12. Keondra Daily #2
We talked for about thirty more minutes, discussing the details of when we’d all get together with Kehlani.
Colony suggested Friday since she’d already promised Kehlani to spend the day with her, and I agreed.
KeKe would be a little upset for not having a girls’ day, but I knew Colony would make time for them to have one.
I did my rounds to check on my team and guests, before Colony and I headed to my truck to pick up Kehlani.
The second I got inside, I roughly gripped her chin and parted her lips with my tongue.
I greedily kissed her, not caring that we were in front of my business or could possibly be seen.
Colony had me turned on to the max, and if it wasn’t for us having to pick up Kehlani, I would’ve had my way with her.
Pecking my lips a few times and resting her forehead on mine, Colony expressed, “You’re going to get us in trouble doing all that, Keondra. I know we’re in public, but you have me ready to bust it wide open for you right here.”
Colony pulled her favorite move and placed my hand exactly where she wanted it. My hand immediately became moist from the heat her center produced. I bricked up instantly and had to resist the urge to go to the back seat for a quickie.
“Believe me. I desire it as badly as you do, but that was one way I wanted to thank you. Thank you for coming with me. Thank you for being the bigger person and speaking to Demetria first, for consoling her when you didn’t have to.
You’re an amazing woman with an even bigger heart.
Since the first day I met you, you’ve shown up for me in ways no other woman has.
You’ve given me all the reasons to love again. ”
“Love?” Her eyes became watery. “You love me, Keondra?”
“I do. Today made me realize that. I wouldn’t want anyone else by my side. I love you, Colony.”
“And I love you, Keondra. You’ve given me a reason to smile again, to feel hopeful about love without thinking the worst. It’s been refreshing to be with you so freely and not have to question your motives with me.”
Our lips connected once more, and that time, I was the first to pull away.
Colony knew what she was doing when she moaned into my mouth and nastily sucked on my tongue.
Her inner freak showed more and more. I was already crazy over her, but if she continued doing what she was, I’d be ready to bust heads for someone even looking her way.
Pulling myself together, I started my truck, and we headed to get Kehlani. In the back of my mind, I couldn’t help but to think about what was to come. I wanted Demetria to stay true to her word and actively be in Kehlani’s life, but only time would tell.
Friday came much quicker than I expected. I glanced in the rearview mirror at Kehlani whose arms were folded and bottom lip poked out. Baby girl was in her feelings, but she would be alright.
“Stop pouting, KeKe,” I teased, and she shot me a mug that caused me to chuckle.
“It was supposed to be a girls’ day, Daddy. You’re not a girl.”
“I know, but this is something important we need to do, and I must be there. Plus, didn’t Colony say she would make it up to you?”
“Yes, sir. It’s just that I wanted it to be only me and her. We could do girl stuff.”
“And we still can,” Colony chimed in, turning in her seat to get a good look at Kehlani. “Like your father said, this is important. He’ll explain more to you once we get there, but believe me when I say that I have a fun-filled day planned for us.”
“When?” Kehlani questioned.
Colony snickered. “Whenever you want to do so. I’ll clear my entire day for you.”
“Can we go tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow it is.” Colony peered over at me. “I’m stealing her tomorrow.”
“Yeah, Daddy. No boys allowed.” Kehlani stuck her tongue out at me, so I reached behind the seat and started tickling her feet. She never kept her shoes on in the car, which gave me easy access to her little toes. “Stop it! That tickles!”
“You don’t like spending time with me anymore, KeKe?” I fake pouted.
“I love spending time with you, but you said Colony was a mother . . . mother . . . What was the word?”
“Figure,” I responded, biting back my laugh. “Mother figure.”
“That, so I want to spend time with her alone too.”
Discreetly, I glanced over at Colony, who was staring out the window.
I grabbed her hand and kissed the back of it, attempting to ease her mind, which I knew was racing.
Kehlani’s life was about to change. Not only was it scary for me, but it was also scary for Colony as well.
I understood she worried about her place in Kehlani’s life.
When we pulled in front of Scoops and Bowls, Kehlani let out the loudest shriek.
I’d never allowed her to have dessert before lunch, but today was a special day.
As I helped her and Colony out the truck, I talked to God.
He was probably tired of me coming to him about the situation, but I needed Him amid it all.
Kehlani latched onto Colony’s arm as we walked inside.
Demetria was already there, sitting in a booth at the back of the shop.
I waved at her and pointed to the front to let her know we’d order before coming to her.
Neither Colony nor I got anything, while Kehlani ordered her favorite: chocolate ice cream with cookie dough pieces and sprinkles on a cone.
Slowly taking a deep breath, I gave Kehlani her cone and led her back to where Demetria was. Kehlani was so engrossed in eating her ice cream that she didn’t notice us approaching anyone until we stopped. Her eyes went from me to Demetria and back to me.
Stepping closer to me and wrapping one arm around my leg, Kehlani loudly whispered, “Daddy, isn’t that the woman from my birthday party?”
“It is.”
“I thought you said she was nobody.”
I shot Demetria an apologetic gaze. It was the only thing I could think of in the heat of the moment.
“I did,” I said, taking full responsibility. If I didn’t, Kehlani would argue with me until I did. “But that wasn’t the truth. It was actually mean, and I owe her an apology.”
“Then who is she, and why is she here?” She glanced back at Colony. “Do you know who she is?”
“I do, but your father will introduce you to her. Okay?”
Hesitantly, Kehlani nodded her head and reverted her attention to me. Running my hand over my beard, I picked Kehlani up, careful not to get her ice cream on my shirt. I stepped closer to Demetria who appeared to be on the verge of tears.
“KeKe, this is Demetria.”
“Hi, Demetria.”
“Hey, pretty girl.” Demetria pressed her fingertips against her lips. “You’ve grown so much.”
“How do you know that?” Kehlani inquired before taking a bite of her cone.
“She knows that because . . . Remember how I explained to you that you had a mother?”
“Yes. That’s why Colony is my mother figure.”
“Exactly. Well, Demetria is your mother.”
My breath caught in my throat as so many emotions crossed Kehlani’s face. Her eyes and brows lowered. Her little nostrils flared while she cocked her head to the side. She dramatically looked between me and Demetria before a small smile graced her lips.
“So, you were right. I do have a mommy.”
“Yes.” I chuckled.
“Why is she just now coming to see me?”
That question wasn’t one I expected so early on. Knowing how Kehlani was, I knew she’d ask it one day, but I didn’t think she’d do it right in Demetria’s face.
“Well,” I started and sat across from Demetria with Kehlani on my lap. She had ice cream all over her face. “She’s a doctor, and sometimes, doctor’s go away for a long time to finish their studies.”
“One of my friend’s daddies is a doctor too. She gets to see him every day.”
“I understand, but your mother’s situation was a little different. The thing is, she’s here to see you now.”
Kehlani was innocent. She was simply speaking from the mind of a five-year-old, but her inquisitiveness almost had me second guessing us being there. I understood she wanted to know, so I answered to the best of my ability, careful not to upset her or say the wrong thing.
“Okay.” Kehlani hunched her shoulders and stared at Demetria. “What do I call you? I used to call Colony Ms. Miles until she became my daddy’s girlfriend. My friends at day care get mad because I can call her that. Wait, Daddy. Did she meet Colony too?”
One thing my baby girl was going to do was make sure Colony was involved.
“Yes, she did. And you can call her Demetria for now.”
My gaze went to Demetria who nodded in agreement. Honestly, she had no other choice. I wanted Kehlani to eventually refer to Demetria as her mother, but she had to prove herself first.
It took no time for Kehlani to warm up to Demetria.
She sat there, finishing off her cone while talking her head off.
Their conversation ranged from what Kehlani liked to what she ate for breakfast. She could be an open book, and I had to admit that I loved seeing the two of them have a natural chemistry.
It wasn’t awkward nor did it feel like Demetria was forcing herself on Kehlani to make up for lost time.
It flowed well, giving me hope that their relationship would blossom into something beautiful.