Page 17 of More to Love

“You shouldn’t have told me that Granddad. I’m already confused.”

“I know, I know. This is a mess to begin with, but that other woman made an impression on you that is more unique than the connection you have with the woman you sleep beside every night. Come clean and take things from there. I’m here if you need me.”

“Yes sir and thank you.”

“Anytime Hendrix. I love you son.”

“I love you too. I’ll send someone by there with some food in about an hour, alright.”

“Yeah.”

With that, the call was disconnected, and I was left with a lot on my mind. Sorimah was infectious and I couldn’t get over what we shared. It was natural and the chemistry was there as well. Granddad did nothing but push me closer to her with his advice.

Shortly after, I pulled into the driveway and an alert went off on my phone from the bank letting me know a twenty-thousand-dollar transfer had just been made. I was confused because the only card that was free to use was mine. I parked and fished for my wallet to check and see if I had my card on me. Once I saw it was missing, my blood started boiling.

Aviana was home so this was the perfect time to see what the hell was going on with my money. My strides were long, closing the distance quickly. I was pissed because she was shut off from my bread for a reason.

Walking inside, I headed straight for the kitchen. Her favorite spot was sitting at the bar with a drink in her hand scrolling through social media. However, this time I found her sitting in front of her laptop with my card beside it.

“So, you stealing from me?”

She jumped from the sound of my voice and quickly tried to put the card underneath the bar. I had already seen what I wanted and got the proof that she was up to no good. There was no point in hiding a damn thing.

“Huh?”

“If you can huh, you can hear. Why you got my bank card Avi?”

She flung the card in my direction and rolled her eyes. She had some nerve to have an attitude when it was my shit she was taking. Whatever this girl wanted, I provided. It didn’t matter about the price because I felt like she was owed the world. This though, had me eyeing her differently.

“Don’t come in here questioning me. I have no fuckin’ money Hendrix, what the hell did you expect me to do. I sit in this house all day and wait for you to get home. I’m bored!” she shouted at me.

“So that gives you the right to take what you want instead of asking? If you so freakin’ bored, do something with our daughter every once in a while. The park is free.”

“My daughter is just fine. Then again if my account wasn’t frozen then maybe I could take her some damn where.”

I knew Aviana and she had no plans or intentions on taking Akeera anywhere. Our daughter was a pawn in this game she was playing. She wasn’t fooling me with that bull.

“By the time I come back down from saying hi to our daughter, my money better be back in my account, or you can take them twenty stacks and get out.”

I picked up my bank card off the floor and sought after my baby girl. I didn’t have the patience to deal with her mother right now. Before I got up the stairs fully, another alert went off on my phone. I smirked because I knew what it was already. That woman wasn’t crazy.

I gave a light tap on Akeera’s door before I entered. She was serving tea to her stuffed animals and dolls. A smile instantly hit my face when we locked eyes. She was just a beautiful little girl, and she was my whole world. I would give her any and everything she wanted.

“Daddy!”

She ran toward me at full speed and that was something I never wanted to lose. The way this little girl looked at me was like I was some kind of superhero. She felt protected with me and the way her mother never wanted to spend time with her messed with me. Akeera was smart and sweet. Avi had no idea how special our daughter was.

Picking her up, I spun her around and her laugh filled the room. It was a laugh that could bring anyone out of a depressed state. A kiss was placed on her cheek as she hugged me tightly.

“Hi, Princess. How was school?”

“Good. I got to be the line leader today. Ms. Grinds said nobody leads like me.”

“I see you and Ms. Grinds are becoming best friends.”

“I like her a lot Daddy.”

“That’s good baby. I can tell she likes you too. Has that boy been bothering you lately?” She shook her head from side to side wildly. “Cool. Think about what you want to eat for dinner, and I’ll be sure to get it.”