Chapter 3
I’d never seen so many muscles on one person in my whole life. I didn’t spend much time in the gym these days, so maybe I didn’t have much of a reference. I determined running was more my speed than spending hours in the gym, self-conscious about my body.
Clearly, the man standing in front of me now didn’t have that same problem. He was dark-skinned and stood well over six feet. He probably weighed in the mid-two hundreds too, but it was definitely all muscle.
He was bow-legged and well-dressed, and although he was here for Sakani, he’d gained the attention of almost everyone in Renewed.
We were all gathered in the common area to say goodbye to all the children who were going to new homes today.
I was happy for all of them, but none more than Sakani.
He was getting the second chance he deserved.
“Did you hear me, girl?” Aniya asked, pulling my attention away from the stranger holding it captive.
I didn’t know how long I’d been staring at the man, but I was sure it was longer than I should have.
Giving my attention to a man wasn’t something I was used to, so even with all his fine-ness, he shouldn’t have garnered more than a glance.
I didn’t have time or the energy to put up with anyone of the opposite sex, even if he did look so good.
“I’m sorry. What did you say?”
“I asked you, how do you feel about losing your favorite person today?”
“We’re not losing him, Aniya. I am sure Sakani will be back to visit us from time to time.”
“Hopefully it’s just a visit.”
“You stop it.”
“Girl, that child was a nightmare to everyone but you. I’m just happy he got adopted because we both know his story could have went a whole other way.”
“Yeah, you right about that. Sakani has worked hard to turn his life around.”
“I’ll give him that. And that new daddy of his is finnnne.”
“I wouldn’t know.”
I stood up straight with my head high and fixed my clothes. I was not about to let Aniya know the things that had been running through my head at the sight of that man. None of them were clean, and Aniya was known to gossip.
“Girl, please. Don’t try to act like I didn’t just pull you out of a lustful daze. I know you a goody-two-shoes, but don’t be bougie.”
Aniya may have been a gossip, but she was always going to keep it real.
It was what I liked about her and what made it easy for me to talk to her.
In the professional world, most people were putting on a show, but Aniya was exactly who she showed up as every day, and she didn’t give a damn who didn’t like it.
“You know what? I have to get back to work.” I chuckled as I turned on my heels and walked off from Aniya. I was happy I got a chance to wish all the kids well on their new journeys. I also didn’t mind the glimpse of Sakani’s new dad, but I truly did have work to do.
“Dr. E, hold up. I got somebody I want you to meet.”
Sakani’s voice stopped me in my tracks, and his words almost made me take off running.
Of course, he would want me to meet him, but I was in no way ready for an introduction.
Not only had I picked today of all days to throw on the first thing I could find, but I also skipped my hair appointment yesterday.
This was the busiest time of the year for me, and self-care clearly wasn’t a top priority right now.
“Hey, Sakani. Who do we have here?”
My smile was tight, but I tried my best to look as excited as he obviously was. This was a big moment in his life. The least I could do was play nice for an introduction.
“This is Mr. Stone. He’s going to be my new… dad.”
There was a slight pause before he said the last word. I could tell he was still a little apprehensive, but Sakani was trying. Trying was hard for him.
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Stone.” I stuck my hand out for him to shake, and he immediately took it into his.
I didn’t know if it was the way he gripped my hand or the smell of his cologne that sent me right back into that lustful daze Aniya was just talking about, but I was there and completely trapped.
“You can call me Stone.”
You clearly look it, I thought to myself. I’d admired Stone’s body from afar, but seeing it up close was even better.
“Nice to meet you, Stone. I’m Dr. Ellis. This is quite a young man you get to take home today.”
Sakani smiled quietly before looking down, as I knew he would. I hoped he knew everything I said about him was true. He was going to do wonderful things in this world, and I couldn’t wait to see it.
“Oh, I know. Thanks for taking care of him while he was here.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way. Sakani, remember what I told you.”
“I will, Dr. E. Thanks for everything.”
Sakani fell against me and wrapped his arms around me unexpectedly. I’d never seen him hug or even come close to hugging anyone here. It took me a minute to realize what was happening, but as soon as I did, I hugged him back.
“Go be great, kid,” I said when he finally let go.
I stood in the same spot as I watched Sakani and Stone leave. I didn’t know anything about Stone outside of what was in his file, but I had a feeling his home was the best place for Sakani. I said a silent prayer as they exited the door.