Page 60 of Ride

“Yes?”

“Insurance no longer has you covered.”

“Excuse me.”

“Today will be out of pocket.”

“But my son has full coverage.” I reached into my purse to grab my insurance card.

“Unfortunately, it shows that you are no longer covered—along with Kayne.”

“That bastard.”

“Kayne!” The nurse came out and called his name before I could call Virgil. I put my phone back in my purse and wrangled Kayne to go in the back.

“Kayne, how are you doing today?” Doctor Ramisha pulled on her gloves and sat down in front of him.

“Hi, Doctor. Ramisha. I’m fine,” Kayne replied.

“Love to hear you’re doing good. Do you mind if I check your ears and tongue?” Doctor. Ramisha had been Kayne’s doctor since we moved back. My parents recommended her because she’s one of their close friends. The exam didn’t take long, and he got a sucker, let my hand go, and skipped out of the room. Still feeling angry at Virgil, I helped Kayne get in the car and turned the air on, while I dialed Winter.

“Hello.”

I checked to see if Kayne was paying attention before I spoke. “Winter.”

“Hey, boo.”

When I had my son, I let my anger go. They say children calm you down, and it was true, but right then, I had to count to ten to keep my anger at bay. “Tell me to calm down before I call Virgil.”

“Calm down.”

“Winter, he removed Kayne off his insurance.”

“Virgil’s always been a piece of shit. I told you that a long time ago.”

I glanced back at Kayne playing with his toys. “I know, and it pisses me off. Virgil will go on in life, never knowing how special it is to raise Kayne.”

“Where are you now?”

“In the parking lot of the doctor’s office in Brentwood.”

Winter reassured me. “Try to remember Virgil’s going to get his payback one day.”

“I need to call him.”

“He’s not worth a call. Laikin’s in your life now.”

I sometimes did wish that Kayne were his son. “Oh, about Laikin—that man decided to pay for Kayne’s entire party.”

Winter whistled through the phone. “Shit, he got a brother?”

“No, Winter. I’m serious.”

“Girl, he wants to spoil you. I say go ahead and let Laikin spoil you. As far as Virgil, if you need to get a good read on him, then call and curse him out and block his number.”

“Thanks, Winter.”

“If you want to meet at your place later, I can bring food.”

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