Page 24 of Jaeda

I shot a glare at my brother. I hadn’t told my mother about DeWayne putting his hands on me, and I would have liked to keep it that way.

“Somebody better start talking,” my mother said, her hands on her hips.

Deuce’s snitching ass spoke up. “Ma, your daughter went on a date with this nigga she met on the internet, and he got a lil handsy with her.”

“What!” My mother looked at me. “Really, Jaeda?”

I groaned. “It wasn’t that big a deal, Mama. He retreated when I pulled my gun. I handled it.”

Deuce shook his head. “Yeah, well, he won’t put his hands on anybody else. Nigga taking a permanent dirt nap. The same will happen to your little nerd if I find out he’s on some fuck shit.”

My mama picked up a pillow and threw it at him. “Watch your goddamn mouth, Stanley!” She turned to me. “He’s right though, Jaeda. Mama’s got bullets too.”

My siblings all looked at each other and broke into laughter. I didn’t find anything funny, though.

“Y’all, seriously, please leave. This is embarrassing as hell. I’m grown, and I don’t need my family congregating to send me off on a date! Y’all are doing the most. I love you, I swear I do, but get out!”

I walked over to the door and opened it. They all grumbled as everybody stood to their feet to leave. My brothers and their wives filed out of the house, followed by Steel and Mia.

My father grinned as he came to a stop in front of me. “I don’t know if I like this nigga. He’s making you boss up. Where is my sweet Jaeda?”

I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms. “Daddy, please.”

“I’m joking, baby girl. I still don’t like you dating, but you’re right. You’re grown. Besides, I already did a background check on him.”

“Daddy!”

“Don’t daddy me. You think I’d let just anybody take you out if I can help it? He checks out. Very straightlaced. Comes from a nice family. The bank account had legal funds, and it’s sitting nice, so I know he ain’t after your money.”

My mouth dropped in disbelief. “Mommy, please talk to your baby daddy.”

My mother walked over and mushed his head. “Senior, get your old ass outta here and leave my child alone.”

My father laughed. “She’s my child too. I’m only a few years older than you, woman. If I’m old, you’re old. You’re about to have a newborn at our age.”

“Well at least this time I’m a wife and not a baby mama. Bye, Stanley.”

“She told all of us to get out. That means you too.”

“Mama can stay,” I said, motioning for him to leave.

He dramatically grabbed his chest. “Now that hurt.”

“You’ll live.”

He shook his head as he pulled me in for a hug. “I can take a hint,” he said, kissing my temple. “I hope you have a good time, baby. I talk a lot of shit, but I want you to be happy. You deserve that. If . . .” He sighed. “If this young man happens to make you happy, I’ll just have to accept that.”

I smirked. “Think of it like this, Daddy. You love being these babies’ papa. I can’t give you any grandchildren if I’m single. I mean, technically, I can?—”

He cut me off. “I wish like hell you would. Don’t play with me like that, Jaeda Janelle.”

I laughed as I embraced him. “I’m totally kidding, Daddy.” I palmed the side of his face and kissed his cheek. “I love you.”

“I love you too. Tavia . . .” He grinned as he looked over at my mother. “If you need a babysitter, I’ve got you. You know the kids love their papa.”

“Having childrenwithyou is plenty enough, Senior. Take your ass back to your house.”

“Send me pictures of my girl.”

---