Page 8 of The Deed to a Gangsta's Heart

“Have I ever?”

She thought about it for a while before muttering, “No.”

“Aight then.”

I carried her to her bedroom as I asked, “You got plans? I see you didn’t park in the garage.”

“Not really. I wanted to do something to celebrate but I wanted to change first.”

“Cool. After we change, I’ll put your car in the garage and drive.”

“Yay. Can we take the motorcycle?”

“We’re celebrating you, so we can do whatever you want to do.”

I had a truck, motorcycle, and Challenger. She used to hate the motorcycle until she let me take her for a ride. Now, she always gushed about how fun it was and how free she felt when she was on it.

“In that case, can we go toEver’s Pubfor drinks and then to the country? I wanna do a little line dancing. Maybe they’ll have the ATVs and horses out too.”

“I got you, pookie. Whatever you want.”

I placed her on her feet in front of the door and casually stepped back so she could open it. When she saw what I’d done for her, she gasped and slapped her hands over her mouth, taking small steps back.

Because I knew she’d get the job, I decorated her room to celebrate. Callie was passionate about kids and teaching. She wanted to teach elementary, middle, and high school before becoming a college professor. I admired her desire to help shape the minds of our youth and wanted to make sure she knew that. While she was in school, I always sent her care packages and checked in to make sure she was cool mentally and not overwhelmed by her studies. Even though I didn’t go the traditional route because of my time in the streets, I found success a different way, and Iwas glad she did too.

“Rem,” she whispered, looking back at me with watery eyes. “You did all this for me?”

I looked at all I’d done in the room as I gently pushed her inside. She loved Tiffany & Co. and Tiffany blue, so I’d gotten her the Jean Schlumberger by Tiffany Ribbons shoulder bag, a pair of diamond earrings, and a personalized yellow and white gold bangle bracelet with pavé diamonds. The inscription read,Congratulations Dr. Simpson.

There were blue roses all over and a blue and white balloon arch. Under the arch was a table that had a cake and champagne on it.

As she looked at the bracelet she said, “I really am a doctor huh?” She laughed that laugh that was always like music to my ears. “God, I can’t believe it. Look at us, Remedy. We’ve come such a long way. We might have gone down different paths, but we’ve made something of ourselves and never lost touch.”

“Yeah, sometimes I can’t believe it either. Well, I can believe the path you took, but I can’t believe you stayed in my life.”

Confusion covered her face as her head tilted. “Why would I ever leave?”

My amusement came out softly as I shook my head and shoved my hands in the pockets of my basketball shorts. The only time my confidence ever wavered was when it came down to feeling like I was unworthy of her. “Come on, Cal. Let’s not act like my reputation didn’t have people looking at you sideways for being my friend. People respect me now, but the shit I did back in the day—”

“Is in the past, and that’s where it will stay.” She closed the space between us and took my hands into hers. It took everything inside of me not to pull her into my arms. “I will never judge you or love you with any love other than anunconditional one. I accept you just as you are. That will never change.”

The longer our eyes remained locked, the softer my heart felt. I took a step back and removed my hands from hers. “Let’s get dressed so we can go.”

“Wait! We have to cut my cake.”

Groaning, I adjusted my dick in my boxers as she turned and headed toward the table. My eyes lowered to her ass, and it looked just as good as I knew it would. Releasing a low sigh, I prayed for the strength to not try to fuck my best friend.

6

Callie

Some things never changed.Ever’s Publooked exactly like I remembered with its wooden décor, eclectic mix of customers, and ’70s music. Mr. Harold and Mr. Cooper, two widowed friends who hung out here every night, still sat at the bar in the same seats. My heart swelled in size as I took the place in. That was part of the beauty and charm that I missed when I was in Memphis. This comfort. This feeling of home and community everywhere you went.

“Is that Callie?” At the sound of someone whispering loudly, I shifted toward the right.

“Ah!” I clapped and grinned at the sight of a few people we went to high school with.

“Callie!” Kassadee stood and rushed over to me, meeting me halfway.

---