Page 20 of His To Obey

“Come on girl, the food getting cold and I’m starving.” I rushed into the dining room and sat next to her.

Everything was laid out like thanksgiving dinner. Catfish, green beans, spaghetti, dinner rolls, and her famous sweet tea and lemonade. I salivated thinking about all of it. But I was craving sweets so the cake would be the most satisfying.

“I spoke with your momma. She is hopeful to be getting out of that shitty place soon.” My aunt placed her napkin in her lap and started grabbing dishes. She had just blessed the food and wasted no time talking my ear off.

“Yes, her lawyer believes she has a good chance. The previous judge on her case withdrew. I think they are looking to get judge Ramsey on it.” She nodded her understanding.

“I am really proud of you baby girl. And I am sure your mother is too.” She patted my hand and gripped it in hers. She paused before continuing. “Blythe, love, I never got to say I’m sorry for.”

“Mmm hmm, nope. We are not going there, auntie. Our time together is happiness. We are not revisiting the past. I am okay and none of it is your fault.”

“But are you okay? Really? You don’t seem happy. You wear dark clothes, bury yourself in work and never smile. Hell, I’ve never even heard you hint about a man.” I took a sip from my glass. The sweetness of the tea felt like velvet going down it was so good. It also was a distraction from her words. Everyone had an interest all of a sudden in my love life. “I know baby. You are private and keep to yourself, I just worry. I want you to know what it feels like to be loved by a good man, hell, be touched just right by the perfect man.” My mind drifted to Pharaoh and the way he gently kissed my wrist. The way it sent shivers through me. How warm his large hands felt bounding my wrist together in place so I wouldn’t pull away. The way he looked at me asking permission but also demanding I agree. Was he the one to love and touch me just right?

I spent the next two hours enjoying my aunt’s company and distracting my brain from thoughts of Pharaoh. It was actually the best dinner we have had, and I am glad I came. Things seemed to be a little brighter lately and I was here for the needed change.

“Oh, Blythe baby before you go, a letter was dropped off here for you.” I watched my aunt move away quickly, her wide hips causing her motions to be intensified. I stood back thinking about how much her and my momma looked just alike. You would think they were twins. She returned quickly and placed the red envelope in my hand. It was just like the one I took off my windshield the other day.

I thanked her and stuffed it in my purse. I would open it later when I had some free time. Right now, I just wanted to go home kick my feet up and watch law and order SVU until I get tired.

“Thank you, auntie. I love you.” She pulled me in hugging me tight.

“I love you too baby. Be safe.”

Chapter Ten

PHARAOH

“Boys dinner is ready.” I was chilling on the plush leather couch in my parents’ den, watching football highlights with Rajah and my pops. Thea and I had just got back from the bakery. I wasn’t expecting to run into Blythe’s fine ass, but she made my Sunday a little better.

Since I’d been back my mom had been forcing us to have Sunday dinners and sent at least one of us to get dessert from the same little bakery. I could tell she liked having us all together again. She didn’t cook a lot when we were kids but now, she was cooking up Thanksgiving feast every Sunday. I didn’t mind because I was enjoying eating at home cooked meals. Back home if London wasn’t bringing me plates or cooking for me, naked in my crib, my meals was basic as fuck.

“Hey daddy, let me help you.” My little sister Thea came in the room to assist my pops. She looked just like his ass, and she was truly a daddy’s girl. Jah and I knew she was his favorite. Growing up we couldn’t say shit to her without him getting in our ass. We used to fuck with her just to get a rise out of his ass.

“Nah, we got him big head ass.” Jah walked over and took the arm Thea was holding. I thumped her forehead playfully causing Jah to chuckle and her to slap at my arm.

“Hey, keep yo got damn hands off my baby.” My pops fussed as he rocked back and forth to get out his recliner. Thea stuck her tongue out at me.

“Man, pops ain’t nobody scared of you.” I said chuckling, his ass couldn’t even get up without several rocks.

“Alright, fuck around and find out. I will beat your ass then have you get my inhaler after.” We all busted out laughing. His ass swore he could still get down, shit if I’m being honest he probably could. It was hilarious making him mad, but I wasn’t gonna try him for real. Big or not I knew better than to challenge the champ.

He stood fully and kissed my sister on her head. They looped arms and walked off headed towards the kitchen, the pace was slow and I could hear his labored breathing.

“Daddy your breath is hot on my cheek.” Thea rubbed at her face where my pops was leaning on her.

“My bad baby girl, shit. That last rock getting up almost took me out and your no-good ass brothers ain’t no damn help.” He complained shuffling down the hall. Chuckling, I grabbed my phone and followed them. I had a few messages on my phone from chicks back home and a couple new ones I met here. Most were asking if I would pull up and spend time with them. Code for if I would come put this dick in their lives. But I ignored each one and made my way to the dining room after washing my hands.

Momma had a full spread laid out for us. Tonight’s theme was Mexican style food. I was hella starving after that blunt Jah and I smoked and was ready to dive in. My pops sat at the head of the table and my mom sat right next to him. Thea was on his other side and Jah sat next to my mom. I sat at the other end of the table where I always sat when I was home. My mom never wanted to sit at the end of the table she wanted to be right near my pops.

They have been obsessed with each other all my life. No drama, no cheating allegations, nothing. Just pure love between them. She reached for his hand and they interlocked their fingers. He blew her a kiss and looked over at Thea. Reaching out his hand she grasped it and looked down the table at me. I stood and reached for her hand. Jah grabbed ma’s hand and reached for me. We looked around at the food and people here before bowing our heads.

“Dear heavenly Father, we thank You. For family, food and your divine purpose. Keep us together and nourished. Allow us to lean on each other for whatever You have sought out for us. May we grow stronger together. Amen” We all said amen in unison. My mom opened her eyes from her prayer and smiled directly at me.

Being here reminded me why I loved being home. Life was simple, not demanding. I could let my guard down and chill. I missed it. But I knew it wouldn’t last long. It was time to step up for them.

“Man, I am bout to fuck-”

“Jah, don’t you dare, sit your ass at my table and use that damn language.” My moms fussed before Jah could finish his sentence. He pointed in her direction while he looked at me. I chuckled shaking my head. My attention wasn’t on them; it was on these damn tacos and homemade refried beans.