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Chapter One

Destiny

Like You Used To…

I looked at the old, run-down building Tasha had called a lounge and shot a disgusted look in her direction “I don’t knohy I let you talkday I had with Junior’s gaet up and take care of my family tomorrow”

I had no clue what it would take to ut that Jacob had done the unthinkable with Justine, I wouldn’t rest well until the truth was unveiled, or the nagging thought got put to bed, once and for all

“It may look a little worn on the outside, but trust ht now,” she assured et inside,” she added as she strutted ahead ofa pair of cute, six-inch heels and with a head of curls cascading down to her ample bottom My cousin, Tasha Baker, had dolled up like she stepped off the pages of a fashion ates of hell

“Tasha, I don’t want to be here!” I protested

She stopped walking and spun around to facefrom her eyes “Destiny, you’re the one that said you needed to relax and clear yourthe place down” Just as quickly as she faced me, she turned and stalked across the street

“Well, I tell you I’et ed? I can see how this is what I need,” I stated sarcastically, sirl, while continuing to follow her Our heels clacking against the gritty pavey, broken down venue

There were probably fifty cars in the parking lot and a few parked alongside the road The streets were dark, except for one diht, which meant I successfully ditched them on the drive to Tasha’s house earlier I had intentionally zigzagged through traffic and made sudden turns to lose them Thankfully, it worked I needed a breather from Jacob’s protective watch

“I’ing my attention back to her “You need to come down a notch You otten where you ca around following me everywhere I went on Benson Ave So please, hfalutin mess It won’t ith me, because I know you,” she said as she slowed down to walk by my side

“Where I live has nothing to do with this bu, why did we have to come here?” I hopped over a puddle of water in the ell, at least I hope it ater It could’ve been—hell, no I just hoped it ater “Really Tasha?”

“Wait until I tell Moneefa that you act like you haven’t seen a water puddle before I remember e used to pray for rain so we could play in it, and in the water puddles Now you’re too bougie to step over a puddle,” Tasha said as we reached the door where a big, burlya metal detector over her purse

“I aie!” I said, as theI snatched my purse from his reach, and he humped his shoulders “This is just a sleazy place,” I added

“Hold up lady I have to pat you down, too,” Mr Burly said, and I was one hundred percent sure he was harassing me as retribution for uarded

After nearly every orifice of ain, I walked into the s with revolt over the dank arette smoke that filled the air Women barely had clothes on and dread heads were everywhere, including posted up against the walls

“This is your idea of what I need right now?” I h for Tasha to hear as I sto to think you don’t know me that well, Tasha”

Tasha stared at ether as if she illing herself not to respond Just like she kneell, I knew Tasha She was ready to strike with venom

“We’re not going to be out here, Destiny,” she finally said “I’e in the back, but if you keep bitching and et your car and go ho about it”

“Whatever” I looked around at the collard green colored walls that hadaway than remained