Chapter 13
Chapter Thirteen
Amena
A few weeks had passed since Laikin informed Sarai that he would be handling Kayne’s birthday party, and deep down I was grateful, since my life had exploded with new clients. The only downside was him paying for the entire event. He refused to take any money from me.
I had Kayne up for an early doctor’s appointment. He was not in the mood to be bothered and I had to bribe him with pancakes and ice cream. Laikin stayed at his condo last night. He’d worked late, making a few appearances, and me looking at designs all day left me exhausted. I held the door open for Kayne and he ran into the toy section and sat down with another kid. I stopped off at the reception desk and checked him in for the appointment. I sat down a few seats from him and picked up a magazine. A few babies cried, sending me back to when Kayne was that young.
“Ma’am?” the nurse called.
I tossed the magazine back on the table and stood up.
“Yes?”
“Insurance no longer has you covered.”
“Excuse me.”
“Today will be out of pocket.”
“But my son has full coverage.” I reached into my purse to grab my insurance card.
“Unfortunately, it shows that you are no longer covered—along with Kayne.”
“That bastard.”
“Kayne!” The nurse came out and called his name before I could call Virgil. I put my phone back in my purse and wrangled Kayne to go in the back.
“Kayne, how are you doing today?” Doctor Ramisha pulled on her gloves and sat down in front of him.
“Hi, Doctor. Ramisha. I’m fine,” Kayne replied.
“Love to hear you’re doing good. Do you mind if I check your ears and tongue?” Doctor. Ramisha had been Kayne’s doctor since we moved back. My parents recommended her because she’s one of their close friends. The exam didn’t take long, and he got a sucker, let my hand go, and skipped out of the room. Still feeling angry at Virgil, I helped Kayne get in the car and turned the air on, while I dialed Winter.
“Hello.”
I checked to see if Kayne was paying attention before I spoke. “Winter.”
“Hey, boo.”
When I had my son, I let my anger go. They say children calm you down, and it was true, but right then, I had to count to ten to keep my anger at bay. “Tell me to calm down before I call Virgil.”
“Calm down.”
“Winter, he removed Kayne off his insurance.”
“Virgil’s always been a piece of shit. I told you that a long time ago.”
I glanced back at Kayne playing with his toys. “I know, and it pisses me off. Virgil will go on in life, never knowing how special it is to raise Kayne.”
“Where are you now?”
“In the parking lot of the doctor’s office in Brentwood.”
Winter reassured me. “Try to remember Virgil’s going to get his payback one day.”
“I need to call him.”
“He’s not worth a call. Laikin’s in your life now.”
I sometimes did wish that Kayne were his son. “Oh, about Laikin—that man decided to pay for Kayne’s entire party.”
Winter whistled through the phone. “Shit, he got a brother?”
“No, Winter. I’m serious.”
“Girl, he wants to spoil you. I say go ahead and let Laikin spoil you. As far as Virgil, if you need to get a good read on him, then call and curse him out and block his number.”
“Thanks, Winter.”
“If you want to meet at your place later, I can bring food.”
“Once I drop Kayne at daycare and handle some work, I’ll call you.”
“Talk soon, babe.”
I stepped out of the car to speak with Virgil privately away from Kayne’s ears. I clicked off and dialed Virgil’s number, listening to the ringing tone. “Hi, Baby Boy.” I put on a smile when Kayne waved at me from the car.
“What do you want, Amena?” Virgil grumbled over the phone.
I glanced and saw Kayne roll the window down. “Mommy! I go be late for school.”
“One second, Kayne.” I held my hand up in the air.
Virgil always managed to be a complete turnoff when he didn’t get his way. “You made the decision to leave, so calling me now for money won’t happen.”
“Why did you take Kayne off your insurance? Me, I understand, but your son?”
“He’s not my son.”
“Virgil, I swear to god, you are a piece of shit and I regret ever meeting you.”
“The feelings are mutual. You were good pussy, but I can buy that anywhere.”
“Fuck you!”
He chuckled through the phone. “Figured you could keep getting a free ride, and I would just move on? Bitch, you cost me some business.”
“If you acted more like a husband and father, and if you were there when I gave birth to your son, then I might have loved you. All you cared about was your career.”
“My family never wanted me to marry you. I should have listened, but I thought you were the one.”
I sucked my teeth. “You are joke. The moment you proposed your mom gave me the death stare. She did everything in her power to make you hate me.”
“And she was right.”
My stomach tightened at the rejection.
I gasped. “You know what? I have officially grown out of my hatred. Kayne has a father figure in his life who loves him.”
“My rights will be signed over. Don’t call me again.” Virgil disconnected the line, and I tossed the phone in my bag, and hopped in the car to leave.
The love of my son was the most important thing to me. Virgil would regret it one day when he was on his deathbed, looking back on his life, missing out on Kayne’s moments. The way he portrayed how our love would be my saving grace should have been the red flag, but I continued to buy into the lies. Laikin was more of a father to Kayne. He didn’t even blink once he heard about the birthday party, and he was paying for everything. His money never mattered to me. For him to want to spoil us meant a lot—especially helping my business grow and be more independent.
My cell rang as I pulled up at Kayne’s daycare. I helped Kayne out of his car seat and answered the call.
“Hey, Sarai.”
“Ew, dryness in your tone! Did I call at a bad time?”
Kayne broke away from my hand when I opened the door to the daycare. “Sorry, how are you?”
“I’m good, calling to give you final information for the party to get you to sign off.”
I signed Kayne in, signaled goodbye, and thanked the staff.
“Do you mind meeting at the cakeshop?” Sarai asked.
I threw my purse in the front seat and jumped into the driver’s seat, raising my wrist to check the time.
“Sure, I know Laikin has a race today. I planned on being there early.”
“Then it works out perfectly. I know Kayne loves chocolate and vanilla. We can meet at Cake Pie in twenty minutes.”
“Cake Pie in twenty minutes. Thanks, Sarai.”
“No problem. see you soon.”
Laikin: You good?
Me: I’m perfect baby.
Laikin: Sarai will call you about the party details.
Me: I just talked to her and meeting her in a few minutes.
Laikin: Keep me updated.
Me: Thank you, Laik.
I would save the talk I had with Virgil for later and not spoil his race today with my drama. As long as Kayne was healthy and safe, that was the only thing that mattered.
* * *
Sarai waved her hand in the air, getting my attention in the crowded bakery. I strolled over to the table filled with cake samples and bent down over her, my arms held out for a hug.
“Take a seat. I just got here.”
I placed my purse on the back of my chair. “Sorry, a busy day of running errands.”
“Please, don’t worry. Your man has me running crazy busy. Did he tell you about the magazine interview I scheduled for you both?”
One of the staff members set a glass of water in front of me. “No. What interview?”
“I was able to get you a couples interview and photoshoot together. I thought it would be perfect as an introduction to the world.”
“Ugh, I hate being in the spotlight.”
Sarai removed a folder from her bag and flipped through the pages. “I promise it will be tasteful and nothing too crazy.”
“Okay.”
“So, I wanted to let you know that the party is set and ready to go with a Spiderman theme. I wanted to finalize the cake since we’re three weeks out.”
“Kayne loves chocolate and vanilla. I try to not give him too many sweets, but it’s a special occasion.”
“I understand, and I have it planned to be a cake for everybody, and cupcakes on the side.”
Sarai dragged her finger from the front of the sheet to the next page, showing the pictures of the cake samples.
“He’s going to love that with the Spiderman shaped cake.”
“Awesome! He’s so cute and I thought having people wear shirts with his face on them would be good.”
“Laikin has fought me on paying for everything, but I do think I should contribute something.”
The cake chef appeared at the table with a portfolio of her work. “Hello, Sarai. Are you ready to sign off?”
“Padma, this is Amena, Kanye’s mother.” Sarai introduced us, and I stuck my hand out to shake hers.
“Nice to meet you, Padma.”
Padma flipped through the binder on the table. “You as well, Amena. Have you decided on the flavors, or do you need more time?”
I cut into the vanilla and strawberry topping sample, tasting the mixture together. “That is too rich, it would have the kids bouncing off the wall.” I washed the flavors down with a glass of water and tasted the chocolate sample. My left brow fluttered at the sweet caramel and chocolate.
Sarai pecked away on her phone.
“The chocolate and caramel, just light on the caramel topping.”
Padma scribbled down notes. “Did you want the cupcakes the same?” A soft smile creased her face.
I turned to cast a matching smile. “Have the cupcakes with vanilla only.”
Padma walked away with the binder. “I will get on that right away.”
Sarai picked up her folder, and I grabbed my bag to follow her out to the cars. “Listen, the cost is taken care of already. Laikin was adamant about covering everything.”
I swallowed down my anger. “I hate to be like a taken care of girlfriend. I can handle my own bills.”
“When you have a man that loves you and wants to spoil you, let him.”
“Malik spoils you?”
Sarai stretched her arm out for a one shoulder hug. “He has no choice, girl. I had his bigheaded child. I better get spoiled.”
I laughed and threw a thumbs up and signaled goodbye.
Standing outside my car door, I held it open and yelled, “Send me the magazine details!”
“I got you!” Sarai shouted back.
* * *
A few hours later, I walked through security at the race track, holding Kayne’s hand. Winter was right beside me. Security handed us VIP badges, escorting us to the private elevators to get to our section. Laikin always kept his phone on private to focus on work, and I hoped he would take home the big win going into Kayne’s birthday.
“Is that little Kayne?” Malik held up his hand for a high-five.
Kayne jumped up to high-five him. “Uncle Malik!”
“What’s up, nephew? You got a big birthday coming, right?”
“I do, turning four.” Kayne showed four fingers in the air.
The crowd roared as names were called when they pulled out onto the track. Each team came from the pit and waved at the crowd. Laikin smiled and pointed in our direction. I helped Kayne up so he could get a better view.
“Girl, I might find my future husband here,” Winter commented, fanning herself. I hugged her shoulder.
All the drivers jumped into their cars, revving their engines. I helped Kayne hold the #1 sign with Laikin’s name printed on it.
The event started. Once the warmups finished, the starting light system began sending all the cars into a formation lap. I watched Laikin move in and out at a fast, steady pace. Deep down I worried about his career choices but understood that Formula One racing was his passion.
Laikin’s car passed another, which put him in the lead, and set my nerves on the edge as their speeds surpassed hundred miles per hour. Deep down I felt like his biggest cheerleader as I clapped my hands and held up one of the signs Kayne had with his name flashed across it.
“You got this, Laikin!” I jumped in excitement and the crowd became more and more boisterous at him completing each lap. I shielded my eyes from the sun and took a deep breath as the race started come to an end.
“He’s going to win. I can feel it.” I pressed a hand on Winter’s shoulder, and she lifted her hand for a high five.
I scooped Kayne up into my arms to get a better view of the race, when in the blink of an eye, another driver closed in on Laikin and grazed his car hard to the point it pushed him off the ground. I could see he lost control of the wheel from the sound of screeching tires, and the sparks of fire from undercarriage made my stomach drop. The car twisted in circles before it hit the barrier on the side of the track.
My heart beat faster, eyes bulging with the revelation of him being hurt or worse, and anxiety ran high at seeing his car half destroyed on the side of the wall. Winter grasped my hand and we said a silent prayer, as the red flag went up. The rest of the cars slowed down, and we watched medical support speed to him and I scrambled down the bleachers to get a better look. A crew member held a fire extinguisher and sprayed his car. His helmet came off once the scene was safely contained. They moved to pull different straps over him, and I anxiously wanted to run and find out what I could do to help.
“Oh my God! I need to get down there.” I handed Kayne over to Winter, and she tugged on my arm.
“Wait! Let them get to him first, Amena. We should go to the hospital.”
“He needs me.”
“Mommy!” Kayne cried, ran to get in my arms. I took him back to Winter, whispering in his ear.
Bile burned the back of my throat, at the thought of my life without Laikin Trenton. “Shush... everything is okay.”
I felt bad not knowing what to tell my son to make him feel better.
“Amena, we have a car to take you to the hospital!” Malik shouted through the crowd.
I walked behind Winter down the bleachers, flanked by security.
“Tell me the truth Malik. Is he all right?”
Malik pushed past the photographer who was trying to get comments. There were flashes of light, and fans screaming my name.
“No comment! Back up.” Security pushed people away.
Malik flicked his finger at the valet to open the car doors.
“I will have your car delivered to the hospital,” Malik said, horror dawning on his features.
“Honey, I’m going to ride with them.” Sarai rolled up beside me.
Winter climbed in first. I got in behind her and passed Kayne over to sit on the opposite side of the three-seater SUV with the tinted windows.
“I got you a police escort,” Malik stated, slapping the hood of the car and stepping back directing the crowd.
Sarai typed away on her phone, dialing a number.
I closed my eyes and rubbed my temples. “Please tell me he’s going to be all right.” My leg wouldn’t stop bouncing.
“Laikin is strong. I promise.” Sarai patted my thigh.
“Sarai’s right, you have to keep praying,” Winter said as she started to massage my shoulders.
“Send a statement that we are not commenting on personal health details at this time,” Sarai shared over the phone, an edge of fear in her voice. Finally, the car made it to the emergency room. I started to help Kayne out of the car seat, and Winter motioned me away.
“Go, I got him,” Winter encouraged, carrying him out of the car behind me.
“Thanks, Winter.”
I followed security through the hospital entrance doors. A few people sat together, waiting to be called. Sarai stepped over to the reception desk. I scanned a few of the people’s faces. There was exhaustion in their eyes.
“Here to see VIP client, Laikin Trenton,” Sarai said.
The moment the words were spoken, everything stopped and became real.
“We have him in a private room. 340 upstairs,” the nurse administrator explained.
“Thank you.”
My steps felt slow. A knot of tension started to form in my stomach and climbed upward, threatening to choke me. Mentally drained, the closer we got to the elevator the more I worried that life would change forever. Sarai talked with security. Winter kept Kayne preoccupied as I focused on praying for Laikin.
“Remember we’re here no matter what, stay calm for Kayne,” Winter whispered in my ear. The elevator doors dinged open, and we walked to his door, then gently knocked to enter.
A mischievous grin was pinned to his mouth.
“You’re okay.” Tears stained my cheeks.
“Pepper, I’m good.”
“Laikin!” Kayne wiggled in Winter’s arms to get down.
“What’s up, lil man.” Laikin stiffly moved in the bed, as the nurse checked him out.
“What happened? Is he hurt?”
The nurse scratched something out on the chart and wrote a new number. “Mr. Trenton is fine—a little sore, but good overall.”
Kayne laid on his chest.
I leaned down, kissing him gently on the forehead. “You scared the hell out of me, Laikin.”
“Pepper, don’t play give me a real kiss.” Laikin grunted.
“You need to be careful.” I puckered my lips, gazing into his eyes.
“Oh, Mommy! You kissed!” Kayne teased.
“Sorry to worry you, things change so fast, and I lost control for a second.” Laikin helped Kayne get off the bed.
“Winter, do you mind taking Kayne home?”
Winter sat up from the couch and grasped Kayne’s hand. “Glad you’re good, bro.” Winter gave him a hug.
“I’m going to stay here tonight.”
Laikin captured both of my palms. “Baby, look at me.”
I sat on the edge of his bed. “I genuinely thought my life was over.”
Laikin reached up to wipe tears from my face. “Never leaving you, sorry to scare you. Love you.” His fingers slid over my knuckles.
“I know.”
“Malik is in the lobby. I sent a statement to the press already. Glad you’re okay, Laikin.” Sarai tapped him on shoulder.
“Thanks, Sarai.”
“Get some rest?—”
Suddenly, the door burst open. We heard a loud, squeaky voice, and security yelling.
“He’s my man!” Callie screamed.
“She can't be serious,” Sarai spat, marching out of the room.
I jumped up to follow, but Laikin yanked me down.
“Laikin, let me go.”
“No, ignore her.”
“Ignore her! Are you serious?”
Laikin snaked deeper under the covers. “Callie means nothing to me. She’s delusional.”
“Oh, I know.”
The door opened again to Sarai stomping back over to his bed, arms folded across her chest. “She’s banned.”
“Thanks again, Sarai.”
“I’m glad you figured out this is the woman you need.” Sarai pointed at me.
“Believe me, I know who my baby really is.” Laikin grinned, then took my mouth in a hot demanding kiss.
“Well, time for me to go. Are you staying?” Sarai asked.
“I am.” I pulled back, wiping lipstick from his mouth.
“Baby, go home, I’m good.”
“Are you sure?”
“Positive. I’m actually trying to get discharged.”
I placed my hand on his forehead like a child to check his temperature. “What? No. You need to stay and get rest.”
“Sarai, make sure she gets home and gets some rest.”
“Laikin, you need someone here with you.”
“Take her with you,” Laikin commanded.
I brushed his hand off my lap in a pout.
Sarai and Laikin laughed at me, and I pretended to raise my hand to hit him on the shoulder.
I stayed for a few more hours and talked with Laikin before heading home, showering, and checking on Kayne in bed. Finally, I thanked Winter for staying with us.