So, while I tried to keep us together, he was slowly tearing us apart. I knew there was someone else. I just didn’t have the mental capacity to be a lawyer and a damn detective. It would all come to the light though. I just wanted to mentally prepare myself to accept that he left us for another woman.
Did I find Basil attractive? Abso-fucking-lutely. When he took off that tank and let me see those refined muscles, six-pack, V-cut, and tattoos all over his chest, my bikini bottoms flooded, and I had to tell my girl to chill down there. Not to mention that freaking bulge in his trunks. I wasn’t trying to look at him that way, but I couldn’t ignore how sexy he was, and seeing him with my children was even more damn enticing. The way they were so comfortable with him made my heart warm.
My phone ringing on the table next to me brought me out of the trance I was in, staring at the human sex god. I picked it up, saw my father’s name on the screen, and smiled widely.
“Hey, Daddy.”
“Hey, baby girl. Did you make it?”
“I did. Sorry I didn’t call you when I landed. The kids saw the pool, and yeah, you know what happened after that.” We both laughed.
“I miss them and can’t wait to see them. Is Leo with you? I wanted to take him fishing this time since he claims his ass ain’t never been.”
I cleared my throat and swallowed the lump that formed. I knew if I told him he wasn’t with us, he’d inquire why, and I’d have to make up a lie. But if I told him the truth about why he wasn’t with us, I knew he’d be upset. I was damned if I did, damned if I didn’t at this point.
“He-he’s not with us, Daddy. We’re getting a divorce.”
“A what?”
“A divor?—”
“Nah, I ain’t believing that shit. Stop playing on my phone, baby girl.” I knew he wouldn’t like this, but I couldn’t lie to my daddy. It took him a long time to really accept Leo in the beginning. He said he could sense a fuck nigga from a mile away, and I, being dizzy in love, begged my father to give him a chance. It took him the better part of our relationship for him tookayhim being with me, and he even gave him his blessing to marry me.
He warned him though. He told him that he’d better make us last forever and never hurt me, and that bastard did the complete opposite.
I could feel Basil’s eyes on me, and I gave him a soft smile as I got up and went inside the house for privacy.
“Who decided that bullshit?” Daddy asked.
“He did. But it’s okay.” It wasn’t.
“It’s not okay, Alicia. That motherfucka gonna leave you with three kids to raise by yourself? He can damage them mentally like that. Did that motherfucka even consider that? They’re still babies, Alicia.”
“I know, Daddy, but there is nothing I can do. He wants a divorce, and I’m going to give it to him.”
“Weak-ass, busta-ass, punk-ass nigga. How the kids feeling about all of this?”
“They’re okay. Honestly, I don’t even think they miss him. Leo hadn’t been really active in their lives since Carlee was born.I know we agreed that we wouldn’t start our family until we were thirty-five, but I didn’t think it was an issue if we started earlier than expected.”
“What he thought was gon’ happen if he shooting your fucking club up every year?”
I laughed. “Daddy!”
I swore, he and my mom were one in the same—reckless mouths and always ready to run down on somebody. I knew my family was unhinged, but that was what made me love them more. The fact that they raised me to give grace and be nice to people yet they were missing a few crayons, let me know they would do anything for me.
“I’m serious. That’s bullshit, baby girl. I really want to do something to his ass.”
“Daddy, no. Just let it go. Maybe this is for the best anyway. I was blind to the signs that maybe he didn’t want children, and I forced this narrative of us having a happily ever after. I just . . . I just wish I hadn’t been so blind.”
“Don’t you go blaming yourself, Alicia. That nigga knew what he was doing. If his ass didn’t want kids until whatever the fuck time he put on the shit, then he should have been more careful. I hate this for you, and I definitely hate to see you down and out. Honestly, I don’t even think it was just about the kids. You intimidated his ass, and he went running like a little bitch.
“You made more money than him, you’re beautiful, and you can get any man you want. You’re a far cry from the girl he met in college. You grew into a woman, and you been doing your shit since then, and that weak-ass nigga couldn’t handle it.”
“Yeah, you may be right. Mommy blew his car up.” I giggled.
“That’s my girl! Love her crazy ass.”
“Daddy, please.”
