Chapter 34

34

N eko

The Next Morning

Elias and I remained closed today, not just because I needed a new assistant for my floor but to process the fact that Parker had been stealing from us. We needed to take some time to thoroughly go through every account, under every accountant, and see how much she'd gotten away with. Until that happened, I didn't want to reopen. We could still schedule things for our artists virtually, but I wouldn't have peace of mind and the ability to trust our team until this was put behind us.

"What are we going to do about Trent?" Elias asked.

He'd stopped by so we could talk more. Mal was still sleep, and I was hoping we'd have everything taken care of by the time she woke up.

"He's good at numbers but not a good leader. He's also cocky. If he would have allowed someone to go over his accounts like we suggested, we would have caught this sooner."

"I agree. I don't think we should fire him, but I do think he should be demoted. Malorie should be the new head of accounting."

"I agree one hundred percent. Lil baby more than earned that position… and a raise too."

At the sound of her house shoes shuffling toward us, I smiled. When she first woke up, she barely picked her feet up off the ground.

"I'm not alone, bae," I warned to make sure she didn't come out here naked since that was how she slept.

"I know. I heard my brother's voice." She wrapped her arms around me and kissed my cheek.

"Good morning, good morning."

"Morning, sis," Elias spoke.

"Good morning. Have y'all had breakfast?"

"We were waiting for you," I answered. "You wanna go to JD's for brunch since we rarely have a chance to go throughout the week and they're packed on the weekend?"

"Ooh that sounds fun. Let me go get dressed."

"Before you do, we need to talk to you," Elias said while I used her arm to pull her around and sit her on my lap. I nodded for him to continue, because I wanted her to know this wasn't just my doing. "I know we keep saying it, but thank you for your work and dedication. Those words don't seem like enough—"

"But they are enough," she said.

"Still, we have two things we want to do and give to show you how grateful we are," I told her before kissing her shoulder.

"I would say no but you know I love gifts," she said before sniggling in the cutest, innocent way.

Elias chuckled as he lifted the large gift bag he'd brought with him. After scooting it to her he said, "Thank you, sis. For real."

When she looked in the bag, her leg began to shake. "W-What's this?"

"It's the amount you found that was stolen, and it's yours to keep," he said.

"Oh no." She laughed nervously and shook her head. "I-I can't take this. That's over three hundred thousand dollars."

"You can and you will. We honor loyalty. Take that and do with it what you will," Elias said.

"And," I added, turning her slightly so I could wipe the tears that had started to fall down her cheeks. "You're the new head of accounting. Trent will still be employed, but you earned that position, sweet girl. The official announcement will be made Monday."

"You guuuysssuh," she sang before crying harder.

I was trying not to laugh as I held her, but she was so dramatic. When she was composed, I wiped her face and kissed her lips.

"Congratulations, mama, and thank you."

Mal rested her forehead on mine. "Thank you. Thank you both. I really appreciate this, but I really didn't do it for any reason other than it was the right thing to do."

"And that's why you deserve this and more," Elias said, and I completely agreed.

A Couple of Days Later

I took advantage of us being closed to create. For months now, I had a vision in my dreams that I hadn't had the time to try and put on a canvas. I didn't know how long it was going to take me to finally finish it, but I'd started, and I loved being able to be in my creative flow. That was all the more reason for me to stop working so damn much. I loved what I did, though.

A part of me wanted to try having a split schedule and have two weeks out of the month where I worked and two weeks where I created. Either way, the freedom I felt over the last couple of days was needed, and I was taking full advantage.

I'd posted a snippet on my social media with the caption, back in the paint , and already, investors and collectors were asking if I planned to auction the piece off. Honestly, I wasn't sure yet. It would depend on how attached I was to it when it was done.

The way I valued and sold my art was inspired by Nipsey Hussle. I knew the more confident I was in what I delivered and the more of a demand there was for it, the more people would pay for it. That's why I only auctioned my art off. I let them decide what it was worth to them, but that method also scratched some peoples itch to gamble and win.

Laura was coming back to throw Malorie a celebratory party at Malik's house for her promotion this weekend, and I couldn't wait to turn up with the fam. Every time I thought about what she found, I was in awe. I know she said she came back for me, but she'd saved me and my brother from being robbed blind, and I'd be forever grateful to her for that.

When I started creating, I got lost in my studio. It was toward the countryside of Rose Valley Hills because it was so quiet and peaceful out here. There was one main room and a smaller space behind it plus the basement. Since I literally just painted and did my sculptures here, I only had a recliner, stool, and my materials. I didn't realize how long I'd been gone until there was an Uber Eats delivery. There was only one person who would have me food delivered—Malorie. Yet another way she considered me, thought of me, took care of me… and I appreciated her for it.

It wasn't until I smelled the fully loaded cheeseburger and fries that I realized just how long it had been since I'd eaten. My stomach immediately started to growl. After taking a few bites, I called her.

"Hey, babe," she answered.

"My sweet girl… thank you. A nigga was hungry as fuck apparently."

She laughed. "Yeah, I bet. You've been gone for like twelve hours, Neek. When are you coming home?"

"Probably after this. Now that I've stopped to eat, I think this is a good place to stop."

"Good because I miss you."

"I miss you too. I'll see you when I get home, aight?"

"Okay. I love you."

"I love you too, and thank you."

"Always."

I disconnected the call and finished my food, then cleaned up for the night. It was a hell of a lot later than I'd expected to leave, and I was looking forward to cuddling up with my lady and calling it a night.

That Weekend

Our families and friends had come through to celebrate Mal, which she deserved. It was a sight to see watching our parents have a lil taste of that liquor and dance to a few line dance songs. Everyone took advantage and cut loose, and watching my people enjoy themselves was a big part of the fun for me.

Any time me and Mal were in the same room, my eyes always found her. Not just because I wanted to make sure she was protected but also because I loved looking at her. We were nearing the end of summer, and I was going to miss her shorts and cowboy boots combo. I'd finally spoken to Karrington, and I was going to surprise her with a trip to Massie Manor to his family's ranch.

Tonight, she had on her signature crop top and shorts combo, but this shirt was so damn short I could see the tattoos on the sides of her breasts when she lifted her arms. Lil baby was bad as fuck, and I couldn't wait to get her back home tonight. She was smoking and drinking and would be cross faded, and any time she was, she was freakier than usual.

When I felt someone pat my back, I looked off to the side to see who it was. Malik leaned against the kitchen island next to me. I tried to look at him to see what was up, but my eyes went right back to his sister as she danced.

"You good?" I checked before taking a sip of my whiskey.

"Yeah. Sis about at her limit huh?"

"Yeah. I'ma let her dance to like two more songs before I get her up outta here."

He chuckled and bobbed his head. "Y'all look good together. I hope it lasts."

That caused me to look over at him. "You mean that?"

"I do. I know I gave you hell back in the day, but I do. Who knows? Maybe y'all needed time apart to get to this point. Either way, I've never seen either of you happier, and I'm glad you didn't let me keep y'all apart."

"You must be at yo' limit too talking all this sappy shit," I said, shaking his hand and pulling him in for a hug as he laughed. "For real, though, I appreciate it. I know I've said it before, but I promise she's good with me."

"I know. I know."

We talked for a few minutes more before I decided to go and get my woman. She was randomly giggling to herself, which meant it was time for her to leave her own party. I said my goodbyes to everyone and carried her over to our parents so she could say bye to them, then headed out. As much as I wanted to get up in her pussy, I probably wasn't going to be able to. That was cool. I just wanted her to enjoy herself, and as I carried her to my car, it was clear she did.