Page 59 of Rather: The Therapist

Waited for her to speak when I said so.

Waited for her to think when I said so.

10:25pm.

I stood in the same spot, finishing my drink with a smirk stretching my lips. A shake of my head led me to push off the counter and straighten the slight curve of my spine.

“Pull your shit together, nigga.”

I tossed my glass back and began chumping on the small cube of ice left. It melted almost instantly.

“Pull it the fuck together.”

I removed the mask from my face as I descended the steps. Shortly after, I was out of the door, inside of my car, and pulling out of the garage. I pushed the pedal, ready to get home to my son where I should’ve been all along.

11:04pm.

I silenced my engine and made my way inside. I shed my clothing piece by piece until I was completely naked and standing in front of the shower. The low light inside the glass was the only source of illumination. I twisted the knob and adjusted the temperature.

My phone glowed on the counter. Its vibration was muted by the water flowing from the showerhead. I picked it up to find my youngest brother’s name on the screen.

“Speak.”

“Come outside, nigga. We’re celebrating.”

“Celebrating what, exactly?”

I ran my hand down my goatee, smoothing it down.

“Me being forced to give up my fucking freedom to be tied down playing husband and shit.”

“Kofi.”

“In ninety fucking days to be frank.”

“Kofi.”

“Yes, I had a long fucking time to prepare but who the fuck can prepare for some shit they didn’t want, my nigga?”

“Kofi– are you intoxicated?”

“Did you not hear anything I just said? Whether I’m drunk or not is no–”

“Where is Killian?”

I didn’t give a damn about his saltiness. His safety was my only concern.

“I don’t need a babysitter.”

“You’ve proven you do.”

“I assume that’s why you and Pops worked out this little deal? A babysitter. Is that what she is?”

“If we wanted a motherfucker to babysit you, we would’ve hired one. She’s a fucking person, Kofi. Someone to keep you occupied so you’re not risking your life every day of the week with your definition of a good time.”

“Whatever man. You coming out or what?”

“I’m not. I’m at home with my son where I am staying.”

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