Total pages in book: 131
Estimated words: 122609 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 613(@200wpm)___ 490(@250wpm)___ 409(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 122609 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 613(@200wpm)___ 490(@250wpm)___ 409(@300wpm)
Archer stood from the table and made his way to a kitchen drawer from which he pulled out a cigar box. He slipped one out and lit it. Smoke began to fill the room.
“Billy, I realize you’re older than me by a few years. I understand you’ve lived longer, but that doesn’t mean you’re wiser, or that you’ve seen more things in your lifetime than I have. I’ve spent the majority of my existence studying human nature. Finding out how to read liars. Playing the prison system for my own survival. My mother has told me many times that I could’ve been a lawyer, a professor, somethin’ honorable, instead of what I am. She blames herself. She blames my father, too, but she loves me just the same. She’s proud of me, in spite of it all. Life is full of people we look at and stereotype. We think we know ’em and how they think because of their race, their gender, their political affiliations… their religion. Sometimes, people will surprise you. Sometimes, we have to take a shot in the dark for things to come to light.
“That’s all very sweet, and Christmas Hallmark movie-like, but this is real life. Here’s what needs to happen. We need to—”
“Now, here’s what’s going to happen… You’re going to relax your fuckin’ self and pull yourself together. You’re going to not come to my house unannounced anymore and to ensure that, the locks will no longer recognize your key, or your finger scan after today.”
“How could you not trust me after all we’ve been through?” The man spoke softly now, but it was evident his anger was still soaring.
“Nah, I don’t trust you right now, Billy. I used to, but not now. I don’t trust you because of the way you’re moving… the vibe is all the way off. My gut is tellin’ me that you’re not reliable… the way you’re lookin’ at me right now, like you wanna try me, go toe to toe. It doesn’t sit right with me. You wanna fight me, Billy boy? You know I love a good fight.”
“Why in the fuck would I want to fight you? You’re like my brother. You’ve gone crazy. You’ve completely lost your mind.”
“I haven’t lost my mind, Billy. I’ve just found someone worthy to love. I think you need to take some time off.”
“…I can’t believe this. You’ve fallen from glory.”
“How can I fall from glory when I come from the gutters of Hell? Ain’t nowhere to go but up. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some work to do. After I complete my obligations, I am going to spend the rest of my day making love to that sneaky, dangerous, photojournalistic bitch rat pigeon ass snitch you think so highly of. You said I was disappointing. What’s really disappointing, Billy, what’s truly a fall from glory is the very man I looked up to, opened my home to, and trusted with some of my confidences thinking he can stand before me and run my life… believing he can say and do whatever he wishes, all because he thinks his money will run thin, and he doesn’t want anything to change. Doesn’t want to see anyone grow… I am and always will be Archer, but love changes people because it’s supposed to, man. It doesn’t make me softer. It makes me stronger. True love doesn’t have the ability to weaken anyone! True love can only inspire and empower.
“I’m a fucking criminal. I’m criminally minded. I accept all facets of me. I respect myself. I believe what I do should be legal but right now, it’s not, so I’m bridging the gap. I’m amazing at what I do, and I wasn’t meant to be no lawyer, doctor, or professor. I was meant for exactly what I am. But should I decide to change that, it will be my choice, and my choice alone. You’re more concerned about how love is going to change me than the fact that no matter what comes your way, you always remain the same. Unaffected. I sit back, and I’m undefeated. I wasn’t born to be static, Billy. You’re in love with routine. The status quo. I was born to thrive, shake shit up, and evolve. You’re either with me or against me, and I think you’ve made it crystal clear that you’re definitely not on my side. Don’t show up to work tomorrow, or for the rest of the week. We both need some time to cool off. You can see your way out.”
Billy set his beer down, his eyes darkened. After spitting on the table, he stormed out of the kitchen and the house. Archer watched him on video getting into his car and driving away, his tires squealing as he burned rubber off his property. He finished his beer, picked up Billy’s half-empty bottle, and dumped the remainder down the sink. Making his way to his master suite, he heard ‘Back to Your Place’ by October London playing. When he opened his bedroom door, he was greeted by lit candles. Honey was naked, wrapped in jade green satin sheets. Their gazes met. Love was in the room.