Page 15 of Love Me Now: Baltimore & Madelyn

First concerned, then upset, Dayton was now angry. “You fuckin’ wit’ me, right?”

“Naw,” I said. “I told you about finding Genika.”

Realization sank in. “Oh, shit!” He reached for Genesis and gently held him. “Aight, so this is my nephew.”

I nodded. “At some point, he’ll share our last name. I’m taking him to meet Pops and Mama after this meeting.”

“I’m proud of you, bruh. This is a big step, but I promise it’s worth it. I wouldn’t trade my wife and kids for shit.”

“Yeah, I know,” I replied just as his desk phone chirped.

“Mr. Cooley, the Grandisons are here to see you.”

Dayton pressed a button on the machine. “Send them up,” he told the receptionist.

I took Genesis from him and exited his office to head to the conference room. Doing this deal brought back so many memories. Once upon a time, I used to dominate the game of baseball. Endorsement deals, a healthy check, and a life on the go were all laid before me. At the time, it sounded tempting. Looking back, I was glad I didn’t let the lure of fame take me off my destined path. Had I taken that route sixteen years ago, I wouldn’t have been holding this little boy whose innocent eyes were trained on me.

Maddie and her mama were out grocery shopping, so I took the opportunity to take Genesis off Maddie’s hands. Mrs. March didn’t like it, but it was fuck her. I wouldn’t let her and whatever demons she was hiding dictate how I moved with Genesis. Bringing Genesis with me to Mobile to meet my family was a move I didn’t make lightly.

Kissing Genesis’s forehead, I asked him, “You ready to be a baseball team owner?” His eyes were heavy again, and within minutes he’d be asleep. Loving another man’s child wasn’t something I would ever struggle with. Love was love, and as long as I had breath in my body, I had it to give.

An hour and a half later, Dayton and I were one step closer to closing a deal with the Grandisons. They were elderly twin brothers who opted out of passing their legacy down to their heirs. The team moving wasn’t what they wanted either, so selling was the best option. Although they had another offer on the table, Dayton and I made an offer they couldn’t refuse.

Being natives of Mobile, Alabama and with my knowledge of the game, the Grandison twins were more comfortable turning over their legacy to us. As much as I didn’t want to take the lead with the team, I would have to. By the time our respective lawyers went over the deal, dealing with the red tape of the league, and waiting for the check to clear, announcements about ownership change would be announced this fall. We agreed to have the deal completed by the summer.

“Destiny. That’s what this is,” Dayton said after the Grandisons left the conference room. “You dodged baseball too long, bruh. Then you refuse to work here—”

“That’s not true,” I interjected with a chuckle.

“It is,” Dayton continued. “Don’t you see a door opening for you, baby? You won’t admit it, but you loved baseball too much to just walk away from it. You love Boss Ladythat muchthat you gave up everything to be in her life any way you could?”

Dayton made me sound certifiable. Lusting after another man’s wife was beyond crazy. Plus, I wish a muthafucka would lust after mine. Fuck that it was hypocritical of me. A little delusion never hurt anybody.

“I can’t even be mad ‘cause it worked out for you. If you fuck it up—”

“I won’t,” I smoothly interrupted. “Not ever.”

I waited all this damn time to have Maddie. She was lucky if I gave her ass another few weeks to heal. I was ready to move in on her, and fuck whoever thought that shit was foul.

Thinking of Maddie, my phone vibrated. I answered the call so quickly, Dayton chuckled. He got up and left the conference room just as I answered Maddie’s call.

“Are you checkin’ on me or the baby?” I asked by way of greeting.

“Well…”

“Genesis is fine, mama. You’re supposed to be grocery shopping. Mind you, I told you I would do it for you.”

“You’re doing enough for me, Cooley. And I appreciate it more than you know.”

“Hm, well, give me full reigns. I enjoy being at ya service. Now, get back to shopping. Genesis is good, and I would never let anything happen to him.”

“No, I know, and I’m doing my best to get through this grocery list. She’s driving me crazy,” she whispered playfully. “Instead of shopping, she wants to discuss why a certain man is catering to my every breath.”

“What’s ya answer?” I questioned.

She sighed and said, “Because he cares about me, Heir, and Genesis. And we’re family.”

“I’m glad you see things the way I do, Maddie.”