I hadn’t gone searching for it, and now that I’d acknowledged my new vision for the future, I hoped Marcus didn’t disappoint me.
Because in my thirty-three years of life, he was the only man who had ever made me want that life. He would either become the best decision I ever made or the worst.
Only time would tell which.
Chapter 17
Marcus
Levy Park was packed with families on Saturday afternoon, but the members of the Single Dad Society were easy to find. The dads, a mix of different races—but mostly Black—crowded into one area.
Some sat together at the picnic tables while others kept an eye on the kids playing frisbee and kickball. Other kids ran around the playground, playing on the swings and careening down the slide—their screams of joy filling the morning air.
The society had rented the pavilion, so as Noah and I approached, a couple of the fathers were busy working the grill, cooking hot dogs and hamburgers.
“Uncle Marcus, look!” Noah pointed excitedly at the splash fountain where children were running through the water.
“I guess you want to do that, huh?”
“Can I?”
We were here so I could meet other men in my situation, and he could make new friends. “Yeah, go on.”
He raced away without looking back.
I spotted my frat brothers Elijah and Jashaun sitting at a table. They saw me at the same time, and Elijah waved me over.
“About time you showed up, man,” he said.
Elijah, whose line name was Enforcer because of his strict adherence to following the rules, was solidly built with honey-colored eyes and golden brown skin. Jashaun, whose line name was Ocean because of his ability to go with the flow or make it rough for anyone who pushed him too hard, was of average build.
I gave them both some dap before dropping onto the bench beside Jashaun. “I had to stop at the real estate office before I came.”
“I guess that was Noah?” Elijah asked, nodding his head toward the splash fountain.
“One and the same. I would’ve introduced you guys, but he was eager to get over there and get wet.”
“I hope you came prepared to have your seats soaked,” Jashaun said.
I tapped my temple. “I was thinking ahead. Inside this backpack is an extra change of clothes.” I tapped the bag and then placed it on the grass beside me.
“Look at you, thinking like a parent,” Elijah said.
“Got to. I’ve had a crash course the past couple of months. Where are your kids?”
“Sabrina’s over there doing cartwheels,” Elijah replied, pointing.
I saw a pretty little girl with braids performing impressive moves. She was bigger than the last time I saw her. Kids grew so fast. “You have a gymnast on your hands,” I remarked.
“Yeah. She hasn’t stopped doing cartwheels since she learned how.” Elijah shook his head as we laughed.
“My daughter, Jussica, is over there playing kickball, in theblue shorts and striped shirt,” Jashaun said. He elbowed me. “The bruhs asked about you at The Flight Club. I told them you were busy and would be back once your life calms down.”
The Flight Club was the spot for our monthly graduate chapter networking meetups.
“Thanks, man. I think it’ll be at least another month before I feel comfortable enough leaving Noah with anyone at night. The only person I think could even pull it off is his child advocate, Julia.”
“The one you’ve been sleeping with?” Jashaun asked.
