Page 49 of Love Always, Nova Black

“I can still be the best of the best as a—”

“Enough! I’ve said all I need to say on the subject.”

Shaking his head, her son lowered his gaze.

I could tell that he was more than a little disappointed that his mother wouldn’t see where he was coming from. But that didn’t surprise me. Aunie was stubborn as hell, and when she wanted things her way, it didn’t matter what anyone else had to say.

“I’ll be in the car,” he said. “It was good seeing you, Don.”

“Same here, kid.”

Before he left, he gave Dakota a little tug on the cheek and kissed her forehead.

“Hey, Aunie,” I said. “I’m not here to tell you how to raise your kid, but—”

“Good…don’t,” she quickly interrupted. “I’ll be back to get Dakota on Tuesday.”

Not interested in going back and forth, I lifted my hands, and followed her lead to the next subject. “Tuesday won’t be good. Dakota has gymnastics that day.”

“I’m sure she can miss one day.”

“Actually, she can’t. For the price I’m paying, she’s not missing anything. Plus, it’s only her second class.”

“Whatever, Don. Here you go, being difficult.”

“I’m not being difficult at all. I’m just saying that that day won’t be a good day. I’m sure we can come up with another one.”

“Yeah okay,” she said before walking out of the door. “I won’t hold my breath.”

“See the kind of shit I’m talking about?” I blurted to my mother.

“What shit Daddy?” Dakota questioned.

I looked down, instantly aggravated that I’d allowed Aunie to get to me in front of my daughter.

“Nothing, baby,” I said before lifting her from the floor and sprinkling her face with kisses.

Within seconds she broke into laughter, which put my mind at ease.

I’ve got to do better.

21

Nova

Dream Cinema was my favorite place to be on the weekend. I would go to the movies at least once a week if I had the time. It was the one place where the craziness in my world didn’t exist, and I was able to be in another space. Not only that, I loved the idea that the company made it possible to rent out their theater space for any type of private event or special occasion. I hadn’t had the opportunity to experience that just yet, but I’d heard good things. A few people I knew had celebrated adult birthday events, holiday parties and even bachelorette parties at the cinema. From the pictures, it always turned out pretty amazing.

“What time does the damn movie start?” my cousin questioned, already prepared to be annoyed.

“In about twenty minutes, Kendra. Relax.”

“Twenty minutes?” She slammed her head back against the seat. “Why in the hell do you always have me at the movies so damn early?”

“It’s not that early.”

“Yes, it is. Do you see anyone else in here?”

“That’s probably because they’re getting snacks.”