Page 111 of Bear
“Well, explore it. He doesn’t seem to be clingy.”
“He’s not.” A small smile played on her lips while she thought about Tito and a weird wave of happiness struck me. Kareema was finally happy with a guy. She deserved to be happy.
“How’s Bear? Because you’re definitely wearing the just-got-finished-fucking face.”
My chest swelled with love and pride and all kinds of things that make me warm and melty on the inside. “He’s knocked out thank God. He’s broken up over Ace.”
“That shit was horrifying. You holding up okay?”
“I’m sure I’m still in shock but I’m alright for the time being.”
“It’s the aftereffect of the dick,” Kareema said with her mouth full of ice cream. We shared a laugh and both took a spoonful of ice cream.
“You think since you’ll be home with me now that maybe we can start plans for our night care facility?” I asked softly. Kareema’s eyes lit up as she looked at me.
“You still want to do it? I thought after Kaiden…”
“I know.” I clasped my hands together and looked at my fingers. “I’m working past that. I realized that bad things aren’t going to cease to happen if I refuse to follow my dreams. They’re going to happen the same as they always have and all I can do is roll with the punches.
I just watched Bear kill his father and lose his best friend all in one night and he’s upstairs knocked out like a fucking baby. I know he’s hurting and I know he’s not going to be himself for a while but nothing is going to stop that man from doing what he loves every day.
I’m taking a page from his book. I’m going to push through. Hopefully, you’re still on board with me.”
“Girl, you know you’re my best bitch for life. I’m always down. We’re going to make this dream a reality and we’re going to do it for Kaiden and Mrs. Foster.” She hugged me from across the table and I felt my soul settle.
Things weren’t ever going to be perfect but they were balancing out to a new normal and I was fine with that. Kareema and I clinked our spoons together and promised each other that we’d roll with the punches while we manifested our dreams.
BEAR
After Ace’s funeral, I sat in the study ofmyfucking house withmyfamily. The ones I picked out for myself. Titan, Sarah, Ivy, Tito, Kareema, Luanne, Paul, Lane, and Cecily. Ivy donated all the dessert from Honey Sugar for the repast and Luanne cooked for us once we all settled at the house. Cecily found her favorite spot on my lap and I wrapped my arms protectively around her middle.
I never wanted anything to happen to her. I would slay a million dragons for her as long as she looked at me like I was her knight in shining armor forever. I dotted the back of her neck with kisses while she talked to everyone else in the room. I was lost in her satiny skin and the way she still managed to smell like Fruity Pebbles even after being busy all day.
I dragged the tip of my nose up and down the nape of her neck where fine wisps of hair gathered like strands of ebony silk. “So when’s the wedding?” Mr. Paul asked, his eyes locked onto every movement I made while everyone else was content to ignore me.
“Soon as she graduates,” I told him honestly. I didn’t want to take away from Cecily going after her dream. Besides, she belonged to me. She had been mine ever since I pushed that door open all those years ago.
My fingers found her dimples while she was in mid-smile and my heart squeezed. Paul nodded quietly and looked at his daughter. “You ready for that?” He asked.
“I’m ready now, Dad. It’s just a matter of timing. Plus who else would I end up with?” She turned to look at me and pressed a quick kiss to my lips. I wanted more but I had to be respectful in front of my future in-laws.
“He’s a good boy, Paul,” Lane smiled.
“He is,” Luanne chimed.
“That means a lot coming from y’all. My mothers.” I lifted my unlit cigar in a toast to them and they laughed a little. Cecily pulled my hand down and took the cigar from between my fingers.
“I need you to quit smoking,” she said seriously. I groaned and tipped back in my chair.
“She’s right,” Ivy said, pointing at me.
“You too? You’re supposed to be on my side,” I chuckled.
“Mmm, nah. You’re outnumbered,” Kareema said, hands on her hips.
“Oh yeah? In my own house?” I let another laugh slip out. It felt good knowing that the house I grew up in belonged to me. It felt good knowing I didn’t have the heavy cloud of my father hanging over my head anymore.
He was still stiff in the butcher’s freezer until I was ready to deal with his body. It wasn’t like he was going anywhere. I’d get rid of him in my own time.
