Page 19 of It's Love I'm After

“Oh yeah, she’s been doing it with Candace for the last week or so. I’m about ready to pop up on her ass because I need to see what’s causing the extra bounce in her step when she comes home after class.”

A smirk falls in place because Dad ain’t about to pop up on Ma regardless of how she returns home. Dad taught me that a confident man never has to become an insecure one where his woman is concerned. If a man loves his woman with everything he has, she will always remain loyal to him, no matter what joker grins in her face.

“What does Mrs. Candace’s husband think about her attending class?”

“That fool goes with her and tries to get me to go too. His lame ass bought him and Candace matching fans to flick and everything. That old fool ain’t about to convince me to throw myhip out trying to prove I still got a damn thing. He can have it,” Dad tells me before both of us laugh heartily.

“I’d love to see you flicking a fan, though, old man. Where dem fans at?” I ask, laughing and dodging Dad’s fist coming toward me.

“Go home, little nigga. Your visiting privilege has been revoked for today.”

“My mama told me I’m welcome here whenever I see fit to come through.”

“Your mama ain’t here with your grown ass. Get out.” Dad playfully shoves me toward the door.

“Fine. I hope Ma finds a man to teach her how to get low at her little class and leave your cantankerous butt.”

“Well, I hope your little pecker goes limp when you try to fuck on that woman who had you grinning the last time you were here.”

“Wow. That’s low, man. Why would you wish such a thing on me like that?”

Dad’s laughter pierces my ears as I leave the den, heading toward the front door after losing the battle between him and me.

9

CHANIYA

Germayne: Alright, Ms. Chaniya. Will you be mine?

“Can I play my game, Mommy?” Caleb asks, distracting me from the incoming text from Germayne.

Pulling my gaze from the phone, I look at my baby standing in front of me with unkempt hair and his play clothes. Kenyatta hasn’t taken him to the barber shop, so my baby is starting to look like one of those kids whose mothers spend the child support on themselves instead of the kids.

“Maybe later. Have you taken your shower today?”

“Yes, ma’am. I brushed my teeth too.”

“Good. Go put on something from your going out clothes. I’m gonna take you to get a haircut. Then we’ll run by my job before I take you to get something to eat.”

When Caleb goes to do what I’ve said, I return to the open message from Germayne and send my answer.

Me: Depends. *thinking emoji*

Germayne: On what? You’ve laid out what it takes for me to win your heart, so don’t throw another roadblock now that I’ve accepted your challenge.

Me: Touche. Alright, I’ll agree to be yours, but remember, this is only a trial run.

Germayne: All I heard was… you understand I’m playing for keeps. Let the marathon begin, Chaniya.

Me: *winking emoji*

“Caleb! How long does it take you to change clothes?”

“I couldn’t find my other shoe, Mommy. I’m ready now,” Caleb says, running toward me, and my heart stretches upon seeing the wide smile on his face.

I have today off because our schedule is light enough so that the other assistant can handle whatever appointments we have without me. With Caleb about to start kindergarten soon, I relish the opportunity to spend time with him. I also need to resume taking Caleb to get his haircuts because I can’t afford to rely on Kenyatta for him to disappear on me. Keeping Caleb’s hair neat and cut is something I will never take lightly or allow someone else to do. If I had to guess, I would say that Kenyatta is sniffing behind a new woman because it’s the only time he can’t be counted on. I’m good with him being absent because it’s what I needed to see, to take control of Caleb’s maintenance routine myself.

“Can you take me to a new barber shop, Mommy? I don’t like the lady who cuts my hair anymore.”

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