Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 70429 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 352(@200wpm)___ 282(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70429 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 352(@200wpm)___ 282(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
Chapter One
~Current Day~
Caspian knew this day was coming. He’d gotten the call from his cousin Noah, who he’d been raised with: Aunt Angel had passed away. For the past few months, he’d journeyed back and forth from Georgia to Kentucky to visit her. How strange not too long ago, she’d seemed to make an almost full recovery. She was feeling better, walking about even. Her lung cancer had gone into remission—twice. She’d urged him to go back home that time, assuring him they’d get together for Thanksgiving when it came around.
Thanksgiving wouldn’t be comin’ around. Aunt Angel was gone.
Legend Vidal showed up to the airport in a baby blue 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme convertible, blasting Too $hort’s, ‘Blow the Whistle.’ Caspian clutched his luggage and adjusted his brown leather jacket while staring at his friend in disbelief, hiding his disapproval behind his dark shades.
Somehow, knowing Legend, the bastard was vying for a reaction, be it good or bad. Legend had always flirted with a need to be antagonistic. He was a good friend overall, always there when the chips were down, but the mixed Puerto-Rican and White bastard enjoyed fighting, even if he had to start the shit himself.
He’s always been an asshole, but I wouldn’t want him to be somebody he ain’t. I guess that means I wouldn’t have it any other way.
The music boomed as if the vehicle were a nightclub, and Caspian had to tamp down a wave of irritation. The Louisville International aerodrome appeared to be shaking as if an earthquake hit it, while people looked on in shock and disgust at his friend who was bobbing his head to the beat. Legend leisurely leaned back, wearing a thick diamond and gold chain that sparkled like stars, and sporting what appeared to be an expensive silk black shirt, while smoking a cigar.
“Are you going to keep standin’ there lookin’ like a Top Gun reject wit’ ya little Ken doll aviator glasses on, or get in this, mothafucka? I’m not gettin’ your bags—and why’d you look like that?”
“Look like what?”
“Look like that. The way you’re dressed.” He pointed at him as though he was some exhibit at the zoo. “Damn, you’d think you’d flown the plane, Amelia Earhart.”
“Amelia Earhart was a woman.”
“And you’re a… biiiitch!” Too $hort rapped, with Legend saying the offensive word at the same damn time.
Caspian approached the car, snatched the back door open and tossed his bags inside. No matter the weather—rain, snow, sunshine or tornado—Legend was going to be Legend. No one got a shred of decency from the fucker, even when they needed it most.
“Naw, man. Put that shit in the trunk. I don’t want you messin’ up my car. Airports are dirty as hell. That shit been rollin’ around with other baggage, and God only knows what else. Just got my shit detailed.”
Caspian bit his tongue and waited as Legend popped the trunk.
“Can you turn that shit off, please?”
“Huh?”
“Legend, you heard me. TURN IT OFF.”
Legend turned it up.
Caspian slammed the trunk and got into the passenger’s side of the car.
“Slam one mo’e got damn door, Country Club Caspian, wit’ ya little fancy biscuits and golf game playin’ ass, and I’mma slam yo’ saditty self right back to the ATL, with one Kentucky fried punch. One-way ticket.”
“Well, hello to you too, son of a bitch. What a legendary greetin’, you lousy bastard.”
Legend showed all his teeth as he gave him a devilish grin. All those pearly whites would look amazing crammed down his throat. “If you want to fight, I’d be happy to oblige, but first, let me get my foot in the door. Can you show a tiny bit of respect? Pretend to be decent? My aunt just died. You’re fuckin’ ridiculous.” Caspian grabbed the seatbelt, strapped it over his body, and jerked forward as Legend aggressively kicked the car into drive. “You show up here like you’re David Guetta.”
Legend blew out smoke, turned the music off and smirked. “Aunt Angel woulda been proud of me pullin’ up like this, man. She liked her a nice ride and some good ass music. She was good people.” Caspian looked out the window, ran his hand along his thigh, and nodded. “This is a celebration of her life. Your aunt, well, mama, as you called her, was cool as hell. I told you before, but I mean it.” Legend gave him a thoughtful glance. “I’m sorry for your loss. The world lost a great woman.”
Legend wrapped his lips around his cigar once again, and his eyes turned to slits. Several moments passed in stilted silence.
“How’s Desiree? Kaylee? Pregnancy goin’ okay?”
“Yeah, they’re both doin’ good. Kaylee makin’ good grades, and I’m real proud of ’er. Pregnancy is fine. Desiree’s belly big as a house, man. You’d think we was havin’ twins. My wife waddles when she walks, and she’s still beautiful. Duck wobble and all.” Legend chuckled, and his eyes lit up with nothing short of pure joy.