Page 70 of Truce Of The Matter

“And things are good with his little girl?” she asks.

“Aryel. And yes, she’s adorable and really likes me.”

“I like her too and her daddy for allowing my baby to go. It’s two days away and Justice can’t stop talking about this princess sleepover. Thanks for thinking of her.”

“Girl, how can I plan a princess party and not invite my little god-princess. It’s going to be epic.”

“Are you sure I don’t need to buy anything?”

“Girl, yes. You don’t need to buy a damn thing. We have the air mattresses, pillows, even the sheets and comforters for their little teepee setups. We even have matching pajamas, slippers, and bonnets. It’s Aryel’s first sleepover and he bought everything she wants.”

“Sounds like it’s going to be fun and loud as hell. Six screaming little girls,” she says, laughing. “You can have that.”

“What are you and Just going to do without Justice?”

“Enjoy the peace and quiet. MJ is going to a baseball game with Dom too. I love my kids but Momma and Daddy need a break.”

She stands and walks her empty flute to the kitchen. She refills it with the cranberry mimosa she made to go with the salmon croquettes and grits I cooked. With Daija coming over, I wanted to cook her favorite breakfast meal. She’s been home for spring break for four days. She spent the first few days at the beach in Crescent Keys, but now, she is finally making time for me.

This conversation has to go right. This distance between Daija and me is tortuous. I initiate all contact, and although she responds, it’s not the same and it hurts. I miss her and all I want is for us to be able to get past this awkwardness. Letting mynerves get the best of me, I hold up my flute and Monae walks over with the carafe and pours the liquid courage into it.

“Thanks.”

When she returns to my sectional, she sits down, tucking one leg under her ass. Then, she looks at me sincerely. “So, what are you going to say to her?” she asks, finally bringing Daija up.

Last week, I finally broke down and told Monae. Initially, she was naturally shocked but that probably lasted all of five minutes. When it wore off, she was nothing but understanding, sympathetic, and most importantly, non-judgmental.

“Our last real conversation was when I told her and I did most of the talking. I think this time I’m going to let her talk. She needs to let it all out.”

“But can you handle that? Her words might still be filled with anger.”

“I have to handle it. I have had twenty-one years to deal with this. She’s barely had twenty-one days. Her words might hurt me but they won’t kill me. Besides, whatever she might say, I deserve that shit. I did lie to her.”

“Because you were a kid and you were doing what you were told. Plus, when were you supposed to tell her? She definitely wouldn’t have been able to process this when she was younger. She’s an adult. This was the best time.”

“She’s an adult but she’s my baby and she’s hurting.”

“But so are you. You are both hurting because you love each other so much. It’s going to be fine.”

“I don’t know. I’m going to hurt her more when I tell her the truth about Tremayne and his refusal to talk to or acknowledge her.”

“Just be honest and be there for her like you always have.”

“I will. Thanks, girl.”

“You know I love you.”

“I love you more.”

She downs her drink then stands. She steps over to me and leans in for a big hug. When we end our embrace, she journeys back to the kitchen to grab the extra croquettes I made for Just and MJ. They love them as much as Daija. As she gets her container, my phone rings. It’s a FaceTime from Rex and I answer.

His baritone floats through the air. “Hey, beautiful.”

Before I can respond, she yells from the kitchen, “Hey, Rex!”

“What’s up?” he says. “Sorry, I didn’t know she was still there.”

Again, she speaks before me. “I’m leaving,” she announces as she walks back into the living room. “She’s all yours.” Monae winks. I start to stand to let her out but she waves me off then lets herself out.

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