Page 53 of Rather: The Therapist

His eyes were low, hooded almost, but it wasn’t due to genetics. Marijuana was cruising through his system. He was on a high and that bold smile with all his teeth visible validated my revelation. Red eyes confirmed it.

“I haven’t done a thing, old man.”

“Not yet,” a deep baritone barked. “But, it won’t be long.”

“You have no faith in my offspring. It’s insulting,” a woman who resembled Ashland sighed, loudly.

“Kofi, Rather. Rather, Kofi.”

He pushed the chair back and stood on his feet. His extensive limbs ambled in my direction. When he was near, his arms widened and encased me.

He’s hugging me.

It was swift, but his scent lingered.

“Kofi,” he introduced himself as if his father hadn’t already.

With flared nostrils and a throbbing center, I managed my manners.

“Rather. Rather Childers.”

“Not for long,” he reminded me as he took his seat.

“Ninety days to be exact,” Kalvin added.

“That voice you just heard belongs to Killian, next to the oldest. My daughter’s name is Kleigh. You’ve met Kofi. And, the one at the very end of the table… that’s Priest.”

“Hi,” Kleigh greeted me with kindness and delicacy.

“Hello.”

The contentment on everyone’s face surrounding me was pleasurable. However, the man she’d just named didn’t seem to share the same sentiments as his siblings and parents. Intimidation was a foreign feeling and one that didn’t visit me often or ever.

I made a mental note to meet the grump with the same energy he delivered so he was never confused about where I stood with him. I would begin and continue standing wherever he stood with me. And that went for everyone. My father hadn’t raised a fool and I wouldn’t begin acting like one in his absence.

I began my round, first stopping by to shake Kleigh’s hand. She was the most welcoming. Kofi and I had already exchanged bodily bacteria that lived on the surface of our skin. It was time to pass the germs I’d collected since my bath on to someone else.

“You’re so pretty,” Kleigh complimented me, standing on her feet.

She was uninterested in a handshake and opted for a hug. I embraced her, knowing instantly she’d be an ally. The rest of the siblings were still up for evaluation. Feminine energy radiated through us both as we kissed one another’s cheeks.

“What are you wearing?”

“Riot. From a small fragrance company my sister loves. It was a gift from her.”

“Tell her I need a gift, too. You smell so yummy.”

“Thank you. I’ll be sure you get some.”

I continued down the side of the table where Killian was next up. He stood, taking my hand into his. Though firm, I immediately assumed he was the more tolerable of the three men at the table other than his father. A charmer.

“Nice to meet you, Rather. I’ve heard great things.” He lifted my hand to kiss.

“He’s lying. We’ve heard literally nothing about you,” Kleigh admitted.

“This nigga, man,” Kofi scoffed, slouching in his seat.

I moved right along, rounding the table to reach the end where the dark presence was brooding. A nod of his head corrected Kofi’s behavior. Words weren’t exchanged, but Kofi clearly understood his posture had become an issue. He sucked his teeth while straightening himself up and stiffening his spine.

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