Page 68 of Still Made For You

I love you with all I have in me, and I want you to know I’ll be here for you no matter what. Even when you can’t see me in body, I’ll be watching over you in spirit. Go out into the world and claim everything that rightfully belongs to you. You all are my legacy, and I’m damn proud of what I’ve created. Hold this family together the way I taught you, and live life to the fullest. I love you, LJ.” My family called me LJ as a nickname for Law Josiah Graham.

Hearing my dad’s speech did something to my heart while we stood there embracing. I’d never been much of a praying man, but lately, it was all I found myself doing. A lot of my friends grew up without their fathers and it made me appreciate the one I’d been given. He may have been eccentric at times, but there wasn't a single time I called him, and he didn’t come to my rescue. Hell, even during my bid, he’d cuss me out every time, tell me he loved me then add money to my account. There would never be another Prosper Graham.

“Enough of this sentimental shit; it’s time to turn up! We only have a babysitter until the morning, so I need to get wasted now!” Loyal shouted, holding his glass in the air. I laughed at his silly ass standing on top of the couch in the section. You would think Auntie hadn’t taught him a damn thing with the way he acted at times.

“I love you, Cuzzo. I’m happy as hell to have you back home with us. Now we can roll up and really get down to business.” We held our glasses up in solidarity. Loyal never missed a single phone call or court date from the very beginning. When I say my family is built differently, I meant it. Not once did I ever feel as if I was alone during my time in prison. My family made sure I knew they loved me. Whether it was them answering my calls or sending me care packages. They stood ten toes down with me and I’d never forget.

“Cheers to no more early ass collect calls. This nigga had me waking up early as fuck like we were in a whole ass relationship out this bitch. Naw, foreal L-boogie, we missed you out here and we’re happy to have your ass back on this side of those walls. To more love, life and bad bitches!”

“Cheers!” The fellas all clanked our glasses while the ladies talked amongst themselves. As I looked around the room, I thank God for the blessings in front of me. My family grew in size while I’d been gone, and I loved to see it. The smiles on my cousin’s faces were what I hoped for in the future.

***

Anhourpassedbybefore I realized it and the liquor ran right through me. I decided to head to the bathroom then ventured off to check out the scene. My family and close friends were in the VIP section, but the club was full of patrons. Charity decorated the place with flyers of me on them. I still wasn’t sure how I felt about it, but everyone else thought it was dope. After using the bathroom, I washed my hands them headed out of the door.

“Oh, sorry, I didn’t see anyone coming out. I hope I didn’t ruin your clothes.” The pretty woman shrieked, attempting to wipe my shirt with her napkin.

“I’m good, love. It’s black, so no one will notice. Enjoy the rest of your evening,” I attempted to walk away, until I felt a tug on my arm.

“Hey, are you the guest of honor?” She asked, pointing to one of the posters of me.

“I am, I appreciate you for coming out,” I’m naturally uncomfortable around strangers, which a lot of people find hard to believe because of my family. We were known in the city, so everyone assumed we all enjoyed the spotlight.

“Well, welcome home,” She held her hand out for me to shake. The shit came off awkward, making us both laugh.

“Sorry, I’m not good with this. My sister dragged me out of the house tonight, so my social skills aren’t the best.” She admitted. Her pretty smile caught my attention. Stepping back, I finally took a look at the woman standing in front of me. What she lacked in height, she made up for in body.

“Oh, yeah? Here I am thinking you came here for me, and you didn’t even want to be here; that’s crazy.” The sound of her laughter stirred something in my chest.

“It’s not like that at all. I’m really a homebody, so it takes a lot to get me out of my shell. I promise it has nothing to do with you.” She explained. My mind became sidetracked from staring at her juicy pink lips.

“I’m not sure I believe you. Where’s your sister now? Do you guys have a table or something?”

“Unfortunately,” She rolled her eyes. My curiosity piqued from her expression.

“Is there a problem with the table?” I probed.

“No, the table isn’t the issue. I’m sorry, I’m sure you don’t want to spend your celebration talking to me about my issues. It’s really not that important.” Her eyes told me more than her words ever could.

“I’m in no hurry. Tell me what’s on your mind?” She brought out a side of me I normally only reserved for my siblings.

“I’m going through a bad break up I guess you could say. Trust me, I don’t want him back, but it’s a difficult adjustment because we lived together. My sister brought me here to hang out, thinking getting under another man would solve all my problems. I know she means well, but I’m not sure that’s the answer to my woes. With my luck, a one-night stand will turn into another dead-end relationship. Plus, I hate being around her ratchet-ass friends. Her best friend Ashanti has been throwing shade towards me all night, and I’m two seconds from putting my foot in that bitch’s ass.” She huffed. Her pretty face scrunched up in displeasure, garnering a laugh from me.

“Naw, don’t do that. Why don’t you come up to the VIP section with me? My family and friends are up there, plus I have plenty of cousins and sisters for you to chill with. You can bring your sister if you want.” I surprised myself with the offer, considering I rarely brought people around my family. Especially a complete stranger.

“Umm, I’m not sure if I should. You said it yourself that you’re with your family and friends. I wouldn’t want to intrude on that. Besides, tonight should be all about you, not me.” She shuffled her weight from one foot to the next. I could tell she was nervous being this close to me.

“Nonsense, I’m the one who offered. How about this, give me your name, and I’ll leave it with security. If you decide to come up, they’ll escort you to the section,” I reasoned. It’s been a while since I’ve been this pressed behind a woman, so I didn’t want to come on too strong.

“We’ve been standing here talking this whole time and I’m just now realizing we haven’t exchanged names. I’m Asha, Asha Lewis.” I made a mental note to have Jett run a background check on her if we ended up going any further than tonight.

“Law, Law Graham. My family calls me LJ, though.” This time I’m the one who held my hand out. She giggled then shook it.

“Nice to meet you, Law. I’m going to talk to my sister about it and if she agrees, I’ll come. I’m not inviting anyone else. They can stay right where they are,” Her little attitude returned, making my dick jump. She seemed like the perfect combination of sweet and feisty all in one.

“Alright, don’t keep me waiting too long.”

“I won’t,” I watched her hips sway as she walked away.

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