Page 7 of Love At Close Range

“Who you on the phone with?” Taryn asked as soon as she plopped down beside me.

“Damn, you nosy,” I laughed.

“We already know this… now answer the question.” She waved me off.

“It was Mona, nosy. She was calling to see if I was bringing Dorian to the kickback this weekend,” I revealed. Taryn already knew which kickback because her nosy ass was going too.

“I hope you told her fuck that nigga,” she spat.

“Don’t start, Tay,” I groaned, closing my laptop because I knew I was no longer getting any work done.

“Too late. That nigga still walking around here like he’s a member of a secret society.” She rolled her eyes.

Sighing dejectedly, I filled my best friend on the things that she didn’t already know, and by the time I was done, she was getting up off the sofa.

“What the hell are you jumping up so fast for?” I quizzed.

“You need to get your ass up too so we can go jump this nigga and beat a confession out his black ass. I’ll drive… come on.” She was grabbing her keys and purse and headed to the door so fast I almost tripped trying to stop her.

“Would you sit your crazy ass down,” I laughed. “I’m not doing all that. If he’s doing some shit, I’ll find out,” I jested. I wasn’t about to be trailing that man like I was an undercover FBI agent. If he was doing some shit, it’ll come to light, and when it does, me and my girls gone tag team his ass. I might even let Rhyse get a few licks in.

“Whatever. I’m letting you know now, if that nigga up to something shady, I’m beating his ass on sight.” She smirked. I knew she wasn’t lying. Ever since we linked, she’s been a genuine friend and always ready to ride. Kree was iffy at times, but she was still my friend.

“You won’t hear shit from me. Now come on and let’s go get something to eat since you came in here like Yosemite Sam and ambushed my work. I’m hungry and got a taste for hibachi.”

Going into my bedroom, I put on a pair of sneakers since I was only in my house shoes before meeting Taryn back downstairs and headed out. We drove separately because by the time we got done, it would be time to get Rhyse from camp. Sizzle House was not far from the school, so it would work out perfectly. A hot steak hibachi plate with extra vegetables and sauce would be heaven right about now, along with some plum wine.

***

After picking Rhyse up from camp, we made it back home to relax a little before we left for the kickback. It was kid-friendly since their children would be there, but they would be in the game room or wherever else they ventured to. They wouldn’t be outside with the adults.

I was in my room finishing up getting dressed when Rhyse knocked on my door.

“Come in,” I called out. When he walked in, he had that same damn frown on his face.

“Ma, do I have to go?” He groaned. “I’m big enough to stay home by myself,” he bargained.

“No sir, you sure can’t. You might be big enough but you’re nowhere near old enough so get your shoes so we can go,” I instructed while he stood there looking crazy as hell.

“Is your boyfriend going?” He asked.

“Yeah why?” I inquired.

“I’on like him. His cologne is stank. He can’t dress and he’s corny.” I wanted to laugh so bad, but I didn’t want to encourage him to go further.

“He’s not that bad, Boosie. I thought you liked Dorian?”

“I’on like him. He said that he was gone be my daddy and I told him no he wasn’t because I’ain got no daddy and I’on want one.” He frowned. Hearing my baby say he didn’t have a daddy had me wanting to go back to Cannon Hills and beat the black off of Lennox’s ass.

I walked over to my son and kneeled in front of him and took his hands into mine.

“Listen, Boosie. You have a father, but he wasn’t ready for the responsibility. Maybe one day, he’ll be ready and you can meet him and express everything you feel to him. Right now, I want you to go get your shoes on so we can go before Auntie Mona lets everybody eat the deviled eggs.” I smirked. He loved deviled eggs just as much as I did, so I knew that would distract his little mind enough.

Once he left, I inhaled a sharp breath to get my feelings in check before I finished dressing. By the time I was done, Dorian called to say he was pulling up. After going over my appearance and making sure my curly hair was secure in the messy bun, I grabbed my things and left my room to let Rhyse know it was time to go. He groaned and rolled his eyes, but he brought his little ass. When we reached the door, Dorian was standing on the other side, looking good. He had on a tan Amiri t-shirt with a pair of dark denim Amiri jeans and a pair of brown and tan Jordan 4s. He mainly dressed casual because of his business dealings, but I loved the laid-back look more.

“Hey, baby. You look good,” he complimented as he pulled me into his embrace and kissed me.

“Wassup, Rhyse,” he spoke to my son.