Page 103 of Grace

“For what?”

“For giving you attitude. It’s your birthday. I shouldn’t be this way.”

“How should you be?”

She took her time answering, “I don’t know.”

“I do.”

“How should I be?”

I kissed her lips again, not caring about the saltiness. “Mine. You should be mine, Witherspoon.”

“I don’t even know your last name.Andyou want to get married. How am I supposed to take on a name I don’t even know?”

Immediately, my ass got lost in that thought. If Witherspoon became mine, she’d know everything. Everything. The concept seemed so remote for me.

“Yo, there they go!” Man, now in the water, called over from a few yards away.

I glanced up and saw the boat one of our housekeeping staff was returning. He used it to fish for our food today. I’d been waiting on him to get back so I could have my personal time with Witherspoon.

“Come chill with me for a bit.”

She turned in my arms, trying to find what I was looking at. “On that boat? That’s not like your boat at home.”

I snorted. “Nah. This a lil fishing boat. I would take one of the jet skis, but they may need it to entertain your girls.”

“Yeah. How long so I can tell them? Where are we going?”

“About five minutes east. There’s a lil islet belonging to the owner. I figure we cop a spot over there and chill.”

Jug ran down with the book bag I’d left by the concrete. “Here you go?” He handed it off to me as I let Witherspoon down.

“You tell her girls where we’re going?”

“Yeah. Y’all go head,” Juggy ordered. “Me and Corinne got some shit to get off our chest. Prolly best you ain’t around for that explosion.” Juggy cracked the hell up.

Witherspoon laughed. “You’re so crazy! Aye!” She waved her arms. “You okay with me leaving?”

“Take your time, boo!” the white girl shouted back. “If you’re not back by the time we leave, we know you’re smacking pelvises with the birthday boy!”

That made me laugh. Jug, too. Witherspoon’s girls were snickering.

“Happy birthday, Jas,” the thick one greeted.

“What’s her name?” I whispered to Witherspoon.

“Corinne.”

“Thanks, Corinne,” I shouted back. “I appreciate that!”

“Bye, babes!” The Japanese one waved at Witherspoon while kicking it with Man.

We left for the boat where the guy held it for us until we took over. We rode a few minutes over to the small, shaded island I was shown last night. It was a secluded inlet with a hammock and padded furniture. There was also a grill and picnic table with benches.

Witherspoon stayed in the boat while I secured the bookbag on dry land before anchoring it. I helped her out and as she explored the area, I set up music using my phone andBluetoothspeaker. I set up the table with her cigars and accessories,Château Blevin,Mauve, glasses, a cheese and fruit tray, and water for me.

“I saw your Bible in the room,” she noted behind me, turning over seashells with her toes. “You know they have apps for that now.”

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