Page 31 of Merc

“What do you plan to spend your time doing when we get back to Memphis? How’d you end up in Massie Manor anyway?”

With a chuckle, I stood to wrap up the bread and sauce. “I genuinely don’t know, Merc. I was driving and so deep in my thoughts I just… didn’t stop. The snow getting so bad is the only reason I stopped when I did. I guess I was going to drive until I needed gas then head home. And as far as what I’m going to do when I get back… I’m not sure. If I reopen the store, I’ll need to find a new business and get new inventory, which means I’ll have to get a loan. I have money saved now, but my parents stressed to me the importance of not living above my means. As quickly as I want to reopen, I won’t do it by draining my savings account. I have to move with order. So, I’ll stay with them until I find my own place, and once I have that secured, then I’ll focus on the store.”

“Have you considered drop shipping until you can get another storefront?”

“I have… but I love the experience of my store, you know? I wasn’t just selling vinyl records. I loved talking to my people, listening to music, and allowing my space to be used for open mic nights and concerts. I’m just like you are about community, and music is what tied me to mine. So I could operate online, but it just wouldn’t be the same.”

“Well…” Merc licked the corner of his mouth as he stood. “I pray God gives you clarity and understanding on what it is you need to do when we get home.” He closed the space between us, and when my head lowered to hide my blush, he lifted it and cupped my cheek. “I pray He keeps in the forefront of your mind that you have the liberty to reinvent your life right now, and there’s no need to rush into one particular thing. And I pray He gives you opportunities to not only reopen your store but reconnect with your community and highlight local artists so you all can do what you love… what you were purposed to do.”

My mouth opened and closed, but all I could do was chuckle because those were the exact words I’d used in my prayer for him earlier. Either we were more in sync than I’d realized, or he heard me… and that was why he’d been acting all weird today.

“Amen,” I said. “You heard me earlier?”

With a smile, Merc tilted my head and gave me a sweet, quick kiss. “I did.”

“Why didn’t you say anything?”

“Even though it was about me and my situation, I felt like that was a moment between you and God. But I meant every word I just said, and I’m truly grateful for you not only praying for me but fasting for me as well. Knowing that I can trust you spiritually when it comes to myself and my son means more to me than you will ever know. And that’s exactly why I don’t care about you not wanting to be with a man that has kids, because you’re mine.”

“Mercury… I…”

Groaning, I watched him leave the kitchen. He had a way of making it clear he was done with a situation or conversation that couldn’t be denied. I wouldn’t stop him from trying to pursue me, but I really didn’t see my mind changing. What happened with Steven was too fresh. As much as I liked Merc, I didn’t see him being able to do anything to change that.

After dinner, we watched a movie together before showering and getting in bed. This was the most relaxed I’d been in a long time, and Merc said the same for himself. Even with the weight of everything that awaited us when we got back home, I was grateful for this brief intermission that came because of the snowstorm.

Everything in Massie Manor was shut down. The roads kept icing over because the temperature was so low at night. It was projected that we’d have another two or three days here before the ice started to melt enough for us to leave, and I was okay with that.

“What you wanna watch now?” Merc asked.

As much as I wanted to say his dick sliding in and out of my pussy, I held those words back. I’d been craving him since I ended my fast, and I wasn’t sure why. I felt like it was the desire of my flesh amplified because I was finally able to indulge if I wanted to, but I was trying not to. Having sex with him would only make me like and want him more.

Before I could answer, my phone vibrated on the nightstand. The sight of my mom’s picture made me smile. I accepted her FaceTime request and greeted her with, “Hey, Ma.”

“Hey, baby. I was just checking on you.”

“I’m good. What y’all doing?”

“Getting ready to eat some soup I made yesterday. It’s not snowing here, but we had a cold front from the snow y’all got in Massie Manor. How’s Merc?”

“He’s fine.”

“Tell ’im I said he better be taking care of my baby,” Daddy said in the background.

“I always will,” Merc replied.

“Well, I’ll let you go,” Ma said with a cheesy grin. “But we need to talk when you get back home.”

Chuckling, I slipped further into the bed. “About what?”

“How you keep getting caught up with that man you’re in bed with. Y’all sleeping together… or sleeping together?”

“Maaa,” I dragged, causing them all to laugh. “Goodbye.”

“Bye, baby,” she said through her laugh. “And bye, Merc.”

“Bye, Mrs. Tina.”

I disconnected the call quickly. “Ugh. She’s so embarrassing.”

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