Page 55
“As it should. It’s because you’re in charge of the situation. And I’m proud of you.”
My lips curved into a huge grin as I basked in his compliment. “Why, thank you. How was your day, though?”
“It was cool. I ain’t do shit but kick it with my brother and take my mama to dinner. She swears we’ve been neglecting her lately. Like she ain’t been dissin’ us for work.”
“Leave her alone,” I snickered. “You’re such a brat.”
“Nah, I’m just used to a certain amount of attention that she ain’t giving to the person she birthed.”
“Oh, Lord, let me find out you’re a mama’s boy.”
“I ain’t that far gone, but she’s definitely my heart. I love that woman to death.”
“That’s so sweet. So Dr. Freeze does have a heart, huh?”
“A’ight. That’s enough of your insults for the night. Besides, Dr. Freeze only became Dr. Freeze because he was trying to save his wife.”
I was about to agree when it dawned on me that I’d left out a major part of my conversation with my parents.
“Wait,” I yawned. “I didn’t tell you that I told them about my spoken word.”
“Oohhh shit, what’d they say?”
“Nothing but positive things. For once. My mom wanted to come, but I shut that down quickly.”
“There you go pushing support away again.”
“She is not finna have her ass in that audience embarrassing me. No, sir.”
“That’s cool. I’ll embarrass you enough for her.”
My breath hitched as I scrambled to come up with a response that didn’t make me sound like a blubbering idiot.
“Nyx?” he called when I didn’t respond. “You still there?”
“Yeah, I am. That just caught me off guard. I wasn’t aware that you still planned to come.”
“Didn’t I tell you I was?”
“Yes, but—”
“Ain’t no buts. I keep telling you if I say it, then I mean it. I’ma be there, in the front row, all up in your face while you do your thing.”
I snickered. “And who said I want you that close to me?”
“You haven’t done this in a minute. Your nerves might kick in and what better face for you to see in the crowd than mine?”
“Oh, you are just so damn full of yourself,” I grinned.
“And for good reason. Thankfully, I’m confident enough with myself to know the truth because your stubborn ass will never admit it.”
“Know me,” I yawned again.
“Are you nervous at all about being on stage?
“Normally, I’d lie and say no, but since I’m talking to my partner in crime, I’ll be honest and admit I’m a little afraid.”
“I’ma tell you what my dad used to tell us growing up. Fear means nothing when you have Luck, Nyx. And you’ll be blessed to have all six-foot-three inches of me there to support you. You’re welcome.”
