Page 60 of Juke
“You sure?” I questioned.
“I’m positive.” Buck countered.
“So, what’s the move?” Stacks asked.
I leaned forward, forearms on the table. “I’on plan on letting Boom make it to the ring.” My jaw flexed. “And when I get my hands on Rio… I’m gone kill him with my bare hands.”
“So the bag on this fight don’t mean shit to you?” Kilo questioned.
“Nigga, fuck that money,” I sneered. “Ain’t shit more important than keeping her safe.” I nodded my head toward Sophi.
“And you think you’re ready for what’s gone come with that?” Stacks sat up and asked.
“I’ain never been more ready in my life. I make a living beating niggas asses. It’d be my pleasure to actually have some fuckin’ fun while doing it.” I smirked.
“Rio moving real reckless because he thinks he’s moving under the radar. No telling how he got linked up with that nigga Boom. I say we let those two think they have the upper hand, all while making sure Sophi and the other ladies are safe.” Kilo advised.
“Or,” I said, leaning back in my chair, “I can get rid of both them niggas and all this shit will be over.”
“Nigga, you ain’t God,” Buck chided
I cracked a smile that didn’t touch my eyes. “Nah… I’m just his right hand.”
The room went dead quiet for a second until Buck spoke up.
“Well, Mr. Right Hand… just make sure you don’t bury yo’ damn self in the process. I’ain got time to explain to my wife why I’m out killing niggas when I told her I’d chill.”
“Nigga, if you scared, say you scared,” Stacks joked.
“Kiss my ass, Jackson, ’fore I start with yo’ ass,” Buck threatened.
“Yeah, aight,” Stacks countered.
I don’t know how this shit was gone play out, but I was gone make sure I was prepared for anything. Too much was at stake to be caught lacking.
***
We were now sitting across from her parents, having a late lunch and just to see a genuine smile on Sophi’s face was enough for me. Her pops was cool as fuck, and been cracking jokes since we sat down. Mrs. Neicy was doing what all mamas did, asking a million questions and making a billion suggestions.
“So, Rashad,” Mrs. Neicy finally said, setting her glass down. “How serious are you about my daughter?”
“Mama,” Sophi groaned as she shot her mama a look.
“It’s a fair question,” Mrs. Neicy pressed, but her tone wasn’t harsh. More curious and protective.
I leaned back in my chair and met her gaze. “It’s as serious as it gets. I’on go into anything I do with the intentions of mishandling it. That goes for Sophi as well. I got her, and she will never have to doubt that. I know I’m not as vocal as I should be, but what I lack in words will always be spoken through my actions,” I answered honestly.
“Mhm,” she hummed. “It sounds good and believable.”
“That’s because it’s the truth,” I countered.
Sophi’s hand slipped under the table and into mine, squeezing it as if she needed the reassurance. I squeezed back, my grip firm and unwavering. Out the corner of my eye, I caught her pops watching our interaction. He didn’t speak on it, but I could tell he was observing and taking notes.
“Let me be clear with you, Rashad. My daughter’s been through more than she should’ve. I’on care how tough you fight in that ring… if you love her like you say you do, then you make damn sure nobody ever drags her through that again. I’m not asking you, son… I’m telling you.”
I didn’t flinch. I leaned in too, locking eyes with him so he could see I meant every word. “Understood. I love your daughter, and I’ll protect her with my life, even if it means losing mine.”
The table went quiet for a beat. Mrs. Neicy’s face softened while Horace held my stare for another moment before nodding slowly, like he’d gotten his answer. Just like that, the mood shifted back. Horace cracked another joke about Rell donating his money to charity instead of losing it in the ring, and everybody laughed. Mrs. Neicy shared little stories about Sophi when she was younger… things that had her covering her face with her hands while I sat there grinning, taking it all in.
