Me: Not yet, still at the nail salon. Ooh, did she make the Cajun chicken Alfredo?
I licked my lips thinking about that one.
Plant Daddy: Yes, she sent several containers too. I’m guessing this is what you’re eating today. Let me know if you want me to bring it or are you coming here when you’re done?
I thought about it for a quick second while Hollis yelling broke my train of thought.
“Damn, that must be baby daddy. She ain’t heard shit you said, Johnni. Try again,” she said. I looked over, embarrassed that I had fallen into Burkeley’s zone so deeply that I had completely tuned Johnni out. That had never happened before.
“Oh my gosh, I apologize. His mother made some meals for me and he was letting me know she had dropped them off. You said to let you know what I want on the menu, right? All these food choices are getting hard. But whatever you want is fine. Just no pumpkin anything. Just thinking about that smell is making me nauseous.”
“Oh shit, Grammy number two’s already stepping up. You’re getting special food too? I know that’s right. Baby daddy said his side ain’t half stepping about his,” Hollis said.
“Okay, and let him know about our change of plans now too, before you forget.” I pointed at her for helping me because I had forgotten that quickly.
I put my attention back on my phone.
Me: I’m coming over there. We’ve been at my condo all week. And oh, I’ve been informed that I, in fact, can’t do a haunted house. So I’ll have to miss out on this family function, but my friends have invited you to a bonfire instead. I mean, if you’re free.
The dots appeared and disappeared a few times before he texted back.
Plant Daddy: I swear I was going to tell you when you got here. I shut that shit down for you and Peanut. Mama said the same thing today. It slipped her mind the other night when it first came up. And you want me to meet your crew? Oh shit, we’re getting serious.
His words had me giggling.
Me: Not too much. I still don’t like you. Lol and I keep trying to tell your ass you can’t shut shit down over this way, BK.
Plant Daddy: Rule number one in our relationship M&M, we don’t lie to each other or to ourselves. Pull in the driveway and come through the back door. I’ll see you when you get here.
“Johnni, mark today on the calendar. For it is the day that our McKay realized her baby daddy is her husband.” Hollis fake sniffled, using a tissue I wasn’t even aware she had to dab at the corner of her eyes where no tears were.
“Oh God, we’re watching Mickey fall in love in real time and it’s so freaking cute” Johnni co-signed Hollis, adding to her crazy ass story.
I playfully rolled my eyes, ignoring them as I checked my nails to see if they were dry since I knew my toes were done.
“Look at her ass. She’s about to say something like she has to go pick up her food but she’s really going to her man house to get a little bit of dick,” Hollis said. My only response was my middle finger while I sat up to put my shoes on.
“Well since you know every fucking thing, I guess I can skip that part and just say bye then,” I said, now making my way to hug her. Of course she only wanted to acknowledge my belly, putting her hands on my hips, stopping me so she could speak to Peanut.
“Bye, Auntie’s baby. Make sure your mama and daddy behave in front of you.” I swatted her hand off my stomach.
“Stop, they can hear you,” I said as I made my way over to Johnni who was now up, preparing to hug me goodbye.
“He said yes to the bonfire, so Saturday night?” I said as I hugged her tightly.
“Yes. I’ll let Quincey know we’re having company over. I’m so excited,” she said as I snorted, going into my purse for money to pay when she stopped me.
“Aht aht, it’s on me today. Well… Quincey.”
“You’ve got a good man, Josie,” I said using the pet nickname only he called her with Johnni blushing and giving me a small smile.
No more words were exchanged as I headed out.
Chapter
Fifteen
Burkeley
