Page 115 of Steel
Fear was a muthafucka and so was trauma.
Since Nayelli decidedthat she wanted to go to the water park, after breakfast, we’d gone out to get swimsuits and other essentials. I was a little excited about going myself. A nice relaxing day in the water was exactly what I needed.
As we were unloading the car, a call came through. Pulling my phone from my pocket, I saw that it was Kerrion. A smile spread across my face as I answered.
“Hey, baby.”
“Hey, love. You sound good. I take it those drinks didn’t take you out last night?”
I giggled. “Nope. I’m not a lightweight, thank you very much.”
“Y’all made it to the water park yet?”
“Just pulled in. Unloading the car now. How far are you?”
“Man, I’m still at the damn house. I have a few extras with me, KJ and Jaiden. Emmy is with Pops for the weekend, so he’s coming along with her.”
“Again, it’s insane that your father is your baby sister’s godfather.”
“I told you it’s ghetto over here, man. We’ll be there soon, though.”
“Okay.”
“I love you.”
I smiled and blushed. “I love you too.”
I hung up and found four sets of eyes on me.
“What?” I asked.
Dinah smirked. “Nothing, nothing.”
“Bullshit,” Daddy said. “Look at the way you’re blushing. You and that man got back together, didn’t you?”
“Kinda, sorta.”
“Kinda, sorta my ass. You just told him you loved him. You can’t shit me, girl.”
I laughed. “Okay, okay. We did. We discussed the things that needed a discussion, and we’re moving on.”
“And you’re happy?”
“I’m very happy, Daddy.”
He smiled. “Good. There’s a difference between a man who’s protective and possessive, baby. A protective man will always be concerned for your safety and well-being. They act out of love and care. A possessive man, . . . he seeks to control you. He’s insecure and wants you completely dependent. He’s the type to tell you that you wouldn’t have shit if it wasn’t for him. He’ll make you feel like nobody else will ever want you and that you are too much. If it’s one thing I learned over the years, it’s to know what kind of man you have.”
I nodded my head. We’d had this same conversation so many times over the years. Evan Malone was a protector and provider in all forms. He covered my mother as well as me and my sister. We never wanted for anything. He was active and present for every win and every loss. The man that I married had to embody his qualities, or it just wouldn’t work.
“I hear you, Daddy.”
“Good. Now . . . I’m anxious to meet this young man.”
“He’s bringing his son, his little brother and sister, and his dad.”
Mom raised an eyebrow. “Little brother and sister? How old are these kids?”
“Emelie is a little over a year, and Jaiden is the same age as Nayelli.”
