Chapter 4 #2
"Maybe he did want to talk, I don't know, but my fight-or-flight instincts kicked in, and I ran away.
He chased me and ended up falling between two cars.
That really made him mad. I have to figure something out because that only fueled the fire.
I've seen him hurt men, but I'm not sure what he has planned for me.
Again, I'm not sure what he has planned for me.
I'd like to think that he'd never hurt me because he never has before, but his animosity toward you and me leaving him to come here has probably set him on a dangerous path. "
Travel looked down at her folded hands. She looked up when I lifted her from her seat and placed her on my lap. I pulled the blanket over us.
She snuggled against my chest. A light sniffle escaped her. I tightened my grip around her slim, curvy body.
I kissed the top of her head.
"First, you are entitled to feel your feelings.
Secondly, ain't no way in hell I'd let him harm you in any way.
That shit is dead. Mook does have a temper, but he's still team pussy.
I can't always be around, so in that case, I'm going to get you a small handgun.
Travel, I know you're not team gun, but niggas with bruised egos will risk it all to get their lick back.
You gotta take the gun. Don't worry, I'll show you how to use it.
I know you and Mook got hella history, but you have to keep in mind to expect the unexpected.
As you can see, he doesn't mind hurting you, so you gotta have the same mindset.
It's him or you. You'd better choose yourself because you've got a son to live for.
" I lifted Travel's chin so I could look into her eyes.
She needed to see how serious I was. "Do you understand me? "
She nodded.
"No, I need to hear you say it. It's me versus him, and I choose me," I directed.
"It's me versus him, and I choose me," she recited. Her eyes bore into mine.
"Good girl. You know I always got you."
"I know, bestie. Thank you." She leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on my cheek. Her lips lingered a little longer than expected.
Travel peered into my eyes. "Apple slices."
I gripped her a little tighter. "And cheese bites." I exhaled and looked away.
Travel's soft hand held the tip of my goatee and lightly tugged it so she could have my attention. I gave her my full attention. I had no choice.
The moment my eyes locked with her brown irises, I melted like butter on street corn. She had me mesmerized. It had always been that way. How she wielded her charm over me since age eight, I had no idea, but Travel always made me weak.
"What's on your mind? Give me the real."
I licked my lips. Her eyes slowly followed the innocent motion until my tongue disappeared into my mouth. Could she be affected by me like I was by her? Or was I reading too much into such a simple gesture?
"Handle your business." Junior's words floated through my mind. I looked at Travel, and I had her full attention.
"I-uh. Uh," I stumbled over my words.
"Take a breath, then tell me," Travel encouraged, nodding reassuringly. Her eyes and relaxed posture matched the encouraging tone of her voice.
"Uh-well. How about I take you out to clear your head?"
A small smile rose at the corners of her mouth. Her irises even danced around in a circle, as if she were excited. Was my bestie anticipating this date all along?
"I think that's a great idea. Ho-how should I dress? Like, are we eating dinner or doing something fun?" she questioned, excited and nervous at the same time.
"That's a very good question. Well, I'ma feed you regardless, but this is a fun date, so dress comfortably."
I watched the moment her small smile grew into a full-on grin. What the hell? Travel wanted me to ask her out. I couldn't believe it. All that time, I thought she wasn't interested. God, please say I didn't imagine all that shit.
Travel looked down with her lips pursed to the side. She picked at my tee shirt I wore. "Um, you said date. Did you mean that?" Travel probed. She nibbled on her lower lip, but she never looked in my eyes.
It was at that moment that I knew my bestie liked me just as much as I liked her.
This time, I allowed my mind to picture our happily ever after.
She wanted me. I couldn't believe it. My heart beat wildly.
It felt like I had popped a pill. If Travel weren't on my lap, I'd do a backflip.
As excited as I was, I couldn't ruin this opportunity. I'd rejoice once I went to bed.
I cleared my throat and locked the fuck in. Travel finally peered at me.
"I meant it when I said date. You always tell me to be intentional with everything I do and say, so this is me being intentional. How do you feel about that?"
"Better than I have in years." Travel laid back on my chest and pulled the blanket over her head. Her light giggle filled my ears. It was the best reply I'd heard in years.
I pursed my lips to the side and held her closer to me. It appeared I had more influence on my bestie than I thought. I got my opportunity, so now it was time to show Travel the lover boy I could be.