“All that.” She gestured with her hands.
“All what? Ain’t shit wrong with me.”
“And the fact that you think that is the problem.”
“Whatever, man.”
“Have you heard from her?”
“Who, Dai?”
“Yeah.”
“I texted her last night. Told her I was tired of this distance shit, and she had forty-eight hours to get back here, or I was coming to her.”
Key chuckled. “Between you and Aura, I don’t know who’s more delusional. Well, I can’t really say him anymore. His wedding is next month.”
I thought about how Aura had finally locked Nae down and smirked. I was happy it worked out for him. I didn’t expect for him to set a date so fast, but you never knew with Aura.
“I ain’t delusional. I mean everything I say.”
She stood and smiled. “Yeah. And so did he.” Tapping her fingers on the counter, she nodded. “You know what? I hope she takes heed to the warning. I miss my girl. Right now, she’d be running with me like a chicken with her head cut off.”
“I’m sure.”
Adai and Kyiris locked in from the moment they met. It was the same with the rest of my family. Adai had a personality like a magnet. She didn’t take herself too seriously and knew how to command a room. She fit in with the women in the family. During her absence, I wanted to ask Key had she spoken to her, but I already knew the answer was yes. I didn’t want to put my cousin in the position where she had to lie for her friend, so I left it alone.
“Well, let me go. I still have errands to run.”
“Aight.”
I walked her to the door, and she gave me a half hug.
“She’ll be back, Mr. Grinch. I feel it,” she said. “Love always has a way of bringing people back home.”
“Where she’s supposed to be.”
CHAPTER 3
Sooner Than You Think
ADAI
Isat in the waiting room of Dr. Harris’ office, scrolling through my emails and organizing them by level of urgency. It was a challenge operating my business from another state, but I was grateful for my village. My parents made sure my machines were always stocked, while I kept up with invoices and maintained communication with the businesses they were located in. Ebone helped too whenever my father was away. There was so much I wanted to do to expand my vending business, and as soon as I was able to hit the ground running again, I would.
Briefly taking my eyes off my phone, I looked up and scanned the waiting room filled with women. A few expecting moms. Some with babies in car seats and others in strollers. My hand found my belly, and I gave it a loving rub. Although I was scared to face Pryce, I was excited about the life growing inside of me. I always knew I’d be a great mom. Not only because I had the best role model as an example in my mom, but I had a lot of practice early on.
I had a collection of Baby Alive dolls growing up and took great care of my children. From the strollers to the car seats, bassinets, and clothes, I had it all. It never gave deadbeat mama. So, I knew I was ready for the real thing.
“Adai Townsend?”
Dropping my phone into my purse, I looked up with a smile when I heard my name called.
“Girl, you look like you’re ready to pop,” I said to one of Dr. Harris’ nursing assistants, Jada.
She was very pregnant and nearing her due date last I heard but hadn’t stopped moving.
“I gotta stay active,” she replied with a smile, holding the door open for me. “I’m three days past my due date. I’m tryna walk this baby out at this point.”
