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a man’s foolish ways are not a measurement of your love or what you deserve. There’s only one man who has the power to measure any part of your life at any point. His name is Jesus.
“I know, babe. Just say the word and I can have my cousins beat his ass for you.”
“That’s why you have me. I wish that nigga harm, poverty, and a slow, painful death.”
“Listen, my best advice is to never let anyone get in the way of finding your forever love. Not even your husband.”
There was a perfect balance of water, butter, and sugar.
Mercer made himself comfortable in the chair meant for the head of the house. He sat at the end, making a statement that his mouth hadn’t. Didn’t need to, either. His aura said everything that needed to be said. His actions fell in line.
Mercer wasn’t vengeance for me. He was a breath of fresh air, oxygen to my lungs, and a defibrillator for my heart.
“There’s no room for me and conflict here,” he said, touching my chest. “Or here.” He touched my head. “I can exp—” “I’m not interested in an explanation. When these two are aligned, you know where you can find me.”
She was with all the shit, and I loved that.
She was known to shield and protect and was marvelous at her job. She’d go to war behind the ones she loved, reminding me of us all.
There was something about a woman who followed orders so graciously and without question, allowing you to take the lead, not because she didn’t have another choice, but because she trusted you, and it felt most natural to allow you to guide her.
Providing and protecting had been instilled in me long ago, and it didn’t rest simply because a person could provide for or protect themselves. That shit remained intact under all circumstances
I’ve already spoken to God about it. Trust me, Pretty, that man has never let me down.”
“Infertility exposed the fragility, flaws, and bruised ego of the nigga you chose to marry. It didn’t cost you shit.”
Because one thing I know for sure, if he can and really want to, then he will. For a woman I truly love, I’d go find a fucking baby if that’s what she wanted, if that’s what I wanted. The doctor could tell you right now today that you’re dying of cancer and have only a year to live. “I’d make it my business to make sure you live the fullest, most memorable year of your existence so that you can think about me during your transition. And you’re not fearful because you know without a doubt we’ll do it all again next lifetime. When you love someone, you do that. No matter the circumstances.
“My parents are testaments that things don’t ruin marriages, people do.
Craving physical touch to be re-centered as an introvert was a habit I quickly picked up on of hers.
I never said I wouldn’t let that nigga know what time it is.”
His maturity level was commendable. Because I wanted to cry like a baby on his lap while he lied to me and told me everything was all right. It wasn’t.
“I’m a nigga that gets shit done. One that will move mountains. Dry seas. Calm storms. Start riots if that’s what it takes to make sure shit goes my way. It’s the only thing I’ve ever done.
I’m invested; heart, dick, and dome.
I now knew the lengths Mercer would go for me. I promised myself to never abuse his generosity, his love, his heart.
He could either shut the fuck up and watch Pretty leave with a nigga that meant her well, or he could shut the fuck up and watch Pretty leave with a nigga that meant her well.
“To take her back to the crib and fuck her until she feels better until she forgets all the time she wasted waiting for a nigga who was never meant for her to get his shit together. Then, I want to cook her dinner, feed her, and then fuck her some more.
“Check this shit out,” I started, placing a thumb on my nose. “If you try any slick shit in her absence, I’m on your ass. If you try to file for divorce in her absence, I’m on your ass. If you touch her accounts in her absence, I’m on your ass.
“When I told you I’d see you later, I meant that. When I told you nothing more needed to be said, I meant that. When you need me, I’ll always be there, Vallei. I don’t care where you are or who I have to go through to get to you. I’m coming. Always.”
“I’m more concerned with this damsel in distress. Who do I need to beat up, babe? I fight niggas, too. Well, my man does. But still.”
We don’t cry over men. Men cry over us.
“There’s something about when Black women unite. We can move mountains. We’re no strangers to solutions. It’s the most beautiful, unfiltered experience ever, witnessing Black women laugh loudly and step fully into who we are as we dine, sip, and converse. We heal one another. As much as I like my quiet, I love our energy.
“Not on my end. I can’t speak for you, baby, but this isn’t seasonal. This is a lifestyle, one that you’re welcome to reap the benefits of until you decide that this is not where you want to be.”
Don’t run from nothing. Step. Because I’ma step ’bout you, Pretty. No questions asked. I expect the same.”
