Page 17

I headed straight to Joni, and Tori’s after leaving work. I was still pissed about Dexter showing up at my office, but I was more concerned about how AJ would feel once he found out. I wasn’t about to let Dexter’s sudden appearance disrupt my son’s life without giving AJ a say in what happened next.

When I walked into the kitchen, Tori was sitting at the table with GiGi and my mama. Leah was seated beside her, eating strawberries from a bowl while GiGi fussed about beating Tori and the babies if she didn’t eat her dinner.

“Hey, y’all,” I greeted, setting my purse on the counter.

“Hey, girl. You good?” She asked, studying my face. I shook my head and pulled out a chair beside her.

“Yeah, it’s been that kind of day,” I admitted. Tori glanced at Leah before reaching for her daughter’s hand.

“Leah, go upstairs and play for a little while, baby,” she instructed. “I’ll come get you when we’re done talking.”

“Can I take my strawberries?” Leah asked, already reaching for the bowl.

“Yeah, but don’t make a mess,” she warned. Leah promised she wouldn’t before disappearing out of the kitchen.

Before I could get into what happened, Joni walked in. He went straight to Tori, kissing her.

“Wassup, sis? What you doing over here?” He asked, pulling Tori up and sitting her on his lap.

“That’s show that gal got knocked up in the first place. You always tryna sit her on your little peter wacker,” GiGi fussed.

“Man, Gee. I done told you about that shit,” Joni fussed.

“And I done told you about cursing in my gah damn house. Now what has your face all twisted up,” Gee pointed out.

“Dexter came to my job today.”

Joni’s expression changed immediately, and Mama slowly lowered the cup she’d been drinking from. GiGi leaned back in her chair while Tori turned toward me.

“When did he get out and what the hell did he want?” Mama asked, frowning. I rubbed my forehead and released a frustrated sigh.

“He wants to see AJ,” I answered. “Apparently, he’s ready to start building some kind of relationship with him.”

“Yeah, that ain’t fucking happening,” Joni laughed bitterly.

“What else happened?” Tori asked.

“Mase came by while Dexter was there and Mase almost killed his ass because he wouldn’t shut up,” I explained.

“You should’ve let him.” Joni shrugged.

“Joni,” Tori called out.

“Take all that out your voice for me, baby,” Joni warned, and all Tori did was roll her eyes at him.

“He came talking about he wants to get to know his son because he’s his father. He also mentioned him calling another man ‘pops’.”

“Tell that nigga to come holla at me about it then. Muthafucka couldn’t even make a fucking phone call and that’s what he’s worried about?” Joni fussed. “That’s gone be the least of his fucking worries.”

“Joni, I know you’re upset, so I’m gone give you a pass this time,” GiGi started. “And Dexter can go to the farthest part of hell. He will not come and disrupt my grandbaby’s life after all these years. Hell, where was Alice’s bald-headed ass since her son cared so much. She could’ve stepped up in his absence like we did. They better get the fuck on somewhere before I go see about them myself.”

One thing about Hazel Brooks, she didn’t play with her babies, and you weren’t either.

“Nobody’s worried about Dexter. I just wanted to give AJ the opportunity to say how he feels about the situation,” I stated.

“Ain’t nothing wrong with that,” Mama agreed. “He’s old enough to tell you how he feels.”

“I’on wanna see that nigga.”