“It’s really okay, Mommy. I know you had to work.”
“Right.” I tongued my cheek. “Maddie Claire, if I ask you a question, will you promise to be honest?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Does Mommy working make you feel some type of way? I know you guys are used to me always being here, but with Daddy no longer living here, Mommy has to step up and show you girls something different. But if you tell me that my working interferes with anything you have going on, I will quit.”
As much as I loved my job and loved the newfound independence, if my baby told me she felt like it interfered with anything she had going on, I would concede and give Kreed what he wanted. I would be pissed, but I never wanted to rob my children of normalcy. Their father not being under the same roof as them did that enough. Ifit was hurting them more, I would give it up. I would have no other choice but to.
“No, Mommy, I don’t feel any way about you working.”
“Are you sure? Because your father…” I stopped when I realized I was getting ready to throw his ass under the bus. Pivoting, I said, “Your dad seems to think you guys don’t like my job.”
“I love your job. One of my friends saw you on the billboard and said you were smart.” She smiled.
As a way to market myself, the firm’s manager thought it was a good idea to put a billboard up around the city with my face on it. “I am smart. And so are you.”
“I know…” she sang. “My mom’s name is Masai Dolla… the prettiest, smartest woman I know.”
“That’s right.” I smiled. “Thank you, Maddie, because mommy really loves her job.”
“I know you do. I promise… it’s okay. I could have reminded you.”
“You shouldn’t have to. It was I who should’ve been more diligent with my time, but I won’t forget next time.” Patting her leg, I stood. “Get some rest. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Okay, Mommy.”
Pecking her forehead, I ambled toward the door.
“And, Mommy…”
I stopped and turned to face her. “Yes, baby.”
“I don’t mean to speak out of turn, but I really think it’s kind of badass that you’re doing something for yourself.”
“I think it’s badass, too, Bug.” I winked. “Goodnight.”
“Night, Mommy.”
I knew all it would take was a conversation with Maddie. Kreed tried to make a small situation into something that it didn’t need to be. Just because he wanted to play, I was going to show him how it was done. I’d bet I would get my divorce now.
Looking down at the paper,I read the information in front of me and had to do a double-take. Surely, my fucking eyes were deceiving me. There was no way Masai had stooped to this fucking level.
I thought for sure after our failed dinner date that she would concede and try shit my way. Obviously, my ass was wrong because not only had she run the fucking ad in the paper, but her petty ass had also sent a fresh set of documents to my crib via courier. I was so focused on the newspaper that I barely heard Jrue and Deuce’s ass laughing beside me. It wasn’t until Deuce called my name that I snapped out of it.
“Yeah, yo’ ass thought you had one. Sis said she ’bout to beat you at yo’ own fucking game.”
“Fuck you, dog.” I groaned and tossed the paper on the counter. Swiping my cell up, I dialed Masai’s number.
“What do you want, Kreed?”
The way she answered the phone was like she ain’t want to talk to me or some shit, so I asked, “I’m bothering you or something, Masai?”
“I’m kind of in the middle of something. Can I call you right back?” Without even giving me the chance to respond, Masai banged on my ass.
“Oh… She really not fucking with you,” Jrue noted. “Shit, in the past, you couldn’t end the call without telling her you love her and shit. Dog…” he exaggerated. “Y’all really ’bout to get a divorce. Me and Jream really ain’t got a fucking chance now.” He tossed his arms in the air.
“I knew the shit was over.” Deuce shrugged and sat down at the table. “Her and Koya been on theirfuck Kreedshit since Masai saw KJ in person.”
