Chapter 15
FIFTEEN
Johnni
I finally got some relief once Mama Steph and Kimmie left this afternoon.
I had been in a foul ass mood since Courtland couldn’t stay this morning.
It was bad enough that I had been a prisoner in my own home, but to cut me off from my love made my days dry as hell.
And then on top of it, this new routine for regionals Kimmie had come up with was putting my body through a workout and not the one I wanted.
Once I was finished with my shower, I made my way into the living room so I could come up with a plan to escape. My first act of business was to call and send a surprise to Courtland.
I placed a lunch order for him from BJ’s and sent it over to the office.
Me: Lunch on me, Chief. I love you.
It wasn’t much, but I wanted to return the favor for breakfast this morning. I didn’t expect a text back so soon, but of course he replied.
Chief: Thank you, Queen Lou. I love you more.
My second was to my girls. I needed a strong alibi for my disappearing act this evening.
As soon as I hit the video option, the back door opened and Quincey entered along with Aric and Tia.
Quincey didn’t even acknowledge me while Tia, trailing both men, offered a wave as they headed toward the office.
“Hey, y’all!” I greeted them as they were out of sight and out of fucking mind.
“Hey, Johnni! I’m so happy to see your face. We’ve been worried. We caught the news about the shooting at the fundraiser when Q gave his words on the people who lost their lives that night. Are you two okay?” Mickey asked, moving about. I could tell she was in her workshop.
“No for real. I feel like your life has been on go since before the pageant. And then the masked man happened, are you good? We tried to stop by but I guess Quincey got y’all on lockdown because the man in the booth wouldn’t let us in,” Hollis co-signed.
Another fucking problem. It seemed as if I was the only one who wasn’t allowed visitors.
He has to know about Courtland, Johnni, and this is punishment.
“That’s because it has been on go but thank y’all for asking.
Yes, I’m good…we’re good. Q is still healing and I’m dealing.
I think I’m more stressed about everything than he is honestly.
Two other people died that night. My heart goes out to them right now more than anything. ” I let out a heavy sigh.
“Have they said anything about who it was? When I watched the news, they said no suspects but we know how they lie to cover shit up,” Hollis asked as I shook my head.
I was sure Quentin had a name by now, but I also knew neither him nor Quincey would tell me if they did.
“No. But, enough about that. Can we make real plans this time? I miss my girls and I’m breaking free soon.
Hollis, I apologize for missing the party you planned too.
You know it takes me days to come down and get my mental back right.
Prior to the shooting, there’s been a lot going on behind the scenes now with Q.
I’m juggling practices plus adding this campaign on the schedule. This one is different.”
And a whole new relationship outside of your marriage.
“I can’t even really be mad because of what just happened, but know I said some ill shit about you. I do want your ass to replace my bottle of Black Ops I got for us to celebrate with though, heffa.”
“Hollis, don’t act like I haven’t kept you busy enough.
Where the hell are my damn pictures? I’m not going to keep giving you free samples and shit.
And Johnni, I told you, we get it, life is lifing hard.
When you can pop up for air, just let me know.
Me and Minnie literally do nothing but eat, sleep, and shit. ” We shared a laugh.
“Heffa, lies you tell are growing long and far, Mickey. I’ll have Callie send them directly to you. She said the clients are loving the oil and I am loving the tinctures. You got Mackie in the assisted living zooted for real.”
“That’s what BK said too, but Mackie is in there feeling good because of the goodies his ass be dropping off still.”
That had me remembering the tinctures and jumping in the conversation.
“Oh yeah, speaking of, I need a couple bottles please. It’s going to be useful over the next couple of months for both Quincey and me. He’s already stressing me out, and ya know, after everything, it’s needed.” I groaned, grabbing the bridge of my nose, rubbing my tension spot.
These last couple of days I had run through a month’s supply thanks to Quincey and this bullshit.
“I can drop them off today. We’re packing up to head to see Mackie in a few. Let me know when you’re free.”
“No ma’am, as I said, I’m coming off the sick and shut in list today, I’ll be by later.”
“Oh, well damn, yeah it’s official. Well look, let me make it to Mackie before BK comes home and finds his family gone. I love you and I’ll see you in a bit.” I plopped back down, frowning at Mickey ending our call so soon. I figured it would have Hollis until she jumped in.
“Oh shit, I have to take this. I’m working on a story about Siren and the teapot is warming up.
I need it before it’s hot. I love y’all too, and Johnni, please give Q our prayers.
Love y’all see y’all later!” I laughed at Hollis inviting herself over and I made a mental note to grab food and drinks on my way over.
I walked past the office, putting my ear to the door to make sure he was deep into whatever he was doing.
Through muffled voices, I knew the end was clear.
I made it to the foyer, stepping into my shoes, and grabbing my purse so I could head out of the door.
An hour later I was pulling into BJ’s to place my to-go order before heading to Mickey’s house. By the time I made it, Hollis and I were pulling up together.
“Well, well, well, I guess the queen can leave her throne to grace us peasants.” I flipped her off as she made her way over to me, helping me with the bags of food.
“Heffa, don’t start. It’s madness at the castle with this whole shooting fiasco. Can you just love on me, please and thank you?” I whined as I held my head to the side, poking out my bottom lip. I was on the verge of tears and I wasn’t sure why.
That’s a lie, you do know. You just can’t talk about it with anyone.
“Oh, Johnni, of course. You already know I’m here, even for a runaway from the tower. Through the good, bad, and the fucking ugly.” Like two silly people, we attempted to hug with our hands full, making us both kiss our teeth as we shared a quick laugh before Mickey stepped outside.
“Um… can y’all carry your asses in here? I have about a solid five minutes before Minnie is up from her nap and I want to stuff my face before she demands hers.”
“Well, wake her up, Mickey! I don’t care if you eat, it’s all about her now,” Hollis yelled as we headed toward the front door.
Once inside their botanical garden as I called it, I inhaled deeply before pushing it out just as rough.
“Wow, that’s heavy as hell. You good, Johnni?” Mickey asked as I placed the bags on the island with Hollis doing the same before going to wash her hands.
“Yeah, just stressed. Please tell me you have my order ready because I need a couple drops in my drink,” I said, placing the bag of food down along with the tequila for me and Hollis.
“Yeah, I even threw in this oil I made to help relieve stress and headaches.”
“We passing out samples. Where is my oil?” Hollis asked, now pulling out containers so we would start to make plates while Mickey presented me with a cute brown bag with her logo on it.
“Where’s my damn pictures, Hollis? I told you I was cutting you off until you do right by me.
” I chuckled while I began to look through the bag of goodies, grabbing a bottle of the tincture labeled Loosey.
I immediately untwisted the lid, happy to see a dropper.
I gave it a good squeeze, using one hand to hold it while I went for my coffee cup.
“Only do a half dose, Johnni. It’s strong.”
Of course I ignored her, adding a full amount, even going back in the bottle for a half dose.
Hollis snickered. “Well damn, Johnni said fuck the suggestion. Let’s eat so you can tell us the real.” I nodded, moving to wash my hands while low cries from Minnie came through the baby monitor before BK’s voice followed.
Once we were situated around the table, I just blurted out the latest, leaving out a lot of information.
“He’s suffocating me. Since the shooting I haven’t been able to step outside without Q breathing down my damn neck.
I’m pretty sure personal security will be coming next.
And I know most wives would jump for joy that their husband wants to keep them safe, but…
I just—” I choked as my cry rumbled through my chest, pulling out tears with it.
I dropped my head into my hand, frustrated and hating the fact I couldn’t bare my soul to my girls.
They didn’t know about my marriage and the freedom he still had to come and go, even if he claimed it was still for work. I wasn’t dumb.
Nor could I tell them about Courtland and my newfound love. I was an emotional mess who was barely hanging on.
“Hey, I get it. Well… not personally, but I do see his point of view here. Baby, you are fine fucking China to your husband. The threat hitting close to home, it’s understandable for him to be the way he is, especially with his new title he is going after.
The bigger the crown, the bigger the enemies.
Don’t look at it as suffocating but as a husband loving his wife so much to make sure the next muthafucka either takes the bullet or is busting them back to keep her safe,” Hollis said while she rubbed my back while Mickey’s hand appeared, holding tissue for me.
I chuckled as I accepted it, lifting my head in the process.
I knew Hollis was right, no matter the nagging feeling that had my stomach in knots.
“Okay, enough about that. I have an idea.” Mickey hopped up, leaving the room.