Chapter 11
Hollis
“Help me understand what is happening right now. Y’all finished the probate process but Jimmy had another clause in order to formally inherit the house that legally requires you two to stay married, no, together, for another six months but you’re leaving,” Johnni said as I removed my clothes from the closet, tossing them in my suitcase.
I released a heavy breath since I was moving at ultra speed, going back and forth while she sat on the bed with CJ in her arms.
It was just us. She popped up on me on her way to pick up the baby from Mrs. Steph who babysat while she had to work.
Johnni was no longer competing in pageants but had officially taken over the role of coaching younger girls in the art.
After CJ was born, she opened her own studio called Beauty Girls, a foundation that coached pageant girls as well as prepared debutante ball contestants.
I told her that she’d opened a mini-Jack and Jill.
“Uh yeah.” I balled my face up at her statement, wondering what didn’t make sense to her. I didn’t even think it was necessary to explain myself. In my mind it was clear the deal was off. I did my part, the original agreement. Anything else was out of my hands.
“Why is my question then? Since you’re not saying shit else to make it make sense to me.
Because the only thing I’m getting is you pissed off when you hang all that back up.
” I paused my steps toward the closet, kissing my teeth, taking this time to catch my breath since I was treating packing like an Olympic sport.
“What do you mean why? Because I didn’t sign up for no extended ass stay with my ex-husband.
Six months is a lifetime in hateful years.
Hell, these last three weeks were a lot.
Do you know the stories I missed out on because I had to be at his games?
I mean, primetime shit. And don’t get me started on Omar’s yapping about this Shepherd Rowe story still not being done.
I can’t write here. It feels icky being this close to these people and talking about them.
Staying here is wasting my time and hurting my career,” I said as I huffed, stuffing my clothes into my suitcase, now wondering how I made everything fit before.
“Stop saying you hate that man. We all can see you still feel something blissful for him, Hollis, and six months with your husband isn’t a lifetime.
Y’all were together longer than that when y’all were dating.
Heffa, Deacon is still your husband that you agreed to help get the house and other stuff.
Sounds to me like your part in this isn’t done.
The Hollis I know doesn’t go back on her word, no matter how mad or uncomfortable she is.
You remember Jermaine, that fuck nigga you dealt with a couple years ago?
You said his breath was funkier than two dead skunks on a hot ass July day, but he had information on some rapper you needed.
You rode that wave for months until the well was dry.
I wonder if they ever figured out who sold their story to the press?
” I chuckled as I placed my hand on my hip, thinking back to my younger years.
I was wild and really did a lot for a story.
“Ugh, not you bringing up stinky man. My eyebrows still haven’t recovered from the funky ass pain he brought. And hell no, because back then I had like three other names I used to write under, not just Shanel Deke.”
It got quiet before I spoke again.
“I still have to work and do my job though. You’re missing that crucial detail in my decision.
Again, I can’t do that here, not with me playing friends with Luke’s people.
You know my rule, I don’t talk about friends and family.
And no, we ain’t like best friends, but I do enjoy hanging out with her in the WAG suite. ”
“Exactly and keep that in mind whenever he calls. Fuck Omar’s ass. He’ll be aight, but if that ick feeling is present for semi-strangers, maybe the time not writing is a call for a change in that area too. Not all endings are bad. Look at me, I have a whole new life now.”
Johnni rocked CJ in her arms while a cheeky smile formed on her face.
“Ugh, I hate you’re right. I still didn’t sign up for six months though, Johnni.”
“I know, but you also didn’t sign up to still be married. I remember you telling me this was for Jimmy’s wishes, not yours. If you need an escape, I know a place wher—"
“Aht, hell no. I gets down, but no thank you. Plus, Luke closed our shit immediately. I told you I had to cut my people off. I got them on the temporary block list that doesn’t seem to have a turn on date in sight.”
She shrugged while I took a seat next to her, grabbing CJ from her arms.
“And you actually listened?” she asked with a goofy ass smirk, making me roll my eyes hard as hell, annoyed.
Johnni snickered as she shook her head, clearly entertained by all of this.
“Anyways, chile, what are you wearing to the game and what time does it start tonight?”
“Who said I was going? I’m off duty as a wife.
Today I’m an auntie who missed my lil man.
It’s me and CJ tonight, the only boy in my life worth the extended stay.
Ain’t that right, man?” I said in a softer tone as I held CJ up in the air making silly faces, causing little giggles to come out as he reached for me.
“Ooh you gon’ be in trouble with your husband,” she mocked as I waved her off. The sound of my phone ringing had me reaching for it on the nightstand. It was a message from Callie reminding me to not forget Cami who I promised to take to the Badgers game with me.
“Ah damn.”
“Is that him reminding you of your place?” I frowned as I texted Callie back then put my attention on Johnni who was talking crazy.
“Hell no, this is Callie. I still have to attend someone’s baseball game after all.” Johnni perked up.
“See, you talked shit and still going.”
“Uht uht, I’m still on auntie duty. This is for Cami, not his ass.”
“Yeah, yeah I know better. Let me get out of here then because you gon’ need all the time to get your outfit together now that all your shit is everywhere.” I groaned as I put my eyes on the mess I’d created.
“Love you,” I said as I kissed CJ’s chubby cheeks.
“Love you more. Be nice to your husband.”
“Fuck that nigga.”
I rushed to the little league baseball field to pick Cami up from her game after I got dressed for Luke’s later tonight.
How my life became surrounded by the very sport I thought I said goodbye to years ago, only God knew.
The sound of my phone vibrating had me trying to break the law and multitask while checking to see a message from Luke.
I read it, then locked my phone as I pulled into the parking lot. There was no need to respond nor was I going to hold him to it since I knew the schedule and he traveled tomorrow for the next series in Austin Peaks. There would be no first date, or last in our case, I was still leaving.
I hopped out of the car, blowing out a frustrated breath as I thought about the suitcases in my truck. After the game, I was going home.
The sound of parents cheering in the stands hit my ears as I made my way over to my sister who was on concession duty. I knocked on the door and was immediately greeted by her and Lacy who sat in the front packing up.
“Hey, family,” I said as did a quick round of hugs and kisses.
“Ooh, Mrs. Deacon is in the house. I love the jersey.” She tapped my ass as I made my way over to kiss Lacy’s cheek.
The custom jersey came after Luke pissed me off and almost had me throwing it away, but I had to admit it turned out cute and fit perfectly, with Mrs. Deacon on the back.
“Ugh, please. I should’ve put my name on the back instead. I can’t be out here repping his ugly ass.”
“It does have your name, Holli. Especially now that the public knows you’re a taken woman. Maybe this will calm you down a bit,” Lacy commented as she thanked someone for their support.
The article had been gaining more attention this last week. At first I loved it since I wrote it and it was doing what needed to be done, but now, with my departure, I fucking hated it.
“Anyways, so we talked to a lawyer, got the keys, but Jimmy added a time clause for us to take over the deed and title of the house and car,” I said, grabbing a bag of plain chips.
“Wait, what? Can he do that?”
“Yup. Apparently it’s his will, his way. The lawyer over the will said she would be doing drop-in visits to drop off these envelopes I’m assuming are letters to make sure it’s still real.”
“Huh. What’s the timeframe?” Callie asked, still packing up.
“Six months. So I told Luke I was out. Too much for me.”
Lacy scoffed, handling a customer their change. “Chile, everything is too much for you,” she said bluntly.
I didn’t have time to respond before Cami was making her way up to us.
“Auntie Holli, you made it! Guess what I did?” She rushed me, hugging me around my waist.
“Did you slide into home?”
Cami shook her head. “Uht uh, I hit a home run though! It was my first one ever.”
“And definitely not your last, baby girl. Oh my gosh, we gotta celebrate. Tell me what you want to do on the way to the game,” I said, tapping her on her back so we could get going.
She hugged Callie and Lacy then made her way back over to me.
“I’ll drop her off after the game,” I yelled, not saying bye to Lacy nor Callie while Cami listed the possible things she wanted.
By the time we got to the stadium, the game had started and I was glad. The crowd to make it to the section wasn’t overly packed, making it easier. Cami and I walked in the section with a couple of other ladies eyeing me while I got us situated with drinks and food.
“Auntie Holli, this is so cool. Normally we’re so far up. Can we see Uncle Deacon from here?” I chuckled while we made our way to seats next to Angie and the other ladies.
“No, we still can’t see him, silly girl. You know he plays behind the plate with his gear on.”
Cami made an O with her mouth while I greeted the girls.