“I can just stay here,” I insist.
Kandi has been pushing me to take a staycation since I got my check. In her mind, I’ve been too responsible and need to treat myself. After paying off my credit cards, my Impala, and paying the girls’ tuition for the remainder of this year and next year, I set up trust accounts, one for Averi and one for Romi. I took the girls to Princess Closet and let them pick out several outfits, and today, I skipped work and they skipped school. We spent the morning and afternoon at the fun center, Blast!
I finally gave in to her and booked a suite at The Metropolitan until Sunday. Tomorrow, I’m scheduled to have the total spa treatment—facial, mani, pedi, and full body massage. And even though she’s agreed to keep the girls for me,I’m really considering changing my mind.
“You are not staying here,” she says sternly. “When I leave here, the girls are going with me and you are taking your ass to that damn hotel. Hell, call that man and let him meet you there. A staycation with dick will really be a good ass time.”
“Bitch, no,” I say with a grin. “We have only texted and I’ve only known him for a week. I’m not inviting him anywhere.”
“Well, you should and you can. He texts every day and is already sending lunch at your job, enjoy that man. Hell, mommas need fun too. The go-karts and water boats were for the girls today. Xai and dick are for Mommie tonight. Go add some sexy shit to your bag for that man and let’s go. ’Cause you are going.”
“I swear you are crazy as hell.”
“Crazy and serious as hell. I know you, Adora. You’ve entertained him for more than two days and you smile any time you mention him. You really like that man and I love that for you. Embrace that and go with how you feel. After years with a fuck boy, you deserve a nice guy.”
“Definitely too many years with a fuck boy,” I admit. She’s right about that and Xai. I really do like him. Although we have only been texting, our vibe is so natural and I love that. Plus, he makes me smile and I truly appreciate that.
“Are the girls’ bags packed?” she asks.
“Yes. All of our bags are packed.”
“A’ight then, let’s go.”
Reluctantly, I ease off my couch and trek to the kitchen and grab their snack bags. Kandi is definitely going to curse me out but this isn’t a compromise.
Once the bags are on the table, I journey to their room. Romi is on the floor asleep and Averi is actually asleep on her bed. The fun center wore their little butts out. After getting them both up, I usher them into the bathroom to brush their teeth and wash their faces.
“Is Auntie here?” Romi asks.
“Yes,” I tell her.
“And our baby?” Averi asks excitedly. They both are crazy about Jazzmyn.
“She’s in the living room too,” I say and they bolt out of the room.
I grab their backpacks and take them into the kitchen. My bag is already planted by the door. Their snacks are in labeled, gallon seal-lock bags so I place them in their respective bags and join them in the living room.
“Your snack bags are in your backpacks. Take them out as soon as you reach your auntie’s house. Don’t try to eat them all tonight,” I say.
“Yes, ma’am,” they sing.
“I have more if you do,” Kandi whispers but I hear her and just shake my head. Then she turns back to me. “Did you get something for Mommie time with Xai?”
“No, I’m not calling that man.”
“Well, you should.” She smirks, then focuses back on the girls. After scooping Jazzmyn’s carrier on her arm, she says, “Go ahead and tell your momma bye. We’ll see her Sunday and hopefully there’s a big, relaxed smile on her face.”
“Bye, Mommie,” Romi says as she hugs me.
“Bye, baby. Be good and don’t drive your auntie crazy,” I say and she giggles.
“I won’t.”
Averi hugs me next, and when she squeezes a little longer than usual, I lean in and lightly grab her chin. “You alright, baby?” I ask.
“You not going to see daddy again, are you?” she asks, catching me off guard.
“No. I’m not going back. Okay?”
