Page 27 of A Toxic Redemption

"Well, Christmas is a couple of days away, so I decided to keep it light until then." He sat across from me on the sofa. "It'salmost noon, but I was thinking we could have brunch if that's okay with you."

"As long as we can drink, I'm good." We shared a laugh because my father knows I love a good cocktail. "So tell me what's going on with you."

As I looked and waited for my father to answer, I took in his appearance and couldn't deny how happy he looked. They say behind every spoiled daughter, there was a bald-headed man, and David Walker was proof of that. My father looked good in his Christmas sweater and jeans. His skin looked clear, as if it had a glow to it. His build put the men half his age to shame. The man was clearly living his life.

"Everything has been going well, Suga." He leaned back and draped his arm over the sofa. "In a few months, I'm retiring from the plant. It's time for me to get out of there and live the rest of my life here on earth relaxing, traveling, and spending time with my girls."

"Girls?" I raised my brow as I leaned up in my chair. "What do you mean?"

"Babe, whose car is that outside?" a voice called from the front door. "Is that her?"

I looked toward the entrance of the living room and there stood one of the prettiest women I'd ever seen. She was around the same height as me, standing at five feet four inches. She was thicker than cold grits, and her pixie cut looked good against her round face. Her deep chocolate skin glowed just as much as my father's. The smile that displayed her pearly white teeth began to fade when she noticed I wasn't smiling back.

"Suga…" My father stood from his chair, walked over to the lady, and helped her with some bags she brought in. "I want you to meet my lady, Sasha. Sash, this is my Suga, my daughter Devyn."

"Hi, Devyn." She gave me a soft smile as she hugged herself awkwardly. "It's finally nice to meet you."

Still not saying a thing, I continued to look between her and my father. When I took them both in, I shook my head slightly at seeing them dressed alike. I eased my way up from my chair and stood to my full height. They watched me intently as I made slow strides in their direction. Now standing face to face with Sasha, I took in the scent of her sweet perfume, which was apparently mixed with the smell of my father's cologne.

"So you're the one who's been trying to take my daddy away from me? The one who he's always out of town with and giving his attention to? The reason he wanted me to move three hours away?"

"What?" She frantically looked between me and my dad. "I would never do anything like that. I love your father and—"

"I know." I gave her a sneaky smile. "I just wanted to give you a hard time. Come here." I pulled her into the biggest hug I had to give. "It's nice to finally meet you." I pulled back from her and was met with glossy eyes. "Thank you for putting the shine back into my father's eyes and loving my dad the way you do. Please don't hurt him."

"Never." Sasha smiled and hugged me once more before looping her arm in mine. "Now I heard you can appreciate a good drink, and I just happen to be a great bartender."

"Oh girl, I love you already." We all shared a laugh and filed into the kitchen. "You did good, daddy."

"I agree, Suga." He smiled with pride as he kissed us both on the forehead. "Now come on because I know both of y'all are ready to eat."

"So, can I call you Dee?" Sasha asked as she sat across from me at the kitchen island. After nodding yes, she continued, "How is everything at the bakery?"

"It's going well." I gave her a soft smile and avoided my father's gaze. "I love baking and interacting with the customers. It's really been a great experience."

The truth is that business isn't always that great. Yes, I get business because of the location I'm in, but the suite owner keeps going up on the rent, which makes it hard at times. I'm trying to save up to purchase my own building, but even that has been a task.

"You would tell me if you needed anything, right?" my father asked as he eyed me. "You're stubborn as hell, and you'd rather drown than ask for help."

"If I get too overwhelmed, I promise to let you know, daddy." I sighed as I took a sip of my tequila sunrise. "So, Ms. Sasha, do you have any children?"

"Sasha is fine, love." She gave me a soft smile. "But to answer your question, no, I don't have any kids. I never had the chance to meet someone that I was willing to procreate with. You can't just lay down and have kids with anyone."

"Tell me about it," I agreed as I thought about Khalil. Mia was a bitch, and I feel sorry that he had to co-parent with her. The day she came into my shop, I wanted to throw a bag of flour at her head, but I would never do that in front of KJ. I'm starting to really love that little boy, and I don't want to make him sad by hurting his mother.

"What's on your mind, baby girl?" my father interrupted my thoughts. "You're not pregnant, are you?"

"Fuck no... oops!" I hurriedly covered my mouth. "I am so sorry for cussing. That slipped."

"It's okay." They both laughed at my embarrassment. "At least I know your stance on it."

"Do you not want kids?" Sasha asked as she cut into her waffle. "You're a pretty girl, and I know you have to beat the boys off with a stick."

"Sash," my father leaned back in his chair and groaned, "please don't ruin the mood."

"Daddy, grow up." I laughed at his displeasure. "To answer your question, I do want a couple one day, but these guys aren't worth my time. I don't want to be lied to and played with, so I'd rather just steer clear."

That was the honest truth. Every girl dreams of a happily-ever-after with a husband and children, and I am no different. The thing is, I don't want to go through the bullshit just to say I have it. I'd rather continue living my life on my terms and moving the way I please.

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