I returnedto the living room to find Enzo instructing EJ on how to put on his own coat. EJ was half cooperating, distracted by some cartoon playing on the TV screen. Enzo was patient as ever, having him put one arm in and then the other.
“There you go, big man,” he said once EJ finally got it right.
As I walked around the couch, he glanced up at me. He didn’t say anything at first, just stared at me like he was looking for a sign to move. I sat on the arm of the couch and rolled my shoulders back to release some of the tension in them. Whatever he saw on my face must’ve been enough because he stepped toward me, closing the distance between us. Standing in front of me, he placed his hands on both sides of my cheeks and lifted my face.
“You aight?” he asked.
I nodded once. My silence must’ve told him I needed more than just a verbal check in. I needed physical touch. Enzo reached for me and pulled me up from the couch and into his arms. Resting my head on his shoulder, I let the weight of the day settle there, even though it wasn’t even noon yet.
For a second, I allowed myself to lean on a man again, and Enzo held me tight. Closing my eyes briefly, I heard a small grunt. Opening them, I giggled, seeing a determined EJ pushing himself off the couch and running over. Planting himself between us, he tried his hardest to wrap his little arms around both of our legs at once.
“You don’t let Daddy get a minute when you around, huh?” Enzo said, lifting him up.
EJ grinned like he knew he’d gotten his way.
“He just want some love too,” I cooed, kissing EJ’s forehead. “Thanks again for getting KJ for me.”
“No thanks needed. I think you handled the situation well. I’m glad you didn’t talk to him in front of me either. I used to hate when my mama did that shit. I even bring it up to her today. It’s cool that you didn’t embarrass him. But you ain’t let him slide either.”
“Yeah. It’s never my goal to break him down. Especially in front of other people. We gon’ get an understanding though. There’s no way around that. Quick question, do you have any cleaning jobs this weekend?”
“There’s always work to be done. Why, wassup?”
“I wanted to see if KJ could go on a job. I need a punishment, and we’ve been through the whole taking the phone and game thing before, and I don’t think it’s effective. I want him to work.”
“Oh, we can most definitely make that happen. I’m putting Cortez ass to work too. Since they wanna be Cheech and Chong.”
I wasn’t surprised to hear that Cortez was in on it. He and KJ had been like Siamese twins lately.
“To find out that it was his uncle that gave him the weed makes it worse. I’m concerned that KJ is becoming too easily influenced, and I can’t have that.”
“Yeah. I told him that that wasn’t cool at all on his uncle’s part. As far as influence, at that age, it’s nothing but a constant reminder that everybody ain’t meant to be in the streets. Ain’t nothing appealing about it except for the money. And as fast as you get that shit in, it goes right back out. They gon’ be aight though. I guarantee it.” He kissed my lips and then my forehead. “You wanna put him in the Sullivan scared straight program?”
“The what?” I laughed.
“I’m just fuckin’ witchu. Just wanted to see you smile again. Me and EJ gon’ slide though, so y’all can have the rest of the day to sort things out. I’m gonna get with the cleaning crew booked this weekend and see what they have on the schedule.”
“Okay, thank you. Come give me a hug, EJ. You leaving me.” I walked over to him and fake pouted.
“Tyri sad?” he said, looking up at me.
“A little bit.” I hugged him and kissed his cheek. “You be back soon?”
“I back,” he replied, and Enzo laughed.
“I’ll take your word for it.” Picking him up, I carried him to the door. “Text me when you make it in,” I told Enzo.
“Will do.”
I let them out, locking the door behind them. Making my way down the hall, I stopped in front of KJ’s bedroom door and stood there. There was no doubt that I was disappointed in him, but I wasn’t going to let this incident define his future. If I had to constantly redirect him, I would. If I had to monitor his movements, I’d do that too. If it was one thing I was clear on, itwas the fact that I’d take KJ out of here before I let the streets have him.
CHAPTER 12
Right Where You Want Me
DANAE
“Y’all get home safe,” I said to the duo who had come in at eleven thirty, just before the kitchen closed, to have the diner’s famous French toast.
