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“Just fucking great,” I said.

“You were so brave. I have some stickers and a lollipop for you.”

“Thank you,” Ryleigh said.

As we walked back to the lobby, I caught Shameek watching us. He looked down at the little bandage on Ryleigh’s arm before picking her up.

“Did they hurt the princess?” he asked.

“I ain’t cry.”

“That’s my girl.” He kissed her cheek.

I opened my mouth to tell him to put my child down, but she belonged to both of our worlds.

“The test will be back in a few days. When it comes back, I need my niece to come be wit’ her family for a few days.”

“For her to be in that bitch face. Nah, we can discuss visitation.”

Shameek laughed, “Kyenna should be the least of yo’ worries. You kno’ how I get ‘bout my family. Now, like I said, I’ll see you in a few days.”

Shameek kissed Ryleigh and put her down.

“See you in a few days.” He patted my shoulder.

CHAPTER 10

KYENNA

Since I had gotten in late last night, I spent the day relaxing. I woke up for the first morning feeling refreshed. It took me some time to get here. Some days were better than others, but every day that I kept myself busy and tried not to think about how life had shifted, the better I dealt with it. Jaharee had already called and told me that we were going out later, so I was just cleaning out my closet to stay occupied. It was either that or take my ass to work, and I really deserved a break. As I sat on the floor with my legs crossed and going through my things, my phone started ringing from security outside.

“Hey.”

“I have Lloyd out here.”

“You can let him in,” I said, getting up from the floor.

I changed out of my robe and put something on. By the time I made it downstairs, he was making his way to the door. Lloyd had become very beneficial in this transition. Rah had some properties that I didn’t want to deal with because some of the tenants occupying them were already getting on my nerves. Two of the commercial buildings I was trying to sell.

“I hate to bother you, but I stopped by Flush first, and they said you were home.”

“You’re fine. Come in.” I stepped aside.

“I got some good news.”

“I can use some good news.”

“I have one of the commercial properties sold for you, and they accepted your price.”

“Damn, I was expecting to go back and forth with the pricing.”

“I hate that you’re letting it go. It’s in such a good area and the money is plentiful.”

“I don’t care anything about money, Lloyd. I don’t want the headache when one of the store owners in that plaza calls and says something needs to be fixed. I know for Rah that shit was easy, but running Flush is enough. If I could sell all the properties, I would.”

“I understand. How have you been holding up?”

“Depends on the day.” I shrugged.