Page 51 of Rather: The Therapist

“Yes.”

“Not even Kofi.”

My heart swelled in my chest hearing his name roll off Chemistry’s tongue. It was the first time but I was certain it wouldn’t be the last. He and I were destined to spend the rest of our lives together.

“Chemistry.”

“Yes, baby?”

“What’s he like?” I sighed, desperate to know something, anything about the man I was set to marry in ninety days.

“He’s a man,” Teddy explained, “He’s a fucking man, Rather.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means guard your heart, maintain your sanity, and don’t let that motherfucker get to your head. Remember who you are and don’t ever forget it. You’re a Childers, Rather, and we don’t move foolishly. Most of all, maintain your individuality.

“Don’t let that nigga speak for you, think for you, or move for you. Make your own moves. Do your own thinking. And, speak your mind. Don’t, not even for a second, let any of them play with you or think they can play with you. Because the truth of the matter is they can’t. Understood?”

“Understood.”

“Then why are you looking at me that way?”

“One more question.”

“One more.”

“Is he that bad?”

“He’s not bad at all, Rather, or you wouldn’t be here. He’s a liability. We don’t like liabilities, baby. We like assets. That’s the sacrifice. That’s how we repay the Valentines.

“That’s your job. Turn him into an asset. Not just for his family, but for all three of the families. If you don’t, the government will… but surely you know it’ll be for themselves.”

“He’d become a rat?”

“No. He’d become bait.”

Needing him near, I closed the gap between us and wrapped my arms around him. He kissed the top of my head before stepping back.

“I have to get going. Now that you’re here, our communication will be limited. But, I have a line dedicated to your calls. Whenever you need me, call me. There’s a phone in the nightstand next to the bed in the master suite.”

“Okay.”

“Rugger left a gift for you in the kitchen. Turn all the knobs right until they click. Behind the stove you’ll find it.”

I didn’t stop him when he turned and headed in the opposite direction. Over his shoulder, he tossed a peace sign. It was all he had and all I could accept at the moment.

Because, truthfully, I wanted him to stay as bad as he wanted to stay. To make things easier for us both, we settled for the mediocre gesture.

I scurried back into the house where I stood in front of the stove minutes later. My Beretta rested on the counter behind me as I stared at the precious chunk of material. Some amazing dishes would be made in the near future.

Click.

Click.

Click.

Click.

---