Total pages in book: 26
Estimated words: 22709 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 114(@200wpm)___ 91(@250wpm)___ 76(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22709 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 114(@200wpm)___ 91(@250wpm)___ 76(@300wpm)
“I’m just waiting on someone.”
“Well, we’ve gotten some complaints from the neighbors. They feel threatened.”
I took a quick look at the surrounding buildings and saw not one, not two, but three curtains quickly snap shut. They had no problem reporting an innocent black man to the police, but they couldn’t own up to it and look at me.
“I’ve just been sitting here,” I explained, but the officer shook his head.
“You don’t belong here, boy.” Boy? The term raised my hackles, but I took a deep breath to remain calm. The last thing I wanted was a confrontation. “You need to move along, or you’ll be coming with us.”
I didn’t want to leave until I’d spoken with Geo, but the last thing I needed was to be toted away by the cops. I couldn’t put my job and livelihood in jeopardy when it was unnecessary. I sighed and moved down one step when a click sounded behind me.
My heart leapt with hope and excitement when Geo poked his head out of his front door, looking adorable in a fluffy robe and a showercap. His eyes snapped from me, to the cops, and back again before asking, “What’s going on here?”
“We’re responding to a threat, sir,” the second officer piped up. “But we’re taking care of it.”
“Jamal isn’t a threat,” Geo replied clearly. Even though he was surely pissed and hurt, he still guarded my character.
“So he’s a friend of yours, then?”
“I know him,” Geo responded after a moment, and my heart sank into my stomach. He wasn’t claiming any type of relationship between us.
“And you’re sure you’re okay?” The original officer asked incredulously.
Geo’s voice held an undeniable bite when he answered, “I said I was. There’s no threat here.”
“Okay then,” he shrugged. “Have a good evening.”
As the cops neared their vehicle again, Geo ushered me inside his home. He shut the door and locked it behind us, muttering to himself, “Nosy ass fucking neighbors.” Since he was such a sweet soul, I knew he had to be riled up to be speaking that way. It gave me hope that he still cared for me, even if it was deep down. “How long were you out there?” He finally asked.
“I’m not sure. A while. I wasn’t trying to be creepy; I knocked. I just wanted to talk to you.”
“I didn’t hear you. I was trying to relax in the bath.” It explained his cute outfit. When Geo noticed me looking, he snatched the shower cap off of his head, explaining, “I just did my highlights. I didn’t want to get them wet.”
I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing. As adorable as he was, this wasn’t the time. “I thought maybe you were ignoring me. I wasn't sure if you wanted to see me.”
“I’m not sure I do either. But I don’t want you out there with those assholes.” Even if he hated my guts, he was still a good man.
“Well, thank you for not turning me away. Can we talk?”
“There’s nothing to talk about. I saw you with that woman. You gave her the gifts I brought for you. You told me to leave.” His eyes welled up with moisture, which spilled over his cheeks. “You broke my heart, Jamal.”
“Geo, I swear that’s the opposite of what I wanted to do. I hoped to make your day brighter by sending James and-”
“His name isn’t James Pond anymore,” he interrupted. “It reminded me of you so I changed it.” He was so pissed at me that he couldn’t even stand to call his pet the name I’d given it. “It’s Swim Shady now.” Once again, I had to stop myself from smiling. Everything he did was so damn cute, but I knew this wasn’t the time. Especially when Geo peeked out the window and told me, “The cops are gone now, so you can go.”
“Geo, please listen to me.”
“Why?” he snapped. “So you can tell me that you made a mistake? Or that it will never happen again? Because you’re damn right it won’t. I’m not giving you that chance again. I fell for everything you told me, but you’re not fooling me again.”
“You didn’t fall for anything; I’ve meant everything I’ve said, especially the way I feel about you. But there are some things that I should have told you that I haven’t.”
“Like that you have a side piece?” Geo glared.
“She’s not my side piece!”
“So I’m the side piece?” Tears flooded his face, but when I reached for him, Geo swatted my hands away.
“I don’t have a side piece! You are the only piece, and every piece of my heart.”
His voice was raw and desperate when he asked, “Then why were you touching her? Why did she kiss you?”
“Sharice is just a friend,” I explained, but Geo rolled his eyes. “I’m serious! We’ve known each other since we were in kindergarten. Yes, we were holding hands, and yes, she kissed my cheek, but I swear it wasn’t what you think.”