Page 23 of A Player’s Prayer (Mills Brothers #3)

“Girl, I would rather they fire your sexy self so you can be with me all day instead of giving you a position that will have you away longer.” I smiled at the grumpy tone and attitude that was evident in his voice.

“That’s all you, baby, and I’m proud. I’ll be there to pick you up at seven, and we can go out to celebrate.

Then, later, I’m going to dick you down so good… ”

“See you later, Adrian.” I shook my head as I approached the nurses’ station. “Good morning, ladies.” Shooting to their feet, Asia and Kate happily greeted me. Side-eyeing them and the others, I asked, “Y’all okay?”

“Yes, of course. We’re just happy to be working for you now.” Asia nodded. I couldn’t tell if she was serious or not since they were Tanessa’s lapdogs just a mere few weeks ago. “We don’t want any trouble.”

“And we won’t have any,” I assured them, setting my backpack on the desk.

“We’re a team, and despite the new title I have, we will do things equally.

It’s what I’ve always advocated for, and that isn’t changing.

I’ll be sharing the caseload right along with you guys.

” They eyed each other before they visibly relaxed.

“Now, come on… let’s see what all we have to tackle today and come up with a game plan. ”

“You have a collect call from ‘ Maine ’ at the Coleman Correctional Federal Prison. To speak to this inmate, press 1, and your call will be connected.”

Entering Grove’s Grocery, I gave the cashier a small wave as she greeted me. I’m usually home when my father calls me, but Adrian requested a steak dinner and movie night, so I had no choice but to come out now. Pushing the cart down the spice aisle, I waited patiently for the call to connect.

“Baby girl,” his gruff voice sounded through the speakers, causing me to smile. “How are you doing today?”

“Hey, Dad,” I greeted happily as I placed a few bottles of Kinder’s seasonings in the buggy. “I’m great since I’m off for the next two days, so I’m grocery shopping right now. How are you doing? Did you get the package I sent you?”

When my mother died, my father had the weight of the world on his shoulders.

Not only was he a single parent, but he was heavy in the streets.

He tried his hardest to transition into a legal citizen, but the money wasn’t what he needed it to be playing it safe.

One day, he was pulled over, and the cops found pounds of weed and coke hidden in the car, and here we are today.

I never once blamed my father for leaving me, but I do wish there could have been other options for him.

“Yeah, I acted a fool when some of my shit was missing, but I got it back.” He chuckled lowly. “So… how are you liking Milly Grove? Have I told you how proud I am of you, Dakota? I’m so glad you got the hell out of Florida.”

“You’re the only one,” I mumbled as I made my way over to the meats.

“But, yes, Dad, you tell me every time we’re on a phone call, and in every letter we’ve exchanged about how you’re proud of me.

” We shared a laugh because it was true.

One thing Maine Jenkins didn’t play about was his baby girl.

“So you have a parole hearing coming up. Are you excited about it? I am. I miss you so much, Daddy. Sometimes, I feel like I’m all alone out here. ”

This is one of the main reasons I chose to be home when my dad called. Every call makes me emotional because I miss him so much. On top of that, he doesn’t allow me to visit the prison to see him. He always says, “I’m too pretty, and if someone says the wrong thing to me, he’s never coming home.”

“I’m feeling really hopeful about it, Kodi.

” Hearing him call me that immediately made me think of Wild.

That’s why I was adamant about him not calling me that when we first met; it was a name specifically for my father to call me.

“I’m ready to get out and see what knucklehead nigga thinks he’s good enough for my daughter.

He can’t be worse than the last one. I still can’t wait to have a word or two with that one. ”

“Well, Dad, the guy I’m dating now is quite the character.

We just made it official not too long ago, but I really like him.

” Thinking about Adrian always made me want to laugh because he was so damn stupid.

Now that I had lightened up on him, his entire personality had come to life, and I was forever laughing and smiling because of him.

“I think you will like him. He’s a little rude?—”

“You have one minute remaining.”

This was the part that always made me feel like shit. There was never enough time in the day for me to really bond with my father through this phone. I prayed that his hearing was soon, and that they’d set him free.

“Listen, baby girl… we don’t have long. I just wanted to hear your voice and tell you I love you.

Also wanted to see if you remembered your Uncle Percy?

He’s going to be calling you soon, so be on the lookout.

He just wants to check on you. Thank you for the money on my books and all you do for me.

I love you more than life, Kodi. And I heard what you said about that lil’ nigga you call yourself liking.

Let him know he will be hearing from me soon. I love you, Baby Girl.”

Before I could respond to him, the operator came on and disconnected the call.

Sighing heavily, I wiped the tears from my eyes and got myself together as best as I could.

As I continued to shop, I thought my eyes were deceiving me when I glanced up and saw Bear.

I was sadly mistaken when I rounded the corner to the drink aisle, and there he stood.

“Hey, baby.” He smiled as he walked toward me with his arms stretched wide. “You missed me?”

Rolling my eyes, I continued to load things into my cart without paying him any mind.

I haven’t seen or spoken to Bear in the months I’ve been in the Grove, and I would be lying if I said it was good to see him because it wasn’t.

Granted, he is still handsome, and I approve of his all-black attire, fresh cut, and smile that used to make me putty in his hands.

However, looking at him now, I wanted to smack the shit out of him with a loaf of bread.

“Bear, I would ask you what you’re doing here, but I don’t want you to think I care,” I stated dryly as I placed the nasty-ass ginger ale that Adrian likes in the cart. “I’ve told you time and time again to leave me alone.”

“Wow.” His eyes turned to slits as he placed his hands in his pockets, stepping back from me. “Zaria said you were a bitch now, but I didn’t believe it. Daddy’s home, though, and I know exactly what it is you need.”

“Take another step toward my girl and watch how we tear this muthafuckin’ store up.”

Peering over my shoulder as I reached for a case of water was a very pissed off Adrian. I would ask what he was doing here, but he’s told me time and time again that he stalks me periodically. The man was crazy, but I let him be him.

“Nigga, who the fuck are you?” Bear asked with a scowl on his face. Adrian walked over and took the case of water from me and put it in the cart. “My girl doesn’t need you to come to her rescue.”

Smirking deviously, I groaned because I knew Adrian was about to show his ass. “Your girl?” He looked up and down the aisle to see if anyone else was around. “I know damn well you ain’t talking about my baby, Kodi.” He tucked me under his arm and kissed my temple. “You cool, bae?”

“As a fan.” I giggled as he tickled my side. “Will you stop? I need to go to the meat market for the steaks still.”

“Come on then.” He moved me out of the way to grab the handle of the buggy. Bear had yet to move, so Adrian rammed the front into the man’s ankles. “Get your big, goofy ass out of the way, nigga. This is the first and last time I’m going to tell you.”

“Or what?” Bear glared, folding his arms as if his lower body didn’t just get hit with our buggy full of food. “What the fuck—ahhh!”

Opening the cart of eggs in my buggy, Adrian hurled one after another at Bear’s head and face.

The passing customers and I stood in shock as Adrian tossed eggs back to back at a hollering Bear.

In the corner of my eye, I could see a group of little boys laughing and pointing.

What happened next shocked me more than the current scene.

Not only was Adrian throwing eggs, but their bad asses had joined in.

“Baby, stop…” I stifled my laughter as I grabbed his arm. “You’re going to get us kicked out.”

“I’m going to kill you, nigga!” Bear yelled as he stepped forward. He didn’t make it far before he was slipping on the yolk. “Ah, fuck!”

“Light his ass up, lil’ niggas,” Wild instructed the kids as he threw the empty carton at his head. “Make Uncle Wild proud.”

The little kids did exactly what they were told, and it was the funniest thing I’d ever seen.

Bear had attempted to get up twice, only to fall on his ass both times.

The floor was a mess, and I couldn’t imagine trying to clean up all the slime from the floor.

Bear sat on the ground for a moment, yelling and covering his face, before he decided to attempt getting up again.

Jumping up on both feet, he didn’t give his body a chance to sway.

Running out of the store cursing, the boys went with him, chasing him around the store’s lot.

“Oh my gosh!” I bent over, holding my stomach and laughing. “You are so damn stupid. Why did you do that?”

“Better eggs than bullets.” He shrugged before dropping a kiss on my lips. “You good?”

“Yes.” I continued snickering and wiping the tears from my eyes. “We have to pay for all these eggs, Adrian.”

“My people own the store, so I got it. Harley is up front, and she’s going to cuss me and those kids out, but that shit was worth it. Come on and let’s finish shopping before she calls Mama on me.”

It didn’t take us long before we were done getting what we needed and checking out.

Harley, whom I now know as Uno’s wife, cussed Wild out about the wasted food and the cleanup the employees were working on as she rang us up.

After paying for the grocery items, the ruined eggs, and the little boys who helped him, we were on the way to my house for a day of relaxation and alone time.

This relationship with Adrian has been nothing short of an adventure thus far, and I have to admit that I was loving every minute of it.

If we kept this up, it wouldn’t be long before I was loving him too.