Total pages in book: 109
Estimated words: 104252 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 521(@200wpm)___ 417(@250wpm)___ 348(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 104252 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 521(@200wpm)___ 417(@250wpm)___ 348(@300wpm)
“It’s not that simple, mom. I care about Kay and I’m willing to give her time to figure things out.”
“You are too trusting, Ja. I have always feared you would give your heart to someone who doesn’t deserve you.”
“I’ll be fine, mom. I think you would like Kayleen if you gave her a chance.”
“Hmm, son, I’ve seen a fool, been a fool, and known a fool in this life. I’m not about to watch my child be a fool for no one when I can point out the signs and prevent it.”
Seeing that I’m not going to win this argument or convince her to believe otherwise, I hobble over to the couch bed and take a seat. I lift my foot and grab my still-stinging toe in my hand.
“You want some ice for that?”
“No, I’m just going to go to bed. Thanks, Mom. See you in the morning.”
“Night, baby. See you in the morning.”
She turns out the lights and heads back to bed. I lie down and think back to what Kay was trying to tell me. They broke up.
I can finally have what I’ve always wanted. I’m not going to play professional football, but things are looking great for the basketball draft. Kayleen and I can have a great life together.
I’m going to marry my high school crush. My patience paid off. We were always meant to be.
CHAPTER 29
What I Needed
Cameron
I turn from the conversation I’m having and head for the door to leave. I’m over this party. I’ve done nothing but party since breaking up with Kay.
I don’t know what I was expecting, but I haven’t found what I’m looking for. I feel hollow and alone. No different from how I felt in my relationship with Kay.
As I walk out onto the street, my thoughts go to the one person who makes me feel alive. Amina hasn’t been at a single one of these parties. It dawns on me that that’s what I’ve been waiting for.
I’ve been looking for her to walk through the door and light up the place with her presence. None of the girls who have approached me have brought that light with them. I’m longing for the one person who makes me feel.
I hop into my car and drive aimlessly. I don’t know how I end up at Amina’s front door with two cases of beer in my hands. However, as she opens the door and I see her sad eyes, I know there’s no other place I need to be.
“Cam?” she says with her brows knit.
“What’s wrong?” I ask before she can speak another word.
“Come inside. You have to see this one for yourself,” she says and takes a step back to allow me inside.
I breathe a sigh of relief. Part of me thought she was going to turn me away. I walk into the apartment and take a look around.
It’s nice. I’ve never been inside before. I’ve only ever walked her to the door and that has only been a few times.
Most times, I’ve only made it to the front door of the building. Now that I’m in her space, I feel like our relationship has just reached a new level.
“You can put those in the fridge if you plan to hang out for a while.” She gestures with her head for the kitchen. “What brings you here?”
“I can’t come check in on a friend?”
I walk over to the kitchen and place the beers inside the fridge. I grab two and walk back to the living room, where she’s now sitting with her head in her hands. It’s as I take in the scene fully that I notice the half empty bottle of tequila on the coffee table.
Next to it is a gift bag and tissue paper that looks like it was once inside the bag. I sit down beside her and place the beers on the table. I then place a hand on her back and begin to rub it.
“Talk to me, Mina. What’s going on?”
She looks up at me with tears in her eyes. When she opens her mouth, no words come out. She shrugs and points to the gift bag as her lips tremble.
I reach for the bag and look inside to see what has her like this. I take out what looks to be a card and read it first. It’s handwritten and signed by that asshole.
My Maribel,
Time is up. I thought it time you started to wear this. I will see you soon.
Your husband,
Dez
I have to fight not to crumble the card in my hand. I toss it down on the table and dig into the bag to pull out the box. When I open the box, I can’t help the low whistle that leaves my lips.
The guy didn’t cut any corners, although the princess-cut ring doesn’t say Amina. I would have gone for something totally different for her long, slender finger.