“I don’t know. That Cadillac and those suits, I would’ve ran from you,” Erys shared with a soft laugh.
“Nigga, it’s called personality. Judging by this cold ass house, you could use some,” Ernie quipped. “That or some pussy.”
“I think you’ve had enough for both of us.”
“Nahhh, these hoes just giving it out. No money, no cars, groceries, bills paid, nothing. For free. You should get some while the getting is good,” Ernie stated, finding his son looking back at Remedy. “Unless free ain’t what you want.”
“Free ain’t what I want. And since we sharing truths and shit. How to be in relationship, how to love, how to express emotions – I don’t know how to do that and I’m not going to ruin someone because of my ignorance.”
Ernie pulled in a breath. “When you meet someone worth it, you change far before you notice you’re changing. The soul knows.”
“That’s how you felt with ma?”
“That’s how I feel about your mama. I just want a chance to tell her I’m sorry. Can you call her and tell her?” Ernie asked.
Erys knew that his father knew his mother was gone. There was no way around it. His mind nor his heart could handle that loss so it filled in the areas with his own delusions. Erys stood and got behind the helm of the boat.
“You want to take a quick spin around the lake before breakfast?” Erys posed, learning the art of redirection from Remedy.
Ernie relaxed in his seat. “Hell yeah.”
Erys nodded, untying the boat, lifting the anchor and pulling away from his dock with ease. The pair took two trips up and down the lake before returning. Ernie had a sheen of joy over himself and it unlocked another emotion within Erys – pride.
“You should bring Remedy out here,” Ernie nudged, as Erys helped him out.
“So she can throw me overboard? I’m cool.”
“She’s not going to throw you overboard. I think she likes you,” Ernie stated. “And I think you like her. I see it.”
“You don’t see shit but shadows, nigga,” Erys shot back.
Ernie looked at him and laughed. “You don’t know pussy from a hole in the ground.”
Erys’ face frowned. “What does that even mean?”
“You used to women jumping when you say jump and begging for your attention. Yes, Erys. Whatever you say, Erys. The one that challenges you at every turn is what you need.”
“You don’t know that,” Erys huffed, waving him off. “She cusses me out like it’s a second language.”
“And your black ass likes it. Because if you didn’t, neither one of us would be here. You forget I shot you out, boy? I know what you like ‘cause I like that shit too. She reminds me of your mama. Little spit fire,” Ernie said with a smirk.
“You know her story? What she’s keeping locked away?” Erys asked.
“Even if I could remember every detail, I wouldn’t tell you. That’s your kill, not mine. You need to study your prey. They didn’t teach you shit at Fort Wraith. Same shit, different scenario. That’s a good woman in there. One of one. Act like you the son of Sweet Lick Ernie.”
“I’m going to leave your ass out here talkin’ crazy. Come on, your bacon has got to be done now,” Erys said, guiding his father back up the path to the patio.
“She’s about to show you what a breakfast is. She cooks just like May,” Ernie said with a grunt. “You be nice to her, I might get a good dinner.”
Inside, Erys found a spread on the table. Fluffy waffles, fruit, eggs, and bacon.
“Damn,” Erys murmured, earning a nudge from his father.
“I told you. A good woman,” Ernie barely whispered back before striding to the table.
“You’re in a better mood,” Remedy expressed, watching Ernie sit down. “Must’ve been the boat ride.”
“Yeah, Erys said he’s taking you out later. Maybe in something other than that,” Ernie teased her with a wink.
