Page 45 of Choosing My Happiness
Then I gave Shaquilla a call. She’d become more than a townie over the past 3 years. I counted her as a friend, who mostly called me out on my bullshit, and sometimes created it. She warned girls away anytime she caught me out at night, but was my biggest support with Dylan. She would say yes toanything to do with that kid, and would keep an ear out for anything that would help him. She’s actually the one who talked to Janie and got him in with the same child care.
I watched Dylan follow my dad around outside. Maybe if Daisy didn’t want to be Dylan’s mom, he could stay with Mom and Dad while I stayed with her. Or maybe Shaquilla could take him. They’d be happy with that arrangement. Shaquilla was basically his aunt.
I opened the fridge and pulled out a beer. The phone continued to ring in my ear.
“What have you fucked up this time?” Shaquilla greeted me with her usual warmth. I chuckled. It was actually nice to have a girl I didn’t have to perform for.
“You’re not far off,” I replied.
“What happened?” she snapped, sounding distracted.
“Daisy came back, and then disappeared again.” I sighed, grabbing a beer out of the fridge.
Shaquilla snorted. “That’s old news…Amber is wanting your balls from that night. She’s still embarrassed, and everyone knows. Your play days are definitely numbered.”
“No, I mean Daisy came backthisweekend, and I haven’t seen her. Dylan managed to chat with her at Molly’s house, but she didn’t wait around for me.”
I heard the confusion through the phone line. “Explain.” I could almost see Shaquilla’s frown as she said that.
I threw myself down into a chair and rubbed my head.
“From the start?” I offered.
“The start,” she confirmed.
“It’d be easier if we were face to face,” I complained.
She huffed in amusement. “I’m not dying to see your face. You know as well as I do how your father will react if he sees me.”
“Yeah yeah,” I said, defeated. Dad saw her as just another townie still, and a reason that Daisy left. Nevermind that Daisywas used to the lifestyle, so that wasn’t the reason she left. She just needed a break after Junior’s death. “Well, you know she rocked up to the clubhouse for my party.”
“Are you sure that that’s what she was there for?”
“I’m guessing so. Why else would Daisy be there?”
“Horse said that she stuck pretty close to her dad and ignored you. Something about watching oxygen levels and keeping him alive to enjoy your little soiree,” Shaquilla said snidely. I growled. “Growl all you want. That tells me it’s the truth. Well, that and your bitchy moaning about how she’s avoiding you. Wonderful Daisy didn’t want her Magnificent Blaze. Am I right?” Shaquilla taunted.
“Anyway,” I snapped, then calmed down. “Anyway, she came over to our house the day after, while I was there. She looked a bit shocked that nothing had changed.”
“Impressed shocked, orwhat the hell, weirdoshocked? I’m betting on the weirdo response.”
“For fucks sake Shaq,” I burst out. “I picked the wrong gifts. I fucked up. She doesn’t wear jewelry…that’s all I fucking gave her to appease her. Three drawers full of jewelry shit still in their boxes. She never even took them out or tried to wear them.”
I stood and paced around in agitation. This was the part that really concerned me, “She also called her father a disappointment. I don’t think being an ol’lady is enough for her.”
Shaquilla burst out laughing. “You fucking delusional pig, of course it’s not enough…you’re an idiot. What sort of woman is okay with you cheating on her?” she asked primly.
“I’m not fucking cheating! I came back to her every time. She’s my one and only,” I yelled. Why doesn’t anyone understand?
“No, she’s your one of many, yours truly included once upon a time. Thank goodness I got smart. Face it, Blaze, you’re a man-whore. Who would want to stay with that in this day and age?” Shaquilla sneered through the phone at me.
“She told Dylan that she wasn’t going to be his mommy,” I almost sobbed.
“Explain.” Icicles formed on her word. Shaquilla loved Dylan. Sometimes, I think that’s the only reason she talked to me.
“Apparently she was at Molly’s house for breakfast, and I’d left Dylan with Molly for the night.”
“Blaze!” Shaquilla was indignant. She hated when I palmed Dylan off on people.
