Page 34 of Saved By A Small Town Country Boy
“And what if I say no?”
His jaw muscles tightened. “Does it look like you have much of a fucking choice?” He released me and shoved me into the side of the exam table. It hit me in the rib. “The drugs are on the opposite side of the stable. You keep riding and you’ll find it. I just need you to find out where his safe is and get all the money out of it.” Tucking his gun back in his waistline, he moved toward the door. “Oh, and if you think about doing anything stupid, I’ll just kill that lil girl. Bet you get some act right then,” he said and exited the room.
Chapter 14
Khalif
A couple days later
The fair is in town. This is the first weekend of it being here, and it’s all that Khali has been talking ’bout for the last couple of weeks. I promised her that I was gon’ take her, so that’s our plan for the day.
After going out and tending to the animals, I came inside to get started on breakfast. Khali was still sleeping. Normally, she’d be up handling her chores, but I allowed her to sleep in for the day. She’s been doing great at school, and it’s a rewarding experience.
My mind drifted to Remedi. I wanted to spend time with her, but I know that she’s been busy. It’s been hard trying to get up with her ever since Khali’s birthday party. Last I heard, she’s been working down there at the animal clinic. I probably should’ve taken into consideration what Dallas said ’bout hiring her for myself. Now I’m gon’ have to share her with the rest of the town.
Since Simone’s death, Remedi has been the only person who’s been able to get to me. No matter how much I tried tofight it, she just wouldn’t release the hold she was gripping on my heart.
“It smells good, Daddy,” Khali said from behind me, grabbing me from my thoughts. I hadn’t even realized that she’d gotten up. Usually, I would’ve heard her enter the kitchen.
“It’s almost done,” I told her and flipped the pancake.
“Daddy, I’ve been thinking. I want Remedi to come to the fair with us today.” My head whipped in her direction. “She told me that she hasn’t been to the fair since she was small. I want her to come.”
“I’ll ask her, but I can’t make you any promises. Remedi might be busy,” I replied and turned my attention back to the pancake. Smoke rose from the pan, and I lifted it from the eye. Fucking with Khali, I’d burned the damn pancake. Thankfully, it was the last one.
Setting the pan to the side, I grabbed a plate and fixed Khali’s food, and then took it over to her at the table. “Thank you, Daddy.”
“You’re welcome, Princess.” After fixing my food, I joined her. She did a lil happy dance in her seat as she ate her food. Picking up my phone, I went to the messages and stopped at Remedi’s name.
Khali and I are going to the fair tonight. She wanted me to ask if you’d like to come with us.
Not expecting a text right away, I set the phone down on the table and eat my food. Khali finished sooner than me and decided that she wanted to clean the dishes. She grabbed her step stool and placed it in front of the sink before climbing on it.
I set my plate down on the counter next to the sink, and my phone chimed. Picking it up from the table, I saw the message from Remedi.
Sure. I don’t have any plans for the night. What time should I be ready?
Six is fine.
“Remedi said that she’s going,” I told Khali.
“Yes!” She tossed her soapy hand up in the air, and soap suds dripped on the floor.
“Finish up the dishes. I’m finna take a seat on the porch for a bit.”
I exited the house and sat down on the porch in Simone’s swing. It was one of the things that she declared be installed. She liked sitting out here early in the morning with a good book or just watching nature. So much of this house reminds me of her. People have asked me several times how come I didn’t just up and sell it if it brought me so much pain. That’s something I couldn’t find myself doing. This was our dream house. It’s Khali’s home. I wouldn’t dare take that away from her, no matter how much it hurts.
“I know I gotta move on, Simone. Just give me a sign of what to do ’cause I don’t know at this point,” I whispered to myself.
The screen door flew open, and Khali stepped out with a couple of carrots in her hands. “I’m finna give Beauty a snack. You wanna come?” She stepped onto the porch and looked over at me.
“Yeah, I’ll come.” Getting up from the swing, I followed Khali out into the stable. She stopped in front of Beauty’s stall and unlocked it.
Khali entered and handed Beauty one of the carrots. “Thata girl,” she said as she stroked Beauty’s mane. After Beauty ate the other carrot, she grabbed Beauty’s brush and glided it across her hair. “Ma would’ve loved you.” Her lips softly caressed Beauty’s face. I’m not sure where she got kissing animals from, but it damn sure wasn’t me. “You think Remedi will love staying with us?”
“Khali, what are you talking about?”
“You know…” She continued to brush Beauty. “Once you marry her. You think she’ll like staying here?”
