Page 82
“That sounds good,” Quinton replied, looking over at me for confirmation.
“Works for me.” I shrugged.
“Good.”
After a short drive, we pulled up to the country buffet. It had been a while since I’d taken Theo there, but he loved it. I was sure it was mostly due to the dessert bar, but as long as he ate a balanced meal, I didn’t mind him getting his cookies and ice cream. Once I was out of the car, I opened the back door to let Victor out while Quinton moved to the other side to get Trey out.
“I don’t need help opening my door. I’m not a baby like Trey Trey.”
“I’m sorry. I was just helping.”
“I don’t need your help. I already got a mama,” Victor snapped.
“Oh, wow. Excuse me.”
“Vick!” Quinton bellowed, making me jump but barely fazing his son.
“What!” Victor replied, folding his arms across his chest.
“Boy, who do you think you’re talking to like that?” Quinton asked.
“I’m sorry, but when is she leaving, Dad? We don’t need her no more. My mama came back. I like Theo, but I don’t need another mama.”
“You know what. You can just take us home, Quinton,” I said.
“Baby, come on. He’s just going through a hard time,” Quinton responded.
I nodded. “I know that, but it seems like you two have a lot to talk about.”
“I don’t want to talk to you no more. My mama and my daddy are back together with each other. She’s been staying with us. My daddy only made her go away because of you! I wish you would just leave.”
“Quinton, please,” I said, tugging the car door to get back in the truck.
Quinton looked at me with apologetic eyes as he took a slow breath. “I’m sorry, baby. Get back in the truck, boys.”
It took Quinton way too long to get Trey back in his car seat, but eventually, we were on our way. I spent so much time wondering if my boys would like and get along with Quinton when I should have also wondered how his son would react to my presence. The lump in my throat hurt like hell as we made the trip back to my apartment.
Even as Quinton’s hand slid onto my thigh, I kept my eyes out the window. I didn’t want him or the boys to see my face, just in case I started to cry. When we made it to my building, Quinton leaned over and kissed my cheek before I got out of the truck. I walked around and let Theo out before getting Trey out of his car seat and heading inside.
“Can we still go get something to eat? I want a hamburger,” Theo asked.
“Sure, baby. Let me just grab my purse, OK?”
“OK. You want me to carry Trey Trey?”
“No, I got him.”
“Are you and Mr. Quinton gonna break up? I like him.”
“I don’t think so, baby. I think we just have to give each other some space. Quinton has to talk to Victor alone. Victor is worried about his mom, and we have to understand that. She’s been sick, and now he doesn’t know what’s going on. I don’t want him thinking that I’m trying to replace his mom, but I do want to be in their lives.”
“It’s gonna be OK, Mama,” Theo said, putting his arms around my waist.
“I know, baby.” I leaned down and kissed the top of his head, knowing that whatever happened, we would be OK.
14
Quinton
