“Well, I haven’t seen you in months and I’m just so happy for you’re doing well. That was a heck of a game.”
“Thank you.”
“Your father and I are so proud. Aren’t we Lamonte?” She looked to my father. This was normal, my mother speaking for the both of them and my father grunting in agreement.
“Hmm.” My father was already looking for the waitress to refill his glass.
Taking a seat I said, “I’m glad you could make it out. I wish you’d told me youbothwere coming.”
“You’re so busy, I didn’t want to be a bother. Your assistant, Nori, helped me get everything squared away.”
“Did you tell Nori Dad was joining?”
“No, we paid for his ticket on our own. Didn’t want to spoil the surprise.” More like didn’t want to ask for permission and risk me saying no.
My phone dinged with an incoming message.
Nessa: Great game. Thank you for inviting me.
Aldridge: Where are you?
Nessa: Stuck in traffic.
Aldridge: I was hoping to see you tonight and thank you personally for coming.
Nessa: Your folks are here, we can connect some other time.
Aldridge: The thought of seeing you after the game was kind of the highlight of my day. Don’t get me wrong my mom is great but she ain’t you.
Nessa: …
Aldridge: Turn around.
Nessa: …
“What does a man have to do to get a fucking drink?” My dad yelled.
Looking up from my phone, I casually said, “I think you’ve had enough.”
My father’s eyes flashed with anger. If I wasn’t a grown man who now towered over him, he’d be ready to slap the piss out of me. Lamonte Mosley loved hitting defenseless women and children. I think that shit actually brought him joy. Making others feel small and afraid. “Did I ask for your opinion? You’re the child. Don’t tell me shit. I do what the fuck I want. Mind your fucking place.” My dad’s voice was elevated and drawing attention. “Where the fuck is my drink!”
“I’ll get you another one. It’s fine.” I headed to the bar. This is why he wasn’t invited. He was always an embarrassment. My dad assumed I was trying to show him up when I offered to pay for a meal or cover a flight. Fake offended but when he needed a little spending money or help paying a bill, he had no shame about forcing my mother to call and ask. My mom would say it was for her to get her nails done or that Tootie, my sister, needed new shoes because she was growing like a weed.
My phone dinged again. It was Danessa and instantly my mood was lifted.
Nessa: Where do you want to meet?
Aldridge: Are you hungry?
Nessa: I’m always hungry.
Aldridge: Meet me in thirty minutes at the Bites and Brews Plaza.
Nessa: Okay.
My mom came up behind me leaning her head on my arm. “He’s just tired.”
“No Mom, he’s drunk.”
