Page 65 of Mister Jeweler

“No, I was calling to let you know I can’t make it. I can’t get in contact with Blaze so he can take the kids for the weekend. I would take them to my parents’ house, but they are really upset, so I’m going to try to think of something to lift their spirits.”

“Why don’t you come on over and bring them with you? We’re having a barbecue anyway.”

“Are you sure? I know seeing Avalon would make Amir happy. He swears that’s his girlfriend with his little ass.”

Cassie laughed. “Absolutely. Come on over.”

“Okay. We’ll see you soon. Thank you, Cassie.”

After disconnecting the call, Denali went to their rooms and told them about their new plans. While Amir was happy to see Avalon, Kinsley wasn’t as easy of a sell. Denali headed to her bedroom to freshen up and change, and she couldn’t help but want to try Blaze one more time. She decided to call Ladia, her best friend, and have her to call him on three-way. As soon as Ladia called and she heard the phone ringing, Denali chuckled and shook her head.

“Who dis?” he answered.

“So you blocked me?” she asked, turning and facing herself in the mirror. “Anything could be going on with your kids and you wouldn’t know because you blocked me.”

“If some was going on with my kids, you could have called my mama or my sister.”

“Why should I have to call anyone to get in touch with you, Blaze? Do you realize how petty and immature you sound?”

“Are my kids straight?”

“No!” she yelled quietly, pressing her body off the counter to slam her bathroom door. “They were really upset about you not coming to get them. You know they were looking forward to going out of town with you. Why would you do them like that?”

“Because I’m mad at you,” he admitted. “You won’t tell me what nigga you let get you drunk.”

“First of all, I wasn’t drunk. Secondly, that’s none of your concern. And third, whether you were upset or not, that had nothing to do with Kinsley and Amir. They should not have to suffer because we are having issues.”

Blaze sighed but remained silent.

All she could think about was the hell her parents put her through during and after their divorce. How much pain she felt. How confused she was. How difficult it was to feel loved, seen, and heard.

“Listen,” she spoke calmly. “Whatever beef you have with me, take that up with me. If you try to use that to hurt my children, I will keep you away from them for good. Grow the fuck up, Blaze.”

After disconnecting the call, she groaned and headed out of the bathroom. Not long after, Blaze was calling her, and all she could do was shake her head and chuckle.

“What?”

“Tell them I’ll swing through to pick them up soon.”

“No. I made plans for them tonight. If you want to come and get them in the morning, you can, but I’m not telling them, so they won’t be disappointed in case you change your mind again.”

Blaze chuckled before hanging up in her face, and Denali was quite alright with that.

??????

When Denali pulled up to Greg and Cassie’s home, it was the first time she considered the fact that Elite could potentially be there. Though his pride made it difficult for him to admit how much he wanted to build a bond with his father, Elite never denied wanting to connect with his sisters. As she stared at his car, Denali wondered if she should have just driven off. This would have been the first time he’d met her children, and Denali didn’t want it to be while they were on awkward terms.

Things were perfect while they were at the bar. When he drove her home, shit got weird. The touchy-feely affectionate Elite had become detached and reserved. She’d even offered to let him come inside so he could potentially cum inside… and he declined. Out of all the times she and Blaze had taken breaks and she entertained other men, Elite was the first man to ever deny her. His rejection made her feel as if he really didn’t want to be with her, and if that was the case, what was the point?

Once they all were out of the car, Denali said, “Y’all remember don’t be running around these people house yelling and shit. Be on your best behavior but have fun. Depending on what time we leave, I’ll take y’all to get some rolled ice cream.”

“Ooh, can we go to the place in the mall?” Kinsley asked, taking Denali’s hand into hers.

“Whatever you want, baby. But that’s if it’s still open when we leave. If not, I’ll take y’all tomorrow.”

Denali rang the doorbell and inhaled a deep breath. Greg opened it, and Amir’s eyes instantly lit up. He gave Amir a high five and Kinsley a side hug before telling them Avalon and the rest of the kids were in the PacMan themed game room upstairs. Denali told them to speak to everyone before heading upstairs, shaking her head as they sped-walked away from her.

“That game room be having these kids in a chokehold,” Denali said as Greg closed the door.

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