I chuckled. “I agree. If things continue this way, I can foresee a nasty custody fight.”
Niya gave me a blank stare before she took my hand. “Let’s go get something from the cafeteria.”
On cue, my stomach growled, reminding me I hadn’t eaten since that morning. “Definitely.”
We joined hands and Niya led the way. She weaved her way through the building with confidence. During the short trip, I pondered Niya’s lack of a response to my custody battle prediction. I wondered if she appreciated my willingness to step up to raise my son if necessary. I was defying the stereotypical deadbeat dad.
We entered the cafeteria and headed to the serving line. Niya grabbed a tray and I followed suit before scanning the choices before me.
There were days I appreciated my military training. And, today, eyeing the mystery meat on my plate, I knew I’d have no problem eating it. I requested double helpings of mixed vegetables and pasta.
Niya, however, looked at the meat sauce and crumpled her face in disgust. “I can’t wait to go home and eat somerealfood.” She chose the baked potato, topped with cheese, and a bag of potato chips.
I paid for our meal and we sat at a table near the back of the cafeteria, facing the entrance. I wanted to be prepared in case Lakesha had the nerve to return.
Without asking permission, I took Niya’s right hand and led us both in giving thanks for the food. “Amen,” we said in unison.
She took a fork-full of her potato and hummed in delight. “Either this potato is really good or I’m starving.”
I nibbled a bite of my pasta and said, “You’re starving.”
She chuckled. “Might be pumped up on adrenaline still, too.”
I nodded, gave her a grin. “You stood up for me back there. I thought you were gonna go ninja on Lakesha for a second. Had to make sure I was lookin’ at the right twin.”
Niya poked out her lips. “Girls like Lakesha are all talk… and they learn real soon how to lie.”
My brows furrowed. “What do you mean by that?”
Niya shrugged. “I’m just saying.” She added butter and sprinkled salt on the potato before putting a chunk into her mouth.
I leaned in. “What are you saying, Niya?”
She met my gaze head on before rushing out with, “I’m saying I don’t think RayRay’s yours. Lakesha is latching onto you like a baby koala bear on its mama’s back and she has no plans of letting you go.”
“Listen, nobody staying on my back unless I put them there,” I said and I meant every word.
Niya lifted a brow and kept eating, looking like she knew something I didn’t.
“What?” I asked. “Speak your mind. I’m not into the guessing games.” I finally dug into the food and began eating.
“As sure as I know my name is Janiya Renee Thompson, I know that’s not your son.”
My heart pumped at a faster rate. “How you know that?”
“I just know it,” she said. She touched her forehead with her index finger. “I know it right here. Call it intuition. You must take that paternity test. Don’t let Lakesha talk you out of it. Although, it’s only going to confirm what I already know.” She placed a hand on her chest and said with amazement, “Listen to me. I’m already beginning to sound like a nurse.”
“Huh?” I scratched my head. “You’re talking all over the place and I can hardly keep up.” I pushed my now empty plate aside. “What’s this about sounding like a nurse?”
Niya’s eyes flashed. “Yes. I’m thinking about going to school. One of the nurses, Kirstie, is making serious money and she’s helping people. I watched her work and I know I can do that.”
I smiled, basking under the umbrella of her radiant enthusiasm. This was a place I wanted to stay always. “All right. All right. I’m glad to hear you sound confident but I’ve got to warn you, it’s challenging. The nursing program is not a walk in the park. You won’t have time to sniff daisies, you’ll be studying hard.”
She jutted her jaw. “I’m not afraid of hard work. And, studying’s easy for me.” Her eyes narrowed. “I thought you’d be happy to hear my plans. Weren’t you the one encouraging me before? Why are you hatin’ on me now?”
“I’m not—” My phone rang, interrupting the conversation. It was Collin Marshall, one of the men who had been under my command. I hit the talk button. “Hey, Marshall,” I said, using his surname.
“Hey, Chief. Did you hear about Simmonds?”
