Page 55 of His Noble Heart

“C’mere,” I said, patting my lap so she would straddle me.

“Nah. I’m not about to let you use your dick to make me forget what I heard. What Ramina said is making sense now.”

I frowned because Ramina knew better than to open her mouth about my business. I didn’t know what she said, but I was already pissed. I had to keep my cool, so I took a deep breath before asking questions.

“What are you talking about? What did she say?”

“That she hoped being with me would keep you outta the streets.”

“Was that all she said?”

“Yeah. She respects your privacy, but she is definitely concerned for your safety. I need you to be honest with me, Rowdy.”

“I’ve answered all your questions. I’m not sure what else you want me to do.”

“You answered my questions with half-truths at best, which is still a lie in my opinion. If you don’t sell drugs, why is Mina worried about you being in the streets? And why did that woman on the phone feel like she needed to warn you? Make this shit make sense, Rowdy.”

“I ain’t got shit else to say about it.”

“Really? Wow! I’m going to bed. You can see your way out.”

“You want me to leave?”

“I want you to be transparent with me and tell me what kinda shit you’re into. You’ve chosen not to do that, so yeah, you can leave, and don’t come back until you’re ready to tell me everything.”

“You look like hell,”my mother said when she entered my apartment.

“I feel like hell too. I barely made it through the past two days of work. Thank you for coming over.”

She followed me to my living room, where I resumed my position lying on the couch, and she sat in the sofa chair.

“You know when my babies need me, I’m coming. Thank goodness it’s Friday, and you can use the weekend to rest. What’s wrong?”

“I think I’m pregnant.”

I’d already cried about it, but there I was, crying again.

“Oh, Lani. That’s nothing to cry about. You’ll be twenty-nine in a few weeks. You’re a grown woman.”

She moved to the edge of the couch to comfort me.

“I know, but this is not how it was supposed to happen. Me and Rowdy haven’t even talked about kids or marriage or anything.”

“I guess it’s time you do.”

“We can’t.”

“Why not?”

“Because I haven’t talked to or seen him in almost two weeks.”

“Two weeks? What happened?”

“I told him to leave and not to come back until he’s ready to be honest with me.”

“I’m not gonna get into your business, but this must be serious.”

“Ma, I think he is or was a drug dealer, but doesn’t want to tell me.”