“Ain’t that what I said?”
“Actually, Dad, you didn’t say that, not even when I asked you.”
He took a step toward Keelan while shouting, “Who the hell are you?—”
I stepped between them. “If you want to hang out with your son, this ain’t the way to do it. How about you try picking him up on the days you're supposed to have him?”
“I told you I’ve been working so I can pay the fucking child support for the brat.”
“Keelan, go inside.” I waited until I heard the door close before I continued. “Listen, Victor. I’m not the same weak bitch you were married to. Don’t come to my house being disrespectful to me or my son.”
“You’re the reason he’s soft and acts like a little bitch.”
“Have a good night, Victor.”
I turned to walk away, and this nigga had the audacity to grab my arm. I quickly yanked it away and was about to get in his face, but Graham appeared behind him and looked like he was ready to go to war.
“Is everything okay over here, baby?” Graham asked.
Thankfully, the sound of Graham’s voice got Victor’s attention, causing him to turn around and miss my surprised expression regarding how Graham addressed me.
“Who the fuck are you?” Victor asked angrily.
I stepped past Victor and into Graham’s side, looping my arm through his, only for him to move that same arm and drape it over my shoulders.
“Everything is good, baby. This is Victor, Keelan’s father.”
Graham offered his hand to Victor and said, “I’m Graham.”
Victor looked at Graham’s hand like it was covered in shit and didn’t shake it, causing Graham to chuckle.
“I made dinner and was coming to see if you and Keelan had eaten yet,” Graham said.
“That’s so sweet, baby, and your timing is perfect. We just got back from walking Que. I’ll go get Keelan.”
Before I could make a move, Graham tightened his grasp on me, and I turned and angled my head to look up at him. Hisdreamy eyes connected with mine, and I would’ve lost myself in his had this been under different circumstances.
“Hurry back, and Que can come too,” he whispered before leaning down and pressing his lips against mine.
The kiss was soft, gentle, and quick, but it packed a punch. He released me, but I was momentarily in la-la land, not moving until I heard Victor’s voice.
“I came to take Keelan out to eat,” Victor said.
I turned to face him and shrugged. “I’m sorry, Victor. Keelan already has plans.”
“I don’t give a fuck about him having plans to eat with you and another nigga,” he spat.
“Come back on your scheduled day. Bye, Victor.”
“Bitch—”
“Slow down, nigga!”
When I turned around, Graham had Victor by the back of his shirt, and since the situation was handled, I went inside.
I sawthe black Mustang park in front of Naryah’s house and watched a man get out. He walked to the front of the car and leaned against it while looking at his phone. I had a feeling it was her ex-husband, but I wasn’t sure, so I kept watching.
In the distance, I heard a dog barking, and seconds later, I saw Naryah, Keelan, and Que approaching Naryah’s house. She struggled with Que as he pulled her toward the man leaning on the Mustang. He was an obedient dog, but it was obvious he had beef with the man.
