Page 44 of Bern and Isley
“Nah, she never saw me coming.”
I chuckled. My bestie was not fucking around behind me. I knew she was fucked up about all that I had faced in the last couple of months. Between her and Bern, they had been super protective over me since the accident, so her running up on Braylah didn’t even surprise me.
“Thank you for having my back, sis.”
“Always. I know you’d do the same for me.”
Snow and I hung out for the remainder of the day. Bern was so impressed with Snow getting street justice on my behalf that he offered to take care of any legal fees associated with her arrest. It was a great reminder that even though my aunt had left the city, there were plenty of people left who still had my back.
Chapter 25
Bern
Isley had spent nearlyevery night with me in my apartment since her aunt moved a month ago. And I was loving every minute of it. It was a blessing to wake up to her beautiful face every morning and snuggle with her every night after making sweet love.
“I don’t think I’m going to renew the lease,” Isley announced as we were lounging on the sofa. “It doesn’t feel the same with Aunt Fee being gone.”
“I can understand that. Besides, I wanted to see how you feel about moving in with me.”
She eyed me. “Are you serious?”
“Hell yeah I’m serious. I love you and want to be around you all the time.”
“You don’t think it’s too soon? We haven’t been official that long.”
“I don’t give a fuck about none of that, Icey. The timing doesn’t mean shit to me.”
“I don’t know, Bernie.”
“Isley, you’ve spent too many years caring for other people. I know you’re an independent woman and everything, but let me take care of you, baby. You can move in here with me. I’m goingto pay all of the bills and the money you make from doing hair is all yours to keep and stack. What do you have to lose?”
“I don’t want to take advantage of you. You’ve done so much for me over the years.”
“Ay… stop that shit, Icey. I’m your man. I’m supposed to protect and provide for you. It’s never been me keeping a running tab on shit that I do for you and it’s not going to start now. It makes me feel good to be able to take care of you. To lighten your load. The love you give me is priceless and I can never repay you for it. Let me give you the loving care that you deserve. Don’t deny me that, Icey.”
“Okay. If you’re sure…”
“Of course, I’m sure. I got you, Isley. I promise I do.”
I understood where she was coming from. With her past, it was easy for her to feel like she always had to depend on someone and felt indebted to them. But that would never be the case with me. In due time, she would see.
Epilogue
ISLEY
I exhaledafter finishing my last client for the day. When my clients learned that I was going on a month-long vacation, everybody and their mama wanted to book before I left. I was tired as hell, but I wasn’t complaining. That just meant I had extra spending money for traveling. The first stop would be to Arkansas to lay eyes on my Aunt Fee. Uncle Jack and his long-term girlfriend who happened to be a nurse practitioner had been taking really good care of her, but I still liked to lay eyes on her every few months. After spending a couple days with her, Bern and I would be off to The Maldives.
Bern had purchased a second car wash and business was doing really well. I had increased my clientele dramatically. I was able to keep my fees reasonable so my favorite clients from the D-Ville projects could still afford my services.
My phone vibrated as I was finishing cleaning.
“Yes, babe,” I answered, rolling my eyes.
“Um, you know our flight is in two hours, right?” Bern asked.
“I know, I know. I’m getting ready to head out of the door.”
“I told you that you needed to take the day off. But nah, you wanted to squeeze in last minute clients like you hurting for money.”
