CHAPTER
FIVE
I might just fuck youforever.
The sun was beaming. Summer in Dooley was scorching. Winters were as cold as the icebox. The seasons were proof of Channing’s chaos.
Dressed in a halter and skirt that barely covered my goods, I stepped out ofEden Saks,bags dangled from my arms, leaving temporary prints.
“Yes, Daddy. I spent it all. And, I got something special for you to see me in.”
Saga sniggered, holding her hand over her mouth. I muted the phone.
“What?”
“Bitch you ain’t been in one lingerie store.”
“So. He won’t know that.”
I unmuted the phone.
“No. Tonight doesn’t work for me, Daddy. I have work. When you’re ready to retire me, I’ll be in your bed any night.”
I stuck out my tongue and moved my head from the left to the right.
“I look forward to spending all of my time with you too.”
“Bitch you are going to hell,” Saga claimed.
I covered the phone, and whispered, “You’re going with me, hoe.”
“I am.”
“My mother is on the other line. I need to take this. Next week sounds like a plan, Daddy. Call you back.”
I ended the call with a roll of my eyes.
“You’re not calling him back are you?”
“Never,” I laughed. “Well, maybe to ask for a little more until next week— At that point I will be having car trouble.”
“Teach me your game!” Saga shrieked.
“You know my fucking game,” I reminded her. “You just done became a mom and shit. Got morals and shit. When you’re ready to get your feet wet, let me know bitch, and we’re at the bars together.”
It was the way I filled my contacts with tricks that served no purpose beyond my personal gain. Even Channing’s prosecutor was in my call log. After my charges were dismissed, so was his presence. I’d put that shit behind me and never planned to revisit the county jail again.
“I will keep that in mind. For now, I’m loving my little gig. It’s paying the bills, keeping my baby fed, and putting some money in my granny’s pockets for keeping Julian. I just feel a little guilty–working all night and then sleeping all day while he’s awake. It’s usually three in the evening before I’m awake again.”
“You’re a mother, Saga. That’s the sacrifice you have to make. It’ll all work itself out. Besides, you’re only working three days a week. He has you to himself the other four days.”
“You’re right,” she sighed. “I guess I shouldn’t focus on those days as much. I’ve been beating myself up about them.”
“Don’t. You’re doing a great job. And, you’re present. Motherhood is not one size fits all. You’re holding down two roles. Provider and nurturer. You’re one person. Some areas will look different. But, he’s taken care of and loved well. Give yourself credit, friend.”
“Yeah. You’re right.”
“Now, you trying to go home and play make believe or you still hitting The Boulevard with me?”
