Page 111 of His to Have
“Pay for your things, Amore,” I told her, picking up the rest of her market finds, then pressing my phone back to my ear as my tone shifted into straight business mode. “He ask about what went down at the wedding yet?”
“You know he has. First thing out his mouth, was who was responsible for the hit. Two minutes after his fuckin’ eyes open, that nigga was all business like his ass ain’t been fighting for his life for weeks.”
“That sounds like your Pops,” I chuckled.
That was one thing I’ve always respected. He was a fighter and never let anything get in his way, not even a little brush with death.
Bash sucked his teeth. “Man... I had to tell his old ass to calm down.”
That also made me laugh. “So, what is it that he wants? I know he woke up making demands.”
“He wanted to know the state of the faction with him being out and with your family transitioning power. When I told him about Isabella and what she did to Yanna... he was pissed. He wants me to officially take his place, so we... the faction can properly handle Gianni. He knows business must go on.”
“I have plans for Gianni.” I told him matter of factly.
“We’ll rap about it when you touch down. You thinking tomorrow?”
“Yeah, at the earliest.” I glanced at my watch. “Set up a private meeting. You, me, Gianni.... Neutral. Next week. Yanna will wanna see and spend some time with Samuel. But I’m not leaving her in Atlanta. A week gives us plenty of time to put shit in motion.”
“Bet,” he chimed, and I ended the call, sliding the phone back into my pocket just as Yanna walked up with her hands full.
“The lady threw in a free candle since I bought so much,” she beamed, holding up a small jar wrapped in ribbon. “Ugh, I’m gonna miss this. I can’t wait until we visit again. But I’m ready to go home.”
She looked lighter now, energized from the call with her mother. I could tell her mind was already shifting back to our life back home.
Taking the rest of her things and placing my hand at the small of her back, I asked. “You ready to head back to the villa and pack?”
This time, there was no hesitation when she said, “Yeah.”
twenty-nine
Ayanna
The house felt different the moment I stepped through the front door. It was more lively and less... depressing than it had been in the prior weeks. While medical equipment hummed quietly down the hall, and what used to be the formal sitting room had been completely transformed into the room my father received his care, there was a sense of peace that hadn’t been there all month. Two nurses I’d never seen before were in and out of Daddy’s room being careful not to wake him or my mom.
My father was lying in the hospital bed with his eyes closed when I walked in. The fabric over his chest rose and settled steadily, while loud beeps from his monitor echoed throughout the space. He seemed frailer than the last time I saw him. His normally rich chocolate skin looked noticeably paler, with a slightly grayish tint that came from being sick.
Still, the serenity in his expression was comforting.
My mother, on the other hand, sat in the chair near his bed with one hand gently resting on the back of his forearm. With her head tilted to the side, her breathing was soft, giving way to sleep. And despite the peacefulness of her slumber, the dark circles under her eyes spoke volumes of her exhaustion.
She must have heard the door creak open, because when her eyes fluttered wide and she took one look at both Teo and I, she whispered, “Sweetheart.”
“Hey Mama,” I leaned down wrapping my arms around her, squeezing her tight.
“Mrs. Antoinette.” Teo spoke following behind me.
“Now, you know better than that, chile.” She swatted playfully at Teo’s arm and he grinned bending down to place a kiss on her cheek.
“You’re right, Ma. How have you been holding up?”
He moved closer to my dad’s bed, his eyes taking in the heart monitor, the table full of meds, and the collection of flowers and cards from friends and family.
“It’s been tough,” my mother admitted, her voice tired. “He just woke up yesterday morning and I can’t get him to focus on his health.” She turned her gaze back to my father, shaking her head slightly. “I keep trying to tell my stubborn husband that the business will be there.”
Teo moved closer to the bed, his voice gentle. “I get it. Business is familiar. Probably the only thing that he feels he can control right now.”
My mother exhaled, but she knew Teo was probably right. This family business was all my father knew. And while her concerns were valid, we all knew she wasn’t going to be able to slow him down, not even in his weakened state. Business always came first with Daddy.
