Chapter 9 #2
“Kannon, I know you don’t have a sour attitude because I called you out for sleeping with the enemy?”
“That man’s not your enemy, Junior. You don’t even know him.”
“I know he’s got to be ruthless to be next up to run The Sinner’s Spot. You think being his bitch is gon’ be peaches and cream?”
When I didn’t answer his question, Junior picked up a menu. Though I expected my brother to pry into my business, I hoped he would be open-minded about what he found. Now that he made his stance clear, I refused to defend my relationship with Neptune.
“Damn, they have popcorn balls. I haven’t had one of those in forever.” A whimsical look passed over his face. “You remember those?”
“No, I don’t. I always have to remind you we lived different lives growing up.”
“My bad. I know how sensitive you are about that.”
“If a man knocked your mama up, left her to be with his real family, then only accepted you fourteen years later because no one else wanted you, I promise you would be sensitive too. Even now, me and the old man go weeks without speaking. Of course, my heart is tender.”
Junior freed a deep breath, as if exhausted by my trauma. “I’m not saying you’re wrong. I thought things were better. I thought you and Dad were getting close.”
“We’ve seen each other one time in months. Does that sound like we’re close?”
“Damn. All the bullshit happened like four months ago.”
Saved by the server, our heavy conversation got interrupted when she returned to the table.
Since I was ready to go, I kept it simple and ordered truffle fries and a lemonade.
Junior encouraged me to get a cocktail, but I declined since there was a possibility Ms. Mosby was right.
My need for a distraction urged me to reach for my phone, yet the sound of high heels captured my attention.
“Kasey, what are you doing here?” I groaned as I eyed Junior. “Is this turning into an intervention?”
“No, girl!” My sister rolled her eyes and slid in the booth next to me. “I called Junior when he was on his way to meet you. I don’t know why you’re frowning. We’re sisters, Kannon.”
“Then why did you break girl code and tell Junior about Neptune?” I cut my eyes across the table. “Talking about the streets are talking. Kasey told you, and I should be used to it. You two have always stuck together.”
“Yeah, but now I’m about to look out for you,” Junior suggested.
“Even though you accused me of asking you here for malicious reasons, I really wanted to see if you were still interested in joining the team. I told you eventually you would get your shot, and I meant it. Before I put you on, I want you to prove . . .”
The words before and prove clogged my ears. After Neptune showed interest in helping me get my foot into the underground, there was no way I would downplay my abilities for a role that sounded like an internship. Junior’s help came with stipulations, whereas Neptune’s came with support.
“So you want me to work as your assistant until I prove I can be consistent, even though what I’m trying to introduce to your operation is something I’ve been doing over ten years? Yeah, I have to think about that one.”
A hint of disgust contorted Junior’s expression. “Are you fucking serious? You’ve been begging to be a part of the team for years.”
“True, but y’all didn’t want me. The only reason you offered me a seat was because you’re afraid someone else may have given me a seat at their table.”
Kasey’s lifted brows announced her surprise. “Kannon, I hope you’re not tossing this opportunity away because of that man.”
“It’s all right, Kasey. I’m not stressed about it.” Junior grinned at me. “Since you’re so chummy with the Sinners, tell your boyfriend I’m back on his cousin’s ass about my bread.”
“What? I thought Daddy gave you the money back and told you to leave the situation alone?”
“He did, and I agreed to it because Pops thought letting the debt slide would be a good way to even the score. But it’s obvious Neptune ain’t worried about it. If his family could welcome you into the fold with open arms, they can cough up my bread or plan a funeral. I don’t give a fuck.”
“Wow. It sounds like I’m not the only sensitive one around here.” I snickered. “I’m also not a messenger. If this meet up was as innocent as you made it seem, let’s focus on that. Everything else can wait.”
The lunch from hell lasted another hour, and by the time I arrived home, Neptune’s truck was in front of my house. His tinted windows kept me from seeing his face, but I waited on the porch until he acknowledged me.
“I’ll come inside in a second, Kitty!” he yelled from his truck.
Since a shower was calling my name, I went inside and headed straight to the bathroom. I stayed under the showerhead for at least twenty minutes, and when I returned to the front of the house, Neptune was walking through the door.
“Hey, baby boo!” I smiled and hopped into his arms like a puppy that missed their owner.
“You’re smiling. I guess lunch went well.”
“Nah, it was as bad as I expected. My brother is upset that I won’t work as his assistant, but he’ll get over it.”
I ran my hand over Neptune’s waves as he carried me to the couch. With me in his arms, he sat down, then released a heavy exhale. I studied his body language and noticed his shoulders were tense. He let his head fall back on the couch like his neck was too weak to carry it.
“You don’t look like you’ve had the best day,” I declared.
“I had a meeting, and shit went left. Levi is back around, and his father thinks he should be considered for a spot at the table. I don’t want to talk about that shit.
” He slipped a hand under my oversized t-shirt and squeezed my ass.
“Let’s talk about something more important.
Are you ready to take a pregnancy test?”
“Oh Lord. Neptune, do you want me to be pregnant out of love or convenience?”
“Don’t insult me, Kannon.”
“That’s not my intention. I just know how much taking over the casino means to you. I also know having a kid is an obligation to inherit that role.”
“But you’re not obligated to have my baby to receive my love. Even if it’s just me and you, living in the house on the hill, I would be happy. Just promise you’ll greet me with no panties on like you did today.”
I moved to get off Neptune’s lap, but he glided his hands up the sides of my face.
“I can’t keep smoking around you if you’re carrying my baby. You’re going to take the test, then I’m going to feed you before I leave. I have to go to the casino in a few hours.”
“All right. Let’s get this over with.”
“Bet. I’ll be right back. I left the Walgreen’s bag in the car.”
Unsure of what to do with myself once I was alone, I sat on the couch and twirled my thumbs.
I didn’t want the test to be positive, but I worried how Neptune would feel if it were negative.
Our relationship was fresh, though we first had sex almost three months ago, and I told my brother about him less than two hours ago.
Now wasn’t the time to have a baby, especially when I had just warmed up to the idea of starting my business.
Pow!
Pow!
My jumping knee stiffened at the sound of gunshots. My first thought was to hit the floor, then I remembered Neptune was outside.
“Neptune! Neptune!” I screamed as I busted through the door, wearing nothing but a long shirt that touched my knees.
A surge of relief deflated my chest when I laid eyes on him. He held a gun bigger than my head, but the vacant stare on his face made me believe he had gotten shot.
“Baby!” I patted his chest in a panic. “Are you okay? Talk to me! What happened?”
His limbs didn’t budge, but his eyes were dark when they found me.
“Some young niggas tried to rob me.”
That was all he said before he grabbed my hand and led me into the house.