Page 52

“Because everybody deserves to get gifts. Even Juanita.” I closed the door behind me and got in the car. I didn’t tell her what I had just learned. That wasn’t my story to tell.

Anton “Tax” Hodges

Bubbles had been quiet for most of the ride. Yeah, we were able to enjoy each other without always having to talk, but normally, she would randomly say some crazy shit. Not today, though. I glanced over at her as I stopped at a red light. She was staring out of the window, smacking the hell out of her gum. I noticed she only chewed it when she had something on her mind. I was starting to believe it helped her think. I started to leave her be, but I was about to put her ass out if she was over there thinking about the next nigga.

“You good, Stink?” She turned to face me.

“Yeah. Was just thinking about my mama.”

“What about her?”

“The shit you said at the mall had me in my feelings, so I went over there and talked to her.” I’m guessing she meant me saying she didn’t know how to receive gifts, but instead of just telling me what was on her mind, her ass had me over here pulling it out of her.

“Okay. How’d that go?”

“Different than I thought it would. I found out some shit I never knew. Even learned some things I wish I hadn’t.” I reached over and put my hand on her thigh.

“You wanna talk about it?”

“Naw. It’s not my story to tell. Besides, I’m not even sure I know what’s what.” I nodded because I didn’t know what to say. “I do wanna ask you something, though.”

“What’s that?”

“Can you give my mama her money back?”

“Bubbles, that ain’t how I operate.”

“I know, but just hear me out. I’m not saying she should’ve stolen from you, and I’m not asking you to act like she didn’t. All I’m asking is for you to trust that I have a good reason.” I didn’t respond because I didn’t want to hurt her feelings. “Anton, she really needed that money,” she added, since I didn’t say anything.

“Everybody needs money, Stink.”

“I know that too. I’m just saying-…” She stopped and shook her head. “I don’t know how to explain it. I can’t tell you what I mean without telling you something I shouldn’t.” I nodded. I understood what she was asking. Bubbles wanted me to make an exception without giving me a reason I could evaluate for myself, but that wasn’t going to work for me.

“I’ll think about it,” I said to ease her mind.

“For real?” She looked shocked.

“Yeah.” I wasn’t lying. I just didn’t give her the full truth. By the time I pulled into the driveway, Bubbles had moved on to something else. Her ass could go from talking about something serious to joking and talking shit before a nigga could process the first topic. I parked in front of the house, but I didn’t turn off the engine. “I gotta make a run right quick.”

“You leaving me here by myself?”

“Stink, it’s going to be plenty of times you home by yourself.”

“What am I supposed to do until you get back? Why can’t I go with you?”

“I’m sure you will figure out something to get into. It’s a lot of house. I’ll be back before you know it, and I’ll even bring you food and your favorite snacks.” You could see the excitement on her face.

“Don’t bring me nothing nasty and make sure you get my pickles.” She opened the door and climbed out. I got out as well and placed my hand on the scanner. Once the door was unlocked, I gave her a kiss and jumped back in the car. I thought about me and Bubbles’s conversation as I headed to my destination. It took me an hour to get to Juanita’s house, and when I pulled up, I sat there for a minute before cutting the engine.

Reaching in my pocket, I grabbed my wallet and tossed it in the console. My watch was next, followed by the cash in my other pocket. I made sure I wasn’t carrying anything I didn’t intend to leave without. Fool me once. Laughing, I climbed out of my car and walked toward her door. It took Juanita a minute to answer. When she finally opened it and saw me standing there, her whole expression changed.

“Aww hell naw. Let me guess. You here to take my ass, my dignity, and my Bible? Cus that’s all I got left.” I laughed. This lady was really trying to play victim.

“Naw. I’m here to talk.”

“About what? I already told you I ain’t got shit.”

“I know,” was all I offered her. I wasn’t about to have this conversation on the porch.