Page 23 of Rocky

“Okay, Mom.”

“Hold on. You can’t just say something like that and not tell me what you mean.”

“Rose, chill,” Blossom pleaded.

“She needs to tell me what she meant.”

“I don’t need to do anything. Let it go, and find something to keep yourself busy.”

I finished the task I was working on and went to the office to gather my belongings. Rosemary stopped hounding me, and no more words were exchanged between us before I left the shop.

“How was school today?” I asked Briar once we were on the road.

“Fine. Are you still coming on the field trip on Friday?”

“Yes, I’m still coming. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

“Yay!” he cheered.

A few minutes later, I cringed as I turned down our street and saw Deacon’s bike in front of our house. I turned into the driveway and swore under my breath when I noticed him on theporch. He hadn’t seen Briar in weeks, so as annoyed as I was by his presence, at least he was here to see his son.

“Briar, your father is here to see you,” I told him, knowing he wasn’t looking out the window because his face was probably glued to his iPad.

“Okay.”

I thought he might respond with a bit more excitement, but if anything, he sounded disappointed. We slowly got out of the car, and as we approached the porch, I prepared myself for the bullshit I knew he’d be on.

“Wassup, Rue? How you doing, son?”

“Hi,” Briar responded solemnly while I ignored him altogether.

“That’s all I get? What’s wrong with you? Did you have a bad day at school?”

“No. Mom, what’s for dinner? I’m hungry.”

“Tacos and nachos. I’m gonna get dinner started while you talk to your dad. Give me your things, and I’ll take them inside.”

Reluctantly, Briar passed me his things and sat on the bench next to his father. Once inside, I immediately opened my video security app to listen in on their conversation because I didn’t trust Deacon as far as I could throw him.

“Did your mom talk to you about going back to the other youth center?” Deacon asked.

“No, and I don’t want to go back there. This one is better. We do way cooler stuff.”

“Yeah, but the old one is closer to my house, and I’ll be able to see you more.”

“I didn’t see you the whole time I went there. I don’t want to go back, and Mommy won’t make me.”

You got that right, son!

“Your mama got you spoiled. You need to grow outta that shit before niggas start beating your ass.”

“I can protect myself. I’m taking boxing lessons with Mr. Rocky and Mr. Russ. They said I’m one of the best.”

“You what? Rue, get out here. Now!” Deacon shouted. “Briar, go to your room.”

I sighed and rolled my eyes before taking my sweet time going back out to the porch. Briar came inside before I reached the front door, but he didn’t look happy.

“What’s wrong?”

---