13Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns all things Twilight. No copyright infringement is intended. ©2024
HUGE thank you to iambeagle (Meg) for her awesome feedback and editing skills and also to my co-writer, my sounding broad, Devonna!
Thank you to all the beautiful ladies that worked so hard on the Tropes contest.
To all the other authors… you all did a phenomenal job. I am humble to be able to be named among you all.
Song: J. Cole – Power Trip
This story was loosely based upon some my family in Tennessee.
Power Trip won Best Dysfunction Family in the TWIFIC Tropes Contest
Power Trip
"Thanks everyone for coming out." I wiped the sweat off my face with my towel, breathing heavily. The crowd screamed, and I couldn't stop the smile that spread across my face. "Aw, shit." I chuckled. "There's no place like home."
I was playing my last show in Nashville, but home was Rockwood, where I'd be heading later tonight.
"I've been working on something." I paused, feeling a little nervous knowing why I suddenly had the inspiration for the song. "It's not finished yet, but I wanna share it with y'all first, that cool?"
It was like the ground shook as the audience screamed even louder than before. As I looked out at Nissan stadium, taking it all in, all the hundreds of thousands of people who rapped my songs back to me… I couldn't put that feeling into words.
I looked to my right, signaling them to start the track.
The soothing sound of the flute along with the bass and drum filled the stadium, and as I brought the mic up to my mouth, I couldn't control the images that flew through my mind.
Got me up all night
All I'm singin' is love songs
She got me up all night
Constant drinkin' and love songs
She got me up all night
Down and out with these love songs
She got me up all night
Drownin' out with these love songs
She got me up all night (Yeah)
All I'm singin' is love songs
She got me up all night (Yeah)
Constant drinkin' and love songs
She got me up all night (Yeah)
Down and out with these love songs
She got me open all night (Uh-huh)
Got me open all night, hey
Okay, back when I was sleeping in my mama crib
Or even back when I was up there in Mohammed crib
Paying seventeen hundred for the rent, money well-spent
No heater, but I made heat, may I vent
Had a thing for ya, even wrote the song "Dreams" for ya
'Cause I had dreams for ya, thoughts of a ring for ya
Childish shit, you know child and shit
Anonymous flowers sent, you know coward shit
Now I signed to Hov, took a power trip
Back home, I'm grown now, and the city's my throne now, huh
I hummed with the beat for a few seconds to see if anything else came to me.
When it didn't, I went back to the chorus.
I opened my eyes and watched the audience. It looked like a river, everybody moving as one. The energy was lit, and the crowd had a life of its own.
"It's still a work in progress but thanks for the support." I held up my hand with the peace sign as I started to walk off stage. "Peace. I love y'all," I said, walking down the stairs.
"Awesome show tonight, Knox." My manager, Garrett, clapped my back as I walked by.
"That was dope as hell, nephew." My head bodyguard, Man-Man said.
"Thanks, Unc." I jerked my chin, walking past him to my dressing room.
I had toured thirty-four cities in six months. I was ready to chill.
I plopped down, laying my head back on the chair and closing my eyes because any minute now, my little brother would come busting through the door.
"She got you up all night, huh?" Dobby laughed.
I could hear his smirk. Asshole.
I cracked one eye open. "Shut the fuck up."
"Ah, give it up, Knox," he snickered. "You ain't foolin' no damn body. You're talkin' bout Bel—"
"Dobby, I said cool that shit." I waved my hand in a cut-it gesture across my neck.
He raised both hands, surrendering, still smirking. "Yeah, yeah. I hear ya."
Dobby was my younger brother by two years. His real name was Emmett Cullen, but no one called him that. Where I'm from most of us didn't go by our actual names unless we had to.
Edward Anthony Cullen was on my birth certificate, but Knox was what everybody called me as long as I could remember. I knew my nickname was 'cause I was born in Knoxville, but no one knew where the hell Dobby came from. No one questioned it either. He'd always been Dobby, a now twenty-two-year-old who always had a joke.
"Anyway." I sighed, letting go of my irritation. "Have they finished loading up the bus yet?"
"Halfway," he said, sitting down on the couch across from me. "The taskmaster, Brix, is helping so you know they won't be long." He chuckled.
"That's true." I raised an eyebrow. "Get any numbers tonight?"
He frowned, slightly jerking back. "Hell naw, you know I'm dating MeMe."
"You still messin' with that girl from Harriman?"
"Yeah."
"Really? I'm surprised. You know how those girls are in Harriman," I teased.
"Naw, she ain't like that, Knox," he challenged. "She's got her head on straight, in school, focusing on her career."
"Yeah, okay." My mouth twitched. "Whatever you say."
Dobby had been with me for the last eight weeks on tour. He had just finished his spring semester at the University of Tennessee.
"Hey." Brix strolled through the door. "What y'all up to?"
"Nothin'." I shrugged my shoulders. "Can we go?"
"Yep, that's what I came to tell ya." He leaned against the door frame.
"Cool," I said as Dobby and I stood up, following Brix out the door.
On the bus, I'd been trying to catch a nap for the past half-hour but the phone call between Brix and Charlotte prevented that.
"Charlotte, I told you we'd be home in another hour. Can't this wait until I get home?" Brix griped.
"Char's a trip," Dobby mumbled.
I opened my eyes, nodding in agreement.
Brix closed his eyes and sighed. "You've been home all goddamn day. Why couldn't you go to the grocery store to make sure y'all had breakfast for tomorrow morning?" His eyes widened. "Hell nah, we're not stopping. You've got money and a truck, figure it out," he snapped.
I looked over at Dobby and we both started laughing.
Brix was my big brother and he traveled with me most of the time. Very few knew him by Jasper.
I was certain Brix was going to play in the majors one day. He was an All-American Classic baseball player and was number forty-nine in the national high school ranking.
Vanderbilt, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Auburn all had their eyes on him. But one day he up and told our parents he didn't want to play anymore. He didn't love it the way he used to.
I had never seen Pops lose it the way he did that day. Usually, he was easygoing, but he blew the hell up. Said Brix was wasting his talent and the opportunity of a lifetime. Mama had to get in between them and told Pops to let it go. If Brix didn't wanna play no more then he couldn't force him.
Shit ain't been the same between Char and Brix since then either. They had been high school sweethearts since their sophomore year. I think she got caught up in the treatment he got for being a star player and was looking forward to that major league money.
He massaged his temple. "Look, I'm tired and had planned on getting some shut eye but I guess that ain't happenin', huh?" Brix's tone was sharp. "Fine, do whatever the fuck you want. But I tell you what, my daughter better get some breakfast in the mornin', Char." He ended the call. "Goddamnit!" He threw his phone down beside him and ran his fingers through his hair.
I looked the other way and kept my mouth shut, 'cause what else could I do?
"Well." Dobby blew out. "Tha—"
I groaned loudly as I stretched, purposefully hitting him in the back of the head. I knew he was going to say something stupid.
Dobby hissed. "Ouch."
"Shut up," I said through my teeth.
"Why?" He crossed his arms and turned toward me. "I could've said some profound shit."
I blinked at him.
Highly unlikely, and the subject was too sensitive. Most of us tolerated Charlotte for Bree, my niece.
Ignoring us, Brix stood up and grabbed himself a drink out of the fridge. "So, how long do you plan on hanging out at Mama and Pops'?"
I shrugged one shoulder. "Not sure yet."
"Why not stay for a little while? It's not like you have anything major going on," Dobby stated.
I had a ten-bedroom, ten-bathroom house built for them on twelve acres of land. It had all the bells and whistles too. Whirlpool tubs, a sauna room, an inground pool, a chef's kitchen, a finished basement, and a guest cottage, which is where Brix and Charlotte were staying.
Whatever Mama and Pop's asked for, they got.
"I know I'm staying for at least a week, but we'll see. I don't feel like all that damn drama with Kenna or Aunt Mary." I shook my head. "Every damn time I come home she's running her fuckin' mouth and tryna find reasons to hang around."
"She's supposed to be our cousin, but I think it's so distant we're not even related. I can't stand her nosey ass," Brix fussed.
"I believe after the third cousin it ain't considered family," Dobby added. "If keeping her away will have you hanging 'round longer, I'll ask Mama not to let her come around." He smirked. "Or maybe I should tell Apple to handle her. The last time she came to the house and slapped her jaw too much, Apple lit her ass up." He chuckled. "She left the house crying."
"Oh yeah, I remember that." Brix smiled. "That was when Aunt Mary and Makenna were gossiping about Bella."
I didn't know who was the worst between the two of them but when they got together it was pure hell.
It was hard to believe Mama and Aunt Mary had the same parents because they were night and day. Everybody loved Mama but people tolerated Aunt Mary.
I snorted. "I don't give a shit what they do as long as they stay away from me."
"Don't worry about it, bro. I'll handle it," Dobby said convincingly.
We fell into a comfortable silence for the rest of the ride, on our phones.
As soon as I walked through the front door, Mama slammed into me, wrapping her arms tightly around me and burying her face into my chest.
"My baby is finally home. I've missed ya so much, Knox."
I relaxed into her embrace like I always had. "I missed ya too, Mama," I said as I squeezed her back and kissed the top of her head.
She pulled away and cupped my face. "Let me get a good look at ya." She turned my face left and right before looking me in the eyes.
I stared down into her teary, smokey gray eyes that were identical to mine, and smiled.
"I'm doin' good Mama, I promise."
"Let the boy go, Es." Pops spoke up standing beside Brix and Dobby.
"Hush, Bobo," she said as she wiped her eyes.
"It's cool Pops, she just missed her favorite." I chuckled and stepped around my mother to hug him. He patted me on the back and kissed me on the cheek. It didn't matter that we were grown, Carlisle Cullen still hugged and kissed all of us.
"Yeah, her favorite—me." Dobby smiled, and Brix snorted. "I know you don't think you're the favorite," Dobby told him.
Brix shrugged. "What's understood don't need to be explained."
After our parents greeted us in the foyer we gathered around the huge island in the kitchen where Mama had platters of breakfast food laid out. It didn't matter that it was three o'clock in the morning, she always put a spread out like this whenever I came home.
"Mama, everything looks delicious." Dobby beamed, rubbing his hands together, and grabbing a plate.
There were homemade biscuits and gravy, hash brown casserole, ham, sausage, scrambled eggs, grits, pancakes, and a variety of juices.
"Dang, Mama, how long did it take you to make all of this?" My eyes bounced around from dish to dish trying to decide what I wanted first.
"Ah, honey." She waved her hand. "That don't even matter. I knew y'all would be hungry when you got in."
Once we all settled down with our food and talked about my tour, it wasn't too long before we started helping Mama put away food and clean up the kitchen.
"Knox," Mama started after she closed the refrigerator. "Do you have any plans for later today?"
"No." I shook my head. "I was hoping to relax and spend some time with y'all tomorrow. Maybe even game and beat up on Brix and Dobby," I snickered.
"Yeah, right." Brix laughed.
"Keep dreaming," Dobby added.
"Well." Mama licked her lips. "I've planned a dinner for just the family. Apple is coming over around ten this morning to help me cook and of course, you know Dolly will be in the kitchen tasting everything." She wiped her hands on the dish towel. "I knew it was a little presumptuous of me, but I figured it'd be alright since it's family and all." Her smile was warm.
Mama didn't ask for much from any of us, so we never told her no.
"That's cool. Whatever you want to do is good with me," I agreed, closing the dishwasher door and pushing the start button.
"Perfect." Mama slapped the counter. "I'll make all of y'all's favorites. It's gonna be so good to have all of our children in the house at one time, won't it, Bobo?"
"Yes, it will, sweetheart." He grinned. "The house has always felt kinda empty when they're not all here."
I had my own place in North Carolina and Dobby had an apartment near campus in Knoxville. Apple, my big sister, lived with her long-time boyfriend, Riley, about ten minutes away from my parents' house.
"Hey, Mama?" Dobby called as he wiped the island down. "Did you invite Aunt Mary and Makenna?"
"Of course I did, they're family," Mama replied. "Why?"
"No disrespect but they talk too da—" He cut himself off and cleared his throat. "They messy, Mama." He looked her straight in the eyes.
"You remember what happened last time." Brix furrowed his brows.
Mama bit her lip, trying not to laugh but failed. "Yes, I remember what happened last time. I felt sorry for the poor thing. She pitched a hissy fit. Her whole face was red, and she had snot running down her face by the time Apple was done with her."
"If she'd learn to keep her mouth closed sometimes, she wouldn't find herself in situations like that," Pops pointed out.
"But Aunt Mary ain't no better," Dobby said.
Mama opened and closed her mouth. I knew she was trying to defend her younger sister, but she knew it was the truth. She sighed before she spoke. "I know both of them can be a bit much, especially when they get together, but don't you worry about it, Knox." She turned in my direction and held my gaze. "If it looks like they gonna start some mess, I'm gonna put their asses outta here lickety split." She put her hands on her hips.
Aunt Mary tried to act like she was big and bad but that's all it was—an act. She wouldn't have a snowball's chance against Mama.
"It's settled then." She nodded once. "Go on up to your room. I got it all ready for ya. Get some sleep and I'll make sure nobody disturbs you. Dinner won't start until seven. I want you to get plenty of rest." She walked over and pulled me down to her height and kissed me on the forehead.
"Oh, and Brix?" She walked over to the counter and picked up a plate with foil over it. "Take this so my grandbaby will have something to eat when she gets up." She held it out to him.
Mama knew Charlotte was as useful as a steering wheel on a mule, but she wasn't gonna make Bree suffer because of it.
"Thanks, Mama." Brix sighed and kissed her on the cheek. "I'll see y'all later." He walked out the back door.
I'd never been able to understand how she always knew we needed something just when we needed it.
"See ya, son." Pops waved. He looked over at me. "Maybe you outta turn your phone off so it won't wake you up."
"Thanks for reminding me." I pulled it from my back pocket and turned it off.
"I'm heading up now, too. Is there anything else you need me to do?" Dobby asked.
"No, sugah. I know you're dog tired too," Mama replied.
I kissed both my parents on the cheek and trekked up the stairs behind Dobby.
"How the hell are ya, nephew?" Uncle Marcus, Mama's eldest brother, slapped me on my back, grinning.
He'd always hit harder than he should've, and he thought that shit was funny.
"I'm fine, Unc." I rolled my eyes. "How are you?"
"I'm good. Just tired is all. Business has picked up a lot, so I've been busier than a moth in a mitten."
Uncle Marcus came to me almost two years ago asking for a loan to start his own car detailing business. He had been doing it as a side hustle while he was working as a maintenance technician. Unc told me he wanted to build something of his own, he was sick of working for other folks.
His business plan looked good to my accountant so I loaned him the money and became a silent partner.
"That's good to hear, right?" I sipped on my iced tea.
"That's damn good to hear," He laughed, bumping my glass with his.
I already knew he had more than he could handle because I kept up with every investment I was involved in. I wasn't careless with my money.
"Are you gonna hire more staff soon?" I asked.
"Yeah, I've started the interviews already. I wish Brady and Collin would move down here then I wouldn't have to be bothered with tryna to find the right employees. My biggest issue is I don't trust a lot of folks."
"That'd be nice, but you know damn well those two city slickers ain't moving down here to no sticks." I waved a dismissive hand.
My cousins were cool as hell, they just didn't like the country.
"Yeah." He grumbled. "I don't know where they get that from but, they'll be here soon. Tia and the boys flew in this afternoon, they just need a little convincing," Uncle Marcus said.
I shrugged. "Ask 'em. They might surprise you." They ain't moving down here.
"I planned on—" He was interrupted.
"Knox, Knox." Dolly skipped toward me. "Taste this chocolate chip cookie I made." She held it out to me.
I leaned down and took a bite. "Hmmm, this is delicious." I grinned. "You did this all by yourself, sugah?"
"Nope." She popped the p. "Mama helped but I put everythin' in the mixer and watched it. Then I set 'em on the cookie sheet," she explained.
"Sounds like ya been busy," Uncle Marcus teased.
"I have," Dolly agreed. "I been helping Mama cook." She set her gray eyes on me. "Knox, I wanted to come into your room to see ya, but Mama wouldn't let me. I just wanted to give you a hug and kiss." She pouted.
Out of the five Cullen kids, Dolly and I were the only ones that got Mama's smokey gray eyes and the copper-colored hair. The rest of them got Pop's chestnut brown eyes with the chocolate brown hair.
Dolly was the youngest of all of us. She was only ten years old. We don't call her the oops baby because Mama said God don't make no mistakes, she came when she was 'sposed to.
Pops decided to get a vasectomy done so there wouldn't be any more surprises, and they decided to name her after Pops' mother, Mary Alice. We already had one Mary in the family—Mama's crazy ass sister—so people outside of the family called her Alice.
To us she was Dolly because she was so tiny. She looked like a little doll.
"Sorry about that, Dolly." I picked her up and hugged her. "How 'bout we play some games together this weekend?"
Her face lit up and she nodded excitedly. "You promise?"
"I promise." I kissed her nose.
She wiggled down and ran back toward the kitchen.
"That girl is spoiled rotten." Uncle Marcus chuckled.
"She's just as rotten as Kate and Tanya and they're grown," I joked.
He snorted. "Ain't that the truth. I just can't say no to either one of them. They know it too."
"I ain't no different when it comes to Mama, Apple, and Dolly." I chuckled.
"Hey, where the fuck is everybody at? Nobody could greet us at the door?" Man-Man bellowed out with his wife, Tia, and youngest son, Collin beside him.
"Here we go." Uncle Marcus chuckled.
"Sissy! Where you at, girl?" Tia hollered.
"What's up, Knox?" Collin jerked his chin.
"Sup, cuz." I nodded. "Where's Brady?"
"He'll be here in a little while," Collin replied.
"Okay." I nodded.
"Knox, where's Sissy?" Man-Man demanded.
"Man-Man, why ya gotta be so goddamn loud when you come into the house?" Uncle Marcus' forehead creased.
"Lil Marcus, I done told yo ass to call me Big Flava. Stop calling me that shit." Man-Man glared.
"Fuck off, boy. I'm gonna call you Man-Man or Aro," Uncle Marcus pointed his index finger at him. "We been calling you Man-Man yo whole fuckin' life. Get outta here with that Big Flava shit." He snorted a laugh. "This here is Tennessee, not Chicago."
"Shut yo country bumpkin ass up, Lil Marcus." Man-Man stepped closer to Uncle Marcus.
"Make me." Uncle Marcus squared his shoulders.
"Y'all ain't doing that shit in here." I stepped between them. "Take it outside."
"Cut that shit out all together." Mama suddenly appeared. "Man-Man, you make my ass itch with all yo BS sometimes. You ain't been here in a month of Sundays, and the first thing you do is act a plumb fool." Her hands were on her hips.
Man-Man's shoulders sagged. "I'm sorry, Sissy. Lil Marcus pissed me off."
"He done got too big for his britches, up there in the big city. Forgot where he come from." Uncle Marcus glared at him.
"Don't be mad at me 'cause you got stuck down here." He scrunched his face up. "I left 'cause I don't like it."
"Do y'all have to keep going 'round and 'round over the same old shit every time we get together?" Pops asked from the corner. I didn't even know he was in the room. "We invited you fellas over thinkin' you wanted to spend some time with Knox. But if ya gonna keep this pissin' match up you two are gonna have to leave." He waved his hand with finality.
Pops watched things more than he spoke but when he did talk, you listened.
"I'm cool as a cucumber." Uncle Marcus held his palms up.
"Good." Mama sucked her teeth. "'Cause I was just 'bout to call everybody to the table. Mary and Sam are already waitin' on us." She jerked her thumb.
Everyone started to walk toward the kitchen.
"Man-Man." Mama squinted her eyes with her hands on her hips. "It's squashed. Do you hear me?"
"Yeah." He rolled his eyes and sighed loudly. "Damn Sissy, you stay up my ass."
"Don't let your mouth overload your tail, boy," Mama challenged.
Man-Man ducked his head and quietly left the room.
Gammy and Mama were the only two women that could keep Man-Man in line. Not even Tia knew how to shut his mouth. Since Gammy went home to be with the Lord three years ago because of heart issues, Mama had to do it.
This was gonna be a long-ass dinner.
"Dear Lord," Pops began to pray. "Thank you for this food we're about to eat. We're grateful for how you continue to provide for us. And now we ask that you bless this here food and the ones who prepared it. Continue to lead and guide us on your perfect path. In your name. Amen," Pops drawled.
"Amen," everyone said in unison.
I opened my eyes and released Dolly's and Apple's hands.
"Mama, everything looks good." I licked my lips.
I wondered if there was any food left at the grocery store. There was so much spread across the huge farmhouse kitchen. They made country-fried steak, fried chicken, catfish, red beans and rice, cabbage casserole, mac and cheese, collard greens, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn bread, and too many desserts to name.
"I made one of your favorites." Apple bumped my arm with her elbow. "Go on and get your shrimp and grits before Dobby and Brix eat'em up from ya." She leaned over and kissed me on the cheek. "Darn Knox, I've really missed you. Don't you be gone that long no more, ya hear?"
I reached over and squeezed her hand. "I'll try not to. But if I am, you can leave that shop of yours and come visit me. You know I'll take care of ya."
"You know how hard it is for me to shut everything down, but I'll do it next time, if I have to."
"I wanna come, too." Dolly sang next to me.
"I'll see if Mama will bring ya next time, sugah." I poked her side and she giggled.
Apple was the oldest out of all of Mama and Pops' children. She was a twenty-eight year old master technician with her own auto repair shop, called Rosie's. You see, she only allowed family and her boyfriend, Riley, to call her by her nickname, Apple.
Them crazy sons of bitches in Rockwood and some of the other towns fell over themselves trying to get her attention. It never amounted to a hill of beans because she only had eyes for the little boy she ran around in the fields with as a child—Riley.
"It'll be a while before I'm out on the road like that again. I'll be working in my studio—"
"Knox," Aunt Mary cut in. "I woulda liked some backstage tickets, too. How come you didn't invite me and Sam?" She gave me an expected look.
She only wanted to be there so she could have something to tell those meddling ass women she talked to.
"Mary, stop trying to harass the damn boy. He didn't have time to call you to ask if you wanted to come." Man-Man pointed his fork at her. "Do you know how busy he is when he's on the road?" He didn't wait for her to reply. "Hell, nah you don't. Knox don't have time for silly shit like that." He stared at her.
"Man-Man." Aunt Mary arched one eyebrow. "I wasn't talkin' to you. I was speakin' to my nephew." She sneered at him.
More often than not, things got heated between the two of them at family dinners.
"Aunt Mary." I spoke up before Man-Man could. "I'm sorry I didn't send you any tickets, but I have no way of knowin' unless you tell me. You coulda called and told Mama so she coulda called me if you didn't wanna call me yourself." I wiped my mouth with my napkin. "I'm not a mind reader and just like Man-Man said, I'm real busy when I'm on the road."
"Sweetheart," Sam, Aunt Mary's husband began. "Just like you can't stop and call someone when you're working, the same goes for him. Don't be hard on the boy," he pleaded.
"I wasn't trying to do anything. I just wanted to—"
"Um, Aunt Mary, do you even listen to his music?" Apple interjected, with her head cocked, staring at her.
Aunt Mary cleared her throat and looked down at her plate.
"That's exactly what I thought. No disrespect, but don't be a shit stirrer," Apple warned.
I knew Mama meant well but I liked coming home better when it was just us.
"Lil girl." Aunt Mary sat up in her chair and pointed at Apple. "Who do you think you're talk—"
"Mary," Mama called sternly.
Pops tucked his lip trying not to laugh.
Dobby and Brix snickered, and Uncle Marcus stuffed his mouth with mashed potatoes.
Aunt Mary looked at Mama having a silent conversation.
Uncle Sam scooted his chair closer to her and put his arm around her.
Man-Man popped his lips and shook his head.
Mama dropped her fork. "Mary, stop with all that dramatic sh—" She paused and looked at Dolly. We slipped up from time to time but we tried not to cuss in front of her.
The doorbell rang.
"I'll get it!" Me, Dobby, and Brix pushed our chairs out at the same time.
"No." Pops stood up. "Stay where you're at. I'll get it," he commanded.
I was trying to find any reason to get out of this room if only for a few minutes.
"Hey, everybody." Makenna waved and smiled, walking in, with Pops behind her. "How y'all doin'?"
Me, Apple, and Man-Man grunted.
"Hey, Kenna." Dolly bounced in her chair.
"Sup?" Dobby spoke, smacking on his food.
I just nodded at her. I didn't hate her, but I didn't like her either. I respected her because that's how our parents raised us. But as long as I could remember she started shit wherever she went.
"Hey, there Makenna," Mama boomed from the other end of the table. "We just sat down to eat but you're more than welcome to join us if you're hungry."
"I'm so hungry I could eat the north end of a south-bound goat." Makenna rubbed her
stomach.
"When ain't you hungry?" Man-Man smirked.
Uncle Marcus choked on his lemonade, trying not to laugh.
"There's plenty of food. Have at it, darlin'," Mama encouraged, ignoring Man-Man's comment.
She grabbed a plate off the counter and began to pile food on. Any time she had dinner with us you woulda thought she hadn't eaten for days.
Man-Man watched her like a hawk. He wasn't a big fan of hers either. "Where're your sons at, Kenna?"
She had two teenage sons, Alistair and Charles, that were bad as hell. They were always up to no good, getting into shit.
"They're with their dad," she answered nonchalantly.
"Which one?" Man-Man snickered.
Her sons had two different daddies. But that's not the worst part. I overheard Mama and Pops talkin' years ago saying she was fuckin' so many different guys she didn't really know who the fathers were.
She squinted her eyes. "You worried about somethin' that ain't your business." She threw a piece of cornbread on her plate. "Every time I see ya, you're always tryna start some shit."
"Hey, hey," Brix broke in. "You see Dolly at this table, right?"
Makenna's eyes bucked. "Oh, I'm sorry."
"You got that right." Man-Man put a forkful of green in his mouth.
"Man-Man," Mama got his attention. "Didn't we talk about this already?" She raised her chin.
"Man-Man," Aunt Tia scolded. "Stop acting ugly."
"That had nothin' to do with her." Man-Man pointed at Makenna. "She don't belong here, no dam—" He cut himself off. "I mean, no darn way. She ain't even family."
Makenna gasped, covering her mouth.
"Yeah, I said it," Man-Man sneered. "Imma say what they're thinkin' but too nice to say. I ain't as polite as they are, and you know I don't like you." He knitted his brows. "Most of us sittin' 'round this table wouldn't miss ya if you left right now."
Aunt Tia squeezed her eyes shut, sighing. Collin, Dobby and Brix's mouths twisted.
Man-Man had always been a handful to handle. But his reasons for not liking Makenna were valid. She only came around when I came home, or when she wanted to borrow money. Most times she wasn't thinking about Mama. She'd smile in her face tryna get information to make it seem like she was in the know. Makenna wanted other folks to think she was closer to us than what she really was.
Pops pounded his fist on the table. "This is your last warning, Man-Man."
He half shrugged.
Makenna snarled as she walked past Man-Man. I wasn't sure if anybody else caught that but me. Then all of a sudden, her eyes were glossy as she took a seat closer to her partner in crime—Aunt Mary.
Everyone ate silently until Dobby cleared his throat. "Hey Knox, do ya wanna go to the Temple later tonight?"
"I don't know." I shrugged.
"Why not?" Dobby's eyebrows furrowed.
"I kinda want to lay low. Don't wanna bring no attention to myself," I reasoned.
People say shit comes full circle. When I was younger, just starting the rap game, I used to get kicked outta Temple all the time. Some of the management didn't like my music style. Said it was gritty and offensive and it would never sell.
The joke was on them fuckers now. I wondered if their words came back and bit them in the ass when I won two Grammys from seventeen nominations, a Billboard Music Award for Top Rap Album, three Soul Train Music Awards, and eight BET Hip Hop Awards.
"You're worrying over nothing. I can put a call in to Embry, and he'll put us in the VIP section." He smiled widely. "You won't have to do nothin'. I'll take care of everything."
"Okay, sure," I agreed, looking forward to seeing that old bastard Liam—one of the assholes that constantly kicked me out—to look him in the eyes with all kinda smug satisfaction.
"'Scuse me." Dobby's chair shot back. "I need to make some calls."
"Do you mind if I come along?" Collin asked.
"Naw." I shook my head. "See if Brady might wanna come, too."
"Will do," Collin replied.
"Apple, you gonna chill with your little brother tonight?" I bumped her leg with mine.
"Yeah, I'll come along. And Riley, too."
"I wanna go dancing too." Dolly grinned.
"No, sugah." Pops half-smiled. "You're too young. Me, you, and Mama can go to that local carnival later if you want."
"Yay!" Dolly shouted.
She wasn't hard to please.
"You know," Makenna started. "That's where Jake Black and his boys hang out." She sipped her lemonade. "From what I heard, he and Bella have been seen there together a lot lately." She set her gaze on me.
She was picking on purpose, trying to get a rise outta me. Her snooping ass knew I liked Bella since my freshman year in high school.
"I've heard that, too," Aunt Mary confirmed, smacking her lips. "I think Bella finally gave in and started dating him. Lordy be, he harassed the poor little thing for years. Followed her around like a puppy dog begging for a bone." She giggled. "He is handsome, though. I don't understand why she put up such a fight. It's not like she can do any better than him."
Brix's eyes darted over to mine.
I ran my hand through my hair and laughed, but it had an edge to it.
Man-Man and Uncle Marcus shook their heads.
"When I was down at the meat market the other day, Jessica told me that girl from Harriman, Leah, had been after Jake for the past six months." Makenna pushed her plate aside and leaned on the table. "Said that the two of them got caught in the back of his truck and—" She paused, licking her lips and wiggling her eyebrows. "You know what I'm saying. But I think Jake is dating the two of them girls at the same time and neither one of them know 'bout the other."
I couldn't stand the way they gossiped but there may have been a sliver of truth to it.
"Ya know." Apple put her fork down and wiped around her mouth with her napkin. "I heard something, too."
We all looked at her, varying degrees of shock, because what the fuck was she about to say.
"Really?" Makenna's eyes bright, her love for gossip seeping outta her.
"Mm." Apple nodded. "Yeah, down at the first First Baptist, on Chamberlin, a couple of the girls who work at the clinic…" She paused, looking at Makenna who looked like a deer caught in headlights.
Man-man laughed. "Why would they have four churches called First Baptist, they can't all be first. This place." He shook his head and waved his hand. "Go on 'head, Apple."
"Well, they told me ya had a bug issue going on, ya know," her hand circled around her lower region, "down there, which was just a coincidence considering that Sister Emily was just in there for the same thing, and we all know she's just a saint. But that Caius." She took a sip of her drink. "And you and James had been spotted down at Shonny's a few times. I wonder if he'll have the same issue as Caius."
You could hear a pin drop.
Makenna's face was red with anger or embarrassment, she always thought she was slicker than what she was.
"You little bitc—"
"Hey!" Mama yelled. "Apple, that's enough. You too, Makenna. We won't have such conversations in the presence of my child," Mama reprimanded.
"Sorry, Mama," Apple said, still looking at Makenna with an arched eyebrow, not looking sorry at all.
"I'm sorry, Sissy," Makena mumbled.
Apple looked over at me, then winked and whispered, "I got your back."
"I think it's time for dessert," Pops blurted out, clanking his fork on his plate. "Who wants theirs to go?"
Mama snorted a laugh. That was Pops' subtle way of getting everybody out.
"Do you mind if I make a couple of plates to go, Sissy?" Makenna asked.
"Of course, she wants to take more food," Man-Man mumbled.
"I'll make 'em," Apple volunteered, standing up.
"Aren't you the sweetest." Makenna's tone was a bit too sugary.
"No problem." Apple returned a fake smile.
She hadn't caught on yet that she was the only one being put out.
"So, Brix, where is that cute as a button daughter of yours and Charlotte?" Makenna inquired.
"They're at Char's ma's," he answered, cutting a piece of pecan pie.
"Aww, it sure woulda been nice to see her." Makenna pouted. "Maybe another time then. Y'all plan on having another gathering before Knox leaves? Speaking of that, how long do you plan on stayin'?" She looked at me, blinking.
She hadn't been here long, but I'd had more than e-fuckin'-nough of her.
I narrowed my eyes and studied her. "Why?"
I kept my eyes on Makenna who still hadn't said anything
"Everytime I come home, you're here." I cocked my head. "You're nothing more than a leech on my family's leg, tryna drain us as much as you can. I'm gonna say this one time." I held up my index finger. "And one time only—what I do and how long I'm staying is none of your godda—" I bit my lips remembering Dolly was sitting beside me.
"Alright, Knox!" Mama exclaimed. "Makenna, you know better than that. You've never known his schedule 'cause it's not your business. Don't push him no further than you already have 'cause I won't stop him next time. You understand?" Mama scowled at her. "Apple, are you done with her food yet?"
"Yup, all done." Apple fixed only one take-out tray.
Makenna's lower lip quivered, and them fake-ass tears started again. "Sissy, you know I don't mean no harm, I'm sorry."
"Yeah, I know you're sorry." Mama's expression hardened. "But how sorry are ya if you keep doin' it?"
"See, all y'all wanted me to shut my mouth." Man-Man chuckled without humor. "But I told the truth. Nobody wanted her here. Girl, get your shit and go." He pointed to the door. "Excuse your Uncle, Dolly." He gave her a sympathetic expression.
Makenna glanced around the table as if she was waiting on someone to come to her rescue. Even Aunt Mary ducked her head, suddenly finding her glass interesting. "I'll see y'all later then, huh?"
"Yeah, I might see ya in the mall or marketplace next week or sometime after that I reckon," Mama replied.
That was her way of letting Makenna know she wasn't welcome back over here while I was here.
I couldn't understand for the life of me why they tolerated her.
Makenna opened her mouth but maybe thought it was better to say nothing. The chair scraped the wood floor as she stood up. "Okay, if that's how you want it to be, Sissy."
She was barking up the wrong tree if she thought Mama was gonna feel sorry for her.
"It's for the best." Mama nodded.
Man-Man had a huge grin across his face, lookin' like a Cheshire cat, while Uncle Marcus stuffed his face with peach cobbler as if nothing had happened.
"Lemme get the door for ya." Brix jumped up, jogging toward the back door.
Everyone watched her move as slow as molasses. As soon as she stepped outside, Brix slammed the door behind.
Marcus crackled so hard that food flew across the table. "Oooo, I'm sorry, forgive me." He grabbed a napkin, wiping up his mess. "That was funny as hell. I've never seen you put her out before, Sissy."
"If you're askin' me, it was long overdue," Brix chimed in.
"Amen to that!" I clapped my hands together once, reaching for some apple pie.
"She is messy," Tia added.
That's puttin' it mildly." Pops chuckled.
"So, why do y'all let her come over here then?" Brix asked.
Pops gestured to Mama. "I'll let your Mama answer that. She knows how I feel about her."
Everyone turned their heads to Mama.
"All y'all know I believe in being kind to folks. Do unto others as you'd have them do unto you, like the good book says." She chuckled. "But I was doggone tired of her today. Knox, honey, I'm sorry about that. I shoulda put her outta here sooner. She won't come back no more while you're here." She raised one hand in the air. "I promise."
Mama was a woman of her word. She meant exactly what she said.
"Thanks." I nodded. "'Preciate it."
"Anythin' for you, sugah." Mama winked.
"Tried to tell y'all I was her favorite," I said, smirking at Brix and Dobby.
We rode to the club in Dobby's black Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, with blackout windows. When we arrived, Embry let us in through a back door very few had access to.
"Good to fuckin' see ya, Knox." Embry fist-pounded me. Liam wasn't here tonight. Was probably too ashamed to face me, so he sent his son. "Dobby, Brix, how the hell are ya?" They greeted each other the same way.
"I'm good. Ready to chill for a bit." I nodded.
"Imma make sure that's exactly what you do. I've got everything all set up for y'all in the VIP section," Embry said, leading us out of his office up the stairs.
"I have two of my best waiters taking care of y'all tonight. They know to be discreet about y'all being here or it's their asses," Embry explained as he led us into the exclusive area. He unlocked the door and gestured for us to enter.
They'd renovated the place since I'd last been here. The lights were dim but not the irritating red color like some clubs. The black leather couches that wrapped around the wall felt like butter to the touch. There were five flat screen TVs playing low on the wall set to different sports channels. A stocked bar sat off over in the corner with a guy behind it that looked older than me.
The vibe was laid back, just how I liked it. It was kinda empty 'cause there was a line around the corner waiting to get it.
The DJ was bumping one of my personal favorites—Kendrick.
"I can't thank you enough for getting all this together on such a short notice." Dobby grinned. "Your guys will be tipped nicely tonight." He snapped his finger like he remembered something. "Oh yeah, more of the fam will be joining us tonight. Lemme give you their names." He counted off on his fingers as we all took our places on the sofa. "Apple, Riley, Brady, Collin, and MeMe."
"That's fine." Embry nodded once. "I'll make sure they get up here without anyone seeing them. I don't want y'all worrying about a thing." He grinned.
"Imma make sure we do the same for you and your staff, too," I stated.
He'd done a huge favor by keeping our presence unknown. Don't get me wrong, I loved my fans, but I'd been on the road for months and needed the break.
He waved his hand. "You don't have to do anything special for me. Just take care of my guys and I'm good."
"Naw, this is above and beyond your regular job, Embry. We're gonna cover you, too," Brix declared.
"Alright." He held his hands up. "You won't get any more argument outta me." He pointed at the bar. "That there is Jared and the guy coming through the door now," he raised his chin, "is Seth. These two will be your only servers tonight. If that changes, I'll be sure to let you know. The big burly guy we passed on the way up, that's Quil. He is your bodyguard for the night. I'm gonna give him the name of the rest of the folks coming tonight but he won't let another soul up here unless you tell me." He looked at Dobby. "You have my number. Call or text me if you need anything."
Dobby held his bottle of beer in the air. "Will do."
"Alright. I done talked y'all's ears off. Imma leave y'all to it. Enjoy yourselves." He waved as he strolled toward the door.
"This is niiice." Brix drug the word out. "It's been a while since I've been here." His head went from left to right, scanning the space.
The door swung open.
"Hey, hey!" Apple was the first one through the door, with Riley following behind her.
Apple gave all of us a quick hug before Seth walked over asking for her and Riley's order.
"Sup, Knox." Riley jerked his head.
"Sup." I did the same head motion. "How ya been?"
"Can't complain. Busy as hell but I love my job." He smiled, as Apple wrapped her arm around his waist.
"You got a promotion not too long ago, right?" I inquired.
He nodded. "Uh-huh. I work with engineers and project leads to make sure the software for Volkswagens integrates properly."
Apple bumped his hip with hers. "Don't let him fool ya. He's responsible for other teams making sure the software in those cars is running right. He goes outta town traveling to Jersey, Cali, and Michigan. He's a big deal, trust me." Riley watched Applewith a sparkle in his eye as she spoke.
They'd been looking at each other like that most of my life. I knew it was only a matter of time before he asked her to be his wife. Pops told me Riley had already approached him about it.
We knew Riley came from a fine family and he'd be a good husband to Apple.
"MeMe, baby." Dobby stood up with open arms.
Renesmee had changed since I'd seen her last. She was still short, maybe about five two, with long dark brown hair, pouty lips and pretty blue eyes.
"Hey, darlin'." She ran to him and he hoisted her up before she wrapped her legs around his waist. "I've missed you, Dobby."
I turned away. It felt like I was watching a private moment that was just for them.
"What up, cuz?" Brady and Collin strolled in.
"Sup, y'all." I smirked. "Finally made it, huh?"
"Yeah." Brady nodded. "We got caught up on the phone with Uncle Marcus. He's been trying to get us to move down here to help him out with his business."
"That shit ain't happening," Collin interjected. "I love visiting but I can't see myself living here."
Brady and Collin weren't born in Tennessee like the rest of us. They were born in Chicago but when we were all kids they'd come here for the whole summer. By the time we were all in high school they didn't come as much.
When they were visiting, people instantly knew they weren't from here 'cause they didn't sound like us. They'd say some words like us but there was a difference.
"I get it." I nodded. "What y'all got going on at home?"
"Dad wants us to help him out so he can expand his security business. I'm almost done with my business admin degree, so he wants me to put that to good use." Collin rolled his eyes.
"What are your thoughts on it, Brady?" I asked, noticing he was quiet about it.
"It doesn't sound half bad." Brady shrugged. "Listening to the business plan he has in place, I think we both could benefit from it. My job is okay, but I think I've outgrown it and have been thinking about doing something else anyway. I'm going to give more thought to it, but I am definitely considering it."
"Aww snap," I teased. "You mean to tell me we might convert your ass?"
"Excuse me, sir," Seth interrupted. "Here's your brandy." He held the tray out to Brady.
"Thanks." He sampled it and nodded. "Anyway, to get back to your question, it's a strong possibility I may accept his offer. Chicago will always be home but I'm looking for something new. I'd like to find a nice girl, date for a little while, you know, and maybe have a few kids."
I wanted that too. Only one woman came to mind—Bella. But I wasn't sure if she felt the same as I did.
"I know your career has kept you busy as hell, but have you ever thought about finding the one?" Brady asked.
"Yeah, I have." I waved my empty beer bottle at Seth, before setting it down, asking for another. "I just haven't found the right one yet." I rubbed my hands on my jeaned thighs and stood up. "You mind if we stand and talk for a while?"
"That's cool." Brady followed me and we both looked down watching the crowd through the opaque glass.
The place was packed. There wasn't an open booth anywhere and barely enough room for people to dance.
"I'm not trying to be in your business or no shit like that, but I've heard the name Bella bounced around throughout the years. Whatever happened with that?"
That was a touchy topic for me because I acted like chicken shit when it came to her. I didn't have that problem with anybody but her.
"Well, ya see—" I started but was interrupted.
"Whatcha doin'?" Dobby boomed. "Looks like y'all in a deep discussion."
"I wouldn't say all that." I smirked, as I took my beer from Seth.
"We're just shooting the shit, talking about settling down, eventually." Brady added.
"Oh, really?" The corner of Dobby's mouth quirked up.
I rolled my eyes because I knew just where he was about to go.
"Knox could have any woman in this room if he wanted to but there's only one that he wants."
"Dobby, don't start," I half-warned.
"Imma say what needs to be said. Maybe if you had just fucked the girl a long time ago and hadn't acted like a lil bitch and said something to her, you wouldn't be obsessing over her now," Dobby said matter-of-factly.
I rolled my eyes. "I am not obsessed with her."
Dobby looked at me. "Got me up all night?" he deadpanned.
I narrowed my eyes at him.
Collin trekked over standing next to his brother.
"Cuz, have you ever dated or even gone out on a date before?" Brady questioned.
"No," I replied.
He frowned. "Why not?"
'Cause I'm a coward.
I shrugged my shoulders.
"That's what we've all been wondering!" Dobby yelled out over the loud music. "I've never understood the hold this girl got on him…" He trailed off, shaking his head as he glanced down to the main floor. He began to chuckle. "Well, woulda lookie here," he pointed.
Our eyes followed the direction of his finger and there she stood.
Bella.
My Bella with her best friend, Angela. She had on some ripped jean shorts that hugged her perfectly rounded hips and ass, and stopped just above her knees. Her button-down shirt was showing just enough cleavage. The shoes she wore made her shapely legs even more noticeable because there was a string that wrapped around them.
Bella was thick, curvy. I wasn't into them skinny girls. You know the ones that only eat salad. I wanted my woman to have some meat on her. I wanted to have something to grab onto.
When I fucked her from behind, I wanted her ass to jiggle as I held on to her hips. I wanted to bury my face in her big tits.
Fuck! I was getting hard just thinkin' 'bout it.
I knew the guys were talking but I was too gone. Even if I wanted to, which I didn't, I couldn't take my eyes off of her. Bella's hair had grown longer. It stopped just above her bubble ass. More for me to wrap around my hand when I was slamming into her.
It was as if she knew she was being watched when her forest green eyes connected with my smokey gray ones. I woulda been sure she saw me ogling her if it wasn't for the nontransparent glass between us.
Angela leaned in and said something to Bella, making her turn her head, breaking our connection.
"Man, I can't believe you ain't jumped on that," Collin shook his head, cheesing.
"You better goddamn know." Brady gave Collin a high-five.
I chuckled at them, swallowing back my drink.
"Uh-oh." Collin pointed at the glass. "Who the hell is that?"
We all immediately looked.
"That is Jacob Black," Dobby announced. "Knox's rival from high school basketball and Bella."
The fucker was my nemesis. He never tried anything physically because we were about the same size and I had my brothers and a ton of cousins that would beat his ass. The sonofabitch talked a lot of trash on the court and was in Bella's face every fuckin' chance he got. But the kicker was she never turned him away either.
My nostrils flared as I saw the dogface looking bastard hugging her a little longer than necessary. She tried to pull away, but he held on to her.
Once the asshole released her, she stepped back bumping into the person behind her. Angela shoved him in the chest, but he was so big compared to her, it was like tryna move a mountain.
I didn't want to let folks know I was here or else I'd be bombarded for the rest of the night, but I couldn't stand here and do nothing either.
"I didn't know you played ball in school," Collin said. "I mean, I knew you could play from when we played on the courts at the park, but…" he trailed off.
"Yeah, I played until I was cut in my junior year." I replied, keeping my eyes on Bella the whole time.
"Why'd you get cut?" Brady asked.
"Coach said I wasn't coachable. I was hotheaded, hogged the ball, especially when we played Harriman." I stuffed my hands in my pockets. "Coach seemed to miss all the times when Jacob or his minions elbowed me and a foul wasn't called. Or missed them just playing flat out dirty."
I found out after I was kicked off the team some of those refs were Jacob's kinfolks.
"It was pure bullshit," Brix added. "Scouts from North Carolina, Kentucky, and Florida had started to come to the games watching Knox."
I was beyond pissed with coach Boseman. He pulled me out of the game for the last ten minutes, knowing people had come to see me play. We went toe to toe in the locker room for almost an hour and that's when he told me I was done. It didn't matter that he was fucking up my chances in college. Coach told me and my parents he wouldn't tolerate my immaturity anymore.
Pops went to Principal Mailcoat to get the decision overturned but it was another losing battle. The principal said she stood behind Coach Boseman's decision and I couldn't play for Rockwood High School anymore.
A month or so later, Aunt Mary told us the principal and the coach were cousins.
I hated this small-town shit.
I had wiped that usual smirk off Jake's face that night. We beat them 80 to 55. Bella being there made the victory sweeter.
I told my teammates to hand me the ball and they did. Coach didn't like that shit. Said I wasn't showing good sportsmanship and was being overly competitive.
My victory was short lived because when I had finally worked up the nerve to ask Bella out after the game, Jacob had already beat me to it.
"And I take it, that's the team this Jacob character played on." Brady jerked his chin.
"Yep." I nodded.
"The dog really tried to showboat at the games Bella would go to after Knox wasn't playin' anymore. He couldn't play worth shit when Knox was ballin'." Dobby laughed.
I laughed with him because that was the truth.
Brady bumped my arm with his elbow. "You were just saying how you wanted to find your one, right? Maybe this is your cue to shoot your shot."
"Tonight, Knox," Dobby insisted. "How'd you feel if she got with that snake in the grass Jacob or some other motherfucker?"
"Who's a motherfucker?" Brix asked, walking up beside me.
I jerk my head toward Jake.
"Ohhh," Brix dragged out.
"We were telling Knox to make his move tonight," Collin explained.
"You should." Brix stuffed his hands in his pockets. "Dontcha think it's time you finally tried?"
I sighed and ran my hand through my hair as I stared at Bella and Angela at the bar.
Brix was right. It's not like me and Bella didn't talk sometimes when we were in high school. We even had a few classes together. She wasn't hung up on her looks and was never a part of the gossip like some of the other fake girls. Bella was friendly enough but kept to herself at the same time.
She hadn't technically rejected me or nothing like that. I was just scared shitless. I thought maybe I wasn't enough for her. I don't know. Maybe I was just all in my head and missed my chance. But it didn't help that she'd hang out with Jacob either. She knew we hated each other.
The bartender handed Bella and Angela their drinks smiling. He leaned closer to Bella and said something in her ear. Whatever he said she must've not liked because she jerked back giving him a dirty look.
Angela grabbed her by the hand pulling her away from the bar.
Movement from the corner caught my attention. It was Jacob and some other dude I didn't know. They were both gaping at her as Jacob licked his lips, rubbing his palms together and shaking his head at whatever the guy was saying.
I'd had enough.
I had allowed him to get in my way too many times.
I stomped toward the door, opening it.
"Knox?" Dobby called out. "Where the fuck are you going?" He raised his eyebrows.
"Downstairs to get Bella."
"Have you lost your goddamn mind?" Brix challenged.
"Naw, I can handle myself." I wasn't going to be deterred.
"Fuck no, you're not going by yourself." Brix arched an eyebrow. "We're going with you whether you like it or not." He was still looking at me. "Dobby, come on. Everybody else can chill."
"We'll keep an eye out from up here and if some shit goes down, we'll be right down," Brady agreed.
I rolled my eyes. "Let's go." I knew neither one of them were going to let up but the important thing was I got to Bella.
I almost ran down the stairs with them on my heels. The security guard looked confused when he saw me. Dobby briefly paused and told him to lead us in.
Quil looked to be about three hundred pounds of all muscle. So, it was nothing for him to clear the way for us. Dobby and Brix flanked me on both sides as we got closer to Bella and Angela.
Someone in the crowd gasped, bulging their eyes as I walked by, while I heard the click of some phones go off.
As I approached, Bella's eyebrows lifted. She elbowed Angela and pointed at me. Angela looked up and her mouth fell open.
"Bella." I grinned.
She was still just as beautiful as she had been in high school.
"Knox?" It came out like a question.
"Yeah, it's me." I quickly glanced at Angela with her mouth still open. "I came down to invite y'all upstairs." I pointed up.
A wide smile spread across her face. "How nice of you. I didn't even know you were in town."
"I just got here." I noticed more people were paying attention to us. "You wanna come?"
"Yeah." She grabbed Angela by the hand, shaking her out of her stupor.
"Bella?" Jacob called shoving the crowd out of the way. "Where are you going? I thought you were leaving with me." His eyes darted from her to me.
"I never said that." Bella shook her head.
"Yes, you did." He stepped closer to her, just barely grabbing her by the wrist. "Come on, baby."
I stepped forward to pull her away when she yanked back from him. "Stop, Jacob."
His gaze bounced from Bella, to Quil, Brix, Dobby, me, and then those who saw it. His expression hardened.
"So, because this untalented motherfucker is in town, now you're gonna act like you don't wanna be with me? We were out on a date last night, remember?" He arched a smug brow, staring at me.
"So?" Bella crossed her arms. "That wasn't even a–"
"It means you're mine. We're dating now." He clenched his jaw, cutting her off.
"That's bullshit and you know it." Bella pointed at him. "We went on one date, months ago, and I never agreed that we were dating," she ground out.
Dobby snickered and I smirked.
His eyes flickered to me, with an evil smile. "It doesn't matter how much money you have now, you'll always be the little pussy motherfucker I beat in everything. You had to go running to music because I was the one that made sure you never played ball again. I knew exactly how to rile your dumb ass up and you fell for it."
Pops had said he felt like Jacob was tied to what happened in some type of way. He had no way to prove it, so he just dropped it.
Before now I had always felt like no matter what I did he came out on top.
I wondered if it was bad luck or if I was just cursed.
But that was then, and this was now.
"You know, it's funny how your bitch ass has to keep pulling up shit from the past. We're grown-ass men. Been outta high school for what—six goddamn years? You gotta keep talking about that old shit because you ain't got shit going on now. Give up your so-called glory days, motherfucker. You're a worthless, washed up piece of dog shit that couldn't ball his way outta of a paper bag. That's why you made sure I couldn't play no more because I was a threat to you. There's no way no scout would've paid any attention to you while I was playing." I smiled smugly.
"Ain't that the truth," Dobby added.
"Fuck you," Jacob sneered. "Name the place and time, I'll run rings around your ass."
Jacob was Harriman's high school golden boy until in his senior year he had a meniscus tear. Word got around that he went from doctor to doctor but there was nothing they could do so he could play again.
He had no clue that I still played ball whenever I wasn't in the studio or touring.
The dumb fuck was about to get embarrassed, really bad.
"Alright." I chuckled, biting my lip. "Meet me at Miller park in an hour."
"One hour." Jacob held up one finger. "Don't flake either or I'll never let you live it down."
"Don't worry, I'll be there." Being done with the conversation, I turned to Bella. "You coming?"
"Yeah." She nodded.
My eyes landed back on Jacob with a smug smirk. I held my hand out to Bella and she accepted it.
Dobby and Brix probably made the douchebag feel worse when they pointed and cackled in his face.
Quil and a few other bodyguards that had joined us while we were on the main floor, escorted us back to the VIP section.
Apple and Riley waved at Bella and Angela from a table they were seated at in the corner and Brady and Collin made their way over to us.
"Bella, Angela, these are our cousins, Brady and Collin," I said.
"Lovely to meet you." Angela smiled, giving Brady the once over, extending her hand toward him.
He immediately accepted her hand and held on to it. "Indeed, it is."
Bella giggled. "Pleased to meet your acquaintance, gentlemen."
"It's an honor to finally meet you," Collin said, amused.
I rolled my eyes, while Bella looked confused.
Collin cleared his throat trying to cover up from laughing. "Can I get you ladies anything to drink?" he offered.
"Angela." Brady's grin was wide. "Would you like to have a drink with me at the bar?"
"I'd like that." She smiled back.
He gestured for her to walk first and put his hand on the small of her back.
Collin walked the two of them and then turned to me. "I think I'm gonna go downstairs to see what I can get into. I'll catch up with you later, Cuz."
"Alright, later." I nodded.
I watched Bella as she took in her surroundings. "Can I get you anything to drink?"
"A long island iced tea would be good." She nibbled on her bottom lip.
I waved Seth over and gave him our order as I guided her to a loveseat in a quiet corner.
Once we were seated, Bella got straight to it. "What was that about?"
"You know we can't stand each other, Bella, why do you even have to ask that?"
"We're adults, Knox," she reasoned. "Why are y'all still holding on to that?"
"Look, I saw him pushing up on you and thought you needed help. Plus, I wanted to spend some time with an old friend."
"Thank you, but I know how to handle Jacob. I've been doing that since you left." She had a bite to her tone.
I raised an eyebrow. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Jake's a conceited asshole that thinks the sun rises and sets on him. I know how to put him in his place." She pursed her lips.
"I'm not talkin' about that part."
"Oh, you mean since you left?"
I gave her an expected look.
"Where's the lie? You did leave and never looked back. I thought we were friends, and I was hoping for more, but obviously I misread that," she said sarcastically.
I stared in unbelief, blinking at her.
"Wait a minute." I held up my index finger. "Left you? Hoping for more?" I laughed without humor. "Weren't you the one that would go to the Grill in Harriman so you could hang out with Jacob and his little bitch ass cronies? And the bonfires and his games?" Anger surged through me as I went down memory lane.
"Knox, what did you expect me to do? I thought I'd given you every damn clue that I could to let you know I wanted to be more than just friends." She let out an irritated sigh. "I figured you weren't interested in me like that. I wasn't gonna force myself onto somebody that didn't want me. Then when I saw you with those skanks Vicki and Senna hanging all over you, I was done." She turned her mouth up in disgust.
I knew the exact day she was talking about too. It was after a football game between our team and Kingston. We had won and I was heading to the after party and Vicki and Senna were on both sides of me with their arms hooked through mine. Bella was with Angela and they passed us walking in the opposite direction.
I didn't bother to look her in the eye because at that point I didn't care anymore. She had chosen Jacob over me so whoever I was with shouldn't have mattered.
"I was with them because I thought you and Jacob were dating. I can't tell you how many times I saw you at the Grill with him when I went to pick up my food. What did you expect me to think?" I shook my head remembering something else she'd just said. "And when did you drop cues that you wanted something more, Bella?"
She rolled her eyes and exhaled. "What about all the times we talked in study hall, sitting together at lunch when you weren't at basketball practice, talking on the phone for hours sharing shit with you that Angela doesn't even know, or me coming to all of your games?" She waved her hand. "At one point I was spending more time with you than anyone. And let me set the record straight about Jake." She poked me on the chest. "I thought about dating him back then but once I got to know him, I decided against it. He was shallow and self-absorbed and ain't nothing changed. He's still the same. I'd rather be alone for the rest of my life than be with somebody like that."
"But he said you just went out with him the other night." I challenged.
She snorted. "That wasn't no damn date. We just so happened to be at Cracker Barrel at the same time and he asked if he could sit with me," she confessed.
My shoulder sagged as the anger I held slowly dissipated listening to her. "So, it looks like we kept getting in our own way. There was a lot of miscommunication between us that got way out of hand." I felt stupid because I was partly at fault for letting my ego get in the way. "I'm man enough to own up to my part in this. I'm sorry."
Her expression softened. "Knox, I don't wanna live in the past. I knew we had to hash everything out, but we don't have to stay there. We both made some fucked up decisions hurting each other." She laid her hand on top of mine. "I'm sorry, too, Knox. I want us to be open and honest with each other going forward, okay?"
It was finally time for me to shoot my shot.
To stop being a pussy, like Dobby said.
"Imma tell you right here and now, I still want to be more than friends." I flipped our hands and took hers in mine.
"Me too." She smiled but then it slipped. "Are you seeing anyone, or do you have friends with benefits that I need to know about?"
My needs were met when I needed it but that's all it was, and they knew it too. I didn't even have regulars.
"Nope." I shook my head. "No friends with benefits and I'm not seeing anyone or in any kind of relationship. I'm all yours if you want me," I teased.
"I guess I want ya," she teased back, biting her bottom lip.
I could resist anymore. I wanted to kiss her full, red lipstick covered lips from the moment I saw her. I leaned in and paused, taking in her beautiful forest green eyes. I'd memorized each gold speck in them years ago.
"You've got me," I whispered.
Bella closed the small space that was left between us and covered my mouth with hers. A chill ran through my body as I parted my lips giving her access and a chill ran through my body. I smelled the soft floral scent of her conditioner, as my heart pounded in my chest. Her hands gently cupped my face as she deepened the kiss, our lips moving in sync.
In that moment, not a damn thing mattered—no fears, overthinking, past or future. It was only us and the first kiss we shared that I'd remember for the rest of my life.
When we pulled back because we needed air, I pressed my forehead to hers, not ready to be apart from her yet. I smiled as I recognized the song playing in the background—Sun to Me.
I don't recall what you were wearin' on the first night we met
Besides the subtle cloud around you from my last cigarette
And you come from a good place with a happy family
The only bad you've ever done was to see the good in me
But I've been livin', waitin' on the day
That the good Lord willin' send you out my way
I've seen hard times, back luck, all that in-between
Sweetest of the sunflowers, yeah, you're the sun to me
"Knox." Bella ran her fingers across my lips, with hooded eyes. "You wanna get outta here?"
When we said our goodbyes to everyone that was still in the VIP section, I asked Bella to drop me off at my parents' place so I could pick up the GMC Denali Ultimate truck I left at there whenever I was in town.
Bella told me during the ride her first patient would be at ten o'clock appointment in the morning. She was a hygienist at a well-known office in Knoxville.
Since her job was in the opposite direction from my parents' house, it made sense for me to drive to her place.
I went into the house undetected because everyone was sound asleep. I quickly changed into a pair of my basketball shorts and a wife beater. I grabbed my duffle bag and threw in some extra clothes since I knew I was going to Bella's after I left the court.
It was a little after eleven o'clock at night, so the streets were quiet in Rockwood. It didn't take me long to get to Miller park.
I pulled into a parking space and I noticed a black Ford Fusion and Jacob standing on the basketball court, under the dim light, in the same clothes he had on at the club.
It didn't matter if he changed or not, he was gonna get his ass handed to him anyway.
I approached him with my Spalding in my hand.
"It took you long enough." He crossed his arms over his chest. "I thought you were gonna be the wimp ass bitch you'd always been and flake."
"You wish, you sorry motherfucker," I said, bouncing the ball. "Let's get this shit over with because Bella's waiting on me." I smirked.
He frowned, dropping his arms to his sides. "You think just because that little bitch is dumb enough to let you fuck her tonight that's gonna change the plans I have for her?" He tilted his head to the side. "Once you leave, I'll have her begging me to fuck her cunt, just like Leah already does. You see, Leah won't let another asshole touch her because she knows nobody else can fuck her the way I do." He grabbed his junk.
I snorted. "Dude, I've been gone for years and you still haven't fucked her. Your rap game is as weak as your ball game, you cocksucking motherfucker. Everybody knows you're a washed up hasbeen, but you," I continued to bounce my ball, looking him directly in the eye. "You tried to fuck me over but now look at the one who's really fucked… you."
He stepped closer to me. "Money only makes a little bitch a bigger bitch. Your broke ass family needed that money. Your mother was a goddamn maid because your father was too weak of a man, just like you, to run his house and not have his wife grubbing other people's goddamn floors." He grinned.
I bounced the ball faster as my heart pounded in my chest like a drum.
His family was considered middle-class when we were in high school. Jacob's father, Billy Black, was a manager at a rubber manufacturer in Harriman. His mother, Rachel, was a stay-at-home mom to him and his little sister Rebecca.
Pops held down two jobs just to make ends meet to take care of his family. We weren't broke but we weren't considered middle-class either.
Pops didn't make Mama work. She did it because she felt it was the right thing to do by helping Pops carry the load. She cleaned folks' houses three times a week and sold baked desserts on other days.
Because my parents had five kids to take care of, I didn't have the latest Jordan's like other guys I went to school with. I wore what we could afford and because I knew Mama and Pops were doing the best they could. I wasn't ashamed.
"You've gotta be one sick bastard to talk about a woman that works hard for her damn family. I have nothing to be embarrassed about. So what if my mother cleaned floors and my father had two jobs." I half-shrugged. "They'll never work another day in their lives, unlike your dick ass father. That's who you learned how to be a whiny little bitch from. He walked around thinking he was entitled to everything just like you do. And don't get me started on the nasty slut Rebecca is. Did your mother teach her how to suck cock that good?" I snorted a laugh, as I let the ball bounce away.
A vein popped out of his neck.
"You low-down sonofabitch," Jacob spit, stepping forward, standing nose to nose with me. "Maybe when I'm done with Bella, I'll ride over to Rosie's and ram my dick down her throat to finally shut up her big ass mouth. Then when your youngest sister turns sixteen, I'll pop her cherry and then pass her tight little pussy around to my boys." He plastered a smile across his face.
A muscle in my jaw twitched and that was the last thing I remembered before rage flowed through me like lava.
The early morning sun cast rosy hues across Bella's serene, sleeping face. I listened to her quiet snores as our bodies were still tangled together from round four right before dawn.
Her bedroom smelled like us—flowers, bergamot, and sex.
I laid there as a grown man with the woman I'd fallen in love with on that rainy day back in study hall. I thought about some of the things I'd done to help others like, turning old buildings into a safe place for struggling families to live in for free, creating a foundation so kids could have supplies for school, or helping out my family. I thought all those things fulfilled me until last night.
Ya know how you don't know you're missing something til you taste it? Out of everything I had accomplished, Bella was the missing piece.
I couldn't resist any longer, so I slid my hand down her curvy body, and buried my nose in her hair.
She began to stir.
"Mornin', baby." Her voice was raspy, as she lifted her head.
"Mornin', sugah." I kissed her on the forehead.
She groaned as she tried to move her body.
"You alright?" I smirked.
I knew I'd gotten a little rough a few times. There were times we made love and others when we fucked—hard.
"I'm a little sore, but it ain't nothing I can't handle." She chewed on her bottom lip, climbing on top of me again.
"Thank y'all for coming out tonight." I raised my hand, as the audience screamed.
I quickly glanced over to the side of the stage at Bella, standing there grinning from ear to ear.
"I got a special one tonight, dedicated to my girlfriend, Bella." I winked at her.
The bass poured through the speakers and the crowd roared louder.
Got me up all night
All I'm singin' is love songs
She got me up all night
Constant drinkin' and love songs
She got me up all night
Down and out with these love songs
She got me up all night
Drownin' out with these love songs
She got me up all night (Yeah)
All I'm singin' is love songs
She got me up all night (Yeah)
Constant drinkin' and love songs
She got me up all night (Yeah)
Down and out with these love songs
She got me open all night (Uh-huh)
Got me open all night, hey
Okay, back when I was sleeping in my mama crib
Or even back when I was up there in Mohammed crib
Paying seventeen hundred for the rent, money well-spent
No heater, but I made heat, may I vent
Had a thing for ya, even wrote the song "Dreams" for ya
'Cause I had dreams for ya, thoughts of a ring for ya
Childish shit, you know child and shit
Anonymous flowers sent, you know coward shit
Now I signed to Hov, took a power trip
Back home, I'm grown now, and the city's my throne now, huh
As fucked up as it sounded, the rest of the words to my unfinished song came to me as I watched life leave Jacob's body.
I caught him off guard punching him over and over, my fist in a fury, a black blur.
The same clubs that I used to get tossed out
Life got Kriss Krossed, totally crossed out
'Cause now I'm in this bitch and I'm totally bossed out
Old chicks crying 'cause they know that they lost out
But I'm still on you, I'm still on you
My drink spill on me, while I fill on you, I'm sayin'
I knew he was swinging back but I don't remember feeling anything.
I didn't feel one ounce of remorse when I came to, seeing that bastard's face bloodied beyond recognition because of the stone in my hand.
Would you believe me if I said I'm in love?
Baby, I want you to want me
Would you believe me if I said I'm in love?
Baby, I want ya
And we are, we are, we are
Got me up all night
And we are, we are, we are
All I'm singin' is love songs
And we are, we are, we are
Got me up all night
And we are, we are, we are (She got me)
And we are, we are, we are (She got me)
I wrapped him up in a tarp that had been in the back of my truck and drove to Luper Mountain. Sometimes wild animals were spotted, so I didn't waste time digging a deep hole and tossing the fucker in it.
Well, this has got to be the longest crush ever
If I ever get to fuck, it'd be the longest bust ever
Love is a drug, like the strongest stuff ever and
Fuck it, I'm on one, you feel me?
She on a power trip, she got me where she want a nigga
Wife'ing in the club, man, my homies gon' disown a nigga
Like, give me 20 dollars, dollars
Ass stupid, how you get to college, college?
I'm in your city and I'm wonderin' if you're home now
Went and found a man, but I'm hopin' you're alone now
Can't help but feeling like I dropped the ball, cliché
I used to pop up on you at the mall each day
Now, typically I kick game, like East Bay
But you got a man freeze-framed yelling, please play
For Pete's sake, homie, pull it together
Just fuck her one time and be through with forever, but
Would you believe me if I said I'm in love?
Baby, I want you to want me
Would you believe me if I said I'm in love?
Baby, I want ya, yeah
And we are, we are, we are
Got me up all night
And we are, we are, we are
All I'm singin' is love songs
And we are, we are, we are
Got me up all night
I used rags and bottled water to wash off the blood that was on my hands, changed my clothes and burned everything before heading to Bella's apartment.
I arrived thirty minutes later than expected but all was forgotten when she opened the door in black lace teddy.
My last thought of Jacob before my hips thrusted into Bella was… I'd won.