocean. Gather yourself, tomorrow is the day. Asia felt her gut clench, fear mingled with remorse, ran rampant momentarily. She didn’t fear Rondé touching her physically. It was the devastation and hurt she knew she would unleash that gave her pause. Too late now. She swallowed hard another silent plea to Spirit that she be wrong. That Rondé would understand and tomorrow wouldn’t be the end of them. Finally, her resolve gave the millimeter of space, admitting how much it would devastate her as well to break up with him. Because you love him? Not taking the bait from her heart, Asia refused to answer, instead rising and walking straight ahead into the rolling surf, diving in.
*****
Rondé returned his attention to Ryan and his mother. The momentary distraction caused by his younger siblings squabbling, afforded him the time to answer Asia’s text. His subconscious of course searched every aspect of their relationship looking for an answer to what may be on her mind. Don’t stress it. Probably nothing nearly as bad as you’re imagining. Settling the dispute between the younger kids, Ryan sent them back to their rooms with an admonishment to let the disagreement die. Turning back to him, they once again set their consideration waiting another time for him to speak.
“I’m sorry it’s taken me a while to get here and have this conversation.”
Jaleesa smiled faintly at the statement.
“It’s fine honey. I’m just glad you’re here and ready to talk.”
He nodded. Ryan remained quiet, watching him without blinking.
“Finding out how my dad died was hard. Finding out who took his life, even harder.”
Jaleesa exhaled quietly, eyes filling with tears as she blinked them back, continuing to give her son his say.
“I talked to Jashon about it, talked to Tariq…”
He gave Ryan a look with the statement, the other man remaining unbothered.
“Mama, I get what happened. I’m just sorry it ended up costing us both our parents at the time.”
Jaleesa wiped the lone tear managing to escape down her cheek.
“I’m doing better with each day that passes, but the thing I wanted to say today was about my name and my intent to change it.”
Jaleesa frowned, opening her mouth, before Ryan beat her to the punch.
“Changing your name to what?”
Rondé exhaled quietly. He heard the mild irritation in the tone. Taking another breath, shoring his resolve, he spoke anew.
“I’m changing it to Johnson-Bailey. Listen Ryan, I’m totally grateful for all you’ve done for me, for us, over the years. This isn’t about that…”
“I know what it’s about, and I’m okay with it.”
Relief washed over him hearing the man’s words. He silently thanked Asia for pushing him to think about his decision and all the ramifications when he wanted to originally drop Bailey completely.
“I think it’s a fitting tribute to your blood, and to your family now.”
Jaleesa nodded agreeing with Ryan’s words. Taking his eyes from his stepfather, he turned them to his mother. Her gazed begged his love and forgiveness yet another time.
“I’m sorry I hurt you mama. There was a lot to process, and I just felt like my whole life flipped upside down.”
“I know honey. I never wanted to hurt you. I honestly never wanted to tell you about that night, but it happened, and I can’t change it.”
“It’s straight. We’re okay. I love you.”
Rising he went to her, hugging her fiercely, Jaleesa holding him back beginning to sob aloud. Rondé felt the anger wash away as they embraced. He knew he had to let go in order to move forward. Hating his mother for something neither of them could change was pointless and stupid. Releasing him, Jaleesa rose headed to clean her face.
Ryan stood headed to the bar making himself a drink. He returned moments later handing Rondé the small shot he poured for him. Sitting and making himself comfortable he addressed the young man.
“I’m glad you finally found your way back to your mama. She’s been in pain since the day she told you both and you stormed outta here.”
“I never meant to hurt her Ryan. I was in pain too.”
“I get that. I’m not chastising you, just making a statement.”
“Okay. Are you really fine with my name change?”
“You’re a Bailey in my mind, piece of paper, bloodline, none of that changes it.”
Rondé nodded, swallowing the liquor offered. He appreciated Ryan treating him like an adult and not a child.
“You said you talked to the other crew. How was that?”
“It was good. Enlightening. They’re cool people.”
Ryan grunted another time, finishing his own shot.
“They helped me understand a lot more about my dad and the person he was.”
“That’s good. A man should always know where he comes from.”
“They told me some things about you and Uncle Ian too. Things I’d love to hear from both of you about.”
Ryan chuckled bitterly.
“I’m sure you probably did hear some things. I guess Ice and I owe you and Jashon that much. We did promise after all.”
Rondé nodded.
“I’ll set it up with Ice and let you both know the when and where.”
“Thanks Ryan. I appreciate it, really.”
Ryan waved him away, as Jaleesa returned to the room and they began talking about school, Asia, and what he wanted for dinner. Relieved that one part of his life seemed to be worked out fully, Rondé concentrated internally on making sure his romantic life worked out the same.