I held him tight while rubbing his back, letting him cry on me.
“I know, son… I know how you feel. But you know that she loved you, and we will get through this.”
Amir looked up at me and nodded, and I walked him to the car.
Once we got in, he asked could go to his grandma’s house. I wanted to say no, but I agreed.
She didn’t live far from Katie. It didn’t take as long to get there, but when we arrived, the street was already full of cars, and people were at her house.
Once I parked, and before Amir hopped out, I stopped him.
“Listen, we are not gonna be here long.”
He nodded. “I know, it’s a lot of people here.”
We hopped out and took the lil’ walk to Mrs. Bates’ house.
Once we got in the yard, all of Amir’s cousins rushed over to him, giving him hugs, asking him if he was okay.
I let him talk to them and walked up the porch, speaking to a few of her aunts, giving my condolences before walking into the house to see her mama with a bunch of family around her, handing her tissues and wine.
“Mrs. Bates,” I said softly. “I am sorry for your loss.”
She looked up at me and wiped her tears. “Are you really?” she said with an attitude. “She told me y’all was supposed tobe getting back together. If she were with you and not in that neighborhood, my daughter would still be here!”
I had to hold back my laugh. That bitch was really out here planning a life I didn’t know shit about.
“I am sorry to tell you, Mrs. Bates. No, we weren’t. I?—”
“What do you mean, y’all weren’t getting back together! My daughter don’t lie.”
I nodded. “But she did?—”
“Well, I hope with her being your son’s mother, you are paying for her funeral.”
I backed up, laughing. “Like I said, I am sorry for your loss.”
I walked out the door and yelled for Amir so that we could leave. As we walked outta her gate, Mrs. Bates came out yelling.
“I will be sending you a text with how much I need.”
I laughed. “And it won’t be answered.”
I hopped in the car and pulled off. Amir was actually laughing.
“What are you laughing at?” I asked.
“That family is a lil’ crazy. I didn’t think you had to pay for it.”
I nodded. “My boy is smart. You come from money, so you have money. You don’t let people use you. But if you want to do something for your mom, I will pay for that.”
Amir nodded. “I would like to get some flowers or something like that, maybe her picture on a chain.”
I smirked. “I got you, son. Take-out and a movie tonight?”
“Sure,” he responded. “You find Islah?”
“I am waiting for some news now.”
