The headache I had been fighting caused my temples to throb. “That sounds easier said than done. I’ve met his father, but that is only the tip of the iceberg. I know Neptune will do anything for me, and I don’t want to be the reason he has issues with his family.”
“Girl, please. I better not hear about you stopping that man from being thorough. Anyone who doesn’t fuck with his big baby and little baby can get the boot.”
I wasn’t sure if Ms. Mosby’s advice came from a place of love or our shared rebellious nature, but I soaked up her words like a sponge.
“Let me ask you something, Kannon. How much are you willing to sacrifice in order to make your family work? All that single woman talk goes out the window onceyou’resomebody’s mama.”
A soft laugh slipped past my lips. “It hasn’t been confirmed.”
“Yes, it has. The Lord told me so.”
Once I left the nursing home, Ms. Mosby’s words nurtured me on my ride to meet my brother. I didn’t know if the glow she saw was for everyone’s eyes, but I prayed Junior didn’t see it. The only thing I wanted to share with him was my connection to Neptune. Adding pregnancy to the conversation would’ve been like shooting him instead of slapping him.
I was a few blocks from the restaurant when my father called. Ithoughtto let the phone ring, but I wanted to hear his voice to gauge rather I was on his good or bad side. I wanted to see if he would mention Neptune being at Yari’s shop.
“How are you, baby girl?”
“I’m okay. I would be better if—” I paused, stopping myself from expressing something I’d said to him too many times. “I’m good, Daddy. I’m on my way to meet Junior at Zell’s diner. How’s your trip going?”
“I’m here to take care of business,” he replied. “Speaking of business, have you heard from the Sinners since you met with Ryan’s son? Has anyone bothered you?”
My mouth went dry. My father was never a man who minced words, but hecouldalsobecalculated. If he was asking about Neptune, I was certain he knew Neptune was still around.
“No, no one has bothered me,” I replied, purposely emphasizing the part of his question I could be truthful about. “Anyway, how long will you be gone?”
“I’m not sure right now, but when I come home, I want to have a dinner with you and your siblings. Make sure you’re available.”
“I got you.”
The line went quiet, causing me to call his name.
“I’m here,” he stated. “Are you sure everything has been good with you? I know I told you I would cut you off if you got into anymore bullshit, but you’ve been more quiet than usual.”
“I took your advice, and I’ve been lowkey.”
“Yeah, okay, Kannon. I love you, baby girl. I’ll see you soon.”
Right as I ended the call, I found a parking spot near the entrance of the trendy diner. Known for its menu and the staff’s themed uniforms, the Slyde City landmark was small, and there was always a wait to be seated.
“Look who finally popped out!” Junior pulled me into his chest. “Where have you been hiding? We spoke a handful of times since your sneaky ass went through my shit, but you’ve been lowkey for months.”
“Since you’ve barely called, I thought you were still upset.” I got comfortable in the booth across from him. “Somebody could have dumped me in a ditch, and you wouldn’t have known.”
“I heard you’ve been lying in a nigga’s bed.”
Dumbfounded, I nearly choked on my spit when he called me out. “What are you talking about?”
“You know what I’m talking about, Kannon. The streets talk.”
“I don’t know why they’d be talking about me. Is that why you asked me out for drinks? You wanted to pick my brain?”
The corners of his lips turned up, but there was a hint of annoyance in his brown eyes. “Why are you acting like shit is a secret? You’ve been around the city with that muthafucka.”
“Watch your mouth! You don’t know shit about that man.”
“And you do? You have no business fucking with him.”
“You’ve never been interested inmybusiness before.”
