Page 110 of Love Overdose: St. Louis

“Brother.”

Titan closed the door behind him. “Valentine,” he responded. Christian crossed the space and embraced him. Titan returned it with one arm, then stepped back. Ron remained near the table. Emotions crossed his face, and I could tell he was feeling all of the things.

“I’m glad you’re here,” Christian said.

Titan gave a slight nod. “Thank you.”

Xander pulled an empty chair from the wall. Elijah moved from my side and took Titan’s coat, and Aunt Bernice went back to the kitchen and resurfaced with an additional plate.

“It’s nice to see you, son,” Ron said, approaching Titan.

Titan and Ron stood watching each other for so long that it made me question if Titan cared to be approached by him.

“Titan is fine, Ron,” Titan said.

And just like that I had my answer. He didn’t want to be referred to as Ron’s son. And that expressed what Elijah had mentioned earlier.

Ron nodded. “As you wish. You can have a seat here, or wherever you like.”

Ron moved out of his way, and Titan’s eyes landed on Jeremiah. Jeremiah smirked, and Titan nodded. It was an interesting exchange, but Jeremiah seemed to get more warmth from Titan than anyone else. Maybe it was because they had more in common from being estranged siblings. And suddenly I had more questions than answers.

Within minutes, Titan had a plate and a place at the table. No one mentioned the television show he had declined, and Ron returned to his cards, though his attention moved toward Titan more than once. Titan ate while we played. He didn’t try to join every conversation. He watched the cards, listened to the arguments over bids, and studied each person as though learning the rhythm of the room.

Malik watched him too. When Titan noticed, he met Malik’s gaze and lifted his chin in greeting. Malik gave him a small smile. Later, when Naomi left the table to help Aunt Bernice and Aunt Cherry pack leftovers, Christian turned toward Titan.

“Sit in for her.”

Titan looked at the cards Christian held out.

“One hand,” he said.

He moved into Naomi’s chair and sorted the cards without comment—Christian bid three. Titan bid two. They took six books. Christian leaned back, smiling. “You’ve played before.”

Titan placed the cards face down. “A few times.”

Ron dealt the next hand before Titan could leave. He stayed for three. He and Christian won two. When Titan finally stood, Christian didn’t ask him to remain.

“I’m heading out,” Titan said.

Christian rose to his feet. “Thank you for coming. You know you don’t need an invite to show up. We’re family. Show up whenever you like. Even outside of holidays.”

Titan smirked, then looked around the room and pointed at Christian. “This nigga always wanna kumbaya.”

The space erupted in laughter.

“It’s because we love you and want to get to know you and Jeremiah better,” Elijah said.

Titan and Jeremiah turned to Elijah, who was still sitting next to me. Neither of them spoke, but I could tell they were processing his words. Then their eyes met, and Titan and Jeremiah had another silent exchange.

“Imma catch y’all later,” Titan said. He nodded at Jeremiah. “Call me if you need me, wimp.”

Jeremiah laughed. “Whatever, fool.”

Ah… so the two were warmer with each other. Xander, Christian, and Elijah exchanged glances, but none of them spoke. I figured they’d just come to the same conclusion I had. Ron walked Titan to the back door, and the two men spoke quietly for a moment. I couldn’t hear the words, but Ron didn’t reach for him or block his way.

Then, Titan looked back at the room once more, then disappeared through the same door he’d entered. Ron stood there for another second before returning to his seat. He gathered the cards and began to shuffle.

“Who’s playing next?”