Page 22

CHAPTER 22

EARTH

As soon as Shaka texted, saying some nigga was following McCoy around the store, I knew it was going to be some shit. I planned to talk to her about having security with her while she was at work, but now, that was happening no matter what.

I wasn’t crazy enough to think Jamel wouldn’t eventually pop back up. He was used to dealing with McCoy when he wanted to, and he always expected her to be at his disposal. His being MIA for a few days didn’t mean shit.

The drive to the store was quick, but I still smashed on the gas to get there. Memphis being there was a blessing, but I feared I wouldn’t get there in time. The entire drive, I was on the phone with Fire, planning how I was going to kill that nigga.

“Ay,” I said, pulling McCoy's attention to me.

“Yes?” McCoy looked up at me as if I was the best thing moving.

“You like gold?” I questioned her as I thought about her wedding ring design. The fact the entire drive here, I was panicking and feared I wouldn’t get to her in time was proof enough I loved this girl. In the past, I didn’t care about a female or her safety unless she was related to me. I knew I was moving fast, but I didn’t care. This was my fucking wife, and I was going to make sure the world knew it too.

“No.” She shook her head. “It goes best with my favorite color, but there's something about it I can't stand.”

“Cool.” I nodded. The door to the grocery store opened, and Memphis stepped out. He pulled the blunt from his mouth and gave me a slow nod before heading to his truck. He knew to let Jamel stay alive. Killing him sounded great and even like the right thing to do, but I had plans for him later. I threw Memphis a nod and turned my attention back to McCoy. “Let’s get out of here. I got a surprise for you.”

“A surprise?” Her left brow lifted, and I chuckled. “What do you have in mind?”

“You’ll see.” I stepped back, hating our bodies weren’t touching, and took her hand. “Let’s go.”

“Your car,” she said, not moving. I looked over at the truck and sucked my teeth, not giving a fuck about it. “I drove here with Lynx, remember?”

“Where she at?” I looked around the small group of women and knew who she was as soon as my eyes landed on her. Tall, probably about 5’10, curvy, and thick in all the right places. She had an oval face, full lips, a small, flared nose, dark, slanted eyes I could tell didn’t miss a damn thing, and her hair was loc’d. What stood out the most was her skin. She was the color of sepia but had blotches of lighter skin. She was probably one of the baddest women I’d ever seen, even with vitiligo. “Let Lynx drive it to her spot, and I’ll come pick it up.”

“That okay with you?” McCoy asked Lynx.

“Yeah, that’s fine, but you’ll have to come to the daycare and get it since I’m going back there,” Lynx answered.

“I’ll be there later to get it,” I said, nodding. “I appreciate it for real.”

“No problem,” Lynx said, then turned to McCoy. “Call me later?”

“Okay,” McCoy replied. She let my hand go and went to hug her friend. I could tell they were talking from how McCoy’s head was moving. I let them, enjoying the fact she was happy and carefree even after having to deal with bitch ass nigga Jamel in the store.

“Ay,” I called out to Shaka, who was talking to Paxton and Mahogany. Shaka looked up at me with a smile on her face. “Six bands.”

“Put two in my account,” she replied. “Two in Mahogany’s and two in Paxton’s.”

“Bitch, I’m not having a baby!” Paxton yelled, and I laughed.

“I got you!” I said, not caring what Paxton was talking about. I knew Exodus was ready for a baby, and as much as she fussed, she probably was, too.

McCoy and Lynx finally let each other go. I opened the passenger door for McCoy, and she got in the car. I closed the door, walked over to Lynx, and knocked on the driver's window.

“Yes?” she said after rolling the window down.

“My name is Earth Carlson. I’m in love with your best friend and plan to marry her as soon as she hints she loves me, too,” I said. There was no reason to beat around and bullshit with this woman. She was McCoy's best friend; she knew her better than anyone else. I knew I had to step to her correct to show her I was the one for her friend.

“Oh really?” Lynx replied, and I nodded. “Well then, Earth Carlson, I only ask you not to hurt her. She’s been through enough and deserves happiness.”

“And that’s what I plan to make sure she gets every day I’m on this earth,” I said, and this time, Lynx nodded. I looked over my shoulder to see her watching us. I winked, then turned back to Lynx. “Be careful out there. Call McCoy when you get back to your daycare.”

“Okay,” she agreed.

I didn’t move until all the women pulled off from the parking lot. Memphis’ boys pulled up. I gave them a nod, got in the car with McCoy, and pulled off.