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“What happened this time?” Kemara asked, her tone a little lower than before as she steadied herself for another episode of Rodney’s nonending saga.
“Well, Kevin was heartbroken last weekend when Rodney at the very last minute called and said he wasn’t coming to get them because Melody had somewhere she wanted him to go with her. Of course, he’d promised to take Kevin to a baseball game and everything, then he called and said he was twenty minutes away from our house only to call back thirty minutes later and say he wasn’t coming. Eva couldn’t care less because Rodney hasn’t shown her an example of a good man. Instead, he has her feeling like her father will always choose Melody over her.” Kemara sighed and closed her menu to give me her full attention. “I wish I could say this doesn’t hurt, but it’s heartbreaking the way he treats them.”
“Tameka, he’ll never change. I hate it, but that’s a harsh reality you and the kids will have to live with. He’s either starting unnecessary arguments, or he’s ghost. Don’t do this to yourself any longer, Tameka. Maybe it’s time to take his visitation with the kids away,” Kemara suggested.
“I’ve gone that route before, and it didn’t work. My lawyer threatened to take away his visitation, and his lawyer countered with a threat of Rodney getting full custody. My lawyer couldn’t guarantee me a judge wouldn’t agree with Rodney, which has me scared of risking losing my children. That would break me faster than anything Rodney is doing,” I admitted.
“Man, he’s such an A-hole. He has to be the devil reincarnated.”
“And that’s to say the least about it,” I agreed. “The hardest part is having to lie to them about why he’s such an A-hole.”
“Tell them the truth about him. They can handle it. If he wants a better story told about him, he should write it with his actions. Stop covering for his foolishness and let him take the hit for the way he’s treating them,” Kemara said as the waitress approached our table; she took our orders and left.
“You’re right.” I looked at my sister’s glowing brown skin and big bright eyes. Even her twist out was curlier and more on-point than usual. “Enough about me, Mrs. Holloway. Have I told you that you are absolutely glowing? What is Channing doing to you, sis?”
She grinned. “Honey! If I told you, I’d have to kill you, but I will say this, marrying Channing was the best choice I’ve ever made. Things have been wonderful; I’m still in awe of how compatible we are.” Kemara’s smile fell slightly, and I sensed she was suppressing something.
“Have those crazy men from the brotherhood been bothering you guys?” I asked.
“No, not a peep from them. We haven’t even heard anything from his father and brother.” Her eyes met mine, and that slight bit of somberness appeared in them again. “It’s that we’ve been trying to have a baby, and it’s not happening quite as fast as we hoped.”
“These things take time, sis. Don’t worry about it yet, just keep having fun trying,” I said chuckling. “Besides, everyone won’t be as fertile as I am; if I think about a baby, I get pregnant.”
She snickered. “I wish me and Channing had that problem. Well, it wouldn’t be a problem for us because we want the babies. We’ve wanted this from the moment we got married, and I’m starting to fear it might never happen.” Kemara fiddled with her hands, so I reached over and grabbed them into mine.
“Kemara, you have to keep an open mind. Your baby is coming, and it’s going to be a healthy and gorgeous baby. It’s only a matter of time before you two will be amazing parents. I’m claiming it,” I said.
Kemara’s smile returned.
“Thank you, sis. It’s not like we haven’t been having fun trying, and the ways Channing has been trying…my God.” She started to fan herself.
“You two are too cute, but that’s way too much information,” I said and laughed. “I think you’re going to have a girl. I just feel it.”
“That would be my dream come true, Tameka.”
“I know. You always wanted a little girl,” I said.
We talked about little girl names until the food arrived. Just as the waitress left the table, Kemara said, “Tameka, I almost forgot to tell you! I found the cutest piece of fabric the other day to make a sofa cover. When we’re done eating, let’s go to my house so I can show it to you?”
I looked at Kemara thoughtfully. It was a beautiful thing to watch my little sister grow into a woman, the sight made my heart swell.
“Yeah, sure. I’d love to look at your fabric,” I said while still trying to wrap my head around what married life had done to my sister. Getting excited about fabric for sofa covers, how did that happen?
She smiled. “I’ve been making all kinds of things lately. I used to be only focused on my job, but now I’m getting the house ready for our new edition, so I’ve been very crafty.”
“Married life agrees with you, sis.”
Seeing her so at peace and in love with Channing took my mind away from my messed up situation with Rodney. I took a bite of my nachos and looked at my sister again wondering if I’d ever find love again.
Chapter 2
Jeb
Incidental Reunion
Channing handed me a beer. I took a swig and sat down on the couch. I’d been through the wringer over the past few months, and I missed having my cousin to talk to. He was one of the very few people I could count on. Channing would never double-cross me like an old friend had just done.
“This is just what I needed, cuz, a cold Modelo.” I worshipped the bottle a little longer, taking long gulps, trying to feel the buzz. I wanted to zone out and forget my relationship issues, and boy, did I have them?
