Trevor’s Jamaican friends appreciated the set-up at Angelina’s, and he loved seeing them again.
Lloyd eased up right away. “Is just message, mon.”
Trevor said, “To the fullness.” He totally agreed. His heart might desire Vivi, but he owed Rufus respect. Thank Jah, everybody had recognized Trevor’s deep kindness; they had seen his spiritual nature.
Otherwise, Trevor acting up with Rufus’ woman would have gotten him shot.
Now he needed to pack his stuff and move out of Cabin Four so Polly could rest in her angry, silent place.
[Click here to read the first episode, or here to read the previous one.]
Explaining why he was going, “Polly’s jealous of Kaya, who used to be Angelina’s lover,” Trevor worried that the triangle of women might come across as strange.
But Zanz laughed so much he fell into a rocking chair, saying, again you make such big trouble, Trev.
Andrew interlocked his fingers to show no confusion, and joked about how bad the grandmammas loved their little white Rasta boy.
Royce arrived from the planning meeting with funds for each man—advance payment. Angelina had arranged for everyone to eat lunch at The Eden Café.
Of course, they weren’t hurrying. Trevor clasped hands with them, saying, “I’m gone.”
But when he reached Cabin Four and opened the screen door Brian was already there, packing the torn duffel bag. Standing up, he poked Trevor’s chest. “I’m gonna lose Carla over this.”
“You worry too much, Brian. I already texted Carla. And Hailey, too. So until Polly settles herself, I’ll sleep at Hailey’s—mostly.”
“And use Angelina’s car?” Brian asked. “Between deliveries, I guess. Angelina refuses to expand her ganja business, even though this project requires major investment. She’d rather sell some property.”
“She told you this?”
“I’m her sounding board. Also, Angelina’s hoping Carla will cook for the crew. And if so, she’s going to give her a partnership in the café.”
“Since when does Angelina own The Eden Café?”
“Since the beginning. She’s one of four partners, I think. So if Carla cooks most of the meals until we’ve built the colony, she’ll own a quarter share.”
“Why didn’t I know that?” Brian asked.
“Angelina talks to me.”
“And you talk right back,” Brian said.
“And then you both talk to my professor. Did you tell Angelina and Kaya that story about our mother?”
The surprise of asking what he had long judged unspeakable stole Brian’s breath. After the words flew out, he bent over, gasping.
And before Trevor could answer, a sly look took over him. Brian tried to grasp what was happening. Much of his brother’s aspect escaped; he noticed only the quick grin and the glint off Trevor’s front teeth matched by a flash that seemed to burst more between his eyes than in or out of them.
Trevor was patting Brian’s back. “I really don’t talk about Mommy unless you’re there. Unless you’re listening.”
“You tell people she’s dead, when she’s not.”
“Are you sure?”
“You lie about her, Trevor. And yes. I’m sure she’s alive.”
Trevor guided his furious, stricken brother off the half-made bed and into a chair. Tucking the top sheet and blanket into tight hospital corners, he said, “You’re always worrying about Carla. But tell the truth. Do you really think she’s the one or are you just afraid of getting left?”
Brian gripped his knees. “Right now, I’m afraid I’m going to kill you.”
“Carla’s great. But Mommy said you had one love, one who was born for you.”
“Is that right?” Brian pressed deep into the chair; if he stood up he really might kill his brother. “And what about you?”
“She said I would have lots of girls, remember? But you’re blessed with one who’s just waiting for you. So long as you’re up for it. When she comes along.”
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