"Eric, come with me to go get some snacks," Roon said. His tone was even like he wasn't asking, more like telling. I got up, but Tiffany looked at me like she didn't want me to leave her side. I got up quickly and moved ahead of Roon before Tiffany would make a fuss about nothing. Roon and I walked to the vending machine area, and I took a minute to decide on what I was getting.
"What are you doing with Tino Henríquez's daughter?" Roon asked, in a low tone. He posted his back on the vending machine.
"Mannnnnn, I met her the same day I saw you at the mall, back in December. I didn't know who she was or who her daddy was. We exchanged numbers and texted back and forth for a minute. I was kind of seeing somebody else, but Tiffany sabotaged that. Ever since then, she claimed me as her boyfriend and introduced me to her father."
"And?" He said like he was expecting to hear more.
"And what?"
"Look, Eric, we both know what kind of man Tino is. He's not going to let you date his daughter without proving that you're worthy of that position. So be upfront with me. Are you working for him?"
"Yeah, man," I said as I put my head down. Roon was like a big brother to me, and I couldn't lie to him. He knew me and knew this lifestyle wasn't for me.
"Doing what? And does Wayne know?" He sighed and rubbed his hand down his face.
"I'm still working at the shoe store, and his men come through to get their work. I put it in the shoebox they're purchasing. He even got my manager a part of it too. And Wayne doesn't know. He would bust me in my shit if he did."
"Shit, I would too! Man, you don't think that shit seems suspect as hell. Don't underestimate Tino Henríquez. Ever. I wouldn't be surprised if your "manager" was in on it too. They scouted you and planned for you to meet his daughter. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know your type, and Tiffany matched it so effortlessly."
"So you saying that they already picked me out before I even met Tiff?"
"Sounds like it to me. Your manager probably needed somebody else to help with the operations and didn't want to raise any suspicion by hiring one of Tino's men out of the blue. You're a stand-up guy, you work hard and mind your business. That's perfect for them, and you're smart as hell. He knew you wouldn't just agree to work with him, so they used Tiffany as your way in and the only way out."
"Damn….so she probably doesn't even like me, huh?"
"Oh nah, that broad really likes you, and that's going to make it difficult for Tino if he ever feels like he wants to get rid of you. Just watch your back, bro. You can't trust those Henríquez folks."
"So, what should I do?"
"If you want out, I can pull some strings and get you out, but you may have to go away for a while."
"For how long?"
"Maybe a couple of years. I don't know, lemme work on something for you, and I'll get back to you."
"Alright, but can we keep this between us? I don't want Wayne or Raquel to know."
"I got you, lil bro," He said as he dapped me.
∞∞∞
My mind was so far gone for the past twenty minutes that I didn't even notice when Chianne came out.
"Y'all ready to head back?" I heard Chianne ask. I sat up in my chair and saw her slowly walking over to us. She saw me and noticed Tiffany sitting next to me. Shit! I thought to myself. She probably wasn't going to talk to me now or ever again. Wayne and Quel quickly stood to their feet. Kay, Roon, and I followed suit. I could feel the heat from Tiffany's body as she was burning a hole into Chianne's head. I ignored her ass.
"Is Bre okay? How is the baby?" Quel questioned.
"Bre is alert. She wants to talk to y'all." Chianne said.
"What about the baby?" I asked.
"Just head to the back and let Bre tell y'all."
"Tell us what?" Wayne was anxious and becoming angry, so Kay grabbed his hand.
"Look, I know y'all have questions, and Bre is ready to answer them. Just don't judge her. Listen as she talks and be there for her. She needs it." Chianne said, then started walking away. We were all confused, but Wayne, Quel, and I followed her to the back.
"Let them go check on their sister, sis." I heard Kay say to Tiffany, and I was glad because I hope she didn't think she was welcome to come with us. I looked back at Kay and nodded towards her. She winked and pulled Tiffany's hand back into the waiting room. Once I knew Bre was good, I was going to get my shit together and figure out how to lose Tiffany. I would literally take anything to get away from her and her daddy.
28. Bre
An Hour Ago....
“Do you know what you’re going to name her?” Ricky asked.
“Yeah, Janelle Rici Allen. I want her middle name to represent you since you’re the reason she’s made it into this world.” I said as I looked down at my healthy baby girl. I don’t even know how to explain this miracle I was looking at, but God only comes to mind; God. I was beyond grateful for Him sending Ricky in when He did because I don’t know what would’ve happened. According to my doctor, I was losing a lot
