15. Treasure
TREASURE
“I spent the night with him. He brought me here for my appointment, and then we’re gonna go back to Nome to the diner for lunch.”
“Wow. I’m really proud of you, Treasure. You’ve come a long way in a short amount of time. That leads me to believe that the foundation was already there. You just had to build on it.”
I nodded as I thought about how I slept soundly in Kingsley’s arms all night, and how he pleased my body again this morning.
Mrs. Gardener almost missed me. I couldn’t get enough of Kingsley.
That man could make me forget about everything.
Now that I’d experienced him, it was like the Treasure I used to be was making a comeback. His dick was changing the narrative.
“When I felt myself getting overwhelmed and nervous, I began evaluating the situation, talking to myself about my feelings and why they weren’t valid in that situation.
Believe it or not, Mayor Storm told me about that.
He said that was what you told him to do.
When I tried to kill myself . . . that triggered him.
He hugged me, and I could feel him tremble. ”
“Wow. Mayor Storm is shelling out advice? It has to be a new day.”
I giggled. “He’s never been rude to me. I never gave him a reason to be, nor am I around him enough to give him a reason.”
“I’m so happy for you, baby. You are surrounded by people who can help you through whatever you’re going through as well.
WJ has been there. If you ever need reassurance and can’t get to me, get to him, Chrissy, or Jenahra.
Those three have been through quite a bit, that I know they will be willing to share with you. Syn and Marcus as well.”
“Thank you so much, Missus Gardener.”
“I think we’ve established a friendship at this point, no matter how much older I am than you. Call me Serita.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
I stood, and she did as well, giving me the biggest hug. Once we released one another and said our goodbyes, I went to the desk and got an appointment card for my next visit, then made my way to the lobby to see Kingsley seated there, waiting for me. I smiled at him, and he reciprocated.
“I take it you had a good session.”
“I did. Thank you.”
He grabbed my hand and led me to his truck. After he opened the door, he helped me inside then went around to his side and got in as well. He cranked up, then turned to me and smiled. “This feels so good. Everyone’s going to be happy to see you out and about again.”
“Yeah. I need to finally put a for sale sign on my house,” I said, glancing at him. “It was always in the plan for me to eventually go back to it, but I can’t fathom that now.”
He frowned slightly. Kingsley was a very intelligent man, so I knew that he understood what I was getting at. When his frown lifted, he said, “So, are you saying what I’m thinking?”
“I don’t know. Tell me what you’re thinking.”
“That you’ll stay with your parents until you feel led to move in with me.”
“That’s exactly what I’m saying. This feels better than I could have ever imagined, and I can’t wait until I can call you my husband, Kingsley.”
“Say less. That can happen whenever you’re ready. I’ve been ready. You know that. Don’t rush on account of me though. Let it happen naturally. Okay?”
I nodded and started humming along with the Mint Condition song on the radio.
My house had been sitting uninhabited for three years.
It was time to part with it. Serita and I had talked about that during our session.
At first, my mama and I would stay there on the weekends.
She was trying to get me used to being there again.
It had gone well for a while, and I thought I would have been back in there by now.
When that happened with PJ, I was taken back like I had never progressed.
Since I no longer had my full-time job as an accountant, it was best that I just sold it.
I wanted my next move to be with Kingsley.
That house in Liberty could have been benefitting a family who needed it.
Serita and I had also talked about how real depression could be and how sometimes it didn’t take much to make it rear its ugly head.
If I could understand how to manage it and not let it overtake me, I would be fine.
Until I was able to manage it, she would be there to help me through it.
I couldn’t reiterate enough just how good she was for me.
Having her as my counselor had made all the difference.
I’d also talked to my mama this morning.
She was shocked by my text last night but was extremely happy for me.
She said Daddy was worried, but I couldn’t expect anything less from him.
She said when I didn’t call having a fit or show up in an uproar, they knew I was fine.
Mama had always known that Kingsley would be good for me and had told me on several occasions. I was grateful for her wisdom.
By the time I was done thinking about everything Serita and I talked about, we had made it to Nome. Kingsley had a smile on his face, letting me know just how excited he was about showing off our new dynamic. He turned in the diner’s parking lot, and when he parked, he turned to me.
“These niggas are beyond crazy when it comes to announcements. When we walk in, if they stand and start clapping, ignore their bullshit.”
I giggled, hoping they did just that. This new development deserved applause. Kingsley wasn’t the only one walking on eggshells around me. All the Hendersons seemed to be doing that, including my sisters-in-law, Maui and Bali.
He opened my door to help me out, and I saw PJ and Lema arriving as well.
I smiled at them and grabbed Kingsley’s hand to head inside.
He glanced at me, then opened the door. The place was bustling with activity and was noisy.
They were talking and laughing loudly, like they were at their homes.
It was Friday, and it tended to be this way whenever I came through.
Sure enough, it got quiet as hell. Kingsley glanced at me, and I looped my arm around his, feeling like I was about to burst from excitement and anticipation.
Finally, Maui stood and started cheering.
Ashanni followed suit, then everyone else stood and started clapping.
I laughed and hopped up and down while clapping as well.
Kingsley chuckled at my excitement. I was swept away by Maui and Milana, then led to a table with Ashanni, Iesha, Noni, Aaliyah, and Kambel.
I was shocked to see Kambel here. Maybe she and Kane were really trying to work things out as she had said.
He was seated with Royal, Mythic, Red Squared, Asad, Seven, Ace, and now PJ and King.
Carter and Bali were at home with the baby.
As anal as Bali was, I knew that baby wouldn’t see the light of day unless it was totally necessary for at least six weeks.
When I sat, everyone seemed giddy with excitement. “Girl, you glowing and shit!” Ashanni said, mimicking Regina King in How Stella Got Her Groove Back.
Everyone laughed, including me. Ashanni was an entire fool.
“You look so happy, Treasure,” Maui said as Mythic handed the baby to her.
“I am.”
Mythic approached me and pulled me from my seat. He hugged me so tight. I could feel his body tremble as he did so. “It’s okay, Mythic. I’m okay.”
“I’m just happy, Treasure. I didn’t think this happiness would ever find you again. I was carrying that, knowing I was responsible. Seeing you like this makes my soul light, baby.”
I hugged him tighter, allowing tears to leave me.
I kissed his cheek, then wiped his tears.
However, when he took his razor blade from his mouth, I took a step back.
He stepped closer and kissed my cheek also.
Mythic only had that in his mouth when he felt like he wasn’t safe.
I backtracked away from him while he frowned slightly.
I was pretty sure he didn’t know that I knew that about him.
As if sensing my discomfort, Kingsley approached me from the table with his brother and cousins. My eyes met his, and I knew I was okay. That was different. I felt safer with him than with Mythic. He grabbed my hand and asked, “You okay?”
After taking a few deep breaths, I nodded. “Yes.”
“You sure? You wanna go?”
I shook my head. “I can’t miss the stuffed fried chicken.”
He smiled slightly as Uncle Mayor joined us. When he saw me, he smiled. Uncle Jasper tried to approach him, and he mushed him, causing me to giggle. When he got to me, he pulled me in his arms.
“I must be getting old as fuck because whenever I see you, my heart gets soft. Don’t tell that shit to no-fucking-body. You hear me?”
I laughed as I hugged him. When he released me, he winked, then frowned at Uncle Jasper. Uncle Jasper shot him the finger, then hugged me. “What’s up, Treasure?”
“Hey, Uncle Jasper.”
He smirked. “I ain’t even have to tell you to call me that. You already know what’s up.”
“I’ve known for a while, Unc.”
He nodded repeatedly, then I noticed he glanced at Kane, then went to his table.
My heart was starting to beat a little faster until Kingsley wrapped his arms around my waist from behind.
When Uncle Jasper pulled Kane from his seat and hugged him, I brought my hand to my chest. I’d heard that there had been a little misunderstanding between the two of them regarding Crew.
I was thankful they were able to resolve that.
Kingsley led me back to where I was seated with the ladies, and Ace’s sister, Malia, flopped next to me. I glanced at her as she dug in her purse. I didn’t know her like that, just in passing. I was a few years older than her. Noni was frowning at her, and I knew the shit was finna hit the fan.
“Malia, for real?” Ashanni said before Noni could get at her.
Malia looked up at everybody, and said, “I’m sorry. My mama got me fucked up. I swear, she act like she’s ten. Hey, everybody.”
“What did Mali do now?” Milana asked.