I chuckled, shaking my head.
You’ll never meet her like that.
I hated even saying that to myself, but the way things were looking, it was true. For real, if we got caught fucking around I was sure they would never see me again.
“How did you get there from what I said? Are you sure you’re a professional ?”
“Yes. And Tunk, I say this with sincerity, I’ve known you longer and I can quite literally see the love pouring out of your pores for her. You might not have noticed since most peoplegonein love never do, but even men get new love glows and silly grins that never leave their faces. But back up. You said you can barely spend time with her. Is that work related on your end or both?”
I snickered, thinking about how to answer this one because if only Liv knew work was the only way I saw Lourdè.
“Let’s just say, yes and no. When I tell you it’s a complicated situation, I truly mean complex as fuck.”
We both got quiet before she gasped, covering her mouth.
“Oh, Tunk.” I could tell she wanted to finish this conversation, but the door opened with the rest of the crew, including my pops, coming through.
“Uncle Tunk!” The kids covered me with hugs from the top to bottom of my leg.
“Ey, what’s going on, fool?” Lando greeted me before kissing Liv.
“Ain’t nothing. Hey, Pops.” I greeted them two before Lando called the kids away to wash their hands to eat.
My pops stayed behind, taking a seat in the recliner.
“You look like you got the weight of love on you, son. What’s going on?”
“Nothing much ,Pops. I don’t know what you see, but it ain’t love,” I said, not wanting to have this conversation with him.
“Tunk, but you just said.” I shot a look at Liv who was talking before she caught on.
“I told you it was complicated, Liv. This is also why I didn’t want to talk about it.”
“Un… Complicated at your age typically means one of the parties involved is married, long distance, or dying. Which one is yours?” Kelvin shot out.
“Pops! Clearly it’s the distance part. Tunk isn’t the type to get involved with a married woman. He said he can’t spend a lot of time with her,” Liv said, with me just looking at my pops, unsure of what to say. I couldn’t be mad. I made my decision knowing the truth.
When I didn’t speak, he snorted while Liv made a sound as if it was clicking.
“Oh…”
“Complicated. I’m going to head out.” Lando walked in with a bag of food and a plate for Liv just as I was standing to leave.
“Yo, fool where you going? I just got here.”
“I gotta get to the office to work on the schedule. I’ll get up with you in a few.” I got out the door before I heard Lando behind me.
“Ay, hold the fuck up, man. What the hell just happened? I went and got the kids situated for two minutes and came back to a room full of thick ass tension and you saying you’re out. Talk to me.”
“Not here with Pops.” Lando grunted as he looked at me then back at the house.
“I’ma grab my keys. We can head to Flavor or something.” I nodded. Reaching for my phone while I waited for him, I sent a message to Johnni.
Me: I just left and already need to be back near you. I might have to kidnap you for real this time.
Queen Lou: Just say the word and I’ll toss my hair out the window for my great escape. I miss you too.
I laughed at her fairytale reference. I kept telling her our love story wasn’t typical. Shit, by the looks I got from Liv and Kelvin, I was sure no one would approve, open status or not.
