Page 23 of On Me: Crew's Story

She pulled me into a hug, and that hug was much needed, so I embraced her longer than I probably should have. Once I let her go, I felt a wave of embarrassment.

"I'm sorry," I murmured after my chin left her shoulder.

"It's okay. There is nothing to be sorry about, love." She hushed me because that unspoken sisterhood was speaking for itself.

Ciara didn't mention Ryan, and neither did Hov. But I could see it in their eyes every time they looked at me that they had that quiet compassion people gave when they didn't have the right words to say. I mean, everyone knew about Ryan's death because the news had run my breakdown outside the crime scene on loop for days, spinning stories about a "grieving lawyer turned emotional wreck." So, I was not only grieving, but I was embarrassed about the way I acted that day. Though I still had those same feelings, I just wish I could've handled that shit in private and not with all those cameras pointed in my face.

"You know I don't know if you're up for it, but I am throwing Hov a birthday party soon. I'd love for you to come celebrate with us. Only if you’re up for it, of course.”

"Thank you, and I'll definitely consider it. I haven’t gotten out of the house in forever, and it’s definitely been needed here lately."

"Of course, I'll send you the official invite once I get it made," she smiled softly before turning back toward her husband.

I watched as Hov hugged one of his tiny aunts, practically smothering the woman in his arms. It was a celebration for them, but for me, it was a matter of surviving my first case.

When I walked out of the courtroom, Kera was waiting for me by the courthouse front doors.

“Congrats on the big win boss.”

“Thank you for everything. Now let's get home and relax for the first time in a while.” I put on a poker face.

The minute we stepped outside, the cold air slapped against my skin, and reporters rushed me.

“How is it having your first big win after such a tragedy?”

Cameras were flashing from every direction, but I kept my head down, pushed past the noise, and walked straight toward the garage where my car was parked. The sound of cameras clicking and reporters calling out for statements echoed in my ear, but I had no intention of giving any response today. My heels clicked against the concrete as I scattered from outside the courthouse. The last time I was standing out here for too long, I was ducking for cover. That attack had me traumatized to say the least.

I was only a few yards away from the garage entrance when I heard someone yell,

"Aye!"

I ignored it, the same way I'd ignored everyone else out here, until I heard my name being called again, louder this time.

"Hey, you, Bria, right?"

I turned over my shoulder, and that’s when I noticed it was Crew standing against a black-on-black Dodge Charger, leaning back like he had all the time in the world to be waiting out here.

A haze of smoke streamed from his lips, but the cold air threw it back in his face, fogging him in for a second. Once the smoke cleared, the sun bounced off his chain, gleaming like it had its own spotlight. I’ve noticed that drug dealers always have the most expensive jewelry. My salary from the firm doesn't amount to shit compared to that untaxed money. The only downside that I see to street life is the consequences of going to jail. That or being murdered.

Crew was tall and slender, but he still had a built frame, and the way he stands, good Lord, bowlegged and tall, made him have the stature of a Clydesdale horse.

"I feel that you already know that I am Bria, but how can I help you?"

"Let me start off by asking, how did it go in there, beautiful?" His voice was smooth but heavy, that kind that carried confidence even when he didn't try.

"You should check Google, sir. I’m sure the articles are being uploaded as we speak," I shot back.

“I’m not really with that internet shit. That’s why I came up here to get the facts straight from the source. Hold up, don’t tell me that you fucked it up and got my boy sent away.”

I rolled my eyes and shrugged my shoulders.

“See, I knew that beauty like that couldn’t have brains, too. That shit would be too good to be true if so.”

"Look, shouldn't you be in that fucking hellhole Club Raw getting your rocks off?" I rolled my eyes, but the smirk that stretched across his face only made my irritation boil higher.

"You know, it's men like you who are the reason why so many younger women are lost in clubs and losing their lives to bullshit."

Crew chuckled low, eyes dragging over me like he was more amused than offended.