Page 62 of Refuel

“My daughter doesn’t play second fiddle to any man. So, make sure you keep your past in the past and the women under control.”

“Daddy,” I muttered.

“This one right here is mine. My baby girl, and when she is disrespected or hurt, you’ll have to deal with me. Don’t worry about her brothers. It’s something I should ask about,” Dad informed him, his face stern.

“Eddison!” Mom shouted.

“Ma, you know Pops is right. Ever since she met him, Arianna’s been in a non-stop drama,” Malik stated.

“That’s not true, Malik,” I said.

“Arianna, it’s fine. I’m overprotective of my mom, so I get what they’re saying,” Kamden said.

“So we’re clear,” Dad said.

“Arianna means more to me than my own life. Yes, we met in Vegas, but neither of us were looking for anything serious. Over time, things changed,” Kamden commented.

“Kamden makes me happy, and I’ve explained to Kamden how I feel about his past lifestyle,” I confessed.

“Just remember you’re dealing with more than just Kamden. The industry to social media already dragged you through the mud for fighting over a man,” Malik spat.

“Malik, you’re just like him if you ask me,” Rylee mentioned, taking a sip of her iced tea.

“I can speak of Kamden and say he’s come a long way, Mr. Pierce, and is just like me. You gave me a chance when you met me and opened your home,” Colton told my dad.

“If Colton vouches for you, then I guess you’re good. Just remember what I said,” Dad told Kamden.

“Always,” Kamden replied.

“Arianna, pass the mashed potatoes,” Essence said. Everyone at the table froze at her statement.

“Huh.” I played like I didn’t hear her.

“Pass the mashed potatoes around so everybody can try them,” Essence said.

“Uhm, I’m good, sis,” Eddison Jr. stated.

“Me too,” Colton spoke up.

“Make that three,” Ry said, gulping down her iced tea.

“Madison, do you want some mashed potatoes?” Essence asked my four-year-old niece.

“No,” Madison replied.

“Why not?” Essence probed.

“Gross. Don’t make me eat it, daddy.” Maddison teared up, and the entire table burst in laughter.

“Little girl, there’s nothing wrong with my food. Auntie Chavonne, you want some?” Essence questioned.

“Sweetie, I love you so I will keep it real with you. Your potatoes look like soup and taste like raw eggs,” Mom explained, and I groaned as Essence’s face dropped in shock. Malik and Eddison Jr. slapped hands in laughter.

“Stop laughing, Malik,” I said to take up for Essence.

“Arianna, you didn’t put any on your plate?” Essence questioned.

“Remember, I started a new diet—no carbs,” I said.

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