Kiss Me on the Inside by Janice Burkett Read Free Book Online

third degree like Keisha. Nikki’s mother had passed away from a heart attack because she was yelling at her to change her life. Nikki promised herself that she would be a cardio surgeon so she could mend hearts. Her mother died of a broken heart because of her so mending hearts would help her forgive herself for her mother’s death.
    The taxi took less than ten minutes to rescue her from the hot sun. Thank God this taxi has AC. But no thanks for the secondhand smoke. After another ten minutes in the taxi Nikki paid her ten dollars and got out. She hastily passed the mailbox, heading for shelter, but made a U-turn because the mailbox was overflowing. She separated junk from bill as she walked from the mailbox.
    â€œI would advise you to walk with your head above your shoulder, young lady.”
    The voice startled Nikki and the mail fell out of her hand. She held her head up only to see a tall, strong man with a strong, firm voice looking down at her. The man spoke with authority, which reminded her of Eddie Murphy’s father in the movie Coming to America.
    â€œI’m looking for Keisha. Is she home?”
    â€œAre you her pimp? And do I look like Keisha’s keeper?”
    The man’s jaw tightened and he wrinkled his brow. His forehead had many lines as if each line represented a year of his stressful life. She bent to pick up the mail off the ground and the man raised his voice to command respect as if he was a drill sergeant.
    â€œIf she is here I would advise you to go get her!”
    She was taken aback by the tone in his voice. Who the hell does he think he is? “You need to lower your damn voice because I’m not your child.”
    â€œIt’s apparent that you don’t know who I am.”
    â€œEnlighten me. Which one of her many men are you? Eric, Jerome . . .” Nikki walked passed him, still calling out random names, when the man roared like a lion.
    â€œI am her father!”
    Her eyes widened; her mouth fell open. Why didn’t she see the resemblance? The similarities were all there; besides, he barked orders just like she would. How could she have known that Keisha had a father? Keisha never spoke of her family. It was as if she’d been raised by a pack of wild animals.
    She felt so ashamed because she had called him a pervert. He stood still with both hands at his side, staring at her with intensity in his eyes. She apologized profusely because she had insulted him greatly.
    â€œI’m Nikki, her roommate.” She skeptically stretched her arm for a handshake, hoping to ease the tension, but her gesture was ignored. “Would you like to come inside?” She smiled, hoping that it would put him at ease, but instead he gave her a stern look proving that he was cold as ice, and her smile disappeared.
    â€œYoung lady, what are you doing with your life?”
    â€œWell, I’m attending medical school to be a heart surgeon so when your daughter gives you a heart attack I’ll be the one to save your life.”
    He didn’t take that gesture lightly. His brow wrinkled even more.
    Nikki was relieved and let out a sigh when she saw Keisha’s car pull into the driveway. Keisha stepped out of her car, not caring to know who Nikki was speaking with. She grabbed her many shopping bags then slammed the door shut. She pointed her key forward and the well-polished and shiny black Benz answered with a beep. Her father’s eyes widened when he saw his daughter he hadn’t seen for years.
    Keisha stopped when she turned and saw her father. “Daddy!” She released her shopping bags from her grip. Her phone and her keys fell out of her hand when she saw father. “Daddy!” The little girl inside her wanted to run to him. She took a couple steps forward then stopped herself.
    It was a tense moment and Nikki was unsure about what she should do. She wanted to go inside but her feet wouldn’t move. She stared at Keisha and for a