Page 70 of Full Court Press

She wasn’t feeling Anais, and I could see it now.

When Anais’s eyes came to me with a raised brow and soft smile, I knew she felt a way about Kiyanne’s tone and delivery.

“I mean, she isn’t wrong.” I shrugged. “But I do need you to be a little kinder with your words, pumpkin.”

“I wasn’t being mean, Daddy. I answered her question.”

“It’s okay. You are right, and you did a fabulous representation of your father, sweetie.” Anais patted her knee and gave her a wide smile.

“Thanks,” Kiy replied.

I pulled my phone from the inside of my jacket pocket and saw the incoming text from Nia.

Nia:

Tuesday at three?

Me:

Sounds good.

Things with Nia had been better over the past ten years. It took her until Kiyanne turned four to finally get her shit together. She sought therapy and had been diagnosed with severe postpartum and bipolar depression. Although she had improved over the years, I still had full custody of Kiy and allowed her supervised visits until Kiyanne turned eight.

It wasn’t until she got with her boyfriend, Derrick, that I loosened up a bit. I only did it because Derrick was my financial advisor, so I knew him and thought he was a good fit for Nia. She was much calmer, took her meds, and even owned a hair boutique that I helped fund.

She asked if she could spend a few days with Kiy since Derrick had to go out of town on business, and Kiy was out of school for the summer.

It took a lot of prayers and my family for me to forgive her for what happened the night my baby got burned. Since Kiy was old enough to talk, I allowed her to spend time with her moms to strengthen their relationship, something I’d always wanted.

We pulled up to the Ford House venue twenty minutes later. Tyrone stepped out and opened the door for me. I stepped out, buttoned my suit jacket as cameras flashed, and all eyes came to me.

I extended my hand to Kiy, helped her out, then did the same for Anais. The three of us posed for the cameras, then made our way inside.

As soon as we stepped inside, we were greeted by Detroit’s socialites. The decor was simple and elegant. High chandeliers and black-and-gold drapes exhibited a shimmering, barely perceptible pattern in the dimly lit building.

I shook hands with execs, actors, and brand endorsers, but I made sure I never let go of Kiy’s hand. She may have gotten used to the spotlight over the years, but she never liked being the center of attention.

Anais floated around the room, greeting everyone with a smile, making sure she stayed close to me.

It wasn’t until we made it through the crowd and Kiy saw Isa Walker, her bestie, that she perked up and let go of my hand.

“Isaaa!” she exclaimed.

“Kiy!” They both hugged each other tightly as I chuckled and greeted my best friend, Isaiah Walker.

“What up, my guy? It’s about time the new MVP made it,” he said, slapping my palm twice before pulling me in a one-armed hug.

I chuckled. “Blame ya niece. She takes ten years to get ready nowadays.”

We laughed, then my eyes went to his wife, Nicole.

“Good evening, sis. You look beautiful,” I complimented, giving her a hug and kissing her cheek.

“Hi, Lilo. Thank you. I sure don’t feel beautiful with all this damn stomach.” She smiled, rubbing her round belly.

“Aye, let my nephew make it. You carrying the next MVP in there.”

“Like hell. My son is going to be the next scientist.”