Page 96 of Anything Goes

“I’m sure that’s not how she sees it,” he replied. “Look, I’m not going to tell you what to do, but I do suggest that you rethink your decision. I can tell that you really care about her. I don’t want to see you miss out because you decided to run away at the first sign of trouble. The Law that I know wouldn’t dare run.”

“I’m not running.”

“Yeah, okay.”

“I’m for real. I’m not. I’m just giving her time.”

“Well, you better not give her too much time. It doesn’t take long for a man to recognize a good woman and snatch her up. Before you know it, your time will be up, and you’ll be a grumpy ass man watching cats jump into trees.”

Shaking my head in confusion, I said, “Huh? Where did that even come from?”

He threw up his hands. “I don’t know. I’m just saying some shit.”

“Out of all the things you could say, that’s the best that you could come up with?”

“Don’t judge me. Just accept my few words of wisdom and keep it moving.”

“Oh, trust me, I’ll definitely keep it moving,” I said before tossing the ball into his chest and getting ready for another game.

I allowed my mind to drift and focus on what was in front of me. If only for a moment, I could be consumed with anything other than my troubles, I was grateful.

Soon enough, I would have to fully face the music, and I wasn't sure how much of that my heart could take.

31

Alauni

With everything that was going on, I wasn’t really interested in dealing with Latrell. Especially not at his mother’s place. But I didn’t want him in my apartment again, and I had to pick up Layne.

Taking a deep breath, I knocked on the door and waited for someone to answer. When Rochelle appeared behind the screen door, I planted a smile on my face. But it didn’t take long for her to see right through it.

“You don’t have to pretend like you’re happy to see me. I already know the deal. Come on in.” She pushed the door open and pulled me into a hug. “I really hate what went down between us. I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine.”

“No, it isn’t. I was wrong, and I should have stayed out of it.”

“I can’t disagree with you there.”

Laughing, she gave me a playful nudge. “Whatever. Latrell and Layne are in the backyard. He’s pushing her on the swing.”

Nodding, I cleared my throat and made my way to the back.

I didn’t step outside right away.

For a few moments, I just watched through the window, admiring the beauty of seeing a father love on his daughter. Regardless of the number of mistakes he made with me, I always knew that he would be there for Layne and love her unconditionally.

Deep down, I wanted to make this thing between us work. I wanted to believe that we could be cordial and take care of our daughter like normal human beings. But I never knew what I was going to get with Latrell, and if he couldn’t accept me moving on with someone else, then my life would always be hard.

Maybe Law was right for walking away.

“Go on out there. He’s been waiting on you,” Rochelle said.

“I just need a minute,” I replied.

I was definitely a little hesitant. I didn’t want to get into an argument with him in front of Layne.

“Relax, we had a long conversation about how things were handled when he showed up to your place. He knows that he was wrong, and he’s talking like he has some sense now. Just hear him out.”