Page 195 of Restless
With Momma’s release from the hospital, Christmas decorations finally hung in most of the house, including the office where the scent of cinnamon and pine wafted from a bowl of potpourri on top of one of the file cabinets near the door.
“Why didn’t CJ tell me?” Jaleena asked, glancing around the room.
Shrugging, Rebel went to reach for her phone, then remembered she didn’t have a pocket on her expensive dress, therefore she didn’t have her phone. “Why should he have to tell you anything, Jaleena?” she demanded, sharper than necessary due to frustration over her lack of phone. She wanted to text Mattie and tell her that the coast was clear. Her dickhead daddy was in the mancave. “We need to wrap the presents.”
“I can start,” Jillian volunteered, rushing to the sofa.
“Wrap them carefully,” Juliana instructed, following behind Jillian while Jaleena stood near Momma’s desk, gazing out the window, hallowed by the Christmas lights. “They have to be perfect, Lia.”
“They don’t have to be perfect,” Rebel corrected. “They just have to be done.”
Turning, Jaleena lifted her chin. “CJ should’ve told me. I knew he was the big man on campus, but I always thought I was one of the wealthiest.”
Rebel snorted. “Does it fucking matter?”
“Yes!” she cried. “My parents worked hard to achieve their wealth and success. I searched for a boy equal to or above me but then I met Nardo, and I realized I didn’t have to level-up. He was sweet and kind andpoor. My father helped my mother with her college costs, and she constantly preached that it is a man’s job to provide. I’m a 21stCentury woman and I don’t mind helping my man.”
“That’s up to you, Jaleena,” Rebel said. “But I happen to agree with your mother. Maybe, you need to stop with your complexes and stereotypes, and you’d find a boy you deserve. At the moment, you sure the fuck don’t deserve my brother.”
“Why? Because your family can buy and sell mine?”
Narrowing her eyes, Rebel pursed her lips, not liking Jaleena’s undertones.
“Do you know how that sounded coming fromyou?”
“Like I was making a fucking point? Get over yourself, Jaleena. I also said Uncle Mort and Uncle Digger can buy and sellmyfamily. And you don’t deserve CJ because he isn’t a project to fix to your tastes. He’s a real boy with real feelings who wanted to impress your raggedy ass because he likes you for you. At this point, I wish he would go with Molly. I wish—”
“In case you haven’t realized, CJ wanted Harley and now he wants me. Molly isn’t his type,” Jaleena told her. “It’s so telling that you’re painting Harley and me in a bad light, while Molly is an angel.”
“Leave Molly alone,” Rebel snapped. She’d had her issues with the girl, but at the moment, she was in a bad way physically and mentally. “Your implications insult me.”
“The truth hurts,” Jaleena said. “Why should it matter to me if you’re insulted?”
“Because you’re inmyfucking house and I’m five seconds from throwing you out.”
“We’re CJ’s guests, not yours.”
“He’d back me up,” Rebel said with certainty, especially once he heard her reasons. “Your accusations are baseless. My feelings are the result of youandHarley having your asses on your shoulders and hurting my brother. Molly’s an airhead, but at least she respects and likes CJ.”
Jaleena stomped to the sofa where the presents sat untouched because the argument enraptured her sisters. “Let’s just wrap the presents.”
“I’m going find Mattie and Ava,” Rebel grumbled, turned on her heel and stalked out, leaving the door gaping.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Glancing at the clock on the wall, Christopher wondered how fucking long he’d have to deal with fucking Jeremiah Davis. Every time CJ tried to initiate conversation with that motherfucker, Jeremiah either shut CJ down or ignored him outright.
If Christopher had to guess, his woman wouldn’t want him to fuck that motherfucker up, but his patience was wearing thin. He’d give credit to Knox and Cameron for attempting to draw CJ into the conversation, extol his virtues, or both, though nothing worked.
Diesel hadn’t come in and Rory and Grant escaped after five minutes. Christopher was considering taking a fucking walk before he lost his fucking temper.Howfuckinever,if he spoke or moved, he might blow that motherfucker away.
“My mom has a Corvette,” CJ said. “I want to drive it so bad, but Dad won’t let me.”
Jeremiah cleared his throat. “As I was saying, Cam, JaZuria will be shocked when we return from her birthday trip. She’s wanted a Corvette since she was in college.”
CJ drew in a deep breath, his shoulders slumping slightly.
“It’s okay, little dude,” Digger said, patting CJ’s back. “An uppity motherfucker likeMiahnot worth your fucking time.”
