“Ya mama would be ashamed,” Zander mumbled.
Vernon jumped up, knocking his chair over. Zander stood as well. Boogie made a move to stand, but Denzel signaled for him to stay seated.
“You don’t get to speak on Mama,” Vernon said, and Boogie was surprised to see tears in the old man’s eyes.
“Why not, nigga? You forget I know you. I know her. She would be fuckin’ ashamed. Someone needs to say it. The way you treat your family is disgusting. She ain’t raise you like that,” Zander said as he took a step forward.
Vernon swung, and it was on from there.
Everyone jumped up, but Tandy and Valarie convinced their kids to stay back.
“It’s been a long time coming. Let them fight this shit out,” Tandy said.
Valarie nodded with her arms crossed. “They need to get this shit out their systems.”
The old men knocked over tables and crashed into the wall before they ended up rolling around on the floor. Eventually, they each lay on the floor, breathing heavily and looking up at the ceiling.
“She always liked you more than me,” Vernon admitted as he gingerly touched his swollen nose.
“Fuck you mean? You were her pride and joy.” Zander winced at the stinging in his split lip.
Vernon sat up and mugged Zander. “She loved you more. I always knew it. You got the better grades and were more well-mannered. When I would get into trouble, she’d ask why I couldn’t be more like you. Then she went and left that car to you. She knew how much that car meant to me.”
Zander groaned as he sat up as well. “You and that fuckin’ car, man. You want it so fuckin’ bad? Take it. I’ll drive it over first thing in the morning. Shit was never worth losing my damn brother over.”
Before Vernon could respond, he stood up and limped over to his wife. “Come on. Let’s go.”
Boogie walked over to Vernon. He wanted to kick the man while he was down, but he decided to be the better man. He held his hand out to Vernon, who looked at him wearily before he accepted Boogie’s help. When the older man stood, Boogie said, “You ain’t gotta see me or Sweetie ever again if you don’t want after today. Just let her see her granny.”
Vernon’s face screwed all the way up, but he gave Boogie a subtle nod. “Y’all come by now. Stay until . . . well, stay until she’s gone.”
Vernon limped away, and Boogie watched, feeling like he had just scored a major win for Sweetie.
The room was dim as Sweetie entered. She held onto Boogie’s hand tightly with a heavy heart.
Boogie squeezed her hand and then let go, gesturing for her to go ahead. She smiled. Sweetie knew he didn’t want to overcrowd her at the moment. She appreciated him. The fact that he was even allowed in her childhood home was a miracle. His presence in this moment meant everything.
“Granny,” she whispered.
Lucille’s eyes popped open, and she squinted. “Sweetie?”
“It’s me, Granny.” Sweetie sat on the edge of the bed and grabbed her granny’s hand with tears in her eyes. This time around, she knew she wouldn’t be able to keep a brave face.
“Don’t cry, baby. I waited for you. I’m still here,” Lucille said as she patted Sweetie’s hand.
Sweetie leaned forward and nuzzled her head into her grandmother’s midsection, just like she used to do when she was a little girl.
“I’m sorry, Granny. I’m sorry I disappeared on you. I love you so much. I need you to know that.” Sweetie lifted her head and searched her grandmother’s eyes desperately for forgiveness.
“Hey, now. Stop that. I know how hard it’s been for you to be a part of this family. I hoped that your time away would provide you some happiness. Has it?”
Sweetie could tell her granny was tired. She wished she could sit here and talk all night, but she wanted Lucille to rest.
She turned toward Boogie and gestured him forward. “It did, Granny. You don’t have to worry about me, okay? I found all the happiness in the world.” Sweetie wiped her tears as Boogie placed his hands on her shoulders. She leaned back into him. “This is Darren, Granny.”
Sweetie saw the faintest smile form on her granny’s face. “Darren. You’re Zander’s son. Boogie.”
Sweetie purposely didn’t say Boogie. Lucille knew all about Boogie because Sweetie confided in her about him a lot. She didn’t think her granny would know his government name.
