Page 74 of Anything Goes

“Cookies are ready,” Alauni’s mother called out in the background, an action that seemed to bring Alauni relief.

I felt horrible for her. She was in an impossible situation that wasn’t easy to explain to a little girl. But she was doing the best that she could, and I admired her for that.

“Thanks, Mama,” Alauni said, still staring at the phone.

“You’re welcome. I know you have a lot on your plate.”

“I do, but when I get back, I’m going to make things right with Latrell so Layne will feel better.”

“Look, I know how much you want to make things right for Layne, but you have to think about yourself too. Take your time.”

“Time isn’t something I have a lot of at the moment. Right now, my daughter is upset because she thinks I’m being mean to her father. That shit is killing me.”

“I know it is, and I’m sorry you have to deal with that, especially since it wasn’t your fault.”

“Yeah, but I think I’ve given it as much time as I can give it. At the end of the day, staying pissed off at a person takes too much damn energy. I’m exhausted.”

“Do what you have to do, baby. I’ll support you either way.”

“Thanks, Mama. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

“And don’t let Layne eat too many cookies.”

Rather than respond in agreement, her mother hung up.

“Did she just hang up in your face?” I chimed in, laughing.

“She sure did, which means she’s going to let Layne eat cookies until her damn stomach hurts.”

“Sounds like a typical grandmother.”

“Most definitely.”

We both took a moment to laugh. But when the silence fell between us, I had to ask, “Are you okay?”

Alauni sighed. “I’m trying to be, but I really hate that Layne is so upset with me. I mean, she even told Denver. There’s so much pressure for me to make this right. But I can’t help but question how many damn times am I going to have to do this? How many times will I have to be the bigger person? The shit is frustrating.”

“I know it is. I wish I could give you some advice on the matter, but I don’t know anything about the struggles of co-parenting. But I will tell you this, I think you’re an awesome mother and whatever decision you make, no matter how many times you have to make it, it will be what’s best for your daughter.”

She nodded. “Thank you for saying that. You know what, I think she’s going to really like you.”

“Who…Layne?”

“Yeah, but I don’t want to introduce the two of you until I get things straightened out with her father. Oh, and until we’re more serious. Well…if we get more serious.”

Reaching for her hand, I said, “Oh, we’re definitely going to get more serious, trust me.”

24

Alauni

“I can’t believe I let you talk me into this,” I said, tugging on the skimpy cheerleading skirt that was barely covering my ass. “I know I said I missed being a part of the college experience, but that didn’t mean I wanted to do all of this. We’re too old to be doing shit like this.”

“Speak for yourself,” Law said as he grabbed his football helmet from the bed. “I’m nowhere near being old. I still got everything that I had back in college.”

“Yeah, okay. Well, I’m surprised you didn’t try to wear your cop uniform as a costume. We both know how these college parties go. There will be tons of alcohol and a lot of underage drinking. Do you really think you’re going to be able to handle the night without putting on your adult hat?”