Page 47 of Riding the Edge

“Shit,” I hiss, sweeping my gaze around the room. “Where the fuck is my robe?”

Remembering I had it on before I took my shower yesterday, I hurry into the bathroom. Taking it off the hook on the back of the door, I shove my arms through the silk robe and quickly tie the sash around my waist as I make my way towards the front of the house.

“Fuck,” Al grunts, standing in front of the door, peering through the peephole. “It’s your son.”

My eyes widen as I glance down at myself and pull the robe tighter around my body. For a moment I wonder why Anthony’s here at this hour, then I realize if he sees Al half naked in my living room and me looking like a three-dollar hooker, it won’t matter much.

Turning around, Al runs his fingers through his hair.

“He ain’t going anywhere, Lady, so, you need to decide how we’re going to play this.”

“Are you out of your mind?” I hiss. “He can’t find you here.”

“Ma! Open up the door.”

Dashing towards Al I grab his hand and pull him back.

“You need to leave,” I whisper roughly.

“And how the fuck should I do that if the only way out is that door,” he says, jutting his thumb over his shoulder.

“The window,” I blurt. “Grab the rest of your clothes from the kitchen and use the one in my bedroom.”

“Are you out of your mind? I am not climbing out the window,” he growls.

“It’s ground level,” I argue.

“Ma, if you don’t open the fucking door, I’ll break it down.”

Looking over my shoulder and back, I close the distance between Al and I, wrapping my arms around his neck.

“You ever walk in on your mother after she spent the entire night being fucked by one of your…” My voice trails off as I realize Anthony considers Al an acquaintance. My arms fall from his neck and I cover my mouth.

“Oh my God, he considers you a friend.”

“Hold the phone, Lady, Bianci and I are not friends.”

“Then what are you?”

“Fuck if I know what to call it but we’re nothing like fucking Fred and Ricky.”

“Are you referencing I Love Lucy, right now?”

“Ma!”

“Jesus Christ, you should probably cut that fucking cord, Lady,” he growls.

“Just a minute,” I shout over my shoulder. “You need to go, Al.”

“I’m not climbing out the fucking window. Now, here’s how this is going to go… I’ll make myself scarce and you’ll see what the hell he wants. Then, after he leaves, you and I are going to take a shower together, you’ll get dressed and go to whatever appointment this is that has you all riled up, and I’ll go see my boy. Tonight, when we go to dinner you and I can talk about what happens from here and if we owe your son, or anyone for that matter, an explanation.”

“Fine,” I sigh as he turns into the kitchen. A moment later he emerges with his boots in his hand and disappears into my bedroom. I give him another minute, smooth down my hair and tighten the knot on my robe before pulling open the door. “For crying out loud Anthony, where the hell is the fire?”

Pushing past me, he barges into the house.

“What’s going on with you?”

“Excuse me?”

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