Page 52 of Finessed By A Hood White Boy

“Yes, please do, Mr. Whitmore.” A voice caught our attention.

A pretty light skinned girl stood with her arms folded and a smirk lining her lips.

“What’s up Zenobia?” Ethan nodded nonchalantly.

“Nothing. I came by to get a plate, of course. Are you going to introduce me to your girlfriend? She’s not the same girl I heard talking all that shit over the phone, is she?”

“First of all, don’t come over here with that fuck shit. The way you actin right now aint even you, so cut the act. But since you asked, Zenobia, this is Ava. Ava, this is Zenobia, Zoie’s mom.”

“Oh, okay, it’s nice to meet you,” I extended my hand.

“Yea, you too. Now that I think about it, Zoie talks about you all the time. It’s nice to finally put a face to the name. I just thought Mr. Whitmore here would’ve introduced us a lot sooner before having you around our daughter. At least that was a part of our co-parenting agreement.”

“Did you already fix your plate?” Ethan asked her.

“Yep. Big Momma just finished wrapping it up.”

“Alright, cool. Take your ass on.”

The glare he gave her, I witnessed his eyes yet again change colors. Zenobia didn’t bother to say anything else. Instead, she turned to walk away without so much as a goodbye.

“I apologize about that.” Ethan watched as she disappeared into the house.

“It’s okay,”

“No, it’s not. Zenobia knows I don’t play that shit. My business doesn’t concern her and vice versa. Whether you my girl or not, she had no business walking up on you with that bullshit.”

I could tell he was angry but trying his best to remain calm.

“Ethan…it’s okay. Trust, I’m not bothered by the way she popped off. Now it would be a different story if I was your girl.” I smiled with a wink.

I wanted to ease the tension that I could feel building up. His daughter’s mother was the least of my worries. After that little interaction, Ethan’s entire vibe changed. I could tell he no longer wanted to be in the mix of his family, so we went to say our goodbyes.

“Have you seen Zoie?” he asked his grandmother.

“She went home with Zenobia,” she responded. “Ava, it was a joy to have you join our family tonight. EJ brought you over here, don’t become no stranger, ya hear.”

“Yes, ma’am. Thank you again for having me.” I hugged her.

“Anytime, baby, anytime. EJ, bring yo’ big head ass back over here tomorrow and see me.”

“I got you, momma.” He chuckled as he gave her a tight hug and kiss on the cheek.

“Yall drive safe.” She waved as we made our way out.

Once we got into his truck, he made a phone call.

“Is Zoie with you?...Why you take her, knowing I was supposed to keep her tonight?...Nah, you on some bullshit, Ze, but it’s all good.” He ended the call.

I sat quietly because it wasn’t my business to get involved.

“What time are you supposed to pick baby girl up from your parents?”

“Anytime I’m ready.” I shrugged.

“Stay the night with me.” He glanced my way.

“Umm, are you sure about that?” I raised my eyebrow.