Ivy's Twisted Vine Redux by Latrivia Nelson (books to read for beginners .TXT) 📕

I mean, she’s wonderful.” His eyes were bright. “And she’s everything that I never knew that I wanted in a woman.”

“Sounds heavy,” Madison said delightfully confused. “So what’s the problem?”

“I don’t know if she’ll have me the way that I want her to have me. And I don’t know if I’m the man for the job.” There he had said it. He sighed, relieved that he coughed up his confession. “But I want to ask her to marry me. And I don’t want some big to do. I thought that I did, but watching Ivy has made me want to vomit. I want a small, courthouse wedding.” He looked at Madison who listened attentively.

“When are you proposing to pop the question?” Madison took the box out of Emerald’s hand and opened it. “Umm, nice rock. Where did you get the cash?”

“Kakeline sent the ring back with the papers. So, I hocked it and bought one for Trina. Plus, I landed a job on my own. And I start in two weeks.” Emerald could instantly see the pride in Madison’s eyes. “I want to ask her tonight over dinner. And I want us to get married this weekend, before my job really gets going.”

“Why are you rushing?”

“I don’t know.” Emerald sunk down into the lawn chair. “I can’t help myself.”

“Where will you live?”

“Trina’s got a place. We’re going to take it over when Ivy moves out.”

“Not what I’d do, but it’s a plan.” Madison rubbed his forehead. “Taking on a new baby and a new wife isn’t easy. You’re going to need some heavy marriage counseling.”

“I know, but I really want to do it. I wanna marry Trina.” He took back the box and placed it carefully in his pocket. “Do you think that I’m crazy?”

“No.” Madison reassured Emerald. “You’re a grown man. You know when it’s time and when it’s right. Just make sure that you understand that it’s for the long haul, for better and worse.” He backtracked. “Have you asked her father yet?”

“She doesn’t know where he is?”

“Oh,” Emerald shook his head. “Are you sure that this is what you want?”

“Dad, I’ve never been more sure, and that’s what scares the hell out of me.”

“Shit. Me too. But, you’ll do fine. Go for it.” Madison hit Emerald on the back. “Boy, I think that your balls may have finally dropped.”

“Man, there you go with that again.” Emerald laughed but appreciated his father’s support.

**

Nicola had only been back on the job for a few days, but he was starting to feel his groove again. During his time in Miami, he had time to think of proactive measures that could be taken in future sting operations. He also had dissected the last raid and discovered over twenty things that they could have done different…better. The team seemed to receive his ideas well at his initial briefings and welcomed him back by giving all they could. After a long 14 hour day, he headed out of the precinct into the early evening traffic with intentions of enjoying a quiet night alone watching reruns of Law and Order: SVU.

Miami had been nice, but he was glad to be back in Memphis. Even though he had missed his beloved Memphis in May celebrations, the city was still alive with activities and people. He had watched a concert in Tom Lee Park only nights before over the rail of his balcony. And although he didn’t come out of his house much except to work, he enjoyed the hustle and bustle of the living downtown and watching others as they ventured out. It was difficult to get used to not hanging out with Brooks and grabbing a beer after work, but he knew that it was a mandatory adjustment.

After a quick stop at Backyard Burger for two Black and Bleu Angus beef hamburgers, he pulled onto his street with relief. Alas another day was over and he could relax. He was about to get into full relax mode until he noticed a car in his driveway. What in the hell did he move into a gated community for if anyone could show up unannounced? He cringed when he saw that it was Layla. Great, the psycho was back.

“Here we go,” he said aloud. Pulling into his drive beside her car, he got out with his dinner in one hand and his gear on his shoulder.

Layla hadn’t been around since their fallout over Ivy. It was a small favor from God in his opinion. But for some odd reason like a genital wart, she had resurfaced. She sat on his front doorstep now in full stalker mode, chewing her fingernails and text messaging someone on her cell phone. When she saw him, she stood up off of the stoop and wiped off her jeans.

“Layla, people normally call me before they come and visit,” Nicola said walking past her to unlock his door.

“I know. Sorry about that. It’s just that I haven’t been able to get in touch with you since Brooks’ accident. So, I figured that I would just stop by and check on you.” She followed him into the house.

“I changed my number.” He laid down his belt and gun on the table in the foyer.

“You changed all your numbers,” she said confirming that she had called him on both his cell phone and home phone.

“Yeah, that’s what I said.” He greeted Rico who came running happily from the laundry room.

“You got a dog?”

“It’s Brooks’.” Nicola turned to Layla aggravated that she was still there. “Look, it’s been a long day. I just want to get some rest. I appreciate you stopping by, but today is not a good day.” I don’t know if there will ever be a good day to see you, Nicola thought to himself.

“I know that I said some messed up stuff the last time that we were together,” Layla