Raising my left hand to run my thumb over his lip, my hand froze mid-air. There, on my ring finger, was the most beautiful rose gold pear halo pave` engagement ring I’ve ever seen. And the chocolate diamond against the rose gold band and outer diamonds, was this really happening?
“Marriage, love, and children. I stopped desiring those things once I became a man. Growing up my life wasn’t ideal for many, but I survived and was able to keep two boys alive. Once they started living their lives, I questioned what would be my next purpose, what would be the next assignment God had for me. That’s when everything became clear it was you. Your presence has been here for years.” Standing with his hand out for me to join him, Amell wrapped his arms around me and hugged me tight.
“Gazelle, you are my greatest blessing. Before you I didn’t think I had anything to live for. Felt like I was coasting through life doing the same repetitive things over and over again. Letting you in, learning to love you. Giving you the world so in return you’d love me, I want that forever. I want you forever. Even the day after forever I want that with you.
“I want to fill your womb with our children. I want to watch you give birth to my seeds. I want to stay up all night watching over our little girl who looks like you but favors me most. I want to teach my son what my father failed to teach me, how to be a loving, respectable man. Marry me, Krishna Gazelle. Marry me.”
“Yo, Krishna. I know you aren’t high right now?” JD asked standing next to me with a megawatt smile.
Shaking myself from the haunting memory, I pinched his cheek. “First of all, yes, I am high but I know what’s going on.” I giggled watching his eyes widened.
“Chillax. Your new frat brother and roommate offered me a puff and I took it.”
Focusing back on the massive sea of people on the yard at Howard University, I turned to JD and smiled wider. My baby had officially crossed over to dog land. Time had passed without a care to whether we wanted to cherish the moments or not. Here he was a junior in college excelling and a true respectable ladies’ man. Regardless of the fact he now had muscles on top of muscles.
Regardless of the full beard on his handsome face. Regardless that his lanky figure had thickened out and he was out here being these college girls dream guy. Regardless of the girlfriend he had who was across the yard with her sorority sisters.
Jeremy Davis Jr. would forever be my baby.
“Please don’t smoke with Quan no more. He swears he can bag you and the last thing I need is to be at odds with my roommate because you hurt his feelings.” He slung a sweaty, muscular arm over my shoulder and started walking around the crowd of people.
“Why are you over here with me anyway?” I teased poking him in the side. “Aren’t you supposed to be celebrating with your brothers?” When I arrived two days ago for his spring crossing, I think both of us were on the verge of crying on the steps of his apartment.
When I went missing, I made sure to stay in contact with JD as much as I could without having my location tracked. If I knew anything about Amell and his clan of brothers I knew they would find me if I gave them an opportunity to.
“I have forever to party with these fools, but I can’t say the same for you.” He smirked looking at me from the corner of his eyes. “Besides, when we party together, we have fun. Don’t act like we didn’t shut it down in Virginia Beach that one time.”
How could I forget that time? That was when he…
I refused to go down that sad depressing memory lane. It was bad enough that I zoned out so far that I thought back on the day he proposed.
The DJ changed the song to an old Crime Mob joint and our eyes locked. Our joint laughter turned into us dancing with the others on the yard. Getting all rowdy and sweaty. Having the time of my life since I don’t know when. Seeing JD happy. Seeing him free and healed, I know Amell would be proud.
“Yo, Pacino. What are you doing here?” Fuck me.
JD moved around me to greet the devil. I refused to turn around just yet.
Him being here, well I expected it but not until tomorrow at the family brunch. Like I knew Amell’s puppets were out here searching high and low for me, I knew all their whereabouts and knew he’d be here to stand in for his friend.
Finding the guts, I turned around with a forced smile. “Well. Well. Well. Look who hell let loose.”
He stood next to JD with a smug on his face trying to intimidate me. He failed terribly. “People have been looking for you. Very inconsiderate of you to pull this stunt for this long.” He could keep the lullaby of guilt.
“Focus your attention on JD. That’s who you came to see.” I wanted to say so much more. I wanted to say so much to all of them, but now wasn’t the time.
Today, this weekend, was all about JD.
A few of Pacino’s dreads knocked against his face as he shook his head. “I don’t think you want to go that route with me, Krishna. Wait until I tell…”
“Hey now. Don’t start issuing threats that you can’t back up. Especially considering that Capone is going through a dry spell with her business.” Pacino and Amell were much alike. The clones of my father were all the same, serious about their family and money. I happened to tamper with both. “How’s that money laundering investigation going? Can’t be good for business, huh?”
His eyes narrowed to slits as the wheels began to turn in his head. Once it clicked those eyes saucered and I giggled making JD stand there looking all uncomfortable.
“See that’s the thing, Pacino. You and Amell have this horrible habit of thinking that women aren’t capable of doing the same things that men can do. In your eyes we aren’t smart enough to run a cartel. Though Noelani proved otherwise. We aren’t able to play the games you play, if you stick around long enough, you’ll see me work.” Winking at him, I held my hand out for JD. “Come on love, we have much more celebrating to do. Pacino, you’re more than welcome to join us.”
I felt JD’s eyes on me as we pushed through the crowd. “Are you sure your plan is going to work?” He knew nothing of the shit storm I was about to hail down, but I told him that I was on a cleansing journey to make those who hurt me pay. “Yes, Jeremy.” I teased. “Trust me. We’re supposed to be having fun and celebrating you. Gold and purple looks good on you kid.” Finally I got a smile back on his face.
The smile lasted for a second before his concerned eyes cornered me. “Is this healing for you? I don’t want you to get hurt, Krishna. I know he hurt you.” No one had any idea the type of pain Amell Kalmin caused me, but they’d know soon enough.
“No.” I answered truthfully. “But it will be.”
“Krishna.” JD and I turned to Pacino calling my name. “Clover, your mother that you left alone…she’s dead.”
Chapter 19
Amell
Mahogany was right. Attorney General Beau overturned my case and all charges were dropped. When I mentioned the crimes, I committed while locked up everyone in the room acted like they were Ray Charles and turned a cheek, saying that I once again had a mix-up with someone else who was responsible. These people were set out on making it seem like I was insane.