“Trey said he beat his uncle a bunch of times on the game. I didn’t know it was you, but I bet you I can beat you too.”
“Are you challenging me?”
“Yeah, if you think you can beat me.”
“Okay. I’ll find you at the party and show you how it’s done. Do I get to pick the game?”
“We can both pick one,” he suggested.
“Cool. I’ll try not to embarrass you.”
We went back and forth, all in good fun, for a few minutes before Keelan asked to be excused to play in my backyard with Que. Naryah excused him, leaving us alone.
“You’ve been quiet,” I said.
“I had nothing to add to the conversation. Aside from making sure he’s not doing anything inappropriate or putting himself in danger, I’m not into video games.”
“I’m glad you do that much. You wouldn’t believe the things I’ve seen as a police officer regarding what kids do online and the kind of trouble and danger they get into. It’s wild and pretty damn scary.”
“I’m well aware, which is why I’m so vigilant when it comes to Keelan’s online access and usage.”
“Good. Stay on him.”
She stood and began to gather our dishes, but I stopped her when she reached for my plate.
“Let me clean up since you paid for the food,” she offered.
“Nah. That’s not how this works. Have a seat.”
She smacked her lips. “At least let me help.”
“It’ll take me five minutes to clean this shit up, Naryah. Have a seat.”
She sat down in a huff, and I gathered our plates. After rinsing them and putting them in the dishwasher, I transferred the leftovers to food storage containers for the fridge, leaving one out for her to take home.
“I think that may have been less than five minutes. You want more wine?”
“I’m good for now. Thank you.”
“You want to chill in here or go out back with the boys.”
“Out back.”
I let her lead the way, and as soon as we stepped onto the patio, Que came racing our way. He tried to get Naryah to play with him, but she sent him on his way. We sat on the patio swingfor two that was facing the backyard and watched Keelan and Que in silence for a few minutes.
“I have a question for you,” I said.
“I’m listening.”
“Who braids Keelan’s hair?”
“I do.”
“Really? I’m looking for someone to braid mine, and it hasn’t been easy. The woman I went to most recently got my shit fucked up.”
I bowed my head and leaned forward so she could get a good view of my head. From afar, it didn’t look too bad, but up close, the parts were crooked, and the braids were loose and lumpy.”
“Oh, wow. I couldn’t see all that. She messed you up. Are you asking me to braid your hair?”
