Page 41 of Only for Me

“It’s for Avi. You said?—”

“I’m not concerned with what you bought, that’s what the money is for. Spend it how you want, Makari.”

“I just didn’t want you thinking I was wasting it on me.”

He looked me up and down then moved his tongue over his bottom lip. “My money damn sure won’t be wasted on you.”

“Well it’s not anything you’ll have to worry about.”

“Can I see what you got her?”

I paused with several bags clasped in my hands and swung my eyes to him. He was holding Avi for the first time, seemed natural doing it, and was now asking to see the clothes I purchased for her. This was what I wanted, but shit, it felt verycozy.

“You want to see her things?”

“Yeah man, is that a problem?”

“No, I just didn’t think you would care.”

“Why? Because I didn’t shut you down when you was out there swiping that damn card like your life depended on it.”

I grinned and rolled my eyes. “No, because men don’t care about stuff like that.”

“What man are you using as a reference, Kari? And before you answer that shit, be mindful that whoever the fuck it is better not be a reference for caring about anything considering my daughter.”

I walked over to the sofa and dumped the bags, heading back to grab the rest before I settled next to them. “I told you I’m not dating anyone, and even when I am, they won’t be around Avi until we’re serious.”

He snorted and brought Avi in close to his face and kissed her cheeks. “Tell your mommy to stop talking crazy and show me what she bought you today.”

“How am I talking crazy?”

He deadpanned me and frowned hard as hell. “The only thing you’re going to be serious about is her.”

I dug through the first bag and removed several folded stacks of onesies and two-piece pajama sets. Most of them were cream, with various images like flowers, hearts, and butterflies. I also picked a few yellows, teals, and greens.

“You do realize at some point I will be dating, maybe sooner rather than later if you act like a father and stop disappearing on us.”

“Bruh, this was my first week. Can you let that ride?”

“No, do better.” I smiled and he grunted.

“Those are cute but where is her pink shit at?”

“I’m not a pink person.”

“But how you know she’s not? Maybe she likes pink. Don’t be selfish.”

“She likes what I buy.”

“Bruh, you’re flawed for that.” He grinned at Avi. “Don’t worry, shorty, I’m going to get you right with the pink. Your mom is a hater.”

“Pink is cliché,” I defended.

“Show me the rest.”

It took me literally an hour to show him everything I purchased because he kept stopping me to ask questions and give his opinion on the things I got. He also included Avi, asking her whether she liked certain things to which she smiled,babbled, and grabbed at them when he turned her to look at them. All of this felt so normal and normal shouldn’t have been anywhere near my feelings when it came to this man, yet, here we were…

Chapter 8