Page 43 of Where Is the Love
“Again, you were perfect. I was the fuck up. I suppose I have more of my father running through me than I thought.”
He and Lennox’s father was MIA for most of their lives but had finally gotten his act together and had been around for the past couple of years or so. When Decklan and I met, they were just rekindling their relationship with him. “Are you and the guy I saw you with trying to establish something?” Decklan asked, breaking me away from my thoughts.
“I thought we were until he had me fucked up yesterday. I’ve known him since school, but I feel like we should have taken time to get to know one another more as adults. He’s the one that has me in my damn feelings. However, I know I was easily hurt and offended because I hadn’t properly handled the situation between the two of us.”
“So what are you gonna do?”
“I think I need some time to myself. I don’t know what will happen after that.”
“Whatever you do, just make sure it’s what’s best for you. I love you, Jess, and I hate it took you leaving me for me to see it.”
“I love you too,” I said as I leaned back against him.
Terminator had stopped next to the horse Decklan had been on, like he was telling Decklan to get the fuck off. Apparently, he got the hint when he slid off. “I think Terminator was dropping me off.” He grabbed my hand. “Jess, you will always be special to me. I’ll back off, but I will always be looking out to make sure you’re good. If you ever need me, I’m a phone call away.”
I slid off Terminator and hugged Decklan tightly. He kissed my forehead when I pulled away, and I lifted my head and kissed his lips. “Take care, Decklan.”
He nodded. “You too, baby.”
He mounted his horse and made his way back to the stable as I watched. Turning back to Terminator, I got back on. I pulled my phone from my bra again and checked Nate’s message.I hope you’re having a great day. I hope to see you soon.
I closed my eyes as my phone rang. When I saw Tyeis’s number, I answered. “Hello?”
“Hey. I know we were supposed to be doing lunch in Beaumont today, but Decaurey just called, wanting to spend time with me.”
“So you’re dumping me. Is that what you’re saying?” I asked, pretending to be offended.
“Hell yeah, bitch! I can go to lunch with yo’ ass anytime.”
“Well, I guess you won’t be ready to leave by tomorrow morning.”
“Aww. How did the talk go?”
“It went good. I’m just feeling a little sensitive, and I wanna go home now. I’ll hang around until Tuesday morning like I promised.”
“You don’t have to do that. We can go tomorrow. If Decaurey wants to get to know me, he knows how to drive, and so do I. If you need to go home, then we’re going home. I rode here with you,” Ty said.
“Thank you for understanding.”
“Of course. I’m your friend. Well, let me go so I can get ready. I’ll talk to you when we get back.”
“Okay. Have fun.”
I ended the call and made my way back to the stable to stall Terminator. Once I did, I went to the back porch where my uncles were still seated, puffing cigars. As I got closer, Uncle Storm said, “Y’all shol looked friendly and shit. We came out here in case you needed back up.”
“I appreciate y’all.”
“A’ight. Just remember this shit when I need you for my campaign.”
I rolled my eyes and asked, “How is Noni with the college-aged boyfriend?”
I asked that shit to take the attention off me. He rolled his eyes as Uncle Jasper chuckled. “She claims he’s her friend’s cousin and that they were just talking. Fuck that. I blocked his ass through my phone. He better find somebody else’s daughter to befriend, ’cause mine ain’t the one. And watch your face when I talk about my campaign.”
“Uncle Storm! There are only four hundred people here now! You don’t need a damn campaign!”
I laughed as he laughed sarcastically. “Bruh, I honestly think you’re a shoe in for it,” Uncle Marcus said as Uncle Jasper laughed.
“What the fuck is so funny, Jasper? You been laughing for the past hour,” Uncle Storm said.