Page 24 of Seducing a Sagittarius
“You know it, Denny!”
“Oh, really?” I asked, looking at her appalled.
“Denny’s my favorite, but you know you’re my top favorite, big brother.” She beamed.
I chuckled. “Yeah, whatever.”
“What’s up with you running through all of these assistants?” my pops, Avery Senior, asked.
“Most of them were temps, Pops. They didn’t meet the criteria to stay on as my permanent assistant.” I partially lied. It was bigger than that.
“And I assume this one does?” Grams asked.
“Her résumé qualifies her to stay on as a permanent.”
“I’m glad she’ll be around for a while. She never did call me for that coffee date.” I gave him a stern look but didn’t say shit.
You’ll never get that date, bitch nigga.
Emani looked at me with a smirk on her face, then looked at Grams.
“I need you to make me a bracelet, Grams.”
“Of course, baby. Just let me know what you want, and I got you.”
“I sure will.”
“How’s your mom doing?” Grams asked.
“She’s doing. Finally decided to quit that awful job she was working at.”
“What was it again?” Mom asked.
“She was a supervisor at Uncle Ray’s potato chip factory. She’s now using her degree and working as a clinician for children with autism.”
“Oh, that’s great! She didn’t even tell me.”
“I’m sure she will. She just started last week.”
“Merie, did you choose a college yet?” my pops asked.
“Daddy, I told you I’m taking a semester off before I go to college. I’m tired of school right now.”
I looked over at her and frowned. “That wasn’t the plan, A.”
“I know, Brother, but it’s only for a semes?—”
“Nah, A. The deal was that I get you your dream car, and you’ll go to college in the fall. When did you back out of our deal?”
She shrugged. “I just decided. If you want to take the car back, then fine. You’ve been in my shoes before. You know how stressed I was, but I still pushed through. I need a mental break from school. I promise I’m going in the spring.” I didn’t like this. Amerie was a busy girl. Always had been. So, to quell all that energy she had, I told my parents to put her in programs that would keep her busy.
I knew if they met her where she was, she’d have no time to get into other shit teenage girls her age loved to do. Part of the reason I spoiled her so much was because I didn’t want her out here in these streets, fucking off.
Anytime she made a fuss about her studies or extracurricular activities, I made a deal with her. She could have whatever she desired if she remained in school. That was all I’d ever wanted for her.
Since my parents decided to start over when I was eighteen, I treated Amerie like they gave birth to her for me. I didn’t know who told them to have another kid at their old age. I didn’t like it at all and was a little resentful toward my parents for doing it when I was younger, but one look at the little bright-eyed monster, and it was a wrap.
“I’m not going to take your car back, Amerie. We keep our promises, no?” I asked.
