Chapter 38
"Anything weird?" I spoke into the phone as I stood on Remy's balcony, the breeze rustling through my hair.
"No," Ronnie replied. "I've only seen him visit Monroe once in the last couple of weeks, but he seemed fine.
I've had my eye on that bitch Monroe too, but even she's been cool.
Still a bitch though," Ronnie huffed softly, "But not as big of a bitch, if that makes sense.
" She exhaled slowly. "There's nothing to report, sis. I'm sorry."
Exhaling slowly, I nodded to myself finally allowing my shoulders to relax.
"You said you haven't seen the black truck since that night, right?" Ronnie added.
"Yeah," I answered softly. "I haven't seen anything off. Me or Remy. It's been quiet."
"Well…maybe that's a good thing then, boo," Ronnie replied hopefully. "Maybe this just means that whoever that was—Boss or otherwise—have finally gotten a fucking life and staying out of yours."
Biting down on my bottom lip, I braced my hand against the railing looking off into the distance. "Yeah. Maybe," I mumbled still feeling unsettled.
"Look, sis…" Ronnie began. "I promise you if anything looks off, I'll tell you.
If I hear Monroe or Boss saying or doing anything shady, I'll tell you.
Matter fact—I'll just handle it myself," she decided.
"You're starting a beautiful new life with a fine ass, cooking nigga and a cute ass kid.
Siren House and all its bullshit is in your rearview mirror. Okay? Let it be."
My head dropped down and I nodded again, processing Ronnie's words. I did have a new life. An unexpected one that materialized out of nowhere, but I was so grateful for this new chapter.
"You're right," I smiled to myself. "I just need to shake it off and live in this new normal."
"Period!" she co-signed. "I'm so excited to meet him and his son, girl. We still on for tomorrow night?"
"Of course, we can't wait to have you here."
I jumped slightly when I felt strong arms slide around my waist. I smiled when Remy kissed the side of my head before resting his chin in the crook of my neck.
"Who you talking to, babe?" he whispered.
"Ronnie." I turned my head slightly to face him.
"What's up, Ronnie?" he spoke.
"That's him?" Ronnie perked up.
"Yeah," I laughed lightly placing the phone on speaker. "He can hear you."
"Heyyy, Chef Boyardee;" Ronnie teased.
Remy chuckled. "How you doing?"
"Good. You taking care of my bestie? You got her all holed up and shit."
I smirked as he straightened and smiled down at me. "She's in good hands. I promise."
"She better be, or I'ma kick yo' ass," Ronnie said seriously.
I bit back a laugh as Remy shook his grinning.
"What you cook tomorrow, Chef?" she asked, playful again.
"Gianna told me you love seafood," he began, "so I got us some fresh lobster, king crab legs, some nice prawns and scallops for you. It'll be a feast."
"Awww shit—" Ronnie dragged out. "That's right, honey, roll out the red carpet for a bitch."
He laughed lightly. "I hope you don't mind, but I invited my best friend Boogie as well. He wants to meet Gianna, so I figured why not have him join us."
"Best friend, huh?" Ronnie's voice dropped to that low, predatory tone. "He got some money?"
"Ronnie!" I gasped slightly.
Remy just laughed, clearly amused. "He's a senior partner at one of the best law firms in Vegas, so I would say…yes. He got some money."
"Yassss…." she drawled. "A rich nigga and seafood. I'ma tryna leave with my belly and my pockets full."
"Aight, bitch that’s enough," I cut in rolling my eyes but chuckling at her antics.
Remy was tickled thoroughly though. "We look forward to having you. I'll see you tomorrow." He kissed my cheek, gave my waist a squeeze and walked back inside.
"Ooo, bitch I like him," Ronnie said, I could hear the smile in her voice.
"He's a sweetheart, I told you." I looked back with a smile. "You better be on your best behavior though. Don’t come over here trying to run his friend's pockets," I warned.
Ronnie laughed. "Girl I'm a professional bag chaser. I ain't heard nothing you said. But I'll behave for your boo though. His boy is fair game."
I rolled my eyes shaking my head. Ronnie was going to be Ronnie.
"My client just walked in, babe," she said. "Gotta go. Love you! I'll see you tomorrow."
"Love you more, babe. Text me when you get home, please."
"Will do!" She blew me a kiss before we disconnected the call.
I slipped my phone into the pocket of my shorts and leaned back against the railing for a moment, staring out at the moonlight. The air was warm and calm. It felt peaceful in a way my life rarely ever was.
But like Ronnie said…Siren House was in my rearview, and maybe I could finally breathe again. I stepped back inside where Remy was waiting for me patiently. His arms wrapped around my waist once more. His lips brushed softly against my shoulder before coming up to rest on my forehead.
“You okay?” he asked quietly after a quick kiss.
I nodded, resting my head against his shoulder. “Yeah.” A smile tugged at my lips. “I think I am.”
“Mmm.” He kissed my forehead again. “That's what I like to hear.”
We stood there silently for a moment, the wind moving around us while the sounds of the night buzzed faintly below. Comfortable silence.
“I talked to Ronnie,” I said after a while. “She says nothing has been happening. Everything is quiet.”
“That's good, baby. I hope whatever that mess was is over," he said gently.
I sighed softly. “Me too.”
He cupped my chin in his fingers tilting my head up to meet his eyes.
“Beautiful, you’ve been through a lot these past few weeks.
Your nerves are shot but I don’t want you carrying fear around with you either.
” His hands rubbed slowly up and down my arms as he looked down at me. “You're safe here with me, alright?”
The way he said things with such certainty always did something to me. I nodded slowly.
“Alright,” he smiled softly, “Now c’mon. Melo is picking the movie. If he catches us being in here cute without him, he's going to have something to say."
I laughed. “You know what—he really do be hating when we kiss.”
“He absolutely does.” Remy chuckled taking my hand. “Tiny hater. He doesn’t want to share you. You need to tell him that I had you first."
Laughing we headed to the living room for movie night with Melo