8. Derek’s Destiny

DEREK

My voice boomed through the speakers, my #1 hit “Earthquake” made the dancers gyrate and twerk to every syllable and beat. I watched from the back of the room, seated with Marcy who had flown back in town for rehearsals. Since there was nowhere in Juniper to rehearse, I was about an hour out at a facility Marcy had located so I could get my shit right. To everybody outside of my city, this was just some little Juneteenth event, but to me, it was a big fucking deal and it had to be perfect. This wasn’t it though.

“Man, kill the music!” I said into the microphone from my seat as I rose up and started walking towards the stage with Marcy on my heels.

“What’s the problem, Truth?” my choreographer, Malia, asked as she stepped on stage.

Her and I had been working together for a good three years now. I scooped her up from social media where she was constantly making up dance routines to my songs and going viral. From the first day, it was like she was family. We’d been locked in professionally ever since, and now she was as much a part of my crew as anyone else. So I knew I could keep it real with her.

She was standing off to the side, watching the dancers rehearse. I walked over, the tension from the morning still knotting up my shoulders.

“Malia, this ain’t working,” I said, my voice low but firm.

“What you mean?” she asked, confused, looking at the dancers who were just as bewildered. “This is how we always do it. Plus, your fans know this choreography from TikTok. It helped the song blow up so fast in the first place.”

I blew out a frustrated breath. “This is a Juneteenth family event in my hometown. My Mama gon be there.”

“So? Mama Harries has been to plenty of your concerts. She knows we be shaking our asses,” she said, bending over and making her cheeks jiggle as the other girls laughed.

I rubbed my temples, trying to stay calm. “Look, I get it. But this ain’t one of my concerts. This is a community event. Kids, and people grannies gon be there. I need it to be more….respectful.”

Malia straightened up, her expression turning serious. “Alright, I hear you. We can tone it down. But you gotta understand, people are still coming to see a D-Truth show. Folks expect a certain energy from you and the rest of us.”

Marcy stepped in, her voice firm. “Truth’s right. This is different. We need to adjust the routine to fit the occasion.”

Malia nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. “Okay, I’ll rework it. Give us a few.”

I watched as the dancers huddled up with Malia, discussing changes. The room buzzed with a mix of tension and creativity. I glanced at Marcy, who gave me a reassuring nod. This event was important, not just for me but for my community. It was a chance to show them that I hadn’t forgotten where I came from, that I still respected our values despite what some still thought of me.

As the dancers started practicing the toned-down routine, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. It was coming together. Slowly but surely, it was all falling into place. This wasn’t just about a performance; it was about giving back, about honoring my roots.

“D-Truth!” I heard a familiar voice call. I turned around to see Aaron, my stage manager, striding towards me with a massive manila folder in his hand. It was bulging with what I hoped were the final renderings for the stage I was having driven in.

“Yea, that’s perfect,” I said with a big-ass smile on my face as I flipped through each page. “That’s what I’m talking about.”

“We’re about to blow your hometown away,” Aaron said, a proud glint in his eye.

“Yeah, with all these pyrotechnics,” I chuckled, the excitement bubbling up inside me. “I approve everything. Let’s do it. We’re short on time, but I know you’ll make it happen for me.”

Aaron reached out to shake my hand. “Anything for you, man. I got you.”

I grasped his hand firmly, appreciating the support. This event had to be flawless. I wasn’t just putting on a show; I was putting on a statement, a declaration.

I walked back towards the stage where the dancers were running through the revised routine. After a few more run-throughs, the new choreography started to take true form. It was still energetic, still had that signature D-Truth flair, just dialed down for this audience.

I nodded in approval. “That’s more like it. Good job, y’all.”

Malia gave me a thumbs up, a small smile on her face. “We got you, Truth. We’ll make it work.”

“All this for a girl, huh?” Marcy asked with a smirk as we settled back into some seats to continue watching the dance routines, her tone teasing but her eyes curious.

“Not a girl, the girl. My girl,” I corrected her, my voice firm.

Marcy chuckled, shaking her head. “All these years working together, I always wondered what was in that one section of your heart that you wouldn’t open. And this was it,” she said in that motherly voice that always cut right to the core.

“It hurt too bad, so I just acted out when the pain was too much. Sorry bout that,” I admitted thinking of all my messes she had to clean up over the years, my eyes fixed on the dancers moving in sync with the beat. Then, I turned to look at Marcy, meeting her gaze head-on. “But I’m grown now. She took me back, and I’m doing what I gotta do.”

Marcy looked at me, her eyes wide with a mixture of surprise and something else—maybe pride. “You serious about her, huh?”

I nodded, feeling the weight of my words. “Dead serious. This ain’t just some fling or phase. I’ve loved her for as long as I can remember. And I’m not gonna let her slip through my fingers again.”

She sighed, leaning back in her chair. “You know, Truth, I always knew you had it in you to love someone that deeply. I just didn’t know who it was. But seeing you now, I get it. I see that fire in your eyes.”

I smiled, a genuine one that I hadn’t felt in a long time. “Thanks, Marcy. That means a lot.”

We sat there in comfortable silence, watching the dancers perfect their routine. The music thumped through the speakers, the beat matching the rhythm of my heart. This was my chance to show Destiny—and everyone else—just how serious I was about her.

“Say man, when we leave here, I need security to come with me 'cause I gotta pick her up something special,” I smirked, a mischievous glint in my eye.

“I’m on it,” Marcy said, already texting my detail. “Where to? Louis Vuitton? Gucci?”

“Walmart,” I replied, watching her expression change from businesslike to baffled.

After a couple stops, I had an hour to kill before I knew Destiny was leaving the office. My security detail was in town today, so they drove me around, which meant Destiny had her car and I wouldn’t be picking her up. She seemed a little salty about it this morning, but I was about to make it up to her. Swear sometimes she thought all I had to offer was dick, and I couldn’t lie, I was physically excited by her after being away for so long—the feel of her, the smell of her, the taste of her, it was hard to control myself. But what I was really excited about was having a second chance and feeling in my gut that this was it - Derek and Destiny 4 Life - just like I carved in a tree behind the bleachers when we were in High School.

Destiny always understood me in a way no one else did, and even though there was a gap of a decade where we lived our lives and grew up, she was still the one. Her presence just felt good. And I was praying every night that I wouldn’t somehow fuck this up.

I wandered around the house, restless and eager once I had everything set up. I kept checking the clock, the anticipation building inside me. When I finally heard her car pull into the driveway, I looked out the window like an excited dog before running to the door to greet her. I had to tell my thirsty ass to calm the fuck down before she came in. If fools saw me now, D-Truth, losing his mind over this one girl, they’d laugh. But fuck it.

The door opened, and there she was, looking tired but beautiful, she jumped a little, but her eyes lighting up when she saw me.

“Shit, babe. Scared me.”, she said giggling.

“Hey, baby,” I said, my voice softening as I pulled her into my arms.

“Hey,” she replied, her arms wrapping around me, the tension in her body easing as she melted into me.

I kissed her forehead, holding her close. “Missed you.”

“Missed you too,” she murmured, her voice muffled against my chest.

I pulled back slightly, looking into her eyes. “Got a surprise for you.”

She raised an eyebrow, curiosity flickering in her tired eyes. “Oh yeah?”

I led her inside, guiding her to the living room where I had everything set up. Candles flickered, casting a warm glow over the room. Her favorite takeout from BB’s BBQ was laid out on the table, and every book on her wishlist from Bubba’s Books was stacked neatly beside it. I had gone down to Bubba’s myself, talked to him, and copped everything on her list. If she had even looked at it, I told him to throw it in the bag. And of course, I went down to Walmart and bought as many of those ugly ass nightgowns as I could find in as many patterns as they had.

Destiny turned around and looked at me, tears welling up in her eyes.

You would have thought she won the lottery or I had laced her with some diamonds. And although I planned to spoil her rotten, this was one of the things I loved about her, how simple she was, how the smallest things brought her joy. Unlike that time I bought E’Lana a simple Rolex Oyster Perpetual and she got on live after being mad at me talking 'bout how I bought her that cheap ass watch. Destiny would never, but I’d have a Presidential on her wrist to match mine soon.

She turned back and touched each book, her fingers lingering on the covers. It was like she barely noticed the nightgowns, but that was Destiny. She loved to read, always had. Books were her escape..

“You did all this for me?” she asked, her voice trembling.

“Yeah, baby,” I said, my voice soft and steady. “You’ve been working so hard, wanted to surprise you with a couple things I know you love.”

She shook her head, a smile breaking through her tears. “My entire TBR though? You really didn’t have to do all this.”

“I wanted to,” I replied, stepping closer to her. “You deserve it. You deserve everything.”

She looked up at me, her eyes shining with gratitude and love. “Thank you, Derek. This…this means more to me than you’ll ever know.”

I pulled her into my arms, holding her close. “You’re welcome, Des. Anything for you.”

We stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms, the room filled with the soft glow of candlelight. Life was good. Things with me and Des were solid, and my Juneteenth performance was coming together the way I wanted.

We ate dinner on the couch while she went through all 35 books one by one, squealing with excitement as she told me about each one, why she wanted to read it, and how much she loved the authors. Her eyes sparkled with passion, making me realize how much I’d missed this side of her. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and I found myself getting caught up in her excitement.

After dinner, we even got into bed with one of the books, “All The Sinners Bleed” by S.A. Cosby. Honestly, it sounded like some sick serial killer shit, but she was into it. She started reading aloud, her voice soft and engaging, pulling me into the twisted world of the story.

When she got tired of reading, she put on some true crime show on Netflix to relax even more. Honestly, my shorty was scaring me a little bit with her love for violent, crazy ass stories. But if crime and thriller books were what she wanted, and if watching these messed-up shows together made her happy, so be it. I just needed to sleep with one eye open.

Destiny eventually drifted off to sleep, her breathing slow and steady. As she slept, I couldn't help but think about how far we’d come. From the heartbreak and separation to this point of reconnecting and rebuilding. It was surreal. Her presence next to me was a reminder of the second chance I’d been given, and I wasn’t going to mess it up.

I kissed her forehead gently, careful not to wake her. “I love you, Des,” I whispered, the words a promise and a declaration. I knew there were still challenges ahead, but as long as we were together, I believed we could overcome anything. This was our fresh start, and I was ready to face whatever came our way, as long as I had her by my side.

“Are you buying Maxi Pads?” Anthony asked me as we stood in the middle of the pharmacy.

I was standing there with some big bulky purple things in my hands that looked like the picture I snapped of that stuff under Destiny’s sink.

“I guess,” I said, shrugging before I threw it in the buggy.

“This boy down bad,” Ant chuckled to himself as he continued walking down the aisle.

“I’ve been using up all her shit, just trying to replace everything she’s low on. Looked like she only had a couple of these joints left so…”

“Oh aight, so you been using the pads on your period too, makes sense,” Ant teased, smirking.

“Stupid ass,” I playfully pushed my brother, rolling my eyes. “She said it’s coming up in the next few days so I’m trying to be proactive and shit… make sure my baby got what she needs.”

“Look at you, Mr. Thoughtful,” Ant said, nodding with a grin. “You a damn period tracker.”

“Yeah, well, you gotta take care of your woman, you know? I’m trying to do right by her.”

Ant chuckled. “You’re really stepping up.”

I shrugged, feeling a swell of pride in my chest. “That’s my baby”

We continued down the aisle, me throwing in more of her essentials—lotions, body wash, hair products. Thank God I took pictures of everything cause I sure as shit wasn’t gonna remember it all.

“Oh, you got her whole beauty regimen down now, huh?” Ant teased, grabbing a pack of gum and tossing it into the cart.

“Damn right. Gotta make sure my girl’s taken care of,” I replied, shrugging.

Ant chuckled, shaking his head. “Never thought I’d see the day.”

Ant kept walking and then stopped, turning around to look at me.

“What, fool?” I asked my brother.

“Just proud of you, man,” he said, extending his hand for a dap. “Real shit, I was real skeptical about you coming down here trying to win Destiny back, but you’ve been doing the work. She’s happy. You’re happy. Y’all really doing this,” he said with a smile.

I returned the dap, pulling him in for a quick hug. “Yeah, man. It’s been a long time coming, but finally everything is falling into place.”

Ant nodded, his expression softening. “I see it. And I gotta admit, I didn’t think you had it in you to change like this. But you did. Just make sure you keep at it. Don’t take this second chance for granted.”

“Never that,” I promised, feeling the weight of his words. “I ain’t about to mess this up. Not again.”

We continued walking down the aisle, filling the buggy with more of the things Destiny and I needed. It was a simple act, but it felt significant. Like each item was a small step toward proving that I was serious about this, about us.

“What about when the Jubilee is over, man?” Ant asked, his tone serious.

It was a valid question but a heavy one because for me and Destiny to continue after the Jubilee meant her leaving Juniper and her life of anonymity being completely over. As normal as I felt in Juniper, outside this city, I was treated as the famous entertainer I was. Even the Walmart visit the other day had gotten a little out of hand; thank God I went with security instead of ducking off alone as I had originally planned.

“She’s gonna hit the road with me for a little bit—couple special performances I have lined up—then we figure it out,” I said, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible.

“You think Des is ready for your life?”

Another heavy, yet valid question.

“She knows what comes with me,” I said, trying to be as nonchalant as possible.

“Knowing it and experiencing it are two different things,” Ant countered, his eyes locking onto mine.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “Yeah, I get that. But we’re taking it one step at a time. She’s strong, Ant. You know that.”

Ant nodded slowly, but I could see the doubt in his eyes. “I’m not saying she ain’t strong. I’m just saying your life…it’s different. It can chew you up and spit you out if you’re not ready.”

“I know, man. We’ve talked about it, and she’s willing to give it a shot,” I said, trying to reassure him and myself.

Ant didn’t say anything for a moment, just looked at me with that big brother look that always made me feel like a kid again.

“Alright, just make sure you’re ready for the challenges. It’s not just about the fame and the fans. It’s about the pressure, the expectations, the constant scrutiny.”

“We’ve come too far to let anything come between us now,” I said with determination.

Ant sighed and nodded. “I hope so, bro. I really do. Just take care of her, alright?”

As we headed to the checkout, I couldn’t help but think about how far I’d come. From the wild, reckless days of my youth to this moment of domesticity and responsibility. It wasn’t just about me anymore. It was about us. About building a future together.

The cashier gave us a curious look as she rang up the pads, but I didn’t care. If buying Maxi Pads was part of taking care of Destiny, then that’s what I’d do. No questions asked.

As she rang me up, my phone was going off, and I knew who it was because she’d been blowing me up nonstop without taking a hint, so I ignored it.

“Get yo phone, superstar,” Ant teased.

“Ain’t nobody important,” I dismissed, pulling out a card to pay with.

Just then, the door opened, causing a jingle that caught my attention. I looked up, and the person who entered instantly made my stomach turn. He wasn’t barking like a dog, but he still looked like a square—like he stepped straight out of a Brooks Brothers commercial. His face still looked stupid and punchable.

“Harris, heard you were in town,” he had the nerve to say to me, daring to approach.

I could already tell this was about to be some bullshit, 'cause why you calling me by my last name? We were never friends. The moment I found out about him and Destiny dating, we had a problem.

“Yeah, I’m back. What’s it to you?”, I sized him up, “You use words now? No more barking?” I quipped.

“Ha! Ha! Very funny!” he mocked, sounding like a fucking nerd.

“The fuck is you on, Johnathon?” I asked, cutting to the chase as he stood too close for comfort.

“I never knew what she saw in you,” he said with a smirk, looking me up and down.

Instantly, my blood began to boil, but I tried to swallow it and keep my cool.

“I should knock those fucking glasses off your nose,” I said, turning back to the cashier as Ant chuckled.

I had maybe two inches on Johnathon but I had way more weight on me, more muscle. He was just as scrawny as the last time I saw him wheeling his bookbag in the hallway. I could easily beat Johnathon to a pulp, and that was the very thing saving him. It wouldn’t be a fair fight. And oh yeah, I was grown now, on my mature shit, so I couldn’t beat his ass. Destiny would whoop my ass for that, so I made a promise to myself to spar verbally and that’s it.

Still, the urge to knock that smug look off his face was strong. I took a deep breath, forcing myself to stay calm. “You think you can walk up to me and run your mouth.”

He raised an eyebrow. “What, you gonna hit me?”

I stepped closer, getting in his face and smirked. “I’m not gonna hit you, man. That’s too easy. But I will let you know one thing—Destiny’s back with me now. So you better get used to seeing me around. And you walk up on me again, I will hit you.”

“There he is. Still the same old Derek in there. Quick to anger, slow to think,” Johnathon said, his voice dripping with condescension.

“Still the same old Johnathon. All bark, no bite,” I shot back, signing the receipt and grabbing the bags.

“What is that in there?” Johnathon said, looking at one of the bags with his nosey ass. “Condoms? You turned her back into a fornicator?” His eyes were wide with a mix of anger and disbelief.

Fornicator? This man was really beside himself. I couldn’t help but laugh and twist the knife a little harder in his chest for the fun of it.

“Yeah, I been breaking her off, got her squirting all over me and everything—but you wouldn’t know nothing ‘bout that, talking ‘bout you was saving yourself for marriage. How did that work out for you?”

Johnathon looked sick, which only gave me more satisfaction. I was gonna have fun with this.

“What's wrong, Johnathon? You ain't looking too good, bro,” I taunted, my voice low and dangerous. I leaned in closer, savoring every bit of his discomfort. “You mad ‘cause she came back to me? Mad ‘cause she realized what she was missing?”

He clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white. “You’re a joke, Derek. You think she’s happy with you? You think she’s safe with you?”

I laughed, the sound echoing in the quiet aisle of the store. “Happy? Safe? Man, she’s happier than she’s ever been. And safe? She’s with me. Can’t nobody do shit to her, just like it was before.”

Johnathon’s eyes blazed with anger. He knew he couldn’t win this. He knew Destiny had chosen, and it wasn’t him.

“Why don’t you run along now?” I suggested, my tone dripping with mock sweetness. “Go back to your little square-ass life, find you a nice little church girl or something. Destiny chose me, even before she knew I was coming back for her. She’s happier with me than she ever was with your sanctimonious ass.”

“Sanctimonious,” Johnathon mocked, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Where’d you learn that word? Did you use some of that devil money you made to buy yourself a dictionary?”

“You heard my brother. Get the fuck outta here,” Ant added, stepping up beside me, his presence solid.

Johnathon looked like he wanted to say something else, but the words wouldn’t come. Instead, he just glared at me, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. I grinned, reveling in his silent defeat.

“Bitch ass,” I said with a chuckle, shaking my head as I watched him start to walk away. “You going out sad, Johnathon. I suggest you find something else to do, somebody else to focus on, cause Destiny ain’t it.”

“You know,” Johnathon turned around stepped to me, which actually got me a little excited. The nerd had heart. “When you left and started living your sinful lifestyle, you broke her heart so bad that she was out here doing all kinds of unGodly things. And you know who had to pick up the pieces? Me!”

A shot of guilt tore through me, especially cause he was telling the truth and it made me feel a way. But I wasn’t gonna show him that, I was gonna keep fucking with him instead.

"Now I’m tearing up that pussy to pieces with these condoms, what’s your point?" I asked holding up the bag that contained our protection.

Johnathon scoffed at my crassness and shook his head. “You think ‘cause you’ve got your money and your fame that suddenly you’re good enough for her. You never were and you never will be!”

“And who is? You? She still left yo ass, so again, Johnathon, what’s your point?” I asked, getting right in his face.

“My point,” he said through gritted teeth, “is that you’ll never be able to give her what she truly needs. You’re just a temporary distraction until the Jubilee is over.”

“You’re right,” I said, “she’s been pretty distracted on my dick these last few weeks, calling out my name so loud, the law came to see bout her.”

Johnathon’s face turned red with rage. He clenched his fists, and for a moment, I thought he might actually swing at me.

“Nothing changed about you. You’re nothing but a thug,” he spat. “A thug with a little bit of money.”

Ant stepped in between us, his hand on my chest as I tried to close the small distance between me and Johnathon. “Yo, we ain’t here for this. Let’s bounce.”

“Listen to your brother, Derek. He’s got more sense than you,” Johnathon sneered, his eyes blazing with anger as he refused to let it go and back down. “You think you can just waltz back into her life and everything will be fine?”

I stepped closer, invading his space, my voice low and menacing. “I don’t think, Johnathon. I know. Because unlike you, she never stopped loving me. And I ain’t going nowhere.”

He clenched his fists as sweat formed at his hairline. “She deserves better.”

“She deserves someone who’s real,” I shot back. “Not some fake-ass saint who’s just waiting for her to fall apart so he can swoop in and play hero.”

Johnathon’s jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing. “I’m not afraid of you, Derek.”

“You should be,” I said, my voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “Because if you even look in her direction, I’ll make sure you regret it.”

Ant grabbed my shoulder, pulling me back. “D, let’s go. He ain’t worth it.”

I shrugged him off, my eyes still locked on Johnathon as I pointed two fingers at him. “Remember what I said. Stay the fuck away from her.”

I started to walk away, but this motherfucker just kept talking, and it was really pissing me off. For a person who I thought was a mute beyond the random barking, he just wouldn’t shut the fuck up. I mean, I get it—Destiny was worth not backing down for—but they’d been broken up for a while now, and I was back. Everyone in this town, knew Destiny was mine before him, and now I was back. Why he wouldn’t get it through his thick-ass skull, I don’t know.

“We were together for three years and have only been broken up for eight months. Don’t worry, when you leave and break her heart again, because you will mess this up. I’ll be right here waiting for her,” Johnathon teased, his smirk widening.

I lunged at him, but Ant grabbed me, pushing me back further into the store.

“Get off me, Ant!” I shouted, my eyes locked on Johnathon, who stood there looking smug as hell.

“And make sure you get some Plan B’s while you’re here. The last thing we need is more Derek Harris’ running around in the world,” Johnathon added, his voice dripping with contempt.

Ant held me back, but I could see the same fury in his eyes that I felt burning inside me. My vision blurred, and everything went red as I imagined grabbing Johnathon, slamming his head against the register, pounding his face until it was unrecognizable, until he had no teeth left. The girl behind the counter was screaming something, but her voice was just a distant echo.

Finally, as I came to, I noticed the terror in Johnathon’s eyes. He was scared, and for a moment, I felt a grim satisfaction in knowing that.

“Get the fuck outta here, Johnathon, now before I let him go on you!” Ant screamed at him, his voice filled with a mix of anger and desperation.

“All of y’all get the fuck out!” the girl behind the register yelled, her face pale with fear.

I was like a bull in a china shop, trying my damndest to get to Johnathon, but Ant was too strong, and I was too emotional. My breathing was ragged, my heart pounding in my chest like a war drum.

“Let it go, D!” Ant shouted in my ear, his grip tightening. “He ain’t worth it!”

But the rage inside me was like a wildfire, consuming everything in its path. I could barely hear Ant over the blood rushing in my ears. The only thing I wanted was to make Johnathon pay for every word, every insult. I roared, trying to break free, but Ant’s hold was unyielding. He pushed me back, his eyes locking onto mine, a silent plea for me to calm down.

“You’re nothing but a fuck-up, always have been, always will be. Destiny will come to her senses once she comes out from whatever spell you put her under with your money and fornicating ways. I’m not impressed by you. You’re still the same piece of shit. Nothing’s changed. Look at you. A dirty thug! Destiny is a class act, and you’re just trash in designer clothes,” Johnathon continued, his voice dripping with disdain.

Those words hit me like a bucket of cold water. Anthony turned back to me, sucked his teeth and suddenly released me.

“Man, hit his ass!” Anthony said, giving me the okay.

As I started to move around him, Johnathon got the fuck out of there so fast, I didn’t even realize he could move that quickly. Usain Bolt would have been proud of his speed, although he knocked some shit over in the process. Bottles clattered to the floor, as she cashier screamed.

“Pussy!” I called after him, now standing in the open doorway as I spotted him running out the parking lot. “This ain’t over!”

I watched him sprint away, his figure getting smaller with each step. My blood was still boiling, my fists clenched. The urge to chase him down, to beat the shit out of him, was almost overpowering. But I knew better. I knew I couldn’t afford to let my temper get the best of me, not now.

“You good?” Ant asked me.

I nodded, though I wasn’t sure if I believed it myself. “Yeah. I’m good.”

The girl behind the counter was still watching us, her expression wary. I walked over to her, taking a deep breath. “I’m sorry about that. Ring up everything that got damaged or broken.” I said, glancing at a couple of jars that laid smashed on the ground. It wasn’t anything too serious.

She nodded slowly, her eyes flicking between me and Ant. “Just... just don’t come back.”

“Our bad, Keisha, but you saw how Johnathon was acting,” Ant said, picking items up and placing them back on the shelf.

Keisha sighed, shaking her head. “Yeah, I saw. But y’all need to keep that drama outside. Ya’ll can’t come in here messing up my Grandfathers place.”

“Won’t happen again, I promise,” I said, pulling out my wallet and handing her a couple of bills to more than cover the damage. “Here, this should cover it.”

She took the money, still looking a bit shaken. “Alright. Just go.”

I nodded again, understanding her fear.

As we got into the car, Ant looked at me, his expression serious. “Motherfucker came looking for trouble.”

“You should have let me hit him, I’m gonna be thinking about this all night.”

“Let the shit go, man. You scared his ass enough.”

I scoffed, not ready to let it go, and as my luck would have it, I spotted him a couple minutes later, walking now. I guess he stopped running, thinking shit was sweet, thinking he was safe. A voice got loud in my head telling me to mash the gas.

“Don’t do it,” Ant said like he was reading my mind.

We doing it.

I slammed my foot down on the gas pedal, the engine roaring to life as we sped toward Johnathon. Ant’s hand shot out, gripping my arm. “D, think about what you’re doing!”

But my anger was in the driver’s seat now. Johnathon’s eyes widened in terror as he realized what was happening. At the last second, I hit the brakes, causing the car to skid and tap him just hard enough to send him stumbling into the dirt without breaking any bones.

“Oh my God!” he yelled as he hit the ground.

I threw the little Honda in park, got out, and kneeled next to Johnathon. Grabbing him by the hair, I made him look up at me, dirt smudging his face and clothes.

“You right, Johnathon. I’m still me,” I said, my voice dark and sinister. “I’m a fucking thug. And you’re right about something else—I’m a thug with money. A lot of it.” I pulled his head back even more, forcing him to meet my eyes.

“D, man. Get yo ass back in this car. This ain’t a good look,” Ant said through gritted teeth, trying to keep his voice low but loud enough to snap me out of it. People were now looking outside, coming out on their porches.

“Don’t think for one minute that I won’t use that money to make yo ass disappear,” I growled, my grip tightening on his hair.

Johnathon’s eyes widened with fear, and I saw a flicker of panic cross his face. I wanted him to know I was serious.

“D, come on, man. Let’s go,” Ant urged, his tone more desperate now as the situation escalated.

I stared at Johnathon for a moment longer, letting the threat sink in, before finally releasing him. He crumpled to the ground, gasping for air, his face a mask of fear and anger.

“You ever come near me or Destiny again, I won’t just tap your ass next time. You hear me?” I hissed, standing up and looking down at him.

Johnathon nodded, his bravado completely shattered. “I hear you,” he muttered, his voice trembling.

I turned and walked back to the car getting in the passenger seat this time since Ant was in the drivers seat now, my heart still pounding with adrenaline. As I got in, Ant shook his head, his expression a mix of relief and frustration.

“You crazy, you know that?” Ant said, pulling off. “Why would you let Johnathon of all people get to you like that?”

In that moment, I couldn’t tell Ant what I was really feeling, but the truth was, I wasn’t even mad at Johnathon; I was mad at myself. I gave that man three years with Destiny because I was on some bullshit. Hell, I should have been thanking him for ending her hoe phase. But fuck him. Talking 'bout she needed Plan B so that she didn’t make more of me. Like I was some degenerate. He reminded me of all the shit people used to say to me that would make me beat the brakes off them. And when it came to Destiny, I reverted right back to that crazy-ass teenage version of myself.

“Just don’t say nothing to Des,” I instructed, my voice low and serious.

“Man, I just complimented you about being on your grown man shit with her, and now we back to this?” Ant said, shaking his head in disbelief.

I sighed, rubbing my temples. “I’ll tell her myself. I just don’t want you hyping it up.”

Ant glanced at me, his eyes filled with concern and frustration. “You know she’s gonna find out, right? This town ain’t that big, D. Someone’s gonna talk.”

“I know, I know,” I muttered, staring out the window as the car moved through the familiar streets of Juniper. “I’ll handle it soon as I get in the house.”

Ant didn’t say anything for a moment, just drove in silence. Johnathon had no business stepping to me like that. But it made me wonder just what Destiny said to him about me that gave him those kinds of balls. It was fucking with me and kept me quiet until Ant pulled up in front of his place.

“Alright, man,” Ant said, clapping me on the shoulder. “Go make it right. And for the love of God, keep your cool.”

I nodded, giving him a weak smile. “Thanks, bro.”

I hopped out of the car, dapped my brother up, and got behind the wheel. As I pulled up to Destiny’s place, I took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm inside me. I couldn’t let her see me like this, couldn’t let her know how close I’d come to losing it. Again.

As I walked up to the door, my heart pounded in my chest. Destiny opened the door before I could even use my keys, her eyes lighting up when she saw me. “Hey, you. Where were you?”

I forced a smile, stepping inside and pulling her into a hug. “Just had to deal with something. But I’m here now.”

She looked up at me, her eyes filled with concern. “Is everything okay?”

I hesitated, then nodded as I put the bags down on the table. “Yeah, everything’s fine. Just restocked your toiletries and your hair and skin shit.”

“Oh, thanks, baby. That’s so thoughtful,” she said, looking through the bags with a smile.

“And, ummmmm… I ran into Johnathon,” I said, my voice trailing off.

She looked up at me, dread in her eyes knowing this wasn’t gonna be good.

“What did you do?” she asked, her tone tense.

“Why you think I did something?”

“Derek.”

“Ok, so, maybe I…literally ran into him. I might have… hit him with your car a little bit?”

“A little bit?” she asked, eyes wide. “What the fuck does that even mean? Derek, did you commit a hit and run in my car?”

“Nah, more like a tap and threatened him to stay away from my girl,” I said, trying to make it sound better.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to process what I’d just told her. “Derek, you can’t just go around hitting people with cars and threatening them. Did anyone see you? This is serious.”

I blew out a breath but put some distance between us. “He came at me on some tough guy shit. Talking bout how when I fuck up, he’s gonna be right here waiting to pick up the pieces with you again. Called you a fornicator. Talking bout we need to make sure we use Plan B’s 'cause there doesn’t need to be more of me running around. All kinds of shit, getting in my face and whatnot.”

“A fornicator? You lost your shit because he called me a fornicator?” Destiny asked, her voice rising like I was the one in the wrong here.

I wasn’t about to do this shit. “Man, put on your lil nightgown so I can blow off some steam with some fornication 'cause you not bout to make me the villain here.”

She shot me a glare that could cut steel. “You think I’m just gonna jump into bed with you after you acted like a damn fool?”

I took a step closer, my frustration bubbling over. “I’m trying to protect you, Des. You don’t know what it’s like out there, people coming at me from all sides, trying to take what’s mine. I’m not gonna stand here and let some punk-ass dude talk shit about you and our future.”

“Protect me? By almost running over someone with my car? That’s not protection, Derek. That’s reckless. And it’s not what I need from you,” she said, her voice trembling but firm.

I sighed and grabbed my left wrist with my right hand as I stood there looking at her. “What do you need from me, then? Tell me, Des. 'Cause I’m out here doing everything I can to keep us together, to keep you safe.”

“I need you to think before you act,” she said, her eyes pleading with me to understand.

I took a step back, her words hitting me hard. “I’m trying, baby. I really am. But it’s hard when everyone’s gunning for me, trying to tear us apart.”

“Who is everyone? Johnathon? Derek, this is not high school, you can’t go beating up everybody who has something smart to say,” she said, her voice rising in frustration.

“You know I don’t play 'bout you, Des!” I said, my fists clenched at my sides.

“Then don’t!” she spat, her eyes blazing. “You said you changed, and right now I’m feeling like we’re 15 all over again. Do fucking better, Derek!”

Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. I knew she was right, but the anger still simmered just below the surface.

“I’m trying, Des,” I said, my voice strained. “But hearing him talk about you like that… nah.”

She shook her head, her expression softening just a bit. “I get it, I do. But we’re not kids anymore. We can’t keep making the same mistakes. You have to control yourself, for us.”

“What did you tell him about me anyway? Cause he was talking to me real crazy.”

“Anything I told him was what I was feeling at the time,” she said boldly, her eyes locking onto mine. “I never lied on you. You did some foul stuff to me back then, Derek, and I was honest about that with him. I forgive you now but, it is what it is.”

I took that L to the chest, the sting of her words cutting deep. I took some deep breaths, swallowing my pride because she hadn’t said or done anything wrong.

I nodded, swallowing hard. “I know. I’m sorry. I’ll do better.” I looked up at her, trying to gauge how mad she was because I was ready to push my luck, “I think all the adrenaline went to my balls, and they’re feeling heavy. Can we stop arguing and fornicate now?”

Destiny’s face fell like she couldn’t believe the words coming out of my mouth.

“You’re sleeping on the couch tonight,” she said, moving towards the linen closet.

Aww hell nah.

“The fucking couch, Princess? What I look like?” I asked, my voice rising.

“You look like a man who must’ve forgotten he’s a famous multi-millionaire and hit somebody with my car so he can get sued with his dumbass. That’s what you look like,” she spat back, eyes blazing.

One thing about this girl, she never minced words or backed down from me.

“Destiny, take that shit back or I will knock the Sonic coins out that coochie when I slide back in it,” I threatened, stepping closer.

“You ain’t getting between these thighs until you learn how to control yourself!” she fired back, yanking the sheets out of the closet.

This girl had to be joking, 'cause as much as she ran from it, Destiny loved this dick.

I sucked my teeth. “Ok, so in the morning?”

She shot me a glare that could cut steel. “Keep talking and it’ll be next month, for real.”

I sighed, frustrated. “Destiny, come on. You know I was looking forward to you wearing the one with the beach scenery on it tonight. I know you wanna lift that dress up so I can eat that pussy for dessert before bed. It’s part of my nighttime routine,” I whined.

“You think this is a damn joke?” she asked, her hand on her hip, eyes narrowing.

“Don’t be threatening to keep my pussy away from me, Destiny. I’ll take my punishment like a man, but you better put me back in it by morning,” I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt.

She shook her head, exasperated. “You’re impossible, Derek. You need to grow up.”

“I’m trying, Des. I really am. But you know how hard it is for me to control myself when it comes to you.”

“Then try harder,” she said, thrusting the sheets into my arms. She crossed her arms, eyes narrowing even further. “Derek, you’re not taking this seriously. You hit someone with my car. This isn’t some minor mistake. You can’t just laugh it off and expect everything to be fine. This isn’t a game.”

“I know, I know,” I said, holding up my hands in surrender.

Her stance softened just a touch, but she wasn’t backing down. “Derek, I need you to show me you can handle your shit without resorting to violence. I need to know you’ve really changed.”

I stepped closer, lowering my voice. “I have changed. And I’m still changing. You’re the only one who ever made me wanna be better, Des.”

She looked at me, her eyes searching mine for the truth. “Actions speak louder than words.”

I nodded, knowing she was right. “I hear you. I do. I’m gonna prove it to you. But right now, can we just—”

“No,” she interrupted, shaking her head. “You need to sleep on the couch and think about how you’re gonna prove it to me tomorrow.”

I sighed, taking the sheets and trudging over to the couch.

“This is some bullshit! This gotta be one for the books. I gotta be the first man in history to defend my woman and get put out the pussy, and onto the couch in the process.” I complained as I made my temporary bed.

“Keep talking shit,” she threatened, her eyes narrowing.

"Just know this makeup sex gon have you climbing the walls, keep playing," I kept on, knowing it wasn’t helping my case. "Im’ma eat that pussy till your back breaks from orgasms. Im’ma fuck that mattress up too. Watch!"

She rolled her eyes, but I saw the hint of a smile tugging at her lips. “Derek, you really don’t know when to quit, do you?”

I grinned, laying down on the couch, propping myself up on one elbow. “I know, baby. I’m working on it, I promise. But you gotta admit, it’s hard to stay mad at me when I’m spitting facts about what’s gon' happen when we make up.”

She shook her head, clearly trying to stay mad but failing.

“You’re so damn stubborn,” she snapped, standing in the doorway, arms crossed. “This isn’t just about what you did. It’s about how you did it. You can’t go around acting like you’re still in the streets. We’re grown now, Derek.”

“Let me show you how grown I am then,” I joked, grabbing my dick. "Just know, tomorrow morning, you better be ready for some serious making up before you go to work."

“Keep playing with me. Bet I’ll use one of those tricks I learned on 'Snapped,' you won’t wake up tomorrow,” she said with a grin that honestly scared the fuck outta me a little bit.

So I shut my dumb ass up and laid down.

“Can I at least get my pajamas?” I asked, realizing I was still in my street clothes. “You didn’t feed me, do my skincare tonight, nothing. Just mad. I shoulda kept my mouth shut. This is what I get for being honest.”

She sighed, rolling her eyes before disappearing into the bedroom. She came back a few minutes later, tossing my pajamas at me with more force than necessary. “Here. And if you don’t wanna wake up dead tomorrow, explain this.”

“You can’t wake up dead, Princess—” I started to chuckle before my heart almost fell out my ass.

When I looked up, Destiny was holding my work phone in my face that she obviously found in my duffle while getting my clothes. I wasn’t hiding it or anything, I just didn’t need it much since being here but in this moment, I wished it was at the bottom of the river, cause what my girl, the love of my life, the woman I hoped to marry one day was showing me, was a picture of my dick being swallowed by an international Pop Superstar, and one of her former favorites, E’Lana.

I took the picture myself. I remember it was after her listening party. We were having a good time at her place, doing our usual, no strings attached. Me and E’Lana had a lot of graphic pictures and videos that I couldn’t even tell you the last time I looked at. She obviously had them too and sent this to get my attention since I’d been ignoring her phone calls all week.

My heart dropped into my stomach as this night seemed to be going from bad to worse, and I felt like I couldn’t breathe. "Des, baby, I—"

“Don’t you ‘baby’ me,” she cut me off, her voice cold and sharp. “What the hell is this, Derek?”

I ran a hand over my face, trying to gather my thoughts as I sat up. “It’s old. It’s from before I came back to Juniper, I swear. E’Lana and I... we were done before I ever stepped foot back here. Way before.”

“How old?” she demanded, her eyes boring into mine, filled with hurt and anger.

“About a year, maybe more. I don’t know the exact date, but it was long before I decided to come back for you,” I said, my voice pleading. “Destiny, I swear, I haven’t even talked to her for months. She’s been calling me these last few days and I haven’t answered, she obviously texted me some old shit to get my attention. But you know all I want is you, Princess.”

I stood up, reaching for Des, but she stepped back, her arms crossing over her chest defensively. The distance between us felt like a chasm, and I could see the storm brewing in her eyes.

“Do you think I’m stupid, Derek?” she hissed. “Am I really gonna have to deal with shit like this again?”

I took a deep breath, trying to keep my voice steady. “No, Des, I don’t think you’re stupid. I know you’ve seen a lot, I know I put you through a lot back in the day, but I’m not lying to you. I came back to Juniper for you. I don’t have anything real with that girl.”

“So she’s been calling you for days and you haven't said anything to me?” she asked, hurt flickering in her eyes.

“I didn’t think it was a big deal because I’m so focused on you, on us.”

“Why is she sending you this picture, Derek?”

“We still fuck sometimes,” Destiny’s eyes widened as I quickly corrected myself, “Did. We did. Not anymore, baby. She’s hitting me up for dick, trying to see if we can link up. I know that without even reading the message that picture is attached to because that’s all we are to each other. Me and her, it ain’t real.”

“Looks real to me,” Destiny said, looking at the picture of E’s face between my legs.

I stepped closer, my voice softening, “Me and you, this is real.”

She turned away, the phone still clutched in her hand, her shoulders tense. “It doesn’t feel real right now,” she whispered, her voice barely audible..

“It’s just been me and you down here in Juniper, baby. I cut things off with her long before I came back. And it’s gonna be me and you when we leave.”

She looked at me, the conflict clear in her eyes.

“I came back here for you. I want a life with you, not some shallow manufactured Hollywood bullshit. I want us to build something real, something lasting. I know I’ve made mistakes, but that’s not me anymore.”, I said, my voice fierce with determination.

She glared at me, her chest heaving with emotion. “You expect me to believe that?”

“I know it looks bad,” I admitted, feeling the weight of my mistakes crushing me. “But I promise you, Des, I’m not that man anymore. Never in your life will you have to worry about me entertaining anyone else, cheating on you, ever. You’ve been with me day and night, you know me.”

She threw the phone on the couch, her eyes never leaving mine. “All I see right now is the same old you.”

The disappointment in her voice cut deep, slicing through my defenses. Destiny turned and walked away, leaving me alone in the living room after she slammed the bedroom door shut, the silence suffocating. The gravity of the situation hit me hard.

I sank onto the couch, my mind racing. How had everything spiraled out of control so quickly? My head was pounding, the guilt and frustration boiling inside me. What the fuck?

I ran my hands over my face, trying to shake off the feeling of impending doom. The reality of losing Destiny again was a nightmare I couldn’t face. I had to do something.

My personal phone buzzed on the coffee table, snapping me out of my thoughts. I glanced at the screen, expecting another missed call from E’Lana, but it was a text from Ant.

“Yo, you talked to Des?”

I stared at the message, feeling the weight of everything pressing down on me. I needed to talk to someone, to figure out my next move. Without replying, I grabbed her keys and headed for the door.

“Destiny, I love you,” I called into the darkness towards the bedroom, hoping she could hear me, hoping she would believe me before I walked out the house.

I found Ant sitting on his porch, a beer in his hand, looking like he was waiting for me. “Des, put you out for running that man over?” he asked, his tone half-joking, half-serious.

I sat down next to him, running a hand through my hair. “I fucked up, man. Big time.”

Ant took a swig of his beer, his eyes narrowing. “You told her what happened with Johnathon?”

I told him everything—her reaction to the Johnathon thing, about the picture, the calls, the confrontation with Destiny. By the time I finished, I felt even more drained, but at least I had gotten it all out.

Ant shook his head, his expression grim. “God damn, Baby Bro, you in the dog house. E’Lana’s timing is crazy. Whew, life comes at you fast.”

“Who you telling?” I said, my head hung low, feeling defeated. “Ain’t heard from her ass in months, now she hits me up. Des looked so hurt, I hate this shit.”

“You gotta do something big, bigger than buying Maxi Pads and books and shit,” he chuckled. “You gotta get on some D-Truth shit. Pull out all the stops.”

I looked at him, the weight of his words sinking in. A grand gesture. Something that would show Destiny that I was willing to do whatever it took to make things right. But what?

“Yeah,” I said finally, a plan beginning to form in my mind. “I know what I gotta do.”

Ant raised an eyebrow. “You sure about this?”

I nodded, determination hardening my resolve. “I have to be. For her. For us.”

As I stood up, the sense of purpose filling me, I knew that this was my last shot. I couldn’t afford to fuck it up. Not this time. Destiny deserved better, and I was going to prove to her that I could be the man she needed.

I had to.

to be continued