Troy
Seeing Reece interacting with Nuicka was pretty interesting to see. I was glad that she had a friend to confide in while she was dealing with her parents and with Paul.
I was finishing up my beer when Nuicka came to sit by me. She gave me a bright smile and I gave her one in return.
“Sorry I’ve been keeping RiRi from you. We were just catching up.”
“It’s cool. I understand; but I have to ask, how did Reece get that nickname?”
Nuicka smiled. “I just thought it was cool to call her that. That, and she loves Rihanna.”
I nodded as Nuicka looked at the row of liquor bottles on the bar. She glanced at me and her expression turned serious
“I have to ask, what are your intentions for Reece?”
I put down my beer bottle and gave Nuicka my full attention. “I know Reece probably told you some stuff about me.”
“She has; she said that you’re a hoe; or as I would say, community dick.”
“Wow, that’s an interesting label.” I said as I gave Nuicka a crazed look.
Nuicka smirked. “Admit it, from what I heard, you were. But I think after RiRi spent more time with you, she got to know the real you, and she like what she sees. Of course she’s not going to admit that to you or me.”
I smiled. “Of course not; but it’s nice to hear it.”
“I’m sure she will eventually, but she’s still in a place that she needs to trust you enough for her to let you in.”
“I know, and I promise you that I won’t hurt Reece. She means a lot to me and I don’t want to see her in any more pain.”
Nuicka smiled. “I’ll hold you to that.”
“Can I ask you something, though?”
Nuicka nodded. “Sure,”
“With Paul, how often does he visit Reece’s parents?”
She shrugged. “I’m not sure how often, but I know now he goes with his parents to see them.”
“I hope I don’t see him while we’re here,”
Nuicka sighed. “He does come here regularly, Troy. I’m just glad he hasn’t shown up tonight.”
I looked around, wondering what was talking Reece so long. She said she was going to the restroom almost twenty minutes ago.
“I’ll be back. I’m going to go check on Reece.”
Nuicka nodded, saying she’d come with me before she led me down a hallway to the restrooms. As soon as we got there, I noticed Reece, she looked scared as she was talking to someone. I glanced at Nuicka, who had a shocked look on her face. Based on the women’s expressions, I already knew who the guy was and I was about to approached them, but Nuicka held me back.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea, Troy.”
“I think it is.” I said as I walked over to them. The conversation I’d had with Reece about Paul kept replaying in my head, that made me immediately want to punch the shit out of him. I might have done my share of dirt with women, but I would never lay my hands on women to harm them. That’s not my style at all.
Before Reece could say anything, I stepped in front of Paul and sucker punched him. The impact took Paul by surprise. He leaned against the wall, clutching the left side of his face.
“What the fuck? Who the hell are you?”
I didn’t even answer him.I pushed him down on the floor and started punching him. I heard Reece yelling for me to stop, I didn’t listen. Paul threw a few punches, but I was quicker. My blows became severe as several thoughts came into my mind. It could be because of my past, or just what I have done to women. Maybe to a certain extent I hated myself for the things I have done and I was taking it out on Paul. Whatever the reason, Paul deserved this beatdown, so I was glad to do it.
“Basta! Por favor!”
I felt Reece’s hand on my shoulder and she was yelling for me to stop in Spanish. I threw one more punch before I backed away. Paul got up and wiped some blood from his lips before coming back at me again. Before I knew it, a crowd had formed as the two of us were still fighting in the hallway. It took four guys to break us up and two of them was holding onto me.
“How does it feel to fight someone your own size, muthafucker?”
Paul glanced from me to Reece, who looked terrified. Nuicka had Reece in her arms as she stared at me. I never wanted for Reece to feel scared around me, but I had to do this.
“So it all makes sense now. You don’t know what went down in our relationship, so step off!” Paul replied.
“I know enough. You better be glad I didn’t kill your ass!”
“Okay, let’s go, Troy.” Nuicka said as she told the two guys it was okay to let me go.
As soon as the other guys did the same with Paul, I rushed over to finish what I’d started. I wasn’t going to end it until he was knocked out or possibly dead.
“That’s enough, Troy! Trust me, I want you to beat his ass, but my boss wouldn’t, so you have to stop!” Nuicka exclaimed.
She pulled me away from Paul as he mean mugged me.
“You better hope you’re still not in town when I go by Reece’s parents tomorrow, because I’ll fuck you up if I see you again.” Paul said.
“Bring it, fucker.”
I didn’t back down as I mean mugged him. He didn’t know who he’s threatening because I could had killed him with just one punch in his throat. I’d learned a lot of techniques, especially while I did time, I just don’t use them.
“Reece, if you do want to talk, then you can tomorrow. I think it’s long overdue, don’t you think?” Paul said while staring at her.
“She’s not talking to you!”
“I need to go,” Reece said as she turned around and headed the opposite direction to the bar.
Nuicka motioned for me to follow her. I caught up with her as she reached the door.
“Reece!”
“I can’t talk right now, Troy!”
“Mija, please!”
She stopped to face me. “What the hell was that in there?”
I looked taken aback as she wiped tears from her eyes. “I know that was intense, but when I saw him talking to you, I just became protective of you. What you told me is still in my thoughts so I’m sorry if I got upset and wanted to kill him.”
“How did you even know that was him?”
“Your expression gave it away. You looked terrified, Reece.”
“I didn’t think I would see him.”
“I’m sure you didn’t.”
“Seeing him brought up things that I didn’t want to remember.”
“I’m really sorry, Reece.”
“I’m so sorry, Reece! I didn’t even know he was inside. He must have came in through the back.” Nuicka said as she approached us.
“It’s okay, Nuicka. It’s a public place, you can’t stop him from coming in.” Reece said.
“And you, fighting! I would high-five you, but that probably would make the situation worse.” Nuicka said to me while staring at Reece.
“It’s okay; but I’m tired, so I’m going to call it a night. Can we go, Troy?”
I nodded as Nuicka gave Reece and me a hug. She asked for us to meet up with her and her husband, Cedric, before we leave, which we both agreed.
Once we got inside the car, Reece wouldn’t look at me; she just stared out the window. I tried to touch her arm, but she jerked away, which had me a little disappointed, but I understood.
“I know what happened was unexpected, but we don’t have to end the night.”
Reece shook her head. “I just want to be alone, Troy.”
“I don’t think you should be right now.”
“I think I should. Please, just respect my decision, okay.”
“Okay, I’m just a room away if you change your mind.”
She went back to staring out the window as I pulled out of the parking lot. I really wanted to be there for Reece, but I have to respect her wishes. If she needs me, I’ll be there for her.