Page 22 of Anything Goes

“Well, either way, that’s a conversation that she should be having with you. Not him.”

Keyon nodded. “I know. But that’s not even what was so crazy about the conversation.”

“There’s more?”

“Yeah. When I told him that I couldn’t take on too many hours while I was in season, he told me that I shouldn’t be wasting my time on running because that wasn’t going to pay the bills. He also said that it was my fault that she worked so much.”

Furious, I hopped up from my chair. “I know damn well he didn’t say that shit.”

“He sure did. He said that if I was pulling my weight, she would be at home more.”

“And what did you say?”

“I didn’t say anything. I already know how things can get between Reggie and me, so I just left. My decision to work more hours wasn’t just about what he said. It’s also a way for me to keep my distance whenever Mama isn’t at the house. Unfortunately, I’ve been staying out a little too late, so I’ve overslept a few times. I’m going to figure it out though.”

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I knew Reggie was a piece of shit, but this took the cake.

“You don’t have to figure out a damn thing. What I need you to do is focus on getting to school on time, your grades and running. That’s it. Whenever you don’t want to go home, just spend the night at my place. As far as your work schedule, you need to change that to weekends only. If Reggie doesn’t like it, he can take that shit up with me. Matter of fact, don’t you say anything, I’ll handle it myself.”

“I don’t want to cause any problems, Uncle Law.”

“Trust me, you're not the one causing the problem.” Pulling out a slip, I wrote him a quick note to give to his teacher and sent him off to class.

Words couldn’t describe the rage I felt, but I didn’t have much time to ponder on it before there was a knock at the door.

“Come in,” I called out.

“Um…hey,” Alauni said, peeking inside.

“Hey, what’s up?”

She strolled into my office and cleared her throat. “Before I was run off by Denver's nonsense, I actually had something that I wanted to mention to you.”

“Okay, take a seat.”

“I’ll stand. I won’t be in here that long.”

Smiling, I said, “Alauni, stop acting like I’m going to bite your ass and have a seat.”

Her eyes lingered over me for a moment, then she finally sat down.

She crossed one leg over the other, and once again I zeroed in on every crease and curve her body possessed.

“So, a little birdy told me that Huey University is one of the schools that Keyon has his eye on. I thought it would be a good idea to take him down there to let him get a feel for the campus.”

“Damn, how did you get the scoop before me?”

She laughed. “I have my ways.”

“Oh, I know you do,” I teased.

“Anyway, I don’t have a specific date in mind, but if you talk to him first, see what he thinks and let me know.”

“Okay, cool. I’ll talk to him and free up my calendar.”

“Oh, you don’t have to go with us. I was just trying to give you a heads up.”

I jerked my head back. “Of course, I’m going. That’s my nephew.”