"That's an option," he said casually.
"And what name do you think he should have?"
"I don't know. I have to stare at him first."
"Okay, well, come wash your hands and take him out of the car seat."
Crew sighed but got up. He went to the kitchen and started washing his hands, as if he were scrubbing in for surgery. The way he concentrated on the soap made me chuckle. I could tellhe was making sure every single germ on his hands was off before he touched our baby.
Crew walked back over to the sofa and sat down in front of the car seat.
"How the hell do I unstrap this thing?"
"Here, I'll show you."
I took King out of the car seat and placed him in his father's arms, which were awkwardly positioned, and his body was stiff, but he was still careful. The little knitted hat on King's head slipped off, exposing his thick, coarse hair. Crew immediately got fixated on him, and right there, I saw the beginning of fatherhood settling in his stare. I think it has become real for him now.
"Damn," Crew whispered, trying not to disturb him because his eyes were closed for the moment.
"He has some big ass hands."
"Yep. I said the same thing," I grinned.
"He will be able to palm a basketball by the time he's five, shit, maybe even before then."
Crew put his finger inside King's palm, and of course, my clingy baby wrapped those tiny fists right around it.
"He got a strong grip on my finger, too. You strong boy?" Crew did that soft chuckle every dad has when they see their kid do something for the first time.
The way all this happened might've been a mistake and deceit on my end, but this moment right here is why I did what I did. I wanted my son to have a father and a strong father at that. If it couldn't be Hov, it had to be Crew. After all, he was my first love anyhow.
"You can leave if you want, but I don't mind you staying. Especially if you want to spend time with the baby."
Crew looked toward the window, and then he looked back down at King's face.
"I guess I have to crash here with you, little man," he said slowly
"Okay. I have leftover steak from the Steak House in the fridge. I can put it in the oven. You hungry?"
"Come on now, Cash, you know I'm always hungry."
"I know, and your son is too."
"That's because he is going to be big as a linebacker that plays for the Giants one day."
"Nuh uh, my baby is going to be the quarterback," I shot back with a huge smile on my face.
After months of feeling like the world was against me, having Crew here tonight felt right. Maybe, just maybe, Crew and I could end up on good terms to the point that in the far future, we will end up living under the same roof. Maybe even as husband and wife. But right now, I am just happy that he's here with us tonight.
Chapter 12
Bria
Four days later
I probably went through my closet ten times this morning, trying to find the perfect dress for this party. Every time I pulled something out, I told myself I might as well stay home and watch television. But then, two minutes later, I’d force myself to remember I hadn’t left this apartment in days.
When my niece pulled away from me to go to Virginia, I slipped into a deep depression, and I knew the only way out of it was to actually get out, breathe different air, live again, even if it was just for a few hours.
