Page 73 of Rather: The Therapist

“Kofi,” she said lowly, almost inaudible.

Her nerves were controlling every movement of her features and her frame. I could feel the energy across the table. Kofi turned, lending his attention to her. He matched her volume, but we could still hear every word spoken.

“What’s up, Rather?”

“I’m not feeling my best.”

“What’s the matter?”

He scooted closer, hoping his presence would bring her peace. She was in an uproar, internally. She didn’t know peace. Wouldn’t know peace. Not now, anyway.

“I think I’m going to call it a night. Feeling a bit queasy.”

“I’ll walk you to the ca–”

“No. No. That won’t be necessary. Stay here. It’s right out front. I can manage.”

I waited, hoping Kofi would contest her stance and still make sure she got to her car. She was on our property. It was heavily secured, so of course she was safe. However, our level of security was beside the point. Manners and etiquette were the only stars at the moment.

“Call me when you make it home.”

My nostrils flared as I watched Rather stand on her feet. We all stood and waited for her exit. It took so much of me not to chase her down and see her to her car. But, I rested my ass in the seat along with everyone else as she rounded the corner and disappeared.

“Why aren’t you going after her?” Kleigh was the first to speak.

“She said she doesn’t feel good,” Kofi explained.

“Which is exactly why you should’ve driven her home or made sure she was taken home.”

She’s not going home, I argued in my head.

“I have plans, Kleigh. And, they don’t include being in the house before the ten o’clock hour. I understand you two have bonded a bit and gotten to know each other better, but that’s my business. Not yours.”

Taken aback, Kleigh rested her body against her chair. “As a woman, another woman will forever be my business so get used to it, shitface.”

I didn’t interfere, because Kofi had that one coming.

“She’s right, brother,” Killian added, “Going home early is ideal when there will be an open buffet waiting.”

“I have something else lined up,” Kofi explained.

“Something else?” Killian shrieked. “Nigga, you’re getting married in less than three months and Pops footing the bill. Fuck you mean you have something else lined up?”

“His idea, Killian. He should foot the fucking bill. Had it been my choice, my decision, then I would’ve gladly paid for my own wedding.”

“But you didn’t and you’re fucking right it was his decision. It’s a desperate attempt to try and save his baby boy from destruction,” I reminded Kofi.

“Who could blame him?” Kleigh sighed.

“When it’s time to walk down that aisle, my shit will be intact. For now, all you motherfuckers worry about your wack ass love lives and stay out of mine.”

Red blood stained his suit from a fist to the face. He was forever in violation and my duty as the leader of the family was to reprimand him each and every time. Since his accident, I’d been sparing him, but tonight I wanted to make him remember his place so he could stay in that motherfucker.

Not tonight.

For my sake, I didn’t fall through on the satisfying visual that left my hand itching. The urge to re-break his jaw after it had healed so beautifully was almost impossible to resist.

“Let this be the last night you talk to anyone at this table like you’ve lost your marbles. You’ve made a full recovery now. What I tolerated during your healing won’t be tolerated any longer. You’re a disrespectful, selfish piece of shit and that’s fine.”

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