“Kev, that’s enough,” she said, looking directly into my eyes, and I could see that she was upset. “Let’s just go, please!” I couldn’t deny her of that respect.
The whole time, dude was walking away talking mad shit, and had it not been for Ava, there would have been no stopping me. They didn’t want me to go back inside because I was the one that got physical first by carrying dude out by the throat. One of the waiters let me close out my tab from outside. Ava and Dawn were able to go back inside I think to get their purses or phones Troy told me once the waiters walked off.
“Cuz, what the fuck, man?” Troy asked as he stood next to me, away from the entrance.
“I already know,” I mumbled.
“Man, I almost forgot you had that shit in you!” Troy chuckled.
“What’s that supposed to mean? Kickin’ ass is something I’ma always be a beast at.”
“Dog, when was the last time you got into a physical ass brawl like that?” Troy laughed. “Eight, nine, ten years ago?” he asked.
“Something like that,” I agreed. “You know I have changed ‘cause the old Kevin would have ended up in jail. Dude deserved that shit. I probably shouldn’t have gone there like that here, but I couldn’t believe the shit.”
“Facts!” Troy said giving me dap.
Back in my day, I was a little out of control. I had a temper and was quick to snap, but I grew up and out of that phase. Over the years, I had toned down quite a bit. But dude took me out of my character tonight. When Ava and Dawn walked up to us, Troy put his arm around Dawn then smiled at Ava. I knew he was about to start with the shit talking. I knew that they were both pissed, but Ava looked more hurt.
When she walked up to me, I held my hand out so that she could take it. I figured if she didn’t take and hold my hand in response that I had messed up. But if she took my hand and held it, she wasn’t upset or hurt by me.
“What have you done to my cousin?” Troy asked Ava as we all headed toward valet parking, which was on the other side of the building. “Boy, he really likes you, Ava.”
“I can’t believe he just popped up on us like that,” Ava responded, not answering Troy’s question.
“His dumb ass is probably stalking you,” Dawn said. “How else would he have known you were here?”
“I have no idea how he knew. I am so embarrassed!” Ava responded.
“There’s no need for you to feel embarrassed. If anyone should be embarrassed, it should be dude. Even me if I’m being honest,” I said. “I probably shouldn’t have snatched dude up like that in there, but I couldn’t take any more.”
“It’s not your fault, Kev,” Ava said.
“Damn right it ain’t his fault!” Dawn agreed, causing us all to chuckle. “Kev, you whooped that ass! He deserved that shit and much more as far as I’m concerned.”
“I hope dude don’t become a recurring issue,” Troy said.
“Kinda like your baby mama,” Dawn said, and I wouldn’t have laughed if Ava hadn’t laughed at it first.
“Ouch! That was a low blow,” Troy said, pulling Dawn closer to him. “That wasn’t very nice to say.”
“I couldn’t help that one,” Dawn responded. The valet pulled up in Dawn’s car first. “Welp, it’s been fun lady and gents,” Dawn said, handing the driver a tip.
“Thanks for coming, sis,” Ava said. “I’ll talk to you later.”
“No problem! I wouldn’t have missed the opportunity to celebrate your divorce no matter what was going on,” Dawn responded, giving Ava a hug.
“See you later, Dawn,” I said, giving her a head nod. “Drive safely.”
“Aye, pull to the side ‘til my ride comes so I can follow you,” Troy said to Dawn.
Getting into her car, she did as Troy asked while the rest of us waited for the valet to come back.
“I’m glad you guys got the chance to talk,” Ava said then continued. “And I appreciate you for coming out to celebrate with us. Even though I know you really came for Dawn, we still cool,” she joked.
“Ah, it ain’t even like that.” Troy laughed, giving Ava a hug. “Congrats on the divorce though. From the looks of things, it’s good you moved on from that.”
“Thanks.” Ava chuckled, shaking her head.
