Chapter Twenty-Three

The grocery store was a small Mom and Pop owned place that they shopped at constantly. The owners were a nice couple that had been married for over thirty years and each time she came into the store they greeted her, tried to help any way they could, and always tried to give her free things.

Bobby held open the door for her and she entered, surprised to see the elderly husband behind the counter, his wife nowhere in sight.

"Mr. and Mrs. Mercer; it is a pleasure to see you again."

"It's nice to see you again too Harold." Kimberly motioned for Bobby to retrieve a cart and while he rolled his eyes, he still went to do just that. "Where's Doris?"

"She's feeling a bit under the weather today. I told her I could handle the shop just fine on my own."

Kimberly smiled and lowered her purse into the cart. "Aw, well, tell her I hope she gets better soon."

"I will; thank you." Harold smiled. "Be almost Thanksgiving soon. We're already starting to get some good looking seasoned turkeys in if you're interested."

"Thanks Harold." She returned the smile then dug into her purse to hand Bobby a slip of paper from it. "Can you get these things? I'll go look at the turkeys."

Bobby glanced over the items with a raised eyebrow. "You really need all of this?"

"Yes." She glared at him. "We do." She kept her eyes locked on his until he nodded and disappeared down an aisle. She exchanged an amused smile with Harold.

"He wouldn't argue so much if he didn't love you."

"Bobby just likes to argue period." Kimberly chuckled. "He's lucky I put up with it."

Harold laughed as well. "You young folk don't fool me. You both love each other and love testing those limits. So when are you due?"

Without even thinking about it, she put her hands on her stomach. "Less than three weeks. My doctor tells me I'll probably have to stick to bed rest in a week just to be careful but so far everything is fine."

"Have you two discussed any names yet? It's a boy right?"

She nodded. "Bobby's stuck on wanting Michael or Dominic but I'm kind of favorable to…" She glanced around and not seeing Bobby she leaned in towards the older man. "I was thinking about suggesting Everett as the first name. I thought maybe Bobby would like that being how it's similar to his mother's name."

"That's a wonderful suggestion Kimberly. We sure do miss Evelyn around here; she was a kind spirit and did a lot for this community."

"I wish I could have met her. Bobby doesn't talk about her a lot but she really did impact his life. I can tell he's having some issues lately with the anniversary of her death coming up."

"He's a strong man Kimberly. Things will be just fine; you'll see."

She wasn't exactly sure things were that clean cut and dry but she nodded anyway. "Thanks Harold. I think I'll check out those turkeys now." Smiling again, she pushed the cart down an aisle towards the coolers in the back and busied herself with looking at the meat packaged there.

The door to the front chimed, Harold greeting the new customers. She blocked out everything but the task at hand. The door opened and shut several more times before she picked a ham to cook for the next night.

Kimberly straightened and looked for Bobby. She glanced randomly at two men behind her but barely gave them a second glance before continuing her search. She only focused on them again when one nudged the other and they both looked at her. She ignored them and grabbed the cart with both hands. Something bothered her about them but she was trying hard to not assume anything simply because they were dressed in baggy clothes and hoodies. Appearances could be deceiving; she'd learned that over and over again in the past.

"Hey, lady you got any change?"

She eyed the first man who spoke. "Why do you need change?"

"Maybe I need to make a phone call." He smirked at his friend. "Maybe I need to buy something. You got change or not?" He took a step forward. "Lady dressed like you around a part of town like this has to have change."

"So because of the way I'm dressed and because I'm pregnant makes you think you can pick on me? Is that what we're really getting at here? If it's money you need I suggest finding a job."

"I got a job." The young man spat angrily. "It's ripping off white, rich bitches like you."

"Your loved ones must be very proud of you for having that kind of career."

He exchanged a look of amusement with his friend before they both took a step forward. "You think you're fucking funny don't you bitch?" So intently focused on her he didn't notice his friend stepping back. "Ricky, I think we should-" He paused and glanced over his shoulder. "Ricky?"

"We should bounce Jay."

"Bounce, the fuck you-" Jay caught sight of what his friend was focused on and Kimberly looked to the side to see Bobby standing there between two aisles.

He was focused solely on the two men, his clenched hands at his sides. Anger was clearly written on his face, simmering there beneath his dark eyes and the frown he was wearing. "What the fuck do you two shit heads think you're doing?"

"We… we were just talking Bobby. That's it."

"You're fucking running your mouth to my fucking wife, that's what you're doing." Bobby took a step forward to place himself between her and the two now obviously worried guys. "I should beat you within an inch of your life right where you stand."

"Ain't no need for that Bobby." Ricky stuttered. "We were just having some fun. We didn't know she was yours. We're sorry."

"Apologize to my wife and get the fuck out of here."

"We're sorry." Both men replied quickly, both looking at her immediately.

Kimberly cleared her throat. "Do you really need change boys or are you just going around robbing people for fun?"

Ricky shifted uncomfortably. "We gotta eat somehow."

"Try getting a fucking job." Bobby spat. "Coming in here trying to pick on pregnant women is only going to get you a trip to the hospital. Now get out of here before I change my mind and help you out myself."

"Bobby, stop it."

He looked at her in surprise. "Kimmy, let me handle this."

Sighing, she reached out for his arm and squeezed the tense muscle there. "They said they were sorry and they're leaving. Please, just let them leave."

Bobby looked like he was going to argue but after seeing the worry on her face and a quick look at her swollen stomach he nodded. He looked back at Ricky and Jay. "You heard my wife, take off. But I don't want to see you back on this block any time soon, you got me?"

"Sure thing Bobby."

"You got it man."

Kimberly released his arm as the two disappeared but she didn't relax until the door chimed to signal their egress.

"You alright baby?" Bobby pulled her close and pressed a hand against her stomach. "I'm sorry I didn't take care of them sooner."

"I'm fine." She whispered leaning into him. "Can we just finish and go get Marley? I really want to just be home right now."

"Okay baby." He kissed her temple, squeezing her shoulders before releasing her. "We can do that. Come on Princess."

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The television was playing loudly in the living room, Marley and Bobby sprawled out on the couch together. She was still jittery from what had happened earlier but she wasn't going to admit it, happy instead to bury herself with cooking in the kitchen. Bobby had of course wanted to help but she was unwilling to relinquish what little control she felt she had for that day.

There was nothing new to the idea that Bobby had a temper problem or that he had his fair share of run-ins with danger. Danger had been a big part of Bobby's life growing up. There was no leaving that behind no matter how hard he tried but at least he was trying. She couldn't help but remember the looks on the two boys' faces, they couldn't have been any older than twenty-two yet and both of them had treated Bobby as if he was a God to them, someone not to be crossed. .

Kimberly continued to cook the beef stroganoff that was for dinner. Slowly stirring the noodles, she stared off into space. It was the doorbell ringing that startled her from her daze.

"I got it."

She waited, listening as Bobby rose up from the couch to answer the door.

"Uncle Green!"

Kimberly blinked rapidly before cutting off the eye of the stove and shoving the simmering pan to the side.

"It's Mr. Green baby." Bobby spoke up. "What brings you to my house Green? I don't remember calling for police assistance."

"Bobby, knock it off." She entered the foyer and spotted Green as he lingered in the doorway. He was dressed in a long trench coat and business suit, a black cap on his head. "Come in Darius, it's too cold to be lingering outside."

He smiled gratefully and entered despite Bobby's glare. Kimberly moved forward to help him take off his coat and still smiling, Darius slid off his cap to hold it in his hands. He continued to ignore Bobby still standing close by as he reached out to place a hand on her stomach. "You look fantastic Kim. How do you feel?"

Smiling, she turned to hang up his coat. "I'm just fine Darius. Not that it isn't good to see you but what brings you here so late?"

"I went by to the store to get groceries and Harold told me an interesting story. I wanted to check and make sure you were alright."

"As you can tell, she's just fine." Bobby scooped Marley up from the floor. "Guess that means you can go now."

"Bobby."

Darius grinned. "Now why would I do that when it's been forever since I've seen you Bobby? Maybe I want to catch up on everything going on in your life." He glanced back at Kimberly. "I heard you got married; congratulations."

"Thank you." She smiled even as she felt a flare of irritation at the fact Bobby slung his arm around her possessively. "It was a last minute decision so we weren't able to invite everyone we wanted."

"Yeah, Green I guess your invitation just got lost in the mail."

Cutting her eyes at him she elbowed Bobby hard in the side. He grunted in surprise and without another word, she took Darius hand in hers. "Come with me."

"Kimmy…"

"Go back to drinking beer and watching television Bobby."

"I haven't had one damn beer all night!"

"Bad word Daddy!"

Kimberly tugged Darius into the kitchen then released his hand to concentrate on the food again. "Everything is fine Darius. These kids at the store just got a little out of hand, that's all. No one was hurt thank God."

"Someone could have been if Bobby hadn't shown up."

"This is Detroit, bad things happen to good people but thankfully as I said nothing happened tonight. They couldn't have been very old Darius and the one guy said they were harassing people in order to feed themselves."

Darius sighed as he leaned against the refrigerator. "It doesn't make it right Kim and what about the next people they try to harass or rob? Bobby isn't going to be around to help them too."

She slammed down her spatula. "I didn't need Bobby to help me Darius; let's just get that straight right now."

"I wasn't trying to say that-"

"It's over. I'm glad you dropped by to check on me, on us but we're fine. I'm in the middle of fixing dinner so if you'd like to stay, I can set out a plate for you. If not…" She shrugged and focused on stirring the noodles as the eye reheated.

"I'm glad you're okay." He straightened and pushed away from the fridge. "I appreciate the offer but I was on my way to cook dinner for a date I have tonight."

Kimberly turned to look at him, eyebrows up in curiosity. "A date? What kind of a date?"

"One that involves a woman; one who will be very upset with me if I'm late." He smiled as he slid his cap back on.

"Oh come on, tell me about her before you leave." Kimberly smiled back. "Have you been seeing her long? What's she like? Does she have a name?"

Darius fidgeted with the cap. "She's… I haven't been seeing her for very long. I mean, I wasn't really looking for anything but…" He shrugged.

"Do you like her?"

"Yes, I like her which is why I don't want to be late."

"What's her name?"

"Kim…"

"Why can't you tell me her name?" Kimberly questioned. "It's not like I know who she is!" She paused at seeing a look flash across his face. "I DO know who she is? How do I know who she is?"

"Kimmy?" Bobby appeared in the doorway, frowning as he glanced between them. "Is everything okay?"

"Everything is fine as long as Darius tells me who his girlfriend is." She glared at Darius. "If he doesn't, you have permission to beat him up."

"Sounds good to me."

Darius snorted and scratched at the back of his neck. "We had planned on telling you together…"

"We?" Her voice rose. "Who is this we you speak of?"

"I'm dating Melody."

Silence momentarily filled the kitchen. "Whoa," Bobby mumbled. "I didn't see that coming."

Kimberly blinked slowly, standing there with shock on her face. "Melody as in my secretary Melody? That Melody? She's your girlfriend?"

Darius nodded quickly. "She asked me out for a drink a few months ago, I said no but then we ran into each other at Johnny's and things just escalated from there."

"And no one thought to tell me until now?"

"We didn't want to bother you with something like that especially right now."

Kimberly scowled at him and turned to glare at Bobby as he laughed. "This isn't funny. For the last time I am not some invalid or a hormone bomb! I can take being told things like dirty little secrets!"

"Melody is not my dirty little secret." Darius objected.

"The hell she isn't." She pointed at Bobby. "And stop laughing, this isn't funny. Me being upset at him doesn't give you the right to laugh. How would you like it if I told you a dirty secret you weren't sure to like!?"

Darius frowned at that. "Why do you not like me dating Melody?"

"What dirty secret?" Bobby frowned as well. "What does that mean?"

"Maybe we should air out all our little dirty secrets." She waved her hands around. "That sounds like a great idea, doesn't it?"

"What are you talking about?"

Darius pinched the bridge of his nose and let out a dry chuckle. "Kim, this is seriously unnecessary."

"No, what is unnecessary is the why you hid dating my co-worker from me!"

"She's an adult and she can date whoever she wants!"

"Don't fucking yell at my wife." Bobby growled.

Kimberly rolled her eyes. "Shut up Bobby." She ignored his jaw dropping. "Melody is a child compared to you Darius! She doesn't need corruption or a wild goose chase!"

"Trust me, Melody isn't a child." Darius replied quickly. "And this isn't some goose chase. I'm seeing her because I like her and we have a lot in common."

"Oh, you just give that line to everyone when it suits your needs don't you?"

Bobby stepped closer to her. "What the fuck does that mean?"

"Will you stop being so jealous?" Kimberly turned on him. "It was cute at first but now it's just becoming ridiculous. So what Darius hid something from me? Hiding things seems to be typical for our little group; I mean, it's not like I really have gone into a lot of detail about when Darius and I were together in college. Will you let me talk to him with interrupting!?"

Bobby's head swung to Darius. "You were what?"

"Oh Christ."