SUGAR

"Baby girl, are you sure this is what you wanna do?" my dad asked as he sat across from me at dinner.

"I have to. I can't tell you why but you have to help me get him into Mexico."

"Have you talked to Drew about this?"

"No. I ran him and Bria off. Everybody thinks he's this bad guy and I understand why but after he explained everything to me the other night it made sense. I'm the reason why everything got to this point and I have to accept responsibility for my part in this."

"Who are you and what have you done with my daughter?" he chuckled as he took a sip of wine. "I never thought I'd see the day my little girl held herself accountable."

"A lot changes as you go through certain things in life."

"I do agree. I haven't broken the law in years and here I am, risking everything for my baby."

"Daddy, please. You drive below the speed limit," I laughed.

"Only when you're in the car," he laughed back. "Your dad used to run the streets, get into some shit here and there, gang banging. Your mother told me to get my shit together if I expected her to take me seriously. I straightened up, went to school, and became the man I am today and I have her to thank for that."

"Love saved your life," I smiled.

"That it did. And love is going to do the same for Slim. I won't tell Drew what he doesn't need to know and I'll work on getting him and Bri to forgive you. It may take time but they'll come around."

"Thank you, Daddy. For everything."

He paid the check and we left the restaurant, getting in the car with Daddy's driver as he checked texts and emails. I looked out of the window and noticed we weren't heading back to my apartment.

"We're not going towards Spring," I said, looking over at him.

"I know. I have something important to do first."

We arrived at the airport and the driver opened the door to my side of the car.

"What's going on?" I asked, looking back and forth between them.

"I can't tell you. Just come on."

I took the driver's hand to get out as we navigated through the airport, passing the terminals I was familiar with until we reached a gate. There was a small plane on a runway being loaded with baggage and fuel.

"Stay here," my dad said as he turned to walk away.

I stood in the cool Houston breeze, watching as the plane continued being loaded, wondering what the fuck I was doing here.

"Hey, my love," a voice behind me said.

I turned around to see Slim, dressed in his usual all black attire. Tears formed in my eyes as I ran to him, jumping into his arms and wrapping my legs around him. He hugged me tightly before placing me back on the ground.

"Baby, what are you doing here? There are cops everywhere," I said softly, placing my hand on his cheek.

"Don't worry about that. All that matters is seeing you before I leave."

"I thought you were driving there?"

"Your dad had a better idea," he smirked, looking at the plane behind me.

I hugged him tightly, enjoying the moment while it lasted as I accepted this would be the last time I ever saw him.

"I finally understand what you meant when you said I was like sugar to you because you've become that for me. A sweet taste that I can't get enough of. What am I going to do without you?" I cried against his chest.