Page 144 of Rather: The Therapist

That was our ultimate goal. The way he cared for Princeton and would stop everything to come running if he needed his uncle was evidence he was responsible enough to father a child. More than likely, it would be just what he needed to sit down, consider his choices, and make better ones.

“Look alive, nigga!”

Kofi tossed a Red Bull in my direction.

“You’re going to need that with your old ass. Princeton can’t save you tonight, nigga. You’re out with the boys and shit is about to get ignorant.”

He wasn’t telling me anything I didn’t know. Chuckling, I held the can in the air and popped it. Appeasing Kofi was my sole intent tonight. Otherwise, I’d be home preparing for bed. I couldn’t let him down on his night. He was preparing to commit himself and that was a huge deal to us all. It was imperative I celebrated with him.

I killed half of the can while his eyes were still trained on me.

“That’s what the fuck I’m talking about. We’re up all night, spending this bread and celebrating life.”

He was accurate. He was turning a new leaf. Money was plentiful and it would be spent.

A flock of women boarded the private aircraft. I didn’t have prior knowledge of their involvement, but I wasn’t in attendance to complain. I was simply supervising to make sure my brother returned in one piece. Who he fucked wasn’t my business.

As they all got seated, he slid toward me and took the seat next to me. I shut my phone down so the picture on my screen wasn’t visible.

“Listen, there are five of these fine motherfuckers. I done hit ‘em all but sharing is caring, right? I’m taking two for myself tonight. The thickest one and that one, Hailey. She’s my favorite. You can have one for yourself. Killian already trying to stunt like his little brother and knock down two, but we’re going to see if that nigga really bout the shit he claim.”

“I have no interest in either of your guests. You and Killian and have them all to yourself. You and Silk. Ice. Whoever. I’m here for the fun, my bro. You can keep the pussy.”

“Nigga, you sure you ain’t getting poked out here?”

“Don’t make me shoot you in your fucking mouth, Kofi.”

“So serious,” he sniggered. “But, real shit, you sure you don’t want none of this pussy? It’s free.”

“Nothing in life is free, Kofi. And, make sure you’re strapping up. Your wife is expecting an STD-free husband without a child on the way.”

“And that’s exactly what she’ll get, police ass nigga.”

“Get the fuck out of my face. I’m here for a good time. Don’t ruin that for me.”

“I’m not. I’m just happy your old ass out. Wheels up in five. Come alive, nigga.”

It didn’t matter how much of an asshole he was, Kofi owned such a huge piece of my heart. I’d clear the whole globe for him.

Berkeley City. It was my brother’s destination of choice. Though it was an easy drive down to the city, the thirty-minute flight guaranteed our safety and swift return. There wouldn’t be a fully sober individual leaving the strip club Kofi had chosen and reserved the largest section they had to offer.

I sat back and watched from afar as everyone indulged in pointless debates and constant laughter. It was a blessing seeing the men I shared the same blood with make it to the age of twenty-one. Where we came from, niggas were blessed to see twelve. Our father had gotten us out of the trenches and into mansions around the city.

Though my mother was left with hundreds of thousands when her mate passed, she was afraid of draining her accounts by moving out of the hood. She hadn’t worked a day in her life and didn’t plan to start. The money she was in possession of would have to last a while, or at least until she found something worth investing in.

Before she could, I was born and her world changed. My father became her sole provider. Till this day, he provided for her. The money she was holding onto gained interest each year. She was sitting on a bag with the deed to her home, a new car every three years, and whatever her heart desired. Between my father and I, she didn’t have to worry about anything.

By the time we were comfortable in-flight, the wheels were on the ground.

“Ready to have the night of your life?” Kofi asked, patting my shoulder.

With a shrug, I answered his question.

“This nigga uptight and shit. Needs his dick sucked. Which one of you ladies would be kind enough to loosen the tension in my big brother’s spine? Nigga puts in so much fucking work he probably hasn’t seen his own dick other than when he’s washing niggas blo?—”

“Enough.”

His words were beginning to slur. His balance was questionable. Killian and I locked eyes, instantly. What was understood between us didn’t need an explanation. A simple head nod assured me he was on the same page as me and letting Kofi out of our sight was not happening at any point of our night.

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