Page 75 of Tangled Hearts
Knycole’s eyes bounced around, feeling a twinge of embarrassment from his loud voice. “I didn’t say that, Rock!”
“You ain’t said, shit!”
Palming her face with both hands, Knycole looked for the right words to say. She wanted to tell him she made a mistake. Wanted to confess her love for Hov. She also wanted to let him down easy. But none of those words came out. As her hands fell, they revealed her misty round eyes.
Rock sighed as his heart raced. “Look, just let me still take you out tonight. Give me that.” He wiped a lone tear form her round face. “Don’t cry, man.”
“I—”
He touched her lips with his finger afraid of what was about to come out her mouth. “Just come out with me. Will you do that?”
How could she say no to a man that once held her heart in his hands?Stillheld a piece. “Okay. What time?”
“Eight. Go home get sexy for me and I’ll scoop you.” His dark brown eyes were still begging her.
Knycole smiled showing her perfect smile. “Okay, Rock.”
His facial expression went from fearful to elated.
Rock’s slight gap gave her butterflies.
“And don’t be late, nigga.” Knycole pursed her lips knowing the old him was always late.
“I got you.” He opened her door and stepped to the side to let her get in. “I see life has been good to you,” he whistled getting a look at the inside of her truck.
The inside was custom with the queen chess piece embroidered in the seats. That hurt because he knew it was a testament to her and Hov’s love. He didn’t say anything. Instead, he kissed her lips before closing her car door and watching her pull out.
When he could no longer see her, he hopped in his own car needing to make a stop before he got ready for his date. There was still so much he needed to handle and people he needed to address. Rock could only take one day at a time. If he didn’t, he was going to spiral, and the streets wasn’t ready for the new ruthless Rock. At least, not yet. He was losing the battle on letting shit be what it is but as the days passed by, he was reminded that he needed to get his lick back.
CHAPTER 19
Rock took in his surroundings,surmising that the neighborhood was nice and clean. It was also quiet, which was something he had to adjust to. He was used to jail being loud. It would take some time for him to adjust to the free world. That along with coming home to all the other turmoil, it was safe to say, he wasn’t adjusting too well. The one good thing he could say was, at least he came home to money. Now, all he needed to do was figure out how to make more. Hov offered him a place in the business, but he was too prideful to take it.
As he stepped out the car, his eyes squinted from the sunrays. It was a clear and sunny day, helping his mood lighten up more. The townhome was nice and looked new since he didn’t remember the units from back in the day. The area was familiar and a clear indication of gentrification. He nodded at the pretty Mercedes Benz parked in the driveway. The porch was a nice size and just enough space for the outdoor loveseat, table, and plant. After he knocked on the door, he stepped back creating some distance. His visit was unexpected and with everything else he had going on, he didn’t know if there would be a surprise waiting for him.
As the door swung open, a wide smile greeted him. “Rock!” Shakeisha gushed wrapping her arms around him.
Rock embraced her, sucking in her vanilla scent. “Damn, you happy to see a nigga?!” his voice was laced with amusement and humor.
Once she pulled away, she punched his chest. “The fuck took you so long to come see me?” A cute pout filled her long face.
People liked to clown her with jokes about her appearance, but Shakeisha was a cute girl. In her own unique way. If you took the time to get to know her, you’d know she was cool and sweet as pie. Rock’s bid was more enjoyable because of her. She accepted all his calls and came to see him whenever possible. She was his rock in the best way possible.
“You know I had to check shit out and see what was what.” He walked in the house behind her, taking in her place. Shakeisha’s home was warm and inviting and she had some nice stuff. It was also clean as hell with a fresh scent of berries.
Rolling her eyes, she flopped on the couch. “Yea, you had to go run up behind Knycole, huh?”
“It’s funny you said that cause I got an issue with you.”
Using her finger to point at her voluptuous chest, she bucked her eyes. “Me?”
“Yea, you. We’ve been in touch for the last five and a half years but not one time did you tell me Hov was fuckin’ Knycole. I never thought you would do no flaw ass shit like that.”
“You mean Knycole was fuckin’ Hov?” She smirked, switching the order of their names up. It was clear to her that Rock placed all the blame on Hov.
Waving her off, Rock wasn’t trying to hear that shit. “Stop playing with me, for real.”
“Nigga please!” Shakeisha kissed her teeth. “The fuck I look like pillow talking with you about another bitch?”
