Andrew flashed her a small smile. “For real?”
“For real. I got some business in the morning but I’ll get you at lunch?”
“We can get some Louie’s?” Andrew posed.
“Boy, what do you know about Louie’s?” Emani quizzed, referring to a Los Oceania staple. An old time hot dog drive thru.
“Aunt Violet took us when we got back. But you know how she gets in the neighborhood. We were over there all day,” Andrew stated, making Emani laugh.
“I got you. You ready for tonight?” Emani questioned as she tied his tie.
Andrew’s lip curled with concern. “Is Jah making it?”
“He said he wasn’t missing it for nothing. You got to keep the faith. If he’s not here physically, you know he’s going to be on the phone watching everything you do. The game isn’t about whose in the stands. It’s you against you. Didn’t y’all make a deal?” Emani replied.
He nodded. “I gotta train and play on JV like I want it before going to a club.”
“Alright, so tonight is about starting that. Your brother will be here and if he’s not, I think I’m a good second best.”
“Nah, E. you’re the best,” Andrew stated, looking at his trouser-covered legs, crisp white shirt, and Ameechii jean jacket.
“You look good. Go get your stuff so I can get you there on time. Sanaa, you got your bag?”
The bag in reference was a mini version of one of Emani’s purses so she could leave her bags alone.
“Aunt Violet is putting snacks in it,” Sanaa shared.
Emani gave herself, Sanaa, and Andrew one last look over before herding them out of the room.
Jah: I’ll meet y’all there, just landed. Let him lock in
Emani shared the same game day playlist she made for Jahlil with Andrew. When they arrived to the school, Andrew went his way and the trio stood in line.
“Aryn!” Sanaa squealed. Emani looked up from her phone and caught the little boy running toward Sanaa. When he met her, he picked her up and swung her around. That tightness Jahlil was referring to, Emani felt and almost wanted to flick the little boy between his eyes.
“Son, be careful she’s a little lady,” Emani could only assume it was his father’s voice, Jahlil arch nemesis. “Sorry about that.”
His apology fell on Aunt Violet’s deaf ears.
“I’m going to smoke by the car, Emani,” Aunt Violet spoke, ignoring him.
“It’s okay,” Sanaa spoke. “I like it.”
Emani shook her head and looked at Aryn’s father. “You’re not too liked around here.”
He nodded. “Or anywhere, honestly. I’ve been told by my daughter that I’m an asshole.”
“I can see how she came to that conclusion,” Emani hummed.
“John,” he spoke, extending his hand.
Emani kept her hands tucked into her hoodie. “Emani. What’s your story? Why are you so much of an asshole?”
He shrugged. “I wasn’t always an asshole.”
“So you didn’t wake up one day and say it’s a great day to lock young black boys up?”
He shook his head. “My wife died five hours after giving birth to him. I haven’t been the same since and I don’t know why I’m offering you that information.”
