Page 96 of His Team

I rush inside to give Bernie the phone. When I return outside, my daddy is waiting for me. I relax a little, knowing I’ll have help with all of this.

“I sent Jerry home. I’ll ride with you.”

I nod and head to Amina’s new truck. I’ll give it to her someday, I’m just hoping it’s someday soon.

***

“Well,damn. I knew there was something special about that little lady,” Daddy says as he sits with his forearms draped over his thighs.

We’re sitting in two leather accent chairs facing each other. My father brought me to one of the bars he owns, and we came down to the basement to have this chat. Most of his places have these private rooms for VIP customers.

The room is soundproof, and you have to have a key card that comes with a private membership to gain access. I’ve just spent an hour filling him in on all that has been happening. Hearing my own words out loud has left me with a plethora of feelings.

“She is special. She’s worth everything I’m about to do,” I reply.

“Now that there is my grandbaby and its mama. There ain’t no way you’re handling this on your own. My only problem is how this will affect Kay.

“I may not want you to rush into things with her and I want you to end up with the one you love, but it ain’t right to lead the girl on, knowing you don’t plan to stay with her.”

“I’ve been thinking about that, but I’m not about to place Amina and the baby in danger by telling her the truth.”

My daddy sighs. “This could get ugly, Cameron.”

“I know, Daddy. I know.”

I’ve been spinning things in my mind, trying to figure out how to handle this. I don’t want to hurt Kay, but I don’t want to place Amina in danger either.

It already seems like Kay has a problem with Amina. I’m not asking her to be Amina’s best friend, but I need to know I can trust her when it comes to my family. I need to know our friendship truly means something to her.

“You’re definitely going to need that prenup,” Daddy says, pulling me from my thoughts. “Let me think things over and I’ll talk to my attorney to make sure you’re covered.”

“I don’t want to leave my baby with nothing. Maybe I can offer something, knowing I’m going to divorce their mama.”

“Slow down. My gut says you need to take caution.”

Frustration fills me. I don’t understand why he’s so against my relationship with Kay. I wish I could say this is new, but it’s not. Daddy has been side-eyeing Kay since my junior year in high school.

“Why are you so sure about Amina but you have questions about Kay? You’ve known Kayleen all her life.”

“I have, but you yourself said you were the first man Amina has been with. I could be wrong, but I believe that girl would do just about anything for you.”

He shrugs. “Kayleen comes from different stock. Them girls have a system on how to nab a man like you. I know her mama. I know yours. I know what they are willing to do to secure the luxury a man like you promises.”

“You really think she’d try to pass off someone else’s baby on me?”

“Are you about to marry her to save and hide the woman you love? People will do anything when they’re desperate.”

I run my hand through my hair. I’m about to cut all my locks off to protect my baby brother. Daddy has a point. I blow out a breath and lift my gaze to the ceiling.

“Here’s our guy. Larry, my boy here needs a cut, and I could use a cleanup. We’re headed to the draft in the morning. Make us look good,” my father croons.

CHAPTER 39

The Draft

Maribel

“I’ll get that order for those wings and fries in right away,” the bartender calls to me as he pours some guy a few seats down a drink.

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