“Why?” he chuckled.
“I might believe it.”
“Believe it, know it, feel that shit because I’m deadass serious.”
“Well, if that’s the case, come help with this Pimp Day,” Remedy said, biting a grin moving away from him.
“If you mean decorate the patio, have his bag of money prepped, and pull the food out the fridge. I already did it. Cherie raised me, Rem. I know a thing or two.”
She switched away and threw over her shoulder, “I think she did a good job.”
The two moved around the space in harmony. Them needing one another was becoming more evident. Remedy’s nervous system was calming and recognizing safety. Protection she more than deserved.
Remedy’s attention turned from Erys to Ernie easing down the stairs.
No hello, no good morning. “Where the bitches at?” was his first question.
“Pops,” Erys buzzed with slight laughter. “Good morning, happy birthday.”
“It’s my nigga day. A pimp party. No music and the only one in here that got some pussy was you. What’s good about it?” Ernie grumbled.
“Happy Nigga Day, Ernie. I made you catfish and grits. The girls will be here in a little bit but you cannot be seen like this,” Remedy said, waving the spatula over his flannel sleep pants with the fly unbuttoned and white tee.
Ernie paused his frustration for a moment to ask, “you got me a suit?”
Erys chimed. “You got him a suit?”
Remedy beamed. “You both know I got a suit. I’ll help you shower and get dressed and by the time we’re done, the party will be ready for your entrance. Sounds good?”
“Sounds like a good ol nigga time,” Ernie said, smiling sitting in his seat.
They ate and shared a few laughs and while Remedy got Ernie ready, Erys cleaned up and followed her instructions to make sure the food was tended to properly. Ernie pulled the pearl white sequined jacket over his arms and grinned.
“You outdid yourself with this one, Cherie. That red one you got me was nice, this shit?” he grunted. “Got me feelin’ like I’m that nigga.”
Remedy smiled, holding his cane and dusting off his shoulders. “Anything for you.”
Ernie looked at her in the mirror. The look so complex Remedy couldn’t gauge it. It wasn’t until his bottom lip trembled and he reached out for her. She grabbed his hands and welcomed his embrace.
“I’m going to do everything I can do for you and that baby,” Ernie spoke just above a whisper.
Remedy closed her eyes and rubbed his back knowing that the lapses in reality were one of the signs that that silent monster of a disease was progressing. But today wasn’t the day to harp on that. She was going to make today the best day for him, even if he wouldn’t remember it later. She pulled away, dabbed away the tears on his cheek, and smiled.
“Let’s get you ready,” she buzzed, not having the heart to correct him with the truth. The truth was, she’d given up the idea of having children. Her body wouldn’t hold them but she’d cross that bridge when she got there. Today was about Ernie, not taking a deep dive into all the things she moved through.
Fully dressed, half the cologne bottle emptied out and his hat tilted, Ernie strolled out the room like he was in his prime. Remedy watched as he floated down the stairs meeting Tone at the bottom.
“Ay, say Ernie, I found these ladies outside waiting for you,” Tone greeted, dressed just like Sweet Lick Ernie.
Ernie grinned. “Yeahhh, all y’all come with me. I want to see some ass shake.”
19
“Jamani, how you doing?” Erys asked, moving over to the bar where his artist was standing. Everyone got the memo about this party being a Playa’s Ball for Ernie. Erys wasn’t sure how many of these he would be able to have with his father so it needed to be special. It wouldn’t make up for the lost time but it would make their journey fuller.
Erys had made himself clear about not supporting anything that wasn’t true to who Jamani was at his core. Instead of Jamani pushing back, he took the direction and pivoted. His flows less fraudulent and more conscious. The only thing to work on now was his image and publicity surrounding the different direction he was taking as an artist.
Jamani greeted him with a dap and nodded. “I’m cool. Your shit is nice.”
