Page 9 of Typa
I frowned. I refused to give him the attention he was seeking. He’d just said they would squash everything, but here he was acting childish. I brought my hand to Mythic’s cheek as he slid that blade back in mouth, his eyes trained in the direction Seven went. His gaze returned to me, and he said, “I’m doing my best, baby.”
“I know.”
I pulled away and went to the kitchen. When I walked in, Noni and Bali went in immediately. “Who’s your doctor? So you aren’t going to let us handle your care?” Bali asked.
I lowered my head for a moment. “I didn’t think you would want to. I went to a doctor in Beaumont.”
“Who?” Noni asked.
“His name is Doctor Charles.”
“Hell naw,” Bali said as my mama nudged her.
I swore they got on my nerves at times. They barely spoke to me, but they wanted to be my obstetricians. They didn’t mind voicing their opinions about my business. Why would I want them to be my doctors? I didn’t respond to them. I went to the stove and grabbed a bowl and plate from the counter next to it to fix Mythic’s food.
When I felt arms wrap around me from behind, I leaned back into him. He always knew what I needed. “Let me fix your food, baby. Get off your feet, okay?”
I loved that he was showing them just how tender he was with me. It was like he was trying to prove to them that we were meant to be together . . . that he was good for me.
“I’m okay, Mythic.”
“Look at me.”
I glanced around the kitchen to see that all the women were paying attention to us but trying to act like they weren’t. My gaze went to his. He slowly shook his head. “Your eyes don’t lie. Go have a seat. I’ll bring yo’ food to you.”
He kissed me softly, then grabbed my hand and led me back to the table, pulling out my chair. Carter and Red’s eyes were wide. No one had ever really witnessed his sensitivity but me. Mr. Legend had seen it once as well. After I sat and he pushed my chair in, he went back to the kitchen. Seven came back in andsat, not saying a word to anyone. Carter was seated next to me, so he grabbed my hand and gave it a slight squeeze.
I looked over at him as he asked, “Is he always that gentle with you?”
“Yes.”
He nodded repeatedly as Seven stared at me. I refused to look at him, because I knew we would be arguing if I did. That would only cause Mythic to jump in. Growing up, SS and I stayed into it. He was always in my business, and I hated that. I hated arguing. When Mythic came out with our bowls, I noticed everyone coming out behind him. He set mine in front of me. It smelled delicious. Daddy and Mr. Legend finally came in from outside and sat with us as we waited for everyone to get their food.
Once everyone was seated and the blessing had been said, Mythic spooned some and brought it to my lips. I closed my eyes as he did earlier and smiled. It was so good.
“It’s good as hell, huh?” he asked.
I opened my eyes and said, “Absolutely. Missus Harper don’t miss.”
Everyone at the table chuckled as she said, “Thank you, baby.”
Mythic continued to feed me until I made him stop and eat his own food before it got cold. Although he put up a little resistance, the smell started getting to him and his stomach started growling. I giggled when he finally gave me my spoon and went to his food. As he leaned over, I could see his bandage oozing again. Leaning over to him, I said softly, “We really need to get you to the hospital.”
“I know. My head is killing me.”
Once again, the table was completely quiet. I wasn’t as uncomfortable this time, though, because everyone was eating. I stared at my daddy until he looked over at me. When he gave mea slight smile, I literally wanted to go curl up in his lap like I used to do as a kid. He was truly my safe space. Abandoning that was scary. I was trying to allow Mythic to be my safe space now, but it was hard with what all he had going on. Plus, we’d only been around each other constantly for the past couple of months. That didn’t compare to a lifetime with my daddy.
“So, we’re going to be grandparents,” he said as he stared at me. “I never thought you would be first, but I’m happy for you, baby girl. I need to say some things that you probably don’t want to talk about in front of everyone, but I think we should say it in their presence so they can get clarity and understand what’s going on.”
I could feel my stomach tightening at his words. Mythic glanced at me and began gently rubbing my thigh, trying to get me to relax. I nodded at my dad as I noticed Mr. Legend doing the same. Everyone was staring at him. Our entire immediate families were here, except for Mythic’s baby sister, Cachet. She was at school.
“First, I want to say that I’m proud of you. Just because we don’t agree with your choices doesn’t diminish our love. We were worried. If the two of you have a little girl, you will understand,” he said, looking right at Mythic. “But I’ve watched you, Mythic, even when you think I’m not watching. I hired a P.I. to see shit I couldn’t see, and not once did he come back and say that you treated my baby disrespectfully. Thank you for that. You are proving that you are everything she says she sees in you. We are on the outside looking in, but you’ve been giving us an inside peek since we’ve been here, and I appreciate that.”
He lowered his head for a moment, and said, “I can tell that it’s not pretentious simply by Maui’s body language.” Bringing his gaze back to me, he continued. “I’m sorry for interfering, baby. I love you so much, and the last thing I want is for you to be hurt, physically or emotionally. However, I had to realize thatwhile you will always be my baby, you are a grown woman who is capable of making her own decisions. As long as you are happy and safe, that’s all that matters to me.”
My mama grabbed my daddy’s hand as tears slid down my cheeks. He kissed her hand and said, “This woman had to talk some sense into me. I’m sorry for disrespecting you, baby. We were all concerned about you and acted irrationally. You ain’t gotta be uncomfortable coming home. You are always welcomed where I am. As long as you treating my baby right, you too, Mythic.”
Mythic lowered his head slightly, and I could see that he wanted to smile, but he refused to let it show. “We will all respect your relationship. Am I right?”
