Page 54 of A Toxic Redemption

"I'm sorry, but what the fuck does she want to see my man for?" Sasha snapped through gritted teeth.

"Baby—"

"I know that's right, Sash!" I leaned across the table and gave her a high five. "Let her know it won't be as easy as she thinks."

"Wait a damn minute," my father interrupted our moment. "Explain to me what happened and what was said."

For the next twenty minutes, I ran down the conversation and what Dana said. When I told them about Khalil and KJ, they were both thrown into a fit of laughter.

"Remind me to thank Khalil when I see him again." Sasha wiped the tears from her eyes while my father went back silent. "I'm not going to overlook you saying he called you his lady, either."

"That ship has already sailed and sank." I waved her off just as our food arrived. "Thank you," I spoke. We grabbed hands and said grace before we were diving in. My father, however, looked as though he had some things on his mind. "Dad, are you okay?"

"Uh, yeah." He shook his head as if to clear his mind. I noticed Sasha side-eyed him but chose not to say anything. "How long are you in town for?"

"Maybe a day or two." I covered my mouth and spoke in between bites. "Is it okay that I stay at the house, or do I need to get a room?"

My father had informed me that one of Sasha's Christmas gifts was going to be asking her to move in with him and I didn't want to oppose. That's her house now, too, and I don't want to overstep any boundaries.

"Girl, don't piss me off." She took a bite of her salad and glared at me. "That will always be your home, and you will always be welcomed there. Nothing has changed, Devyn, and it never will. I would like to think that we were a family, or at least headed in the direction of being one."

"Absolutely," I assured her and was awarded with a smile from my father. "In this short amount of time, you mean a lot to me. The way you've accepted me and loved my dad is all I could ask for. I'm an adult, and you don't have to deal with me, period. You could have told him you wanted me to get the boot."

"I'd never choose anyone over you, Devyn," my dad chimed in and then put his attention on Sasha. "You either, baby." He looked at Sasha with nothing but love and admiration in his eyes. "I hope you know that. I'm never letting you go."

"See, pops here has the idea." My neck snapped behind me as soon as I heard his voice. "Surprised to see me, baby?"

In all of his fine glory stood Khalil Simmons. He looked so good in a wheat-colored double breast overcoat, cream-colored turtleneck, and stonewashed jeans paired with his wheat-colored Timbs. His plats and lineup were fresh, and the slight jewelry he wore shined like diamonds under the lights of the restaurant. The grin on his face let me know he knew he was fine, and I couldn't help but agree.

"Khalil? What are you doing here?" I asked as he shook hands with my father and hugged Sash. "More importantly, how did you find me?"

"Air tag." He took a seat beside me and shrugged as if it was nothing. "I miss you."

"What do you mean an Air tag, Khalil?" I gritted as he pulled me into a hug and kissed my lips. "Why in the hell are you here?"

"Pop, you see how your daughter is talking to me?" He shook his head and glared at me. "I know you didn't raise her to be disrespectful."

"I sure didn't." My dad looked on in amusement. "I'm sure her attitude is warranted, though." They both exchanged knowing looks before chuckling. "Maybe not."

For the next few minutes, I sat and listened to my father and Khalil carry on a conversation as if Sasha and I weren't even there. When my dad asked him about his occupation, I was shocked to know he was now in business with his dad, and he was part owner of a multimillion-dollar company. I guess a lot has changed in a month's time.

"It's so nice out today, David." We agreed with Sasha as we left out of the restaurant. Although Khalil didn't eat, he insisted lunch was on him. For the past five minutes, I've been trying to pry and snatch my hand from his, but he is not letting up. "I'd really love to go shopping."

"Yes, girl. Go spend your man's money." I smiled as my father groaned and rolled his eyes. "He knows it goes because I've been doing it for years. I guess I have to spend my own money now that you're in the picture."

"Never that." Khalil threw his arm around my shoulder as he walked me to his car. Ironically, it was parked where my rental was located. "You got a new daddy now, and as long as I have it, you do, too."

"Watch your mouth, lil' nigga." My father glared at him.

"I'm saying, pops." He smiled and kissed my temple. "The world is hers if she wants it."

"Since you stole my battery and alternator, I want a new car." I stepped from Khalil's embrace and glared up as he hovered over me with lust-filled eyes. "I mean, since you're balling and stuff now, I feel it's the least you can do."

"Let me know the year, make, model, and color, love. I'll have your ride to you by the end of the week.”

"That's nice and all," my father interrupted since I was rendered speechless by his answer. "Explain to me what my daughter meant when she said you removed her alternator."

We stood in the open lot of the restaurant and listened to Khalil explain his stupid ass logic to my father. It was a ridiculous thing to do, and it still hasn't made me want to be in his presence. The next morning after everything happened, he popped up at my apartment with one of his cars and I've yet to drive it. I got a rental and came to my dad's to get away from him. Well, that's what I thought.

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