Page 28 of A Kingpin's Weakness
“That will still happen. Trust me,” I replied, smiling.
“How’s your brother, by the way?” she asked.
“He actually just woke up. They’re running some tests, so I’m letting them do their thing,” I said, grateful for the reprieve.
“Thank God. I was praying for him,” Ari said sincerely.
“I appreciate that.” I smiled back.
“You hungry?” RJ asked Ari, pulling out the chair he’d been sitting in.
“I could eat,” she laughed. “I’ve been running around all night, and my recovery was late this morning.”
“You’re a peds nurse, right?” I asked.
“Yes. Somewhat easier than a trauma nurse, but I still see my share of sad cases just like RJ. Last night. That was one for the books,” she said with a tired smile.
“But with you being a teacher, I’m sure you see some tough things too,” Ari added kindly.
“Yeah,” I said quietly, thinking about the many kids I’d helped over the years kids with bruises hidden behind smiles, kids scared to go home because of the people who were supposed to protect them, didn’t.
“What’s going on here? Where my food?” Jo barged into the cafeteria, loud as ever, breaking us out of our conversation.
“Jo, here… you can have the rest of my food,” I said, shoving the salad and chicken wrap toward her.
“I don’t want this rabbit food. Where the fuck the chicken wings and curly fries at?” she said, obviously high as a kite.
“Jo, please be quiet,” I pleaded.
“Who dis?” she asked, finally noticing Ari and stuffing her face with the salad she just called rabbit food.
“Jo, this is Ari, my girlfriend,” RJ said, introducing the two.
“Hi, Jo, so nice to meet you. You’re Stormi’s mom, right?” Ari said politely.
“Girl, do you even know who Stormi is?” Jo snapped.
I just dropped my head because here she goes.
“Yeah, RJ’s best friend,” she replied tiredly.
“More like RJ’s love interest. Your boyfriend’s been in love with my daughter. Always has been and always will be. Stormi’s just afraid. But the moment she tells him she’s ready, he’s gonna drop you like a bad habit. Hope you can handle that,” Jo sneered.
“Jo, shut the fuck up. You’re talking about shit you don’t know,” I shot back.
“How you talking to me like that? I’m gonna have your back when this bitch tries to whoop your ass about her man who you stole. That’s really your man,” Jo fired back.
“Ari, please excuse my high-ass mother. Apparently, she stuck the needle too deep this time or not deep enough,” I said, trying to diffuse the tension.
“RJ and I are just friends. Yeah, there was a crush once upon a time, but we never explored it or went further than that. I don’t want a romantic relationship with RJ, and he feels the same,” I explained firmly.
“Yeah, Jo just always talking out the side of her neck,” RJ reassured Ari.
Ari smiled and kissed RJ on the lips.
“Let us two get out of y’all’s hair and go check on Noah. They should be done running tests by now,” I said.
I gave RJ and Ari a hug and said goodbye, then pulled Jo toward the elevator, already tired of her drama.
