Page 159 of Roulette: The Madam

“Rou– did you hear me, baby?”

“Yes, Mom. I heard you.”

She chuckled. “You just called me Mom. You must really be facing the blues.”

“Ugh. I am.”

Richie nor Rhea stressed us to call them by the names of the average parents. It wasn’t always the safest. In public spaces, they preferred being called by their given names, rather it was given to them by their parents or the streets.

Children were the only weakness of most empire builders. Richie wasn’t the exception. So, instead of sharing his joy of becoming a father eight times over, we were his biggest kept secrets until we were able to handle ourselves and anyone who felt like a threat.

“Are you coming?”

“Yes. Rome won’t let me live peacefully if I don’t, baby. I will be there.”

“And, you’ll stay with me, right?”

“If you want. I planned to spend time wi–”

“Me.”

“You’re just lonely right now, Rou. If that man lets you off the leash tomorrow, you won’t even answer the door when I come.”

I laughed, shaking my head. “Yes I will. Because, I wouldn’t want you waiting outside when you can be at Rome’s house resting your feet.”

“See what I’m saying.” She chuckled. “I’m a woman who has experienced love at the highest degree. I know a woman in love when I see one. And, baby, you’re exactly w–”

“I am… I think I am in love. Urgh. I didn’t think I’d ever let someone’s nappy-headed son get to me again.”

“There’s no need to think, baby. Not only are you in love with Israel, but you love his daughter as she is your own as well. I think it’s beautiful, Rou. She will keep you on your toes. You don’t have to worry about the silence with her around.”

“But, I do. She’s so chill. So calm. So laid back.”

“Didn’t she get into Huff Theater School of Dance?”

“Yes. She did. Rome is so excited.”

“Have you forgotten how demanding Rome’s schedule was when she first got into theater and dance?”

“I do.”

“So, again, you won’t have to worry about being bored. She’ll keep you busy enough.”

“I just hope her mother is there to support her as well. Not that Israel and I can’t, but because she needs her. Every girl needs their mother.”

“Every child needs their mother. It didn’t matter how much I showed up for Chem. Catherine was needed every step of the way. Even now he needs her. Just as much as he needs his father. It doesn’t matter how old they get. To a parent, their child will always be a child.”

“Yeah. Dad has been gone for almost three years and I still feel lost without his guidance some days. His death feels so fresh. So new.”

“Grief is so unpredictable.”

“Maybe I should just call and tell Israel I miss my Daddy. That’s the reason I act the way I act.”

There was a long, pregnant pause on the line before we both burst into a tearful chuckle. I swiped my eyes, feeling a weight lifted from my shoulders. Laughter was so good for the soul.

“You acted this way before he passed, Roulette. Don’t lie on my husband.”

“Oh, maybe you have a point.”

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