Page 50 of A Toxic Redemption

I think back to all the times I wanted to do certain things growing up and couldn't because we didn't have the money. Or times when mama couldn't even put food on the table because after paying the bills, her money was slim to none. Knowing that my father was ready and willing to help, but she didn't take it kind of bothered me.

"Hey, son," he called out to me, and I looked in his direction. "I get why she did it. She thought I betrayed her and her trust. In a way, I did. She wanted nothing to do with me, and I understand the role I played in it all."

"But making her kids suffer, though?" I scoffed. "That's some wild shit if you ask me."

"I understand that, but you turn out just fine if you ask me," he shrugged as he sipped his water. He was tired, and I could seeit all in his face. "Although your brother is a fuckin' lost cause, she raised y'all right."

"I guess." I wanted to change the subject. "I met with Grayson the other day and he advised I come by and holler at you. He said you could help me."

Never being one to beat around the bush, I got straight to the point of this visit today. If there was anything he could do to help me with this custody battle with Mia, I was all for it.

"You need legit income, Khalil." He looked at me sternly. "I know all about the shit you do in the streets, and I know Mia is the type that will sell you out if the price is right. We need you to have legal money and real estate in your name," Ceaser explained.

"I know, man." I threw my head back and exhaled loudly. "Shit with me, Bino, and Jake are a little tricky right now, and I don't know how long that shit is going to last, anyway. Fuck!"

I was frustrated to the max. Not only this custody shit with Mia, but my cousins and I being at odds was fucking with me. Never did I ever think shit would get like this with us, but it is what it is.

"Calm your nerves 'Lil, I got you covered." He went into the side of his chair and retrieved a manila envelope. "You obviously didn't look at the Christmas gift I gave you. Now is a better time than any."

Eyeing him skeptically, I took the folder from him and skimmed through it. I'm not going to lie the shit that looked back at me brought tears to my eyes. "Is this real?"

"As real as it's going to get." He simpered. "You've been part owner of my construction business since the day you turned twenty-one. You've been a millionaire since you were eighteen because of your trust. I wanted to tell you sooner, but now is as best time as any."

"Why?" I asked, still in a state of shock. "We've never had a relationship, and I'm sure you have other children you can share this with."

"You're my only child, Khalil." He stood from his recliner and came to take a seat beside me. "I'm getting older, and I know I failed you as a father. Money isn't everything, but I know it can help with the problems you have now. I know all about the center you want to build and the life you're destined to live. Do it, son. Your time is now. All I ask is you be a better father to KJ than I was to you."

I couldn't find the words to express what I was feeling at the moment. Feeling like a bitch for being emotional, I decided to let my actions speak for me. Placing the papers on the table, I stood and hovered over my father. All I could do was stare at him. Finally, he dropped his head as if he were defeated.

"Money won't make up for the time I missed out on having a relationship with you. For years, I asked myself what I did for my father not to want me, and now I know." I shook my head slightly and closed my eyes briefly before continuing. "The shit you're doing now, I appreciate it because you don't have to. Work with me, pops, and we can take this shit a day at a time."

"Pops?" he asked as he popped his head up. I know for a fact that bitch snapped. "Are you saying we can work on our relationship? Are you going to allow me to be part of you and my grandson's life?"

"Yeah, man." I chuckled as the broad smile covered his face as he hopped up from the couch. "Come on, man, don't do that gay shit."

Frowning, I wanted to be pissed at him hugging me and kissing my forehead and shit, but I couldn't be mad. It's the first time my father has ever shown me that type of love, and I won't lie and say the shit wasn't nice.

"Let me have my moment." He chuckled as he wiped away a lone tear from his face. "To be clear, you will introduce me as KJ's PopPop?"

"I'm sure you'll have my mama do it when he's back over there." I crossed my arms as a sly mark covered his face. "Don't piss me off."

"Hey, son," he held his hadn't hands up in mock surrender, "I didn't even say anything."

"Yeah, whatever." I took a seat back on the couch and grabbed the papers to look through them again. "Can you explain to me what all of this means?"

For the next few hours, I sat around and shot the shit with my old man. It felt good to have a genuine conversation with him about his business and what this ownership means for me. He informed me it wasn't just on paper but in real life. I've been part owner of a multimillion-dollar business for years and didn't even know it. All bullshit aside, I could care less about the money. Being here with my father right now is what mattered the most to a nigga. I just hope I don't regret letting him in.

I don't know when and where it happened, but I fucked around and fell in love with this damn girl. If I'm being honest, I think it happened the day Luck whooped my ass and robbed me of my bread at the chicken spot. Either way, she's got a nigga hooked, and I don't want her to let me loose. So, the fact that I'm following her through the dimly lit city is not unusual for me. She's playing with my feelings right now, and that's not good for either of us.

"What, nigga?" I answered the phone after glancing at the stereo screen and seeing it was Jake. "I'm not finna listen to no bullshit today."

"Man, where the fuck you at?" he called himself questioning me. "I've been calling you for days, and you act as if you can't answer the phone and shit. We need to talk."

After going to holler at my father a week ago about helping me with my custody case, I kind of fell into a rabbit hole with his business. The nigga has his hand in so many things as far as construction contracts with the city and state that it was crazy. Knowing that it was now mine was even crazier. Between that and stalking Lucky, I haven't really had time for anything else. I've been keeping tabs on her, though. I get she is mad because a nigga could have definitely handled things a little better, but shit, I told her it wasn't going to be easy.

"Man, I'm out and about thuggin' nigga." I frowned when I noticed Lucky pull up to the lot of a club. She got me fucked up if she thinks she's about to be out here acting like she's not a kept woman. "Say, man, I got to go. I'm busy right now."

"Stay in the damn car. I see you."

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