My search for Royce was initiated the second I stepped out of the dining room. The kitchen was the first stop. There was no sign of her.
“Everything alright?” Her mother asked.
“It will be once I find her.”
Smiling, she nodded. “I know that feeling.”
“A beautiful one.”
“Yes, it is. Hold on to it. Don’t believe the people telling you it’ll fade. It won’t. Not when you’ve chosen well.”
“I’ve chosen well, Mrs. Childers.”
“You have. It’s up to you to make more great choices.”
“I felt that heat she carry around. I don’t want that kind of trouble. Royce has nothing to worry about.”
“Don’t do it for Royce, Ishmael. Do it because it’s the right thing to do. Do it for you.”
“Understood.”
“She and the girls are in the family room. I’m sure of it.”
“Thank you.”
“Of course.”
I pulled my bottom lip as I tried to narrow down the location of the family room. The home gave no clues. Its vastness was unforgiving.
Quieting my thoughts, I listened for the sound of joy that was oozing from my baby. With each step I took, I could feel her more. I could hear her more. I took the steps and passed three doors before laughter nearly stopped my heart.
There was something about a woman’s merriment that lulled me. It didn’t have to be my woman. Any woman. Any Black woman.
“Let’s not act like you haven’t been whipped. Still is whipped. If Israel tells you to jump, your only question is how fucking high?”
Snickering followed Royce’s observation.
“Don’t act like you’re not above doing a few tricks for the dick,” Roulette countered.
I tapped on the door, hoping not to cause too much of a disturbance.
“I’m not. I fixed an entire election for mine. I have a few more tricks up my sleeve if need be.”
Rome appeared behind the door. Pity covered her pretty face.
“Okay!” Range lifted a hand.
“Ro–” she called out to Royce, widening the door.
I was immobile. My voice was ripped from my cords.
Royce’s mouth widened with regret. Silence grew louder as the seconds passed us all by.
“Ish.”
It was her voice that brought life to my limbs. I retraced my steps.
“Ishmael.”
