Chapter Twenty

JaRue

We were a little busy at work today, so I had to take a late lunch. I called Journei to join me so that we could catch up. With everything that has been going on, it's like we haven't spent much time together. We decided on our favorite spot, Roasters. I always loved the view out here. I was on the phone with Hassan when she walked up. She had a glow radiating off of her, and I couldn't wait to ask her about it.

"Journei just walked up. Let me go talk to her," I said to Hassan.

"Damn, baby. You just going to brush me off like that?" he feigned hurt.

"Don't be like that. You'll have me all to yourself later." I reasoned.

"I think I like that better. I'll hit you up later."

"Okay."

We hung up, and Journei was staring at me, with a smile covering her entire face.

"What?"

"Love looks good on you, friend. I love that for you," she announced.

"Love? Me? What about you? You came in here glowing and shit. What's that all about?" I pried.

She blushed.

"Spill it, bitch." I took a sip of my tea. I wish it was something stronger, but I had to go back to work, so this would have to do.

"After we left dinner, I went to Rock's house, and we had a talk. He apologized for how he brushed me off after Lu died. Even though I understood, I thought we were better than that. We talked about it. We had sex and admitted that we loved each other." She shrugged.

"Wait. Y'all had sex? Was it good? Didn't you say he hadn't had sex in over a year? Was it quick? Hurry up and answer, bitch. Shit." She was taking too long to respond and while I needed all the details.

"Can you let me answer one question first before you ask another one? Damn." She playfully rolled her eyes. "But yes, we had sex, and it was off the charts, bitch. That man made love to me so good that the dick had me confessing my love. Then he turned around and fucked me like he hated me. I was in heaven." She fanned herself.

"Okay, Rock."

"I think I scared him when I told him that I loved him because he didn't respond right away, but after our second round, we were lying in the bed and he said it back."

"So, what? Y'all in a relationship now?" I asked.

"We are. He asked me to be patient with him, though, and I agreed. I agreed that it's a lot and soon, but you can't put a time stamp on love."

"You're right about that," I responded.

"You love Haze, don't you?" she asked me.

Taking a deep breath, I replied, "I do."

"So, what's the problem?"

"What if he doesn't feel the same?" I pondered.

"Bitch, I hate Keith for doing this to you. If you can't tell that man loves you, then maybe you deserve to be with somebody like Keith who doesn't give a fuck." She snapped. "That man married you so that you could keep your daughter," She explained.

"He also did it for himself, too." I shrugged.

"Don't make me slap you, Rue. Does Haze look like the type of man that can be made to do anything that he doesn't want to do?"

Silence.

"Exactly. Not only did he marry you. He put things in place to make sure you and Finny are good. Granted, it'll be good if he verbalizes it, but his actions are saying what his words can't. He loves you, friend, and it's okay if you love him. You deserve it."

She was right. I needed to get out of my head, because Hassan hadn't given me any indication that he didn't love me. I guess I just needed to hear it. We paid for our food and got ready to leave. On the way out, I was stopped by none of than Kari and I guess the girl with her was her friend.

"You know he doesn't love you, right? He'll always be mine. I don't know why he married a ghetto bitch like you in the first place when I've been with him for years," she goaded.

"Girl, move." Journei shoved the girl.

"You've been that man's cum rag for years. Meanwhile, I have his last name, access to his money, house, cars and, most importantly, his dick. Don't approach me again because I won't be responsible for what my husband does to you if you do." I made sure to shoulder bump her on the way to my G-Wagon. I hit the locks on purpose and turned around to smirk at her. She would spit fire right now if she could.

"Oh, and tell Keith, don't make my husband pay him a visit. He needs to leave me the fuck alone." With that, I got in my truck and went back to work. I wasn't about to let Kari get under my skin today.

When I got back to work, Knight was coming back up front.

"Wassup, Rudy Rue?"

"Hey, Knight. I'm just coming back in from lunch. You need anything before I clock back in?" I asked.

"Yeah. You don't have to clock back in. As a matter of fact, this is your last day," he informed me. My heart sank to my feet.

"Wait? Are you firing me? Why? What I did I do?" I was on the verge of tears.

"Calm down. I'm not firing you-" I cut him off.

"Then what's going on?"

"Ask that nigga." He pointed toward the door, and Hassan was walking in.

"Hassan, what's going on?"

He sauntered over to me and kissed my lips, but I couldn't reciprocate. I needed to know what was going on.

"Baby, calm down. You're not being fired, but this is your last day. Look at it as a resignation," he mentioned.

"What? Resignation?"

"Yeah. What I look like letting my wife be some receptionist?" he explained.

"Aye, watch that shit, nigga." Knight butted in.

"But I like my job," I whined.

"But you don't need it. You have enough money in your account to cover your salary for a few years, so there's no need for you to be working. You don't have to worry about bills or anything else for as long as I have breath in my body. All I need is for you to give me all of you and I got you in return. Can you do that?"

I was speechless. This man really did love me, but I needed to actually had to hear it.

"Why, though?"

"Because I love you, shorty. That's why." I couldn't stop the smile on my face if I wanted to.

"Aight. Y'all can take that shit to your house. Rue, I'll have a severance package deposited into your account shortly. And since this nigga acting like we didn't pay you well enough, it'll be well worth it. And we'll shoot you something for little mama's college fund." He smirked at Hassan.

"Shit, we appreciate it." We all laughed at Hassan's statement.

After I gathered my belongings, he loaded them into the back of his truck and followed me home. When we got inside, he pulled me into his arms and kissed me passionately.

"What was that for?" I asked, breathlessly.

"Because I love you, and I wanted you to feel that shit. I love you and Infiniti, and I promise until the day that I take my last breath and even after that, you will never have to worry about a single thing again. As long as it's within my reach, I'll make it happen. Even if I can't, I'll make a way."

I couldn't stop the tears now if I wanted to.

"Thank you," I voiced.

"For what, baby?"

"For loving me properly and accepting my child. For that alone, I'll always love you," I simpered.

"I wouldn't have it any other way."