Page 28 of A Toxic Redemption

"You know, baby, it's okay to love, right?" My father placed his hand on top of mine and looked at me with sympathetic eyes. "I know I have a lot to do with how you feel, but don't let my situation be the reason you're so closed off."

"Huh?" I chuckled, a tad bit uncomfortable at him calling me out. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"You do." He nodded as Sasha sat quietly and listened. "What your mother put me through was hard because I really did love her. I was so mad and closed off to women to the point that I wanted to grow old and alone. I could have missed out on one of my biggest blessings holding on to that hurt." He winked at Sasha, causing her to blush. "I don't want that for you."

"Daddy, I don't want to discuss this right now," I mumbled as I drew my hand back. "Can we just finish eating? I want to learn more about Ms. Sasha here because it's clear to see she's going to be around for a while." I smiled when I looked up and caught her eyes on me. "And I'm thrilled about that."

We sat around the house for the rest of the day and made plans for the next few days. Kira invited me to spend Christmas Eve with her family, and I accepted. I really wanted to spend time with my father, and I was happy when he decided hewould join us, too. This holiday season would be different, and I couldn't wait to see how it turned out.

"Merry Christmas, cousin!" Kira greeted me as I walked into her home.

It was beautifully decorated, and the Christmas spirit was in full effect. The food smelled delicious, and I think that's what I was excited about the most. With treats and baked goods in hand, I kissed her cheek and walked further inside. Everyone was here, and I mean everyone.

"There's my best friend!" Lori shrieked as she came over and hugged me.

They also greeted my father, and I introduced them to Sasha. They helped me with the items I brought as we made our way through the sitting area. Jake, Khalil, and Bino were sitting in front of the television watching some basketball game, which was right up my father's alley.

"Hey guys," I spoke to them as I made my way toward the kitchen just as Ms. Khalise was coming out with KJ on her heels. "I want you all to meet my father, David, and my stepmother, Sasha." I glanced at her, and the smile across her face was sweet and comical. "Guys," I motioned between them all, "This is Bino, Jake, Ms. Khalise, Khalil, and my little boo KJ."

"I thought I was your lil' boo, Luck." Khalil's eyes widened as his ignorant ass palmed his chest. "Are you ashamed to introduce me to your father?"

"Khalil please, okay?" I rolled my eyes and turned to my father, whose face held a confused expression. "Trust me, Dad, there is absolutely nothing going on with me and this nut."

"Nut, huh?" He chuckled as he eyed me. "Speaking of, how about you let me—"

"Khalil Merciano Simmons!" Ms. Khalise shouted as she swatted him over the head and caused us all to laugh. "Let that damn girl alone." She glared at him before returning her gaze to my father and Sasha. "Please excuse my son. I think I dropped him on his head one too many times when he was a baby. We're happy you could join us tonight."

I left them all in the living room to get acquainted with each other as I went into the kitchen to see if the girls needed help with setting up. Kira knows I love baby shower food, so the spread was immaculate, in my opinion. I couldn't wait to dive in and do my fat girl dance all night.

"Cousin, you didn't tell me Papa Dee has a lady in his life," Kira whispered as we plated the food. "She is pretty!"

"She is." I chuckled as I placed the sweets on the platters. "She's really nice, and I like her for him. My daddy deserves to be happy and have someone love on him."

"What about you, though?" Lori asked me. I couldn't help but roll my eyes, and I didn't try to hide my frustration. "Never mind. I don't want to deal with your attitude."

"Thank you," I stated as I maneuvered around her in the kitchen. "I just want to have a decent time with my family and friends and not have to discuss my love life or lack thereof in the process, not to mention the last nigga you wanted me to be with ran off and left me at dinner."

"Girl, I don't know what Monty has going on, but that boy has been acting weird lately." Lori frowned as she made the punch. "I should have known, though. He's a distant cousin, and most cousins from the daddy's side are like that."

"Wait a minute now, bitch." Kira turned and placed her hands on her hip. "I'm Devyn's cousin on the daddy side."

"So are Bino and Khalil," Lori countered and pointed her mixing spoon at her. "They're cousins on the daddy's side. Look at how those niggas act."

"Well, you have a point." We all shared a laugh. "Thank goodness my Jacob doesn't act like that."

"Damn, it takes y'all that long to make juice and sandwiches?" Khalil's rude ass burst into the kitchen with a frown on his face. "A nigga is about to pass the fuck out, and y'all in here cackling and shit."

"Loon, please don't come in here with that crazy shit today," Lori pleaded. "We don't want to deal with it."

"Go to hell, Oompa Loompa-looking ass girl." He waved her off. "You were barely invited here, your damn self. Bino must really like your bean pie head ass."

"Nigga—"

"Khalil, why are you in here?" I tried to stifle my giggle. Lori was mugging his ass, something serious, and I knew she was about to let him have it. "You want to help us or something?"

"Let me holler at you outside for a minute." He eyed me lustfully. It's been a couple of days since he last touched me, and I couldn't trust myself to be in the same space as him. "I need to ask you a question."

"Unt-unt, nope." Kira came over and pushed him out of the kitchen. "Not tonight, Loon. Talk to her after the night is over. We don't need y'all crazy assess ruining the mood."

---