Thank you, I mouth.
Bentley
My father pullsme into a hug as we stand outside the hotel my family is staying at for the weekend. Releasing me, he palms the side of my face. He looks into my eyes and smiles.
“Zah is the girl you called about, isn’t she?” he says.
“Yeah, you remember that call?”
“Of course. My boy calls me in the middle of the night for advice; it sticks with me.”
“That talk meant a lot to me. The thought of losing Zah causes me physical pain, but you were right. She supports whatever I plan to do.”
“I love that girl like one of my own. If you ever need direction, come to me. I’ll give you the best advice I have.
“Although I do believe the love you have for her will be your compass. I’m proud of you, son and I’m happy for the both of you. I truly believe in my heart you can be the man you promised me and Kerry you can be tonight.
“You always make good on your promises. You’ll be everything Zah has dreamed of and what her father and I want for her. Really proud of you, son. We’ll talk later. Go get some sleep.”
I get choked up by his words. When he and Mr. Nickels pulled me aside, I hadn’t known what to expect. The talk we had made me feel a greater responsibility to Zah and our love.
I meant every word I said. I’m going to love Zah with everything I am, and I plan to provide for her for the rest of my life. I want to be the man I’ve learned to be by watching my father and Mr. Nickels.
However, I don’t tell him I don’t plan on going to sleep anytime soon. Once I leave here, I’m meeting up with Zah. We’re going to celebrate and hang out.
“Good night, Dad. It was good to see you,” I say instead and pull him into a hug.
“Good to see you too. Even better to see you win. What a game. That’s my son,” he says proudly and cups the back of my head as he presses his forehead to mine.
I close my eyes and absorb the strength he’s giving me. I don’t know why, but it feels like we need this moment. He kisses my forehead and releases me, patting me on my shoulder before he turns to leave.
I turn and head for my car with a smile on my lips. This was a good day. A very good day.
CHAPTER 18
Put It Together
Zahirah
Four and a half months later …
“What?”I mumble into my pillow, confused and sleepy.
This week has been killer. I had two twenty-page papers due and mandatory evening lectures. It’s only the beginning of the semester and I feel like I’ve been through finals week. I can barely lift my eyelids as it is.
“Wake up, sleepyhead,” Bentley croons into my ear as he drops kisses on the side of my face.
“Why? I thought we agreed to sleep in today. Why are you here? How did you get in?”
He chuckles as he nuzzles my neck and breathes me in. I sigh and sink into my bed as he rubs my back. If he wants me to wake up, he needs to stop that.
“Your roommate let me in.”
“Ugh, I miss Arlene. Why’d they split us up? I hate it already.”
“She’s not so bad. You’re just being grumpy. I’m here because it’s your birthday and our one-year anniversary. I told you to sleep in because I have a surprise planned for you,” he breathes into my ear.
“No, not today. Go away. Surprise me tomorrow.
