CHAPTER SEVEN SEVEN #2
“Shiiiid, we winning. That’s why neither of those muthafuckas can stand the shit.
They tryna figure out how we got so blessed or ‘lucky’ as they would say.
We paid our dues. Our people worked hard for what they got and fought hard to keep the shit.
Shit didn’t come easy for us, no matter how it may look now. ”
We all turned to see Jakari standing over us.
He slapped everyone’s hands. He was right under Uncle WJ as far as the business was concerned.
He was doing so well with it, until Uncle WJ was only in the office for an hour a day and only got involved when there was a problem or something really important to discuss.
Jakari was basically running Henderson Ranch and Farms.
When he slapped my hand, he pulled me in for a half hug. “We got’chu. That wasn’t the greatest decision, but we got you.”
“Thanks, cuz.”
When he took a step back, I noticed we were surrounded by cousins.
No one said anything. I assumed they were just showing that they were still here for me.
I looked around at all of them and nodded.
I couldn’t have been born into a better family.
While my decision wasn’t the greatest, they still stood behind me.
I looked around and saw my sisters. When their eyes met mine, they rolled theirs and walked off.
I hoped they wasted food on those white coats.
Salty asses. We had talked as a family yesterday evening before they met with the entire family at the barn.
I hated my decisions would affect them, but it was too late for regrets. I had to be proactive now.
Pulling my phone from my pocket, I sent Iesha a text. I love you, girl. See you Tuesday.
She was a fool if she thought I wouldn’t be at that meeting.
I didn’t typically attend all of them, but if she was gonna be there, I would be present.
She may as well take off her running shoes.
Shit, I could run, too . . . right after her ass.
I was gonna be in her space regardless, whether she wanted me there or not.
Honestly, I knew deep down, she wanted me in her space.
When my phone buzzed, I quickly picked it up, only to see it was from Mythic.
Be looking out, man. They may make a trip to Nome today to see what’s up.
I took a deep breath, then looked around at my family.
Mythic was feeling a way, knowing that I was working with the FBI to take him down, but now he understood just how I felt when he sent those people after me.
Besides, that was the past. He was still free and alive, so he should have known that he wasn’t a real target. Adrian was.
I stood from my seat and said loudly, “Hendersons, y’all should take your food to go today.”
I didn’t offer an explanation. Us all being in one central location was way too easy.
Everyone knew we congregated here for lunch nearly every day, especially on Fridays.
If they were to do a drive-by, there was no telling how many people would go down in the process.
To avoid that, we would have to avoid huge gatherings here. We’d have to be in and out.
I went to the front and got a bunch of boxes, handing them out to everyone.
Ace and PJ were both frowning. Neither of them was boxing their food.
Taking a deep breath, I slapped hands with Royal, Kingsley, Crew, and Kane, then went over to where they were.
Ryder J was talking to PJ, then ended the conversation and slapped his hand.
They were first cousins on Ryder J’s dad’s side.
After Ryder slapped my hand, he headed out. I sat at the table with Ace and PJ. “Why y’all ain’t leaving? The diner is an easy target. If they see a bunch of us here, they will just open fire, hoping I get hit in the mayhem. Most likely, I wouldn’t. It would be innocent bystanders.”
Ace shrugged. “I’m still not leaving. If it makes you feel better, I’ll leave my car at home and ride with PJ to limit the amount of cars here.”
I rolled my eyes. “Let PJ ride with you. They know his car.”
I picked over my food as my phone buzzed on the table. When I saw Iesha’s name, I picked it up.
Seven, please don’t be at the meeting. This is hard enough. I’m trying to move on.
I frowned hard, then responded. The shit wouldn’t be hard if you would stop playing games and give in to what we both know you want. How am I gonna be what you want and not have you? Iron sharpens iron, girl. How will you know my triggers and vice versa, if we don’t spend time together?
“You must be texting Iesha. That woman has said ‘fuck you’ so many times. You truly give a new meaning to the word persistent,” Ace said.
“That nigga ain’t persistent. He spoiled and toxic,” PJ added. “That poor woman gon’ have to leave town to get away from that nigga.”
“And muthafucka, I will leave town too. Ain’t nowhere safe for her but with me. As long as she wanna play, I have to show her that I play better.”
Ace slowly shook his head. He could shake his head all he wanted to. Iesha’s next text came through.
That ship has sailed. I’ve said that so many times. Just leave me alone, Seven.
My lip twitched. I was getting angry. I sent her a two-word text message back. Fuck no.