Chapter 38
I was fucking up big time, spending so much time with Summer.
At first, she cursed me out and told me how much of a bitch I was for not telling her about my daughter.
I took all that shit on the chin and let her vent without saying a word.
No matter what, we had a bond and she was definitely someone I could talk to about my problems.
Every day after work, I made my way up to her room to make sure she didn’t need anything or just needed to talk.
The nurse would let her out of the room once a week to go down to the small courtyard downstairs.
Since she was getting out today, I brought a deck of Uno cards to work so we could kick it like old times.
It felt good just to be back in her good graces again.
I clocked out and made sure to check in with Serenity before going to Summer’s room. Serenity was aware of the relationship that I had with Summer. She respected it and didn’t nag me about it when we spent time together. Serenity was my girl and Summer was my friend. I had the best of both worlds.
“You ready?” I asked as I pushed the door open.
“I’m hurting today for some reason, but I’m ready.” Summer had a grimace on her face that let me know that going outside wasn’t the best thing.
“I don’t think you need to take that walk today. How about we just play Uno in here?”
“I want to get out of this room so bad, though, Trey. It’s been a whole week,” she whined.
“I understand that but what if you walk down there and your water breaks? It’s still too soon for you to have the baby. Did you tell Law you were hurting before he left?”
“I wasn’t hurting then. It just started when I got out of the shower.”
“Well, I’m not taking you down there so just get back in the bed and I’ll pull a chair up to beat your ass in these cards.”
“Boy, you ain’t never beat me in Uno and you never will. I don’t care how much I’m in pain.”
“Have you told Law about us yet?”
“No, Trey and I’m not. Why would I do that?”
“I think he should know that I’m around. My girl knows about you, and my life is easier. I don’t want to be in here bringing you food and playing cards and shit with you.”
“Law ain’t coming back no time soon. He’s comfortable with me being here, so he’s back to handling his businesses. It’s late when he gets back to the room.”
“Not trying to get in your business but do you believe Law when he says he’s not cheating anymore? Us men can be so manipulative.”
“You damn right you are manipulative. You sitting your ass in here with me after hurting me over and over again. I hope you don’t fuck with Serenity like this. She sounds like she’s pretty dope, especially to be helping you with your daughter. Don’t fuck this relationship up.”
“I’m going to try my best not to. Serenity is good to me and my daughter. It’s only been a few weeks but she’s already helping my daughter get potty-trained. Shit was hard for me. I’ve tried to reach out to Lana but her nigga answers the phone every time and tells me she’s busy.”
“You’re not worried about her?”
“For what? She doesn’t mean shit to me. She took me through hell. I got my daughter and now she can do what she needs to do.”
“I understand.”
“I’m just trying to be a better man. Maybe if we met at a time like this, shit would’ve worked out between us.”
“Yea, we both had some growing up to do. Shit, I’m still growing.
Law takes me through shit and I have to remember that I’m about to be someone’s mama now.
I can’t chase behind another man and make sure he’s not cheating on me.
You started this shit and look at us sitting here having a real grown-up conversation. ”
“I’m proud of your growth. You know I’m always here if you need anything. On some friend shit. I don’t want anything from you.”
“I appreciate that, but Uno, nigga.” We shared a laugh when the door popped open.
“Fuck so funny? I want to laugh, too. Do you know my girl personally, or you still fixing her bed?” Law asked me.
I looked at Summer to see if I needed to let his ass know what was going on. From her eye contact, I knew all I needed to do was get up and take my ass home to my daughter.
“Summer, I’ll see you later. I better head home to my girl and my daughter,” I told her as I grabbed the cards up.
“Thank you for everything,” Summer said as I made my way out the door. Law looked like he was ready to explode. Now he saw where Summer was coming from when she questioned him all the time.
“How’s Summer doing?” Serenity asked as she sat my plate in front of me.
“She was in pain today but other than that, she’s doing great.”
“I would love to meet her one day. Seems like you guys are back on track.”
“Shit, I would love for y’all to meet but there’s no need for all that. Her nigga probably having a fit right now.”
“Why?”
“He walked in on us playing cards. Nothing deep, but he doesn’t know our history.”
“Damn, well I’m glad you’re home because I need to tell you something.”
Shit! I couldn’t take any more news. Serenity got up and walked out of the living room and came back with a piece of paper.
“I got let go from my job today.”
“Okay, we can figure some shit out.”
“No, I’m leaving Trey. I’m moving to Texas for another job. It’s a transfer.”
“So are you going to leave after what we started?”
“I want you to come with me. I’ve never been to Texas, and I would love to go out there with someone I trust. Me, you and your daughter can start a fresh life out there. The jobs are endless out there.”
I leaned back and thought about what Serenity was saying. Savannah was my home and starting a new life did sound great but what if I got out there and couldn’t find a job? Shit, I had to secure something because I had a child that needed me.
“Think about it and let me know. I’m leaving in two weeks but you don’t have to leave then. I’ll help you find a job and everything just so I can be with you.”
“You really feeling me like that?”
“I’m really feeling you Trey and I want to start over fresh with you. We both need this.”
“Let me think this shit through and I’ll let you know.”
Serenity placed a gentle kiss on my lips. “Thank you.”