Page 56 of Juke
Mama’s voice rose. “Ruin our trip? Sophia Nicole, me, and your daddy did not come down here to eat good and shop while you’re out here dealing with shit like this. You are my child. If something is wrong… I’m supposed to know. Period.”
“I know, Mama…”
“Then why keep it from me?”
“Because I didn’t want you worrying… and because I didn’t want Daddy to feel like he had to do something about it.”
She went quiet for a second. “Baby, your daddy already feels like he has to do something. You know him, and I know you don’t wanna see him get riled up, but you can’t keep stuff like this from us.”
“I’m okay,” I said softly.
“I know you’re with Rashad, and I like him. Your daddy likes him. He made a good impression, but I’on care how good of a man he is; you are my responsibility before you are anybody’s woman. If I feel like you’re not safe, I’m coming to get you,” she said with finality.
Her words made my eyes sting. “Mama, I really am okay. Rashad’s been… he’s been there for me. I feel safe with him.”
“I believe you,” she breathed out. “He looked me in my face and told me he wouldn’t let anything happen to you, and I believe he meant that, but I’m still gone check on you. You hear me?”
“Yes, ma’am.” I nodded even though she couldn’t see me.
“And your daddy said to tell Rashad that if he needs help with this Rio situation, he ain’t scared to put in some work.”
That actually made me laugh. “Please don’t tell Daddy to get involved in this mess.”
“Too late, baby,” she said with a little smile in her voice. “But I’ll keep him from doing anything reckless… for now.”
“I love you, Mama.”
“I love you more, baby. And tell Rashad I said thank you for taking care of my baby.”
“I will.”
When we hung up, I took a second just to breathe. Mama always had a way of making me feel both protected and called out at the same time. My screen still lit up with missed calls from the girls, so I tapped their FaceTime request.
The second the screen connected, all three faces popped up in separate little boxes. Mel was on her couch with a blanket thrown over her legs. Nic was curled up in bed, and Kasha sitting at her kitchen island with a glass of wine.
“Bitch, I thought we had to come over there and jump on Juke’s big ass,” Mel grinned. “How you feeling?”
“I’m alright.” I smiled.
Nic tilted her head. “Alright? After tonight? Girl, you better not be lying to us.”
“I’m not. I mean… I was a little shaken, but I’m okay now.”
Kasha narrowed her eyes from her screen. “And what did Mr. Knockout have to say?”
“He said the food’s ready, so come on and let’s eat.” I turned and saw him swagger into the room and head toward the bed where I was. When he got close, he leaned forward and dropped a kiss on my lips.
The girls all started grinning like fools, with me following suit. “Okay, I’ll be out in a minute.”
He kissed me once more before turning around and leaving me to finish my conversation. When he was gone, all three girls leaned toward their screens.
“Uh huh,” Nic said, pointing. “That man loves you.”
“He told me that tonight,” I blurted.
The squeals that erupted through the speakers made me laugh and shake my head.
“See! I knew it! Didn’t I say it?” Mel clapped.
