Chapter 4
“I know you better know that schoolwork like you know those song lyrics, Johnny.”
Currently, I was sitting on my front porch while he trimmed the hedges and rapped along to the music coming from his phone. He called himself trying to put me on to the latest artists, but the boy listened to nothing but mumble rap and auto tuned voices.
“You sound like my grandpa,” Johnny said, grinning. “I’m on the honor roll, Ms. Stephanie. All As and I’m set to graduate at the top of my class.”
“What! Johnny, that’s amazing! I’m so proud of you.”
“Thank you, Ms. Stephanie.”
“I see all those days of you doing your homework here have paid off.”
He chuckled. “You’re coming to my graduation, right?”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
“I’m accepting gifts in the form cash, Cash App, Zelle, PayPal—”
“Boy, if you don’t get back to work and stop trying to hustle me.”
He laughed. “Come on. I know you got it. Deuce and Mr. Stanley got it too.”
I rolled my eyes just as my son came rolling up the street.
He came to a stop and shut off his car. Hopping out, he threw up his hand to speak to the neighbors on their porches or in their yards before reaching back into the car.
When he stood tall, there was a big ass bouquet of red roses in his hand.
He smiled as he made his way toward the house.
He stopped briefly to dap Johnny.
“What’s good, lil nigga?” he asked, slapping his hand.
“Sup, Deuce? When are you gonna let me drive the Hellcat, man?”
“When you can afford it. What them grades looking like?”
“All As and I’m graduating at the top of my class.”
“Word? That’s what I’m talking about.” He went into his pocket and pulled out his money clip. I watched as he peeled off ten crisp hundred-dollar bills and handed them to Johnny. “Keep up the good work, young blood. Proud of you.”
Johnny stared at the bills. “I can’t take that, man. My mama is gonna fuss real bad.”
“I’ll holla at her before I leave the block. Take it. You’ve been working hard and hard work is rewarded. Plus, you be looking out for my ol’ lady.” Deuce winked at me. “I know she hardheaded as hell at times.”
“Yeah, she is,” Johnny agreed.
I scoffed as I stood to my feet. “Lie again, Johnathan.”
He grinned as he raised his hands in mock surrender.
“I don’t want no smoke, Ms. Steph.”
Deuce chuckled as he ascended the steps and came to hug me and kiss my cheek.
“How you doing beautiful?” he asked, handing me the flowers in his hand.
“I’m good. Thank you, Deucy.”
He frowned. “You know, between you and my wife, I don’t know who gets on my nerves more with that Deucy shit. I’m too grown for that nickname, woman.”
“You may be grown, but you will never be more grown than me. Tread lightly.”
He shook his head as we walked into the house with me behind him.
“I missed you, Ma”
“I missed you too, baby.”
“Of course you do. I’m a loveable nigga and your only child. You can’t help but to miss me.”
I rolled my eyes as we stepped into the kitchen. “How are my grandbabies?”
He smiled as he took a seat at the kitchen island. “They’re good. Finessing their grandaddy into staying with him.”
I giggled. “You act like it’s hard for them.”
“Right. It’s crazy how he lets these kids get away with murder but was on our ass heavy when we were all together.”
“Because five of you could feel like twenty, Stanley. I mean, for inexperienced people. Not me. Y’all knew who to play with and it wasn’t me. That’s why I don’t have any issues when my grandbabies or your nieces or nephews come over. I’ve been thinking about something though.”
His brows furrowed as he looked at me. “Whatchu talking about, Stephanie?”
I grabbed my dish towel and swatted him with it. “Keep playing with me by calling me by my name. I’m mama to you and nothing else, Stanley.”
“A’ight, Ma! Damn. Whatchu been thinking on woman?”
I sighed. “Either fostering or adopting a child.”
He stared at me blankly. “Ma.”
“What?”
“You waited to give me a sibling after being your only child for all these years? You want my babies to be so close in age with their aunt or uncle? Tavia been rubbing off on you with that ghetto shit.”
I smacked his arm. “Boy shut up! Emmy is a blessing.”
“I didn’t say she wasn’t. I’m just saying, KJ and his auntie are in school together. Jaiden and Nayelli are already in the same class. I know this would be an older child because I don’t see you starting over and adopting a baby. Who’s gonna be the daddy?”
I snickered as popped a coffee pod into the Keurig. “I mean, I helped your father raise five of you. He can return the favor.”
The smile dropped from his face. “I know you lying.”
I placed my hands on my hips. “What?”
“Has he started his flirting shit back up? He’s been cooling it since Aaron passed away. I knew it was only a matter of time before he was back on his bullshit—”
“Let me stop you right there,” I said, pointing at him.
“Your father has been nothing but respectful and supportive. That man is a part of the reason I didn’t lose my sanity.
You have to let go of this notion that Senior did me wrong, son.
I know you want to protect me, but I don’t need protection from your father. ”
He kissed his teeth. “Yeah, okay.”
I sighed. “You’re gonna get yourself all worked up and it’s not even worth it. You said you missed me, so spend some time with your mother. I should be your main focus while you’re here. You wanna take me shopping? Spending money on me always makes you happy.”
He gave me a side eye as a smirk spread across his face. “Don’t try to butter me up.”
My son took great pride in spoiling me. Even though I never needed his money, he gave it freely.
The first time I met Salima, it was because he brought her over for breakfast, then spent the day letting us spend his money.
Gift giving and acts of service were his love languages.
He got it honestly because his daddy was the same way.
I hadn’t been with that man in years, yet every month, there was a faithful deposit in my account. Every birthday, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, and Christmas, he sent the four of us gifts. Nothing over the top, considering most of us were married, but something sentimental.
“I mean, I can always call your father and tell him I need a day out,” I jested.
Deuce kissed his teeth. “You play too much, man. Keep it up, and I’m putting both of y’all in a home when you get old and decrepit.”
I giggled as I poured the sugar and creamer into my coffee. “And when I die, I’m coming back to haunt you. I will personally make sure your grandchildren give you hell. You won’t have a moment of peace.”
“Woooow,” he said, rising from the stool as I put the lid on my travel coffee mug. “That’s how we do? To think, I was gonna bury you in the mausoleum. Now you gotta go with the common folk.”
“Bring your ass on here, boy!”
We shared a laugh as we headed for the front door. I grabbed my purse, keys, and phone and followed him out to his car.
“Let me know when you’re done, Johnny,” I said as I climbed in.
“Yes ma’am.”
Deuce climbed in and revved his engine.
“Drive like you got some sense,” I warned him.
He grinned as he shifted into drive. “I got this. Don’t worry your pretty self about a thing, ol’ lady.”
I rolled my eyes as I pulled my shades from my purse and slipped them on. I planned to sit back, relax and not worry about a damn thing, just like he said.
“You are wearing that dress, baby,” Ms. Rebecca said as I tied on my apron.
Today was Saturday and Maceo’s birthday. Per usual, the Dillinger clan was throwing a party on the compound. I’d come to help out and celebrate with the family. Currently I was in the kitchen at the big house with Ms. Rebecca, Tavia, Allison and Jeanie.
I looked down at the fitted, red halter style dress I was wearing.
It hugged my womanly curves, clinging to all the right places.
I’d stopped for gas on the way over here and caught the attention of several men of various ages and ethnic backgrounds.
Needless to say, it gave me a bit of an ego boost.
“Thank you, Mama,” I said, doing a little twirl. “I try.”
“Mmm hmmm. Who are you trying for?”
I laughed. “Myself and myself only. When you look good, you feel good. It doesn’t have to be for a man.”
“I know that’s right,” Jeanie said, slapping me five. “Take it from me, sometimes you just have to cut the dead weight. No offense, Mama.”
Ms. Rebecca waved her off. “None taken. I told you a long time ago, if you aren’t gonna leave, start doing you since my son is friendly with his private parts. I can’t believe he drug his foot on this divorce this long.”
“Don’t worry,” Jeanie said. “I’ve got something for him. I don’t even need him to sign the papers at this point. I’ve retained a new lawyer since all of mine seem to end up missing before we even get to court.”
Allison whistled. “Chile. Y’all make me thankful my husband is the man he is. My brothers, cousins or a hired hit man would have run up on Blake by now if I were you.”
“I don’t want to hurt him. I just want him to leave me alone.
We’ve been separated for years. I’ve served him papers on several occasions, and he refuses to sign it.
At first, I was enjoying making him sweat, but it’s gotten old.
Our kids are grown. I’ve moved out. I don’t ask him for shit.
How do you love me but won’t do right or let me go? I’m tired. I just want to be done.”
She was getting teary-eyed, so I reached out to hug her. I’d known Jeanie since before she started dating Blake. She was a good woman. Her character flaw was being too loyal to the wrong man. She always put him and their children above herself. It was way past time for her to be happy too.
“I’m sorry,” she said, wiping her eyes.
“Don’t be sorry, baby,” Ms. Rebecca said.
“You took more than I would have in your position. If Blake was my husband, God rest his soul, he would have been met his Heavenly Father messing with me. You gave him too many of your good years. Take your best years however you see fit. Sometimes, niggas just ain’t shit and will never be shit. I love my son but he’s one of them.”
“Hell, being Senior’s baby mama is better than this.”
“Don’t bring my name up in shit.”
We looked back to see the handsome devil himself strolling in through the back door.
“Don’t bring your ass in my kitchen, Stanley,” Ms. Rebecca fussed.
“I just came to get the rest of the meat for the grill. Calm down.”
“Mmm hmm.”
He grinned as he made his way toward the fridge, not missing the opportunity to pick with Tavia and Allison. When he reached me, he stopped and stared at me for a moment. I didn’t miss the way his eyes slowly perused my frame, lingering on my ass.
“Hey, Steph. When did you get here?”
“About fifteen minutes ago.”
He abandoned the fridge and came over to hug me. Since my hands were preoccupied, he slid an arm around my waist and leaned into me, pressing a kiss to my temple. My eyes involuntarily closed when I caught a whiff of his scent. I wasn’t sure what he was wearing, but shit, he smelled divine.
“Good to see you, love,” he said.
“Well, it’s better to be seen than viewed.”
“That’s for sure.”
As he said the last part, I caught his eyes lingering on my ass again. A smirk formed on my face but quickly fell as I caught Tavia and Allison looking at me.
“Take that meat and go on somewhere, Senior,” his mother said.
“Yeah, Senior,” Allison chimed in. “Take your meat elsewhere.”
Beside her, Tavia tried her hardest to stifle a laugh.
“Real funny,” he said, opening the fridge and grabbing the pan of seasoned meat. “Y’all two get on my nerves the most.”
“Well your kids get on ours, so we’re even,” Allison said. “Bye, Stanley.”
He chuckled as he walked out the kitchen. I tried to focus back on the task at hand but felt several sets of eyes on me.
“What!” I asked, looking up.
“Do I sense a spark igniting?” Tavia asked. “Those looks were something serious.”
“They weren’t anything. I mean, I look good. I got the same look from men at the gas station this morning. It’s not that deep.”
Allison rolled her eyes. “Girl, those looks were full of lust. It’s okay to desire something physical. I mean, it’s been four years. Nobody would fault you for wanting to get back on the horse, even if it’s your baby daddy.”
“Right,” Tavia agreed. “Shit, we don’t want him. He’s all yours.”
They shared a laugh. Ms. Rebecca shook her head.
“Let me have a surplus of wine for this round,” she said, turning to the stove. “My grandson is about to be on my nerves.”
I scoffed. “So y’all don’t think I have self-control? Wooow! You think so little of me and that man. We’ve been playing nice this whole time. Not one disrespectful comment or lustful stare—”
“Until now,” Allison said. “But we aren’t the ones in denial. I’d put money on you two spinning the block.”
Tavia snorted. “Speak for yourself. I’m keeping my money in my pocket. I don’t believe in just giving it away.”
I looked from them to Jeanie. “You agree with them?”
“Baby, I don’t have a dog in this fight. You see my situation. I stayed way too long so I’m the last person to tell you not to go back to what you know and love.”
I looked at Ms. Rebecca and she just waved me off.
“I’ve known you since you were fifteen years old, Stephanie.
That’s forty years, baby. Many of those years were spent with my son.
I know you two better than you know yourself.
I don’t have anything else to say. I’m just gonna sit back and watch this play out.
” She clasped her hands together. “Now. I don’t wanna hear shit else about Senior and Stephanie.
It’s my grandbaby’s birthday and I wanna get all this food done before y’all’s fat ass sons come begging. Chop chop!”
I wasn’t mad about her shifting the attention.
I didn’t want to talk about Senior and I, or should I say the lack thereof.
There was nothing going on between us. Just because we both happened to be single, one of us not by choice, didn’t mean that we would gravitate toward each other again.
We hadn’t done it in all this time, so we could continue to keep shit cordial… right?
I made the mistake of looking out the back window at him to find him looking at me. He winked at me, making me swallow hard. Those familiar butterflies began to flutter in my stomach.
I was in trouble.