Page 50 of Senior

He nodded as he pulled a blunt from his front pocket. “That’s fair.”

I stared at him as he lit the blunt and took a pull from it.

“I been trying, Deuce. We just… we couldn’t get shit right at the right time. Now there ain’t anymore right times.” He cursed under his breath. “Fuck! I can’t let her marry that nigga.”

“You trippin’. Go sleep this shit off, Pop.”

I stood and pulled him to his feet. He grabbed my shoulders to steady himself as he looked me in the eyes.

“I’m ready this time,” he slurred. “I’m out the game and the organization. I’m single. I’m ready to give her my all, Deuce.”

“Senior—”

“No! Listen to me. I was ready a long time ago. She just didn’t trust me. That’s my fault. I fucked up, but I don’t wanna fuck up anymore. Just… get her to give me a chance.”

“Fuck no.”

“I need her! I tried to talk to her, but she wouldn’t listen to me. Maybe she’ll listen to--”

“Pop!” I grabbed the collar of his shirt in both hands and shook him. “No! She’s happy, man. Let her have that. I don’t even like that nigga like that, but he’s good to her, Senior. She smiles more now than I’ve seen her smile in a long time. I want that for her and you should too. She deserves it.”

He’d looked at me with red, teary eyes and I could tell this shit really hurt him, but what the fuck was I supposed to do about that? It was over at that point. Shit, it was long over and should have been over if you ask me. The fact that I had a feeling he was up to his old games didn’t sit right with me. I prayed my mama didn’t fall victim to his charming old ass.

History tended to repeat itself when it came to those two and I couldn’t have that. I could understand her being lonely. If that was the case, I would get her a damn dog.

I guess I didn’t learn my lesson the last time because I had all these kids at my house once again. It was looking like daddy daycare over here. Korri and Nayelli were entertaining themselves with learning those damn TikTok dances. Darlyn, Marino, Charm, and Liam were playing with blocks. KJ and Juri were hitting each other with pillows while Semaj was trying to get in on the fun. Then there was Serena, Sydney, Lil, Stanley, DJ and TJ who were running Gracie’s Corner in the fucking ground on my TV.

It was a madhouse.

But I loved it. It was a blessing to have this many grandkids and still be around to enjoy them. A knock on my door shifted my gaze from the pandemonium going on in my living room.

“Korri, Nayelli, watch them right quick.”

“Okay, Papa,” they said, never breaking their rhythm.

I chuckled as I stood from the couch and headed to the door. When I opened it, I was surprised to see Stephanie on the other side. I looked around to make sure nobody was watching before sliding at arm around her waist and pulling her into me. Our lips met in a sensual kiss.

“I missed you,” I said, grabbing a hand full of her ass.

She giggled. “I missed you too”

“Not that I’m not happy to see you, but what are you doing here?”

“Well, I came to do a surprise visit with my grandbabies, but Salima told me you had the kids. I didn’t drive all this way for nothing, so here I am.”

“Your son knows you’re here? I wouldn’t wanna get you in trouble since you’re worried about that.”

She rolled her eyes. “He and the boys are at the gun range. The girls are congregated at his house sipping on mimosas.”

I chuckled. “They love those damn mimosas. That’s all they wanna do.”

“Are you gonna let me in or what, Senior?”

“Give me another kiss.”

She playfully sighed as she leaned into me.

“Do it like you mean it too,” I added.