11. Blythe
Chapter Eleven
BLYTHE
Iwas leaving for St. Louis in two days and honestly, I was the most nervous I had ever been.
Not only was this a test to see how well I handle myself in the office, but I would also be spending most of my time working side by side with Pharaoh.
God that man did something to me. Something no one had ever been able to do.
He excited me, infuriated me, and caused me to downright feel.
The crazy thing is he never even tried. Just stared at me watching my every move or he if we were speaking to each other, he was trying to check me for my slick ass mouth.
How was I supposed to be in control when my brain shut down all logic whenever he was in the room.
It gave him all the power no matter what the situation was.
This was such new territory for me, and I know I would struggle with it.
But it was a must I stand my ground. My partnership depended on it, and I worked damn hard to get it.
I would just have to be professional when we work together and stay away when it was not work related, I know my attitude and it wouldn’t end well if I didn’t.
If only my fuckin’ hormones would have stayed away for this trip.
I could feel my body shifting and my cycle planning to creep her miserable ass in.
I made a mental note to pack my calming teas and heating pad.
They were essential during hell week. Lord, why couldn’t you have waited or came last week.
I was finishing the last of my packing and singing to SWV when I got an email alert. Lifting it I noticed it was from the McCallum firm. How weird someone was there working when it was a Saturday. I unlocked my phone and pulled up the message.
Ms. Livingston,
Change of plans. We leave tomorrow afternoon. Be ready flight details have been sent to your assistant. Try not to be late.
-Pharaoh McCallum.
I frowned instantly getting pissed off. I told Mrs. McCallum I had a very important meeting on Monday that I could not miss, and I would fly in right after. Pressing on the email reply I prepared to respond with as much professionalism I could muster up when talking to Pharaoh’s ass.
Mr. McCallum,
Thank you so much for your email. Per my email itinerary to Mrs. McCallum, I am not available until Monday evening to fly out. I have a standing meeting that I just can’t miss. Thank you so much for your understanding.
-Blythe Livingston
I closed out of the email and placed my phone on the bed.
How dare he change plans when I had already made all the arrangements with his mother.
He was definitely gonna be a problem I could feel it.
The email pinged almost immediately. I picked it up anxious to see what his rude ass would reply with.
Not negotiable.
-PM
This son of a bitch. Who the fuck did he think he was. I will show his ass. I refused to miss my meeting. I would grace him with my presence when I said I would. Exiting my email, I sent a text to Autumn asking her to keep my flight for Monday night. My phone was ringing within seconds.
“What the hell is going on? I was told to cancel it?” Autumn’s voice boomed through the phone. Her cycle had just started this morning, and her attitude was always worse than mine during hell week.
“Hi my baby. Disregard his email. I need to fly out Monday evening, midafternoon at the earliest. You know why.” She sighed before responding.
“Are you sure? The change seemed important. I don’t want anything effecting you making partner.”
“I’m sure. You know I can’t miss my Monday visit. She’s more important than anything.”
“I know B. Okay I will rebook your flight for Monday. I’m turning my phone off, these cramps, headache and attitude is gonna have me beating everybody’s ass tonight.
Love you, bye.” She hung up right in my face.
I chuckled, pulling up my door dash I added all her favorites to my cart and requested they be delivered to her in the next hour before tossing my phone on the bed and continuing to pack.
Monday Morning
The sound of the alarm alerted us that the heavy metal doors were opening, and it startled me from my thoughts.
I looked up and watched the women in orange jump suits flood in anxious to see their families.
They looked tired and worn down but it didn’t stop the smiles from creeping on their faces as soon as they spotted their loved ones waiting patiently to visit with them.
I noticed a younger woman with two French braids run over to a table full of small kids, the youngest looked no more than three years old.
When she got to the table she squatted down and they all rushed into her arms tripping over each other to get closer to her embrace.
I couldn’t imagine that all five were her kids being that they were so young.
But the way they hugged her as if she was the key to their hearts changed my mind.
These were her lifelines, her creations, her world, and they had to schedule time to see her.
It made me think of my mom and my core memories being in this very room.
Every conversation was scheduled or written on paper.
So many times, I waited anxiously for our visits so I could tell her my exciting news.
A letter may not be enough so I would ask my aunt to schedule a visit.
I needed to feel her energy in my exciting moments as well as in my moments of pain.
She always made everything ten times better even if it was from behind the bars.
“Hello pretty girl.”
“Hey momma!” My thoughts were pulled away as my mom approached the table.
She was hands down the most gorgeous woman I’d ever seen.
Even donned in the orange jumpsuit she was still the epitome of beauty.
It looked like she had just taken down her French braids because her hair cascaded down her shoulders in a deep crimped wave.
Her skin glowed and looked glossed. I didn’t know what changed from last month, but she looked even more radiant today.
Standing I braced myself for the hug I knew was coming. She pulled me in tight and exhaled deep. Surprisingly I needed her warm arms wrapped around me. I exhaled as well and squeezed her a little tighter.
“How are you momma, you look beautiful.” I spoke as I pulled away and took my seat across from her.
“Really, thank you baby. I’ve been good. I got some good news.”
“Do you? Tell me, tell me, tell me.” I danced a little in my seat like a schoolgirl.
“My appeal is up for review!”
“What? Are you serious? That’s great news momma. How long does it take to review?”
“Oh, I don’t know baby, it could be months, but the point is, it’s finally being reviewed.” I smiled sweetly at my mother. She looked hopeful and the feeling was contagious. I would do anything to have her home and free. My mind drifted back to the day that changed our worlds forever.
“Your momma’s stingy ass ain’t helped me in weeks and I need it. Get over here girl.” He pulled at my covers, and I fought against his pull
“No get out of my room! You are my dad. You are supposed to protect me!” I scream.
My mom told me my parents are my protectors and a safe space, I should never feel unsafe around them. Up until now I never had a reason to feel unsafe.
Just as he lifted towards me, the door flew open and the light flicked on. I raised my hand shielding me from the brightness of it. My mom stood there with a shotgun and her large house coat on.
“Calvin, if you don’t want to meet the Lord, I suggest you get the fuck out of this room.” Her voice was calm damn near scary it was so calm. I cowered further in the corner afraid that her bullet may miss and hit me. Because I knew for a fact she was preparing to shoot.
“Get the fuck out of here Dawn, you black bitch!” He roared in her direction.
“I will be your black bitch Calvin, but you got three seconds to move before this black bitch light yo white ass up.” He chuckled before reaching on the ground and scooping up the liquor bottle. He raised it to his lips and slowly stood as he gulped down the brown liquid.
“Three.” My mom began her count down. I pulled my knees to my chest and covered my ears prepared for the blast. “Two.” She lifted the gun higher and aimed.
“One…” Before she could shoot Calvin threw the bottle in her direction and my momma ducked just in time.
It barely missed her head and shattered against the wall behind her.
Her reaction caused a temporary distraction and Calvin lunged for her.
He grabbed the barrel of the gun and they fought over it.
Back and forth the gun moved. I watched in fear hoping he didn’t get ahold of it and he’d shoot my mom.
Shoving her into the wall he forced the shaft of the barrel into her neck. She tried to force it back, but he was stronger. I could see the panic on her face and my body reacted before I could register my movements in my mind.
“Get off of her!” I yelled jumping on his back, sending blow after blow to his head.
He reached behind himself and pushed me off of him.
My body went flying and I slid across the wood floor.
A piece of the glass scraped across my side before settling in the flesh of my hip.
“Ahhhhh.” I yelled out in agonizing pain as the sharp glass pierced my flesh and the alcohol coated the wound.
“You son of a bitch.” My mother attacked him like a wild animal.
He fought against her blows until they both hit the floor.
The gun flew out of her hand, and she turned and soldier crawled trying to get it.
He pulled her back and shards of glass ripped through her forearm.
She screamed but continued to move toward the gun.
Kicking him in the chest he fell back slightly giving her enough room to get to the gun.
Turning she aimed and fired just as he stood over her with the neck of the broken bottle.
Boom, Boom!