My father stood and attempted to grab my hand, but Duke stepped between us. “No. I promise you… If you ever even look like you want to touch her again, I won’t hesitate to beat the shit out of you.”
“Ah,” my father sneered. “You’re the other brother. The thug.”
Duke shook his head. “If that’s what you need to tell yourself or your colleagues when I wear your ass out in this public bar, go for it. But we all know the truth. I saw a grown-ass man try to manhandle a woman. I defended her against a probable attack.” He shrugged. “Sounds justifiable to me. Think your law firm will feel the same way?”
Swallowing, my father backed up. “You’ll be sorry.”
“I won’t.” Duke and I said in tandem.
Without another word, my father—Mr. Strong—left the hotel and my life for the final time.
* * *
I didn’t feelsafe in the hotel anymore, so Duke drove me to the house. Ma was in the kitchen cleaning up when we entered through the back door.
“Hey, Ma.” Duke kissed her cheek.
“Hey, babe! You’re back already?” Ma glanced over at me, and her smile fell. “What’s going on?”
“Nothing,” I lied.Horribly. “Just tired.”
She eyed my suitcases. “Are you staying here tonight?”
Duke cut in, “Just for a couple of nights.”
Ma’s gaze stayed on me. “I’m glad. We haven’t had a chance to catch up, so this will give us that time together. I want you to join me tomorrow at the spa.” She folded up the dishrag. “Always remember your room isonlyyours. You can sleep in there anytime you want.”
“I know,” I nodded frantically. “I just hated that hotel.”
“Babe, why don’t you take Demi’s bags upstairs and give us a minute?”
Duke squeezed my hand. “Okay.” He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, then kissed my brow.
My eyes widened at the tender display of affection in front of Ma. “Um,” I croaked, unable to think of anything to say in that moment.
“Good night, Duke.” Ma shoved him out of the room.
After he disappeared up the stairs, Ma filled up the tea kettle, set it on the stove, and turned on the burners. “Have a seat, love.”
My throat burned as fresh tears filled my eyes. One of the first things I noticed after I moved in was that Ma called everyone babe—even when she was disappointed in us. But she also called me “Love”. It was a term of endearment that nobody else had, which always made me feel special.
The kettle whistled, and she prepared our tea. Ma preferred black tea, while I enjoyed green tea. She worked in silence, putting just the right amount of sweetener in mine before she set the piping hot mug in front of me. Seconds later, she motioned for me to follow her to the kitchen table.
As we sipped our tea in silence, I thought about everything that had happened today. From the moment I’d seen Chastity walking out of Duke’s room, it had been a rollercoaster ride with twists and turns, highs and lows. Yet, I couldn’t say I’d had a bad day. Despite the confrontation with my father and the uncertainty surrounding Duke, I had moments of bliss. Time with my real family, singing and laughing, was at the top of my favorite things to do. Sister Time was the best and kissing Duke felt like the start of something great. All in all, I couldn’t complain.But…
I still cried. Again. As the tears flowed down my face, Ma just smoothed her hand over my back, whispering how proud she was of me, how blessed she felt to have me as a daughter, how much she loved me. Then, she pulled me in her arms, rocking me back and forth. Her scent, her voice made me feel safe and secure and wanted.
“Love, it’s okay.” She kissed my forehead. “You’re okay.”
I choked out another sob, before I started all over again. I cried for the little girl I was, the hopeful child of two selfish parents. I cried for the pain I’d felt for so long. I cried for the relationship I would never have with my biological family. And I cried because I felt happy to be with the woman who mothered me like she’d birthed me.
Eventually, I settled down. Ma didn’t let go, though. She continued to hold me. “Don’t you know that you are so special to me,” she whispered, her voice shaky. “I love you so much, my sweet baby.”
“I love you too,” I mumbled.
“Do you want to tell me what happened?” she asked.
I cleared my throat and sipped my tea. “The man who I once called Dad came to see me today.” I explained the interaction, the awkwardness between us, his attempt to pretend he wanted to have a relationship with me. “It was all bullshit, though. A guise so that he could ask me for a favor. Apparently, he fathered a child with another woman and passed her off as his stepdaughter. He wantedmeto help her with her divorce.”
