16. Bernice
Krash:
Good morning, beautiful.
Me:
Good morning, handsome.
Krash:
I hope you have a wonderful day today. I’ve got a couple workouts scheduled and then I’m free the rest of the day. What do you have planned?
My fingers hovered over the keyboard as I bit down on my bottom lip. Since the media found out about us two weeks ago, I’d slowly let my guard down and accepted the fact I was safe with Krash. However, a nagging voice in the back of my mind continued to remind me of Rodney’s unfinished chapter in my life.
I wanted to open up to Krash about my past, and I had to do it soon.
Me:
I actually wanted to invite you over to my place for a nice home cooked meal.
Krash:
Mrs. James cooking? I’m definitely there.
Me: No, lmao. I’m cooking!
Krash:
You must’ve taken cooking classes at that fancy school. You used to burn water.
Me:
I did not! You’re such a jerk, lmao. I will say I got my culinary degree from YouTube University. There are a lot of channels I watch faithfully to recreate dishes. I’ll make something easy.
Krash:
I’ll be there. What time do you want me to pull up?
Me:
Honestly as soon as you get done with your business you can pull up on me. I’ll be ready for you. This will be your first time in my home and I’m excited to let you into my world officially.
Krash:
Say no more, my love. I’ll see you as soon as I can.
I liked his message and focused back on the task as hand. I’d cleaned the fish tank, dusted off my bookshelf, and scrubbed the penthouse from top to bottom. I was a bit self-conscious about letting Krash into my world. I wasn’t sure how he’d react to finding out I’d allowed a man to abuse me for a long time. I didn’t want him to be disgusted with me, but the doubt and fear settled in my stomach. I swallowed the lump inching up my throat as I continued to clean and make tonight special.
It was hard for me to be vulnerable after building up such a strong set of armor to protect my heart from any more damage. It took almost four hours for me to clean, shower, and begin dinner.
While I moved around the kitchen, Jaelyn’s name and face popped up on my screen. I wiped my hand on the towel of my apron and swiped the arrow. When the call connected, I pressed the speaker button.
“Hey, boo!”
“Girl! Why have you been MIA?” she asked, though I knew she already knew the answer to her question.
“Are you genuinely asking about my whereabouts, or do you just want to pry into my new relationship?”
“A little of both. Since the article, I haven’t heard from you.”
I giggled. “I’m so sorry. Life has been moving kind of fast. Business is booming. Once we found a way to market my company with the news of me and Krash being a thing again, I’ve had so many new clients. We’ve been getting steady business, and I had to keep up with that while balancing life with a celebrity. Today’s the first day we both had a somewhat clear schedule. I’m actually cooking dinner for him right now.”
“Stuck on stupid again. I love that for you,” she sang into the phone.
“You’ve been doing your own thing too. Work been on your ass, but I’ve noticed your location not being at home a lot lately.”
“Oop, you in my business.”
“And is.”
She giggled. “Look, our friend day is next week. We’ll be sure to catch up then.”
“Facts. Then we can double date soon.”
Jaelyn laughed. “Maybe. What tutorial are you recreating tonight?”
“Steak bits and diced potatoes. I have them all in the same juices in the slow cooker.”
“I know that’s right, friend. Send me a picture when you make y’all plates.”
“And will!”
She laughed. “I guess I better let you go. Hit me up later.”
“Definitely. Love you!”
“Love you too!”
I hung up the phone and seasoned the potatoes.
As I put the steak and potatoes into the slow cooker, I wiped my hands. I went back into the bedroom and grabbed a cream-colored midi dress. There was a deep slit up the right leg, so I opted to go without underwear. My hair was braided into cornrows, and I glued down my kinky straight middle part wig with the honey blonde skunk stripe in natural brown hair. To complete the look, I slid my feet into a pair of red bottoms. Once I’d gotten the OMW text, the excitement bubbled inside of me.
My phone rang as I went to stir the pot of diced potatoes and steak bits. The peppercorn was the strongest seasoning. Not a lot of people appreciated peppercorn bits on their steak, but I loved to get a good char on them.
“Hey! What’s up?” I answered the phone.
“I’m about ten minutes away. I wanted to know if you had wine or wanted me to stop and pick some up,” Krash said into the phone. I could hear the traffic around him as if he had the windows down while he talked to me.
“You can stop and get a bottle of what you like to drink. I have some XXL in the freezer, getting a good chill.”
“You’re trying to get me pregnant?” he asked.
I tossed my head back with laughter. “You’re so annoying. I just want us to enjoy good wine and delicious food. The steak is almost done and should be ready when you get here. I have some bacon wrapped asparagus in the air fryer. The bacon gets so crispy in there. I know you’re going to love it.”
“You got my mouth watering, Bern. I’m finna say fuck the traffic laws. I’m running red lights to get to you!”
“Please don’t get yourself hurt rushing to me. Me and the meal will be right here when you arrive. I love you, Keyshawn.”
“I love you, Bern.”
The call ended.
It felt like old times. Over the last two weeks, we fell into a routine. I’d go to work, and he’d do his appearances, workouts, and promo for the final fight. He had months to prepare, but apparently, this would be the most watched event in sports history. I didn’t care to get into the logistics of it all, but I was happy to see it all come together.
I’d taken the Texas Toast out of the oven when the front door opened. I’d told Krash I’d keep it unlocked so he could come right in. I set the pan on the counter and skipped to the front to greet my man.
“Hello, Niecy.”
My body froze in place at the sound of his voice. My hands shook as my stomach turned in knots. It can’t be…
He appeared in front of me. His large build towered over me.
“What… What are you doing here?”
“You thought you could parade around with your new nigga, and I wouldn’t find you? You think because you’re letting a celebrity nut in your ho ass, you’re better than me?” he asked.
“P-Please leave.”
“You dodged me for two years. Disappeared and blocked me from your life. You should have stayed out of the media, but I was able to find you.”
With each word he spoke, I devolved back to the broken and battered girl I was with him. My body quaked as he stepped closer. Instinctively, I stepped back, but my body hit the wall. He closed the distance.
“Why did you leave me, Niecy? I stood by your side at your lowest. I gave you everything. What did I do to deserve this?”
His voice had dropped several octaves, which caused goosebumps to form on my skin.
“Rodney… please leave.”
“No. That nigga can’t have you. You are mine .”
His hands gripped my throat and squeezed. I scratched and clawed at his fingers. My lungs burned, my throat ached, my body shook, and my eyes watered.
“If I can’t have you, no one can.”
His grip tightened.
Well, this is it. I pray whoever comforts Krash in the wake of my death will love him better than I ever could.
I’d accepted my fate. I’d come to terms with the fact I’d die in this moment. Rodney’s strength was too powerful. No matter how hard I fought, kicked, and clawed, his grip never loosened.
Tears poured from my eyes as my vision became patchy. Thank you, God. You allowed me to reconnect with the only man I’d ever loved. You allowed us to have two good weeks of passionate lovemaking and beautiful memories.
As darkness crept into my line of sight, Krash appeared. My angel was here to save me, but it was too late. I closed my eyes and took my final breath.
God, protect him from the heartbreak of losing me a second time.