Page 30 of Still Made For You

“I feel your pain; it’s worth it, though. When you have someone who’s always ten steps ahead, it keeps you on your toes. A lot of people saw Ophelia working in the community and made their assumptions, but she paid them no mind. Her heart bled for our neighborhood, and she fought hard to make sure the children in our neighborhood could have a safe place to come to. At first, I didn’t see the vision because my mindset was only on my own family. Her vision far exceeded anything I could have ever imagined.

She desired to keep the streets safe and refused to rest until she completed the job. Most people considered me the boss of our household, but I often corrected them. While I may have been head of the household, Ophelia Graham ran the show. There were times I ran into trouble on the streets, and she’d give me advice on how to handle things. Of course, I refused to involve her, but she didn’t care. She used to tell me, “If there’s a problem with you, then it’s a problem for us.” She’d pull out her notepad while I broke the situation down to her. At least, the parts I felt comfortable enough to share with her. Mainly issues with the books. Hell, if I’m being honest, she and Justice were the best accountants I ever had.

They both possessed this innate talent of taking a situation, breaking it down in parts, then solving the problem as a whole, both in business and personal,” He chuckled, staring off into the distance.

“When I watch how my sons move, I see so much of her in them. Their passion, determination, and tenacity all come from their mother. My mother used to tell me, “Time waits for no man.” Those words take on a new meaning for me the older I become. If I were to give you any advice as you travel on this journey, it would be to appreciate the time you have. Ophelia and I made many plans, thinking we would have more time together. Witnessing all of my children grow up and create their own families does my heart good while also reminding me of all we’ve missed out on together.

Cherish each day as if it’s your last because it very well could be. Don’t be afraid to take risks in life; you either win or you learn. I believe in my heart the two of you will go the distance, but I care about you as an individual as well. Don’t ever shrink or minimize your dreams to make anyone else happy, whether it’s Justice, the boys, or anyone you love. As a married couple, it’s imperative to communicate life decisions but lead with your heart. You’ve spent your entire life catering to the needs of others; it’s time for you to really live. I want to see you accomplish every dream you’ve ever wanted in your life. Reach for the stars, baby girl. You deserve every blessing coming your way.” His words pierced my heart.

Papa Truth knew nothing about my situation, yet he spoke the exact words I needed to hear. God knew I needed to hear those words because I’d been wrestling with this decision for weeks now. Everything he said was true because I’ve been hesitant to take a chance on myself. Even though I had faith in my abilities, I allowed fears to keep me complacent for a long time. This wasn’t the first opportunity I’d been presented with, but I turned them down. In this case, I could feel it in my heart my time has come. Now, I just have to sit down with my family and speak to them about it.

***

“There goes my baby!” Justice sang out as I walked into his office. Loyal and Dreaux both stood up from their seats to greet me. I wondered what the two of them were doing here.

“What’s good, sis? Did you bring us some food, too?” Loyal asked, grabbing the bag of food from my hands. I brought extra because I wasn’t sure who would be there. There was a taco spot Justice and I love called Paco’s Taco, so I figured I’d bring him some before I head home for the day.

“How the hell are you niggas going to help yourself to my food?” Justice fussed, sauntering over to me. The black sweatpants he wore hung perfectly on his waist causing my eyes to shoot right towards the middle. I heard Justice chuckle before pulling me into his arms.

“Get your mind out of the gutter. How was your day, baby?” He embraced me, allowing his cologne to pull me into a trance.

“Mmmm, you smell so good,” I moaned. He kissed my neck softly making me squirm in his hold.

“Don’t be in hear moaning like that. I’ll put these niggas out right now and bend you over this desk,” he warned. The offer sounded very tempting, but I needed to stay focused. I still had a laundry list of things to get done once I got home tonight.

“No, thank you. Charity sent me a wedding checklist to go over tonight, and I can’t afford to be taking a nap because you want to be nasty.” I pushed him back a little. The feel of his hard chest distracted me momentarily.

“Look at you. You’re the one who started with me, and now you want to tell me no,” he retorted, taking me right back into his arms. His lips covered mine, sending chills down my spine. The hold he had over me only seemed to get stronger as the years go by.

“Y’all muthafuckas act like you don’t have company in here. I’m trying to eat these good ass tacos in peace, and y’all over here trying to suck each other’s faces off,” Loyal complained. Justice flipped him the bird, then palmed my ass. I squealed, but he silenced me by slipping his tongue into my mouth. My head tilted back to receive him.

“Mmmm.” Another moan escaped me. The longer he kissed me, the more tempting his original offer sounded.

“Aye, cut that shit out! Y’all wildin’ right now,” Dreaux grumbled from behind us. Justice finally released me, but not before smacking me on the ass once more.

“That ass is getting’ fatter by the day. Those deep strokes from the back are starting to pay off.” My hand covered my mouth while I grinned. He told no lies because I’d gotten thicker over the course of our relationship.

“The two of you make me sick with all this sweet shit,” Dreaux retorted. They ragged on us often about our constant PDA, but neither of us cared.

“One of these days, we’ll be saying the same for you, and I can’t wait to rub it back in your face.” I teased him. Dreaux shook his head before taking another bite of his taco.

“Y’all can have all the mushy shit. All I need is my money, my family, and a couple of bad bitches. Life is good over here,” I waved him off, following Justice back to his desk. He sat down and then pulled me onto his lap. We sat and joked for a while until both Loyal and Dreaux got ready to leave.

“I love you, sis!” Loyal lifted me up out of Justice’s lap. I screamed when his silly tail spun me around. Growing up, I wondered what life would have been like with older brothers, and thanks to him, I knew I wouldn’t have survived. He drove me insane at times, but I knew who to call when I needed help.

“I love you too, Lo. Tell my girl I’ll be calling her when I get home,” She’d been commissioned to make a portrait for Justice as a wedding gift from me, and I couldn't wait to show him the finished product.

“I’m not telling her a damn thing. She gon’ be too busy taking this dick,” Loyal blurted out, finishing off his last bite of food.

“Bro, get out of here. We ain’t ask you for the extra details,” Justice grumbled.

The only times I’ve ever seen Loyal try to control his mouth were when we went to church. Even then, he slipped up a few times.

“How are you going to get mad at me because I said my wife would be busy? It’s the truth,” he reasoned. My only response was laughter because arguing with him would get us nowhere.

“Goodnight, bro. Don’t forget to let me know how your shoot goes tomorrow,” Justice shouted out. Loyal’s career has taken off in the last year, and I was so proud of him. His skills were incredible; I could see him going far in the industry.

“No doubt, I love y’all!”

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