Page 66 of Search My Soul (Taylor Family Saga #3)

“For the first time in a long time, I can tell that he’s happy.

He deserves that. He’s one of the few people in my life who doesn’t ask for anything, but he gives all he’s got.

I’m sure there are times when you wanna ring his neck, but you’ve made an impact in his life in such a short time.

Thank you.” Her words warmed my heart, reminding me that our relationship wasn’t one-sided.

Soul added a missing piece to my life, but I could also see the changes in him.

After years of feeling like I didn’t matter to my own family, it made me feel proud to know that I was valued in someone else’s.

“What’s up, conehead?” Soul greeted Patience as he placed a kiss on her forehead.

“Boy, get the hell away from me with your foolishness. If I have a conehead, then what do you have, because we have the same-shaped head, dummy.”

“No the hell we don’t. You can tell Mommy shaped mine at the top, but she left little lumps on the rest of y’all’s heads.” Soul reached out to cuff the top of Patience’s head, but she pushed him away.

“And here I was telling your woman how special you are to me. You really are a pain in my ass.” Patience scoffed as she walked away. Romi followed after her, but not before hitting her uncle up for some cash.

“Didn’t I just give you money a couple of days ago?” Soul asked while reaching into his pocket. I snickered at how easy it was for him to fold. Romi bled his pocket dry every time they were in the same room together.

“Yes, but today’s a new day, and I need new money.” She held her hand out as she patiently waited for him to count off the bills.

“This is getting out of hand. I might need to open a bank account so I can keep track of how much money you’re getting from me.”

“As long as I get the money, that’s all that matters. Pleasure doing business with you, Uncle Soulie. Love you!” With the money in her hand, Romi scurried away to play with some of the other children.

“Come with me for a moment. I want to introduce you to a few people.” Soul held out his hand for me, and I grabbed onto it reluctantly.

I’ve been walking on eggshells ever since I found those pictures in his room.

After talking to Puma, she assured me that I had nothing to worry about, but I wasn’t convinced.

A part of me couldn’t even fully relax because I had a feeling that the truth would come out sooner or later.

“How are you doing, Nephew?” A man I hadn’t seen before greeted Soul while we were walking. He looked like he was Hispanic or maybe Dominican, so I wondered if they were related by marriage since he called him nephew.

“What’s up, Uncle E?” Soul’s greeting was a little dry, and I wondered what that was all about.

“I’ve been calling and calling you, but you’re a tough man to get in touch with. You must have a lot on your plate.” His eyes glanced over in my direction, causing me to grow uncomfortable.

“Yeah, I do.”

“Did you see my son out front?”

“Yeah, I’m getting ready to head out there now.”

“So I can assume that finding answers about his situation is still a priority for you, correct? Because it seems as though he has been placed on the back burner, and that concerns me.” Soul’s uncle carried a very dark aura, and it gave me chills.

I tried to brush it off, but every time his focus shifted toward me, I felt a heaviness I couldn’t describe.

“Of course. We’re doing everything we can to find answers. If you have concerns, you’re more than welcome to assist in any capacity that you can.”

“I think you and I both know that wouldn’t be wise for anyone. I just pray that things are handled accordingly because I would hate for there to be any more misfortunes to occur.” His uncle’s words carried a deeper meaning, and I didn’t have to know what they were talking about to realize that.

“Trust me, I’m prepared for any and all misfortunes as you put it.

Like I said, we’re on the job. If any new developments arise, I’ll be sure to let you know.

In the meantime, I think you should focus your time and attention on the areas where you’re most valuable.

We all have a role to play, and I think it’s important that we never forget the chain of command. Have a good night, Uncle E.”

“You too, Soul. Be safe out there. The world is a dangerous place.” Soul chuckled lowly, but I noticed the flex in his jaw.

The conversation seemed so awkward. It was almost as if they were trying to convey something without directly addressing the issue at hand.

They were talking in code. I wanted to inquire about what was going on, but I decided to wait until we made it home.

We continued our journey outside with our hands interwoven. Soul greeted a few people on the way out and cracked a few jokes. It amazed me the way he was able to mask his moods. I wasn’t sure if that was a good skill or not.

“There goes my new girlfriend. Hey, Ms. Juicy Booty!” Soul’s little cousin Cane greeted me. I remembered him from the last party I attended when they were celebrating his parents. I giggled because of the deadly glare on my man’s face.

“You must have a death wish, and I’m about to give you everything you’re looking for.” Soul gritted. It turned me on because I loved it when he got possessive over me.

“My bad, cuz. I see you got your chest all puffed up. Let me stop messing with you before you try to put me on a shirt.” The young boy raised his hands in mock surrender.

“I’m glad you know. And you better keep your eyes on the ground because if I catch you looking at my woman’s ass, I’mma pluck both your eyeballs out yo’ mothafuckin’ head.”

“Damn, nigga. You got it. It was nice seeing you again, Ms. Juicy. I sure wish I could get a hug, but I think it might be your man’s time of the month.” He winked at me before scurrying off.

“I’mma beat his ass.”

I noticed a group of people standing on the side of the building, so I assumed that was where we were heading. Soul greeted a few more people as we made our way to the group. There were a few women standing around and it appeared that the majority of the people were smoking.

“Damn, who the hell is this?”

“This is your lady, cuz?” A couple of the men stared at me with lust in their eyes, but one look from Soul caused them to straighten up.

“Remi, Chosen, Aries, this is my lady, Neeya. Neeya, these are my dumb ass cousins.” Soul introduced me to the men.

I recognized Chosen because Kamesha used to have the biggest crush on him.

I shook his hand, then moved on to the other men.

My heart almost stopped when I got to the man in the wheelchair, who Soul introduced as Remi.

“Damn, nigga. I come out of a coma, and you’re in love now?

Never thought I would see the day. Hell, I almost didn’t live long enough to see it.

” My breathing almost exposed me, but I got myself together before I shook his hand.

Remi held my hand longer than I would have liked, but I tried to make it seem like it was no big deal.

“Yeah, man. Life has been crazy lately. She definitely came through and robbed a nigga of his heart.” Soul’s choice of words couldn’t have been any worse, but I had to remind myself that he had no idea what I’d done.

“Yeah, I bet. You look familiar. Have we met before?” His question sent me spiraling internally, but I kept my poker face secured.

“I don’t believe so, but this city is so small it’s possible. I used to work at Rackzz so it’s a good chance you may have seen me there.”

“And if you did, keep that shit to yourself,” Soul interjected, making everyone laugh. Remi’s eyes pierced through me like lasers as he looked me up and down.

I tried not to look at him for too long because it made me uncomfortable. However, I also wasn’t trying to appear guilty, so I held my composure as best as I could.

“Yeah, that must be it. It was nice to meet you. I’m sure we’ll be seeing a lot of each other.

” Remi sat back in his chair and turned his attention to some of the other guests.

I was ready to go home and get as far away from this place as I possibly could.

My life was finally falling into place, and now it seemed like things were about to blow up right in front of my face.

A sinking feeling came over me, and I felt like I was going to be sick.

Soul chopped it up with his family while I excused myself to go to the bathroom.

As soon as I got into the restroom, I threw up everything I’d eaten this evening.

Squatting over the toilet, tears poured from my eyes as I continued to release the contents of my stomach.

I stayed in the bathroom for a while longer until my stomach began to settle.

After I washed my hands and swished some water around in my mouth, I decided it was time for me to leave. I could order an Uber so Soul would still be able to spend time with his family.

“Hey, sis. Are you okay?” Lovely asked the moment I stepped out of the bathroom. “You look a little pale in the face.”

“Actually, I’m not feeling well. I think I’m gonna head home and lie down,” I explained. Her eyebrow raised as she eyed me up and down. I grew nervous under her gaze because I wasn’t sure what she was thinking.

“The way you and my brother have been humping like rabbits, I wouldn’t be surprised if we were getting a new addition soon.

” My mouth watered, and I could feel my stomach about to turn again.

There was no time for me to respond to her comment as I raced back into the bathroom.

This time, the only thing that came out was liquid and stomach bile.

“Baby? Where you at?” I heard the sound of Soul’s voice, knowing he wasn’t supposed to be in here.

“Soul, why are you in the women’s bathroom?” I inquired, pushing the door to the stall open. When I saw his face, my heart fluttered. The concern was evident, and it made me feel loved, even though I wasn’t sure I deserved it at the moment.

“Lovely told me you were sick, so I came to check on you. Are you alright? You’re sweating.” His hand brushed over my forehead as if he was checking my temperature.

“I’m not feeling the best. I think I’m gonna head home,” I informed him as I finished washing my hands again.

“All right, cool. I’m gonna say goodbye to Nana and OG, then I’ll be ready to go.”

“Oh, no. You don’t have to leave because of me. I can catch an Uber to the house. Stay here with your family and enjoy yourself.” The irritated glare Soul gave me let me know I must have said the wrong thing.

“I’m going wherever you are. If you don’t feel well, why would I let you leave by yourself?”

“I understand what you’re saying, but you don’t need to end your night early because of me. All I’m gonna be doing is sleeping, so you might as well stay here and have a good time for both of us.” I reasoned, but his face remained the same.

“Yeah, you must be sick because your mind isn’t thinking clearly. I can’t have a good time if a part of my heart is sick. How sorry of a man would I be to be out kicking it and you’re at home sick? Who’s gonna take care of you?” I followed him out of the bathroom while he held my hand.

“I don’t want to ruin your night with your family.

This really isn’t a big deal.” Soul didn’t respond to me.

Instead, he held my hand as he said his goodbyes.

When he went over to his nana, I went over to the table we were sitting at to grab my purse.

I hadn’t intended on leaving it that long, but I was happy everything seemed to still be in the same place.

“Hey, beautiful. My grandson told me you were under the weather. Do you mind if I pray for you before you go?” I turned around to see Soul’s grandmother standing next to me. He was on the dance floor talking to his grandfather so I figured he must have told them.

“No, go ahead.” I’m sure she probably noticed my awkwardness, but all of this was new for me. She held my hands in hers as we bowed our heads.

“Dear, Lord. We come to You asking for You to touch Your child. She is in need of Your healing touch. Bless her from the crown of her head to the soles of her feet. Her spirit is troubled, and You are the only one who can give her peace in her heart and mind. Whatever it is that she is struggling with, I ask that You remove it so that she may have peace. We trust You and know that You are able to do all things. Thank You for blessing us to see another day that wasn’t promised to us.

We are thankful for Your kindness and mercy toward us.

We ask these things in Your son’s name. Amen. ”

I got chills as she prayed over me because it was the first time anyone had ever done it. The words she spoke scared me a little because I hadn’t expressed that I was battling with anything outside of sickness; however, her words were spot on. It made me feel seen.

“Thank you for your prayer. I had a really great time. Thank you for inviting me.”

“No problem, suga. I’m happy to see my grandson has found someone who makes him happy.

It’s been a long time since I’ve seen him with so much love and joy in his heart.

I’m going to give you a little advice when it comes to dealing with a man like Soul.

Don’t lie to him. Soul is very big on loyalty and takes it very seriously.

Honesty is always the best policy with him.

Even if you think it’s something he won’t understand.

“All of my grandchildren are special in their own way. However, Soul is a very passionate and emotional man. When he loves you, he’ll give you the world and access to his whole heart, but there is a dark side to him as well.

When he feels as though he has been betrayed or hurt, there is nothing anyone can do to stop him.

He is much like this grandfather in that way, and I learned many lessons at the beginning of our relationship.

The love they give is unique, but once you lose it, it’s almost impossible to get it back.

“Forgive me for my rambling. Soul gave me your phone number so I can check you myself. You know how those men are.” She laughed while her words replayed over and over again in my head.

I needed to come clean to him about what happened because if I didn’t, I had a feeling my secret was still going to be exposed.