“He didn’t….” I sighed. “I’m not hungry, thank you anyway Amanda. Close the door on your way out please.” Dismissing her completely as she walked out with a low whistle, and closed the door. It’s been over a week since the incident. Dre, and I spoke briefly about the situation, and he made it clear he still needed his space, but wanted to be active in Violet’s life still, yet hasn’t stopped by once to see her since. Homer to my surprise made good on a promise I didn’t realize he would keep. He called every night on time to talk to Violet, and every morning as she woke up to bless her day before she went to school as he says.
Speaking of which…
I glanced at my phone seeing his numbers display across the screen. Refused to save him into my phone or give him a name. The eight four three area code was enough.
“What is it now?” I answered with a sigh, pinching my throbbing forehead as I closed my eyes.
“The fuck is your problem?” Homer asked instantly as I leaned back into my chair with a groan. Couldn’t even stay on the phone longer than a second without going at it. Barely kept up a front for Violet, but there were times where I wanted to hang up on him.
“I don’t have a pro----.”
“I don’t care enough. Look, what time can I come get her, and where are we meeting at?”
“I don’t get off work until later Homer. Why are you in such a hur---.”
“To see my daughter who I lost two years of her life, plus nine months of her or was it seven? She was born early right? Most Skye women come into the world like that. I drove all the way from Columbia to---.”
“Alright!” I snapped again with a roll of my eyes. You suddenly want to be super dad. I get it! “My car is in the shop for the weekend. I didn’t drive to work so when I get off in a few, I have to uber to---.”
“Sounds like a lot of work---.”
“Would you stop cutting me off?”
“Before you cut me off, I was saying it sounds like a lot of work. I can pick you up from work, and we can grab Violet from her school.”
I paused. Mulling over the stupid idea that would save a lot of time, but in the end. I didn’t want him to know where she went to school at, and I didn’t want to ride in the car with him. We didn’t need to be that close for him to babysit Violet for a few hours tonight.
“I don’t think that's a good idea. I can just uber, and----.”
“Why do women do that shit man,” he groaned, more to himself as my eyes screwed.
“What? Do what exactly? Not get in a car with someone they know they won’t get along with----.”
“It’s just a car ride. Instead of me waiting on you to get to your house or meet up spot since you won’t tell me where you live. We can grab her together like real fucking parents, and I can drop you off.”
“Can you please stop cursing at me? My own father doesn’t speak to me that way so I expect you not---.”
“I’m not your father—.”
“Stop cutting me off!” I screamed out. “Look, I get you’re trying to be in her life, and great! You’re probably anxious to see her again, but stop! Don’t try coming into our lives like you’re suddenly the better parent or you think you can save the freaking day!”
“What are you talking about Pia? The hell are you talking about? Look,” he sniffed. “Text me the address of your job, and time you ready to go. That simple. I ain’t asking for ya hand in marriage, and I’m not stealing Violet away from you. Okay? Shit! Five minute conversation done turned into this. If you ain’t tryna do all that then catch an uber. Ride with a stranger up to that school to get her, and let me know how that works out. Meet me at a location so I can grab her, and we’re hanging out. Taking her to the movies with me, grabbing something to eat, and we chilling. I don’t know what else two year olds do, but we’ll think of something. That’s it. Do whatever you gotta do tonight, enjoy yourself and let me enjoy my time with her. Stop making this harder than what it needs to be because last time I checked, she was the child, not you.”
I felt my fist tighten around the phone, imagining breaking it in half before letting go as I inhaled, and exhaled with a slow blink. Don’t let him get to you Pia Milton. As long as you’re there when Violet is asleep, and when she wakes up...As long as you have her, you have everything you can possibly need or want.
“Fine,” I gritted through my teeth. “I’m getting off in thirty minutes to check on the status of my car. I’ll send you the address.”
“Thirty minutes?!” He flipped just as I hung up with a proud smile, and a dignified nod. With one other call from Percy being ignored, and the address to my workplace sent. I added traffic time to his drive, thinking Homer wouldn’t be here for another hour or so. So I began to make my round of calls.
“Hello?” Nevaeh Skye greeted as I smiled. So far she has been nothing but kind to me while her sisters were throwing obvious shots on social media towards me.
“Are you still able to come out tonight with us? Even though I have no idea where this place is or where we’re going. You’re still with us right?” I asked.
“Esme Lounge, that’s what Delilah said.”
“Yeah it doesn’t come up when I look into the reviews, and pictures of the place. Not even Instagram. It's as if the place doesn’t exist, and it's supposed to be here in Atlanta?”
“It’s a different type of club. Part of Underground Atlanta. Won’t really hear much about it unless you’re in the know or know somebody. I’ve been before. It’s...different. Junie, and I went once but got put out because he brought salt with him and started flinging it everywhere. Long story, but I have my outfit ready. Hair refreshed, and heels unfortunately ready to have my feet suffer in them for the night.”
“I keep thinking I’m going to back out, but I need this. Maybe a night out with good company will take my mind off Dre, and my family.”
“I think we all need it. Feels like it's going to be the baby mama’s night out tonight. All of us with post pregnancy bodies, and haggard looks on our faces constantly thinking about our children’s every breath, and step…. The one time I get to feel sexy, I need this.. Junie is kind of excited too, just to see me dress up. Already told me don’t take the heels off when I come home sloppy drunk. He wants to, quote unquote, take advantage of me.”
I laughed.
“My sister Omni I think is trying to come around,” she started slowly. “Asks me a lot about you. I told her why don’t you meet her for yourself. She’s really nice. Homer just makes her out to be crazy.”
“I bet he does. This is Violet’s first time spending any time alone with him or anybody without me being there...I rarely let Dre around her without me being close by.”
“I can promise you, my brother will be so protective over Violet. All he talks about according to Mom. Telling everyone in South Carolina he has a daughter. Ready to show her off.”
“Yeah well...let’s just take baby steps...I’m trying not to be Mama Bear when it comes to him, but I can’t….”
“I know. Nothing will happen to her. He’s going to be a great dad, and tonight will prove that when they’re tuckered out on the couch together. Best sight in the world is to see my daughter falling asleep on Junie while he’s on the couch watching TV. Homer will be great at this. Watch. Now what are you wearing so I know if I’m under dressed or not?”
Homer Skye
“What’s the name of the spot? Esme Lounge?” Michael asked over the bluetooth speaker as I sat parked in the dark parking garage. Leaning on the door with my thumb nail out of habit being chewed on. Staring out the tinted window at the elevators of people coming, and going. Engine was still running, seats were cleared with the brand new dark blue car seat in the back, set up. Snacks, and drinks already set aside with clothes and a thing of books for my daughter.
“Nigga you hear me? What’s the name of the place?”
“Esme Lounge, we’ve been there before,” I said, watching the elevator doors open as another white pair stepped out in
mid talk. “That’s where we took Fowler for his birthday party a few years ago.”
This wasn’t one of those clubs where you could get in based on popularity, or looks. This was something much more deeper than that, and only those who either knew somebody that could get them in or you were already in the know like me.
“And what you doing about Violet? Ain’t you supposed to watch her?”
“Caroline complained about Pia not letting her see her so they getting her tonight. I’m gonna take her to get something to eat, and then let her meet her aunts. Be back in time to meet Pia or drop her off at Pia’s house when she gets home. She won’t know a thing. Caroline is going to send me pictures that I can send Pia so she knows or thinks she’s with me. I got her for the whole weekend I’m here so one night won’t hurt. She probably going out with her boyfriend nigga.”
“Yo funeral,” Michael laughed as the silver elevator doors parted again. “You still waiting on Pia?”
“Yeah,” stretching my legs as the cool air circulated around the car. “She probably taking her damn time. I didn’t have to pick her up, but I want to see where she sends Violet off to everyday.”
“Yall still arguing?”
“I don’t talk to her unless I have to. Put it like that,” I said as we both laughed. I watched another car pass through the check-in kiosk before turning into the garage and heading up the next level. Traffic was starting to pile up outside on the main streets when the elevator doors opened again. I leaned forward, squinting before sitting up at attention seeing Pia walk out with two older white men while she spoke on the phone. “There she go,” I muttered, reaching over the seat to clear off any last minute trash or stuff.
“Stuck in Atlanta traffic with yo baby mama, and neither of you can stand one another. I feel bad for ya big brudda. Went to Atlanta to start a family with your wife, left single as fuck with a child,” he laughed as I stared at Pia once more. As if it was my first time seeing her. She wore light blue jeans with white simple heels that showed a peek of her manicured toes. Cream colored top with her hair pulled up into a ball on her head, and bangs coming down to her eyes, she smiled. Not at me, but whoever she was talking to caused her to smile. Double dimples in both cheeks. I irritably, stretched my legs out wider, trying to adjust in the seat when I looked back at her walking around. Looking for my car. Turning slowly to the side as if she knew I was staring at her, I followed the dip in her back side, and the way she stood in the heels before slowly turning around like she was on display. Mouth still moving.
“She knows exactly where the hell I’m at,” I muttered irritably, watching her walk further into the parking garage trying to look innocent.
“Homer?!” Michael barked through the speakers, prompting Pia to turn around to meet my gaze in the tinted windshield. “Nigga damn! I’ve been talking a mile a minute, and you probably in the car drooling over Pia. You listening?!”
“Shit, shit. Michael be quiet, she can hear you,” fumbling with my phone, trying to hang up on him.
“At least somebody can. I asked you can you grab me something to eat while you out?”
I hung up the phone as she walked towards the car hanging up on her own conversation. Reaching over, I popped the door open for her just as her floral scent sorta just...settled in my car. Not in a bad way, but it was noticeable. Smelled almost sweet. Something you could rub your nose in.
“It would help,” she grunted softly, trying to fit into the seat as I eyed her thighs. “If you could just blow the horn or flash your lights instead of sitting there watching me look around like an idiot,” closing the door. “Take a right at the top of the light when you pull out. Her school isn’t that far,” digging into her bag before she eyed her shirt. Why was she moving so much? I gripped the wheel with one hand, leaning back with the other as I pulled out into the August sun, and afternoon traffic.
We didn’t speak aside from the typical traffic directions until I finally decided to be the mature parent of the two. Noticing she kept fumbling with her shirt, like she was checking her breasts constantly for something. I found myself glancing at them from time to time, seeing the thin outline of her bra barely holding her in place.
“Why you keep doing that?” I asked, coming to a red light. “What’s wrong with your shirt?”
She looked at me with wide eyes, face turning red.
“Why are you staring at me that hard for---.”
“Pia, it's you and me in the car. I’m calm, and relaxed and you keep moving like you got ants on you. Keep touching yourself like something is about to happen. Either sit still or tell me what’s going on?”
“Sit still?” She repeated. “Like I’m a child?”
“Forget it. Don’t even worry about it,” looking out my window. Wishing she would just calm the hell down. Her perfume was starting to get to my head when she cleared her throat.
“I had a brief accident today and been trying to dry this shirt ever since.”
I didn’t say anything, just caught myself staring at her once more. Studying the side of her face, and her skin. The way her bangs draped down with the small curl pattern that looked like a small S by her ear to her earrings. Suddenly, Pia looked at me like a stuffed chipmunk in the face with her wide cheeks, and flipped her hand to the light.
“What are you doing? It’s green. Go,” she let out as I snapped out of whatever daze I was in, and kept on driving.
“Going to spend time with your boyfriend tonight?” I asked, seeing the line of cars already pulled up in the long wrap around driveway of this grey and white building. Water fountain in the center of the circle driveway, I could see cars either parking along the side or kids coming out to meet their parents. Most of them black with their navy blue and black uniform.
“That’s none of your business,” she retorted, rolling down her window as my car fell in line behind the others waiting. “Hey Roger, I’m picking her up early today.”
“Name, and ID badge?” He teased as they both laughed. I just watched her flip her card out to show him her name and photo ID while eyeing the place that looked more expensive than it needed to be to watch some kids. “Violet Milton is her name,” Pia smiled sweetly as I leaned forward, watching older kids running out. Roger looked at his clipboard with a raised brow, and pursed lips.
“Honey, the masters are calling you in today. Might want to park it,” he said. “Doesn’t say why, just that you’re wanted in the office.”
“Are you serious? Again?” She snapped before he shrugged. “I hope to God it's not another fight. Thank you.”
“Fight?” I repeated.
“Just pull up and park somewhere. I have to go in to talk with her teacher----.”
“A teacher for a two year old Pia? How much is this place?” I questioned.
“Something I can afford in my sleep,” getting out. I snatched my door open to get out with a roll of my eyes, mocking her, something I can afford in my sleep bullshit ass line. “You don’t have to---.”
I closed the door with a lock and adjusted myself. Taking off my black shirt as Pia gasped at my bare chest. Knowing I was giving everyone a show, but I popped the trunk open and reached in my gym bag for a fresh black shirt to go with the basketball shorts. Almost thought it was funny the way she covered her face, and backed away from the car like she didn’t know me or want to be associated with me, but the way the mamas picking up their kids almost caused an accident trying to stare, I ain’t think she had nothing to worry about.
With a yank of my shorts, I walked a few feet behind Pia who clicked, and clacked in her heels with her purse bouncing against her thigh. While I was looking at her, most were looking at me and how out of place I looked. From my height, and size to the workout clothes and the flirty smile I gave the wives who couldn’t stop staring. Michael might have been right about baby mamas. Who different type of fine. Different type of life, and level of woman.
“Pia! Sweetheart! How are you?! Haven’t had a chance to catch you this w
eek to talk! We must do lunch one day!” A loud voice let out as she was stopped by a group of mothers who hugged, and consoled her. “We heard about what happened with...Is this Violet’s father? Oh my God, they look exactly alike. She has his entire face, and obvious complexion. It makes so much sense now! People were starting to think you adopted her out of...well...” Clearing her throat as she glanced at me with a smile.
Before I could hear Pia struggle to speak up for herself, I came up behind her, smiling at the nosey busy bodies. Makeup, weave, and outfits the same in different shapes and sizes. Louis bags, and heels, one trying to outdo the other, I spoke for her.
“Excuse me, but we gotta keep moving,” interrupting the storm brewing over Pia. “Another time.”
“Of course,” the woman smiled as the girls followed, drool practically dropping to their chin as they stared me down.
“You didn’t have to do that,” Pia said, walking into the building with me right on her. Keeping close. Entire place could have been the white house for all I cared. High ceilings, old black artwork hanging everywhere. Everything pristine, marble, and white. The woman checking everybody in had her eyes on me, not hearing a word Pia was saying until Pia slapped her hand down on the counter for her attention. I grinned.
Wanted to laugh at the frustration on Pia’s face until we were finally sitting in the large office with the bay windows looking out at the wooded forest, and hidden playground within the gates. Door opened with a white woman ushering in Violet with her tiny book bag, and book held close to her chest. Eyes were red like she’d been crying, but the moment she saw me I smiled. Almost knocking my chair down to get to her, I scooped up the tiny navy uniformed being in my arms, and held her.
“I told you I was coming to see you again,” I smiled, watching her rub her eyes trying not to smile. My baby was playing shy, but she was happy to see me.
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