“Stupid,” Deke grumbled. This news seemed to really be bothering my future brother-in-law. Part of the reason could have been that he, Javier, and Aleesa were very close.
But another could be that the subject of dads was triggering for Deke. Davina had told me a few things about Deke’s childhood in confidence, and after hearing about it, I couldn’t blame him for being upset. Hell, I was upset for him. He didn’t deserve what he’d gone through.
“I don’t like this for you at all, man,” Deke said as Davina held his arm, rubbing soothing circles on it with her thumb. “I’m sorry you’re going through this.”
“It’s all right. Somehow, I am staying motivated and keeping my head clear.” Javier took a swig of beer. “It is best for Aleesa that I do.”
“So when’s the hearing?” Davina asked.
“Well, my lawyer requested an expedited hearing because we want this settled before the season starts, if possible. I should hear from her in a few days.”
“I really think you have a strong case.” I took Javier’s hand and squeezed it. He met my eyes, and a soft smile swept across his lips. “You’ll get through it. I’m sure of that.”
“With you by my side, I definitely will.” Javier smiled, squeezing my hand back.
I felt all mushy and warm from that smile and couldn’t suppress my own. Our eyes lingered on each other’s, and it wasn’t until billiard balls clashed in the distance and a group of people cheered in a far corner of the bar that we snapped out of it.
I took my hand away, and Javier cleared his throat, then picked up his beer and sipped again. I collected my tequila-and-pineapple drink and took a swig myself. I didn’t miss Davina’s grin or the way Deke wiggled his eyebrows.
“Told you so,” Deke said.
“Do not start, Bishop.” Javier fought a smile.
“So you two are a thing now?” EJ pointed between me and Javier.
“Do not worry about it,” Javier answered.
“Nah, I’m gonna worry about it.” EJ sat up in his chair with a grin. “’Cause I’ll be honest, I didn’t think you’deverget with a woman again with that stick up your ass.”
Deke reached over to slap EJ on the back of the head. “Shut up, EJ.”
“Bruh, slapping me on the head is getting old. You know that, right?”
“Obviously not if it shuts you up.”
“Exactly. And why are you even here?” Javier questioned. “I am surprised you are not sleeping around with one of your fans.”
“I’m becoming a changed man, you feel me?” EJ dusted imaginary lint off his T-shirt. “These women are getting too dramatic. Y’all didn’t hear about that one girl who tried to trap Javeon in her apartment with him? The police had to get involved. Nah.” EJ’s head shook. “It might be time for me to settle down before I end up trapped too.”
Davina laughed as she sipped her margarita, then she turned her attention to me when Deke asked EJ, “How the hell did Javeon get caught up in that?”
“You okay, sis?” she asked.
“Yeah, I’m fine,” I said. “It’s just a lot for everyone. I keep thinking if that guy gets visitation or even custody, I probably won’t be able to see Aleesa as much anymore.”
I glanced at Javier, who was still going back and forth with EJ and Deke. EJ said something that made Javier and Deke howl with laughter. I smiled.
“But at least he’s smiling,” I murmured.
“It’s a good thing he is. You guys definitely needed this. How are things between you two?”
“We’re doing just what you said. Going with the flow, letting it happen naturally.”
A warm smile claimed her lips as she cut a glance at Javier again. “He’s going through this battle, but I have to tell you, sis, I don’t think I’veeverseen him smile like this before. He seems so content, even with all that’s going on. I don’t know what you’re doing to him, but it’s making him very happy. And you ...” She reached across the table to hold my hand. “Your eyes are so bright, and you looked so confident when you walked into this place. I love seeing you like this. I love that you’re embracing life again.”
“I love that webothare.” I held her hand tighter. “You and me, sis.”
“Still a little scary, though, right?” she said in a low, playful voice.
