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“Oh, he home.” She snarled.
“Fuck that supposed to mean?”
“Just what it sound like. We not coming back.”
“You tryna take my son, Nariah?” I pinched the bridge of my nose. “I just know you ain’t convinced yoself that I’mma let that shit fly.”
“I’ll never take him from you stupid. But this is where we’re living from now on. You can get him whenever you want him.”
“Well send him out.”
“Just not tonight.” Folding her arms across her chest she stared at me like she was waiting for me to make the next move.
“You got it, Nari.” I accepted defeat. I mean what else could I do? I fucked up so ultimately the ball was in her court.
“Jude, come say goodnight to your pappy.”
Nariah opened the door and took a few steps back so I could get to Juju. “Hey buddy.” I kneeled.
“Hey daddy.” He met me halfway for a hug. “We going home now?”
“Nawl big man.” Getting choked up I tossed my head back. “You and ya mama gone stay here for a while.”
“But why?” he asked and glanced behind him at Nariah.
“Daddy uh…Daddy did something bad and ya mama a lil mad right now.”
“Dog.” Byron groused behind me but shit I ain’t know else to say. I wasn’t ‘bout to tell him Nariah had left my ass and moved out.
“Mommy, can you not be mad at my daddy anymore?” Juju asked her.
Nariah mumbled something under breath before smiling at him. “I’m not mad baby.”
“Okay she not mad. Can we go home?” He asked again.
“Not tonight buddy. I’mma come get you tomorrow. How ‘bout that?”
“Okay.” He mumbled uncertainly. Holding him back I looked at him. “You know I love you right.”
“Yes sir.” Juju nodded.
“Good and you know daddy gon’ always be here right.”
“Yes sir.”
“Aight.” I held my fist out. “Pound me up.” Juju stretched his fist out and knocked it against mine. “Go to your room and let me holla at ya mama. I’mma call you as soon as I wake up cause I’mma be on my way.”
He eyed me suspiciously before confirming that he understood and walking away.
“How we gone do this Nariah?” I asked as soon a Juju was out of view.
“I don’t have an answer for you Julius. That’s probably something you should’ve considered before you stepped out.”
“I did consider it.” Closing my eyes I ran my hands down my face. “Nariah, I’m sorry as fuck bruh. I wasn’t thinking.”
“I know. What you love that girl or something?”
“Hell nawl.” I responded quickly. Love is what I felt for Nariah. I had nothing in my heart for Tamia. I did what I did for her 'cause shit I was a trick. But that didn’t mean I loved her.”