Page 116 of Crossing Lines

“Yeah, I’m okay.”

“Davi, tell me the truth. Has he ever hit you?”

I shake my head. “No, never. That’s the truth, so don’t go after him. Please. I don’t want you to end up in jail.”

“Okay,” he breathes out and tows me into his arms.

“It’s over,” I whisper into his chest. “I’m finally closing that chapter of my life.”

“Ours will be epic.” He eases me back, treating me to a peaceful kiss.

FORTY-NINE

As we arrive at Mama G’s for dinner, Davia looks out the window at the house and releases a heavy sigh.

“Are you sure it’s okay?” she asks again.

“Yes, Mama G says it’s all right.” I reach for her hand, giving it a loving squeeze. “Come on.”

We file out of my car and walk to the porch. I knock before opening the front door, inviting her inside.

“We’re here!”

“Hello,” Mama G calls from the kitchen.

“Why are you on your feet?” I ask, even though she appears better than three days ago at the hospital. “Where’s Ree?”

Chuckling, she stops stirring the sauce and fans me off. “Don’t fuss over me. Iree went to switch the laundry.” She glances at Davia.

“Hi, Mama G,” she greets quietly. “How are you feeling?”

“Much better.”

“That’s good.” She wrings her hands before her. “I’m so sorry for disrespecting your home and causing you to fall ill.”

Mama G’s eyes soften with kindness. “Honey, it’s all right. You didn’t make me sick. And I heard what happened.” Shereaches for her hand and gives it a gentle pat. “Is everything sorted?”

“For the most part,” Davia exhales and brushes aside her curls.

Footsteps echo from the passage, and we turn as Iree walks into the kitchen, her expression tight.

“Hey,” Davia makes the first attempt.

“Hey,” Iree returns evenly.

“Um, Chavonne said she called you.”

“Yeah, she apologized for lashing at me and said I could return Monday. She’ll pay me for this week.”

“That’s good,” I say. “You going back?”

She nods. “I love working atLa Monte.”

“Everyone loves working with you,” Davia adds. “Including me.”

Iree responds with a hum and glances down, flicking her nails.

“I’m sorry for coming at you,” Davia says sincerely. “Sorry for hitting you.”

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