“No, baby. I’ll be here when you get back. Don’t worry about me.”
He wrapped his arms around my waist, and I kissed the top of his head.
“Thanks, Mom. I love you.”
“I love you more, baby. You behave for Mr. Graham and Mr. DJ.”
Keelan went outside, and Graham stole another kiss before following him. I watched them walk across the street and get into Graham’s truck. Keelan waved at me from the back seat as they drove by, and I released a breath I had no idea I was holding.
I had come a long way because a few months ago, I was only comfortable with Keelan being with me, my mother, and my sister. His father and that crazy ass family had always been a question mark.
Before I assumed my position on the porch, I ordered dinner fromSoulful Dinerand took Que for a walk while waiting for it to be delivered. As I returned from my walk, the delivery driver was approaching my house.
“Thank you. Have a good night.”
“You’re welcome, ma’am. You too.”
Que and I went inside, and after I washed my hands, I poured myself a glass of wine and enjoyed my food while scrollingthrough Flikstagram. At five thirty on the dot, Dr. Hart’s name scrolled across my screen, showing a video call.
“Hey, Dr. Hart.”
“Well, hello, Naryah. It’s been a little while. I was surprised to see your name on my schedule.”
“Only a few months.”
“It’s been more than a few, but from the way you’re glowing, can I assume things are going well?”
“Things are goingverywell.”
“Why do I hear a but trying to weasel into this conversation?”
“Because things are going well, but I’m afraid.”
She paused and looked at me as if she were reading my mind.
“You know what, before you tell me why you're afraid of things going well, tell me what’s not going so well.”
“Ugh. Co-parenting.”
“Okay. What’s not going well?”
“Victor hasn’t picked up Keelan on the court-appointed days in almost four months.”
“Does that upset Keelan?”
“Not in the least. We’ve had some telling conversations about it, and he doesn’t like going with his father.”
“Why are you letting it bother you?”
“It doesn’t bother melike that.”
“How does it bother you?”
“It’s like, he knows it’s his day or his weekend, and he doesn’t call or show up. What if Keelan was looking forward to spending time with him?”
“But you just said he’s not.”
“Victor doesn’t know that, though.”
