When I was little he’d come over and bring me new dolls. Him and Mom would go to her bedroom for a while. That went on for years. His wife must be an idiot. I know not all men are true and faithful. I’m not that naïve. I also know not all women are honest either.
I glance at Pam as she hugs up to her man, Link. I remember East calling her out that night I started my period for cheating on him. I wonder if there was any truth to that. It’s not my business I know that. They’ve always appeared so in tune with one another. So in love. Appearances can be deceiving.
I follow my supposed father and my husband down a hallway. I stop and take in the portrait of a girl. She looks to be about my age but the clothing she wears dates the photograph to be nearly twenty years old. I don’t have to ask who she is. She was my mother’s best friend in high school. The one who died in a car crash. My father’s daughter. My half-sister. A chill washes over me and her gaze feels as though it’s moving with me as East pulls me along.
Murder opens a door and flicks on the light switch. I file in behind East. The room has a large desk with a laptop computer sitting off to the side. Lots of pictures of Murder over the years hang on the walls.
They both take their seats and I shuffle awkwardly unsure if I want to sit or stand but my man decides for me, pulling me onto his lap, arms protectively circling my waist, chin resting on my shoulder, lips at my ear. “Stop fidgeting, baby.” I lace my fingers through his, he rubs his thumb over my wedding ring. “Guess Alexa called you.”
“She did. Hear she told you who I am to you.” His words are meant for me. I give him a nod, unable to find my voice. “I’m sure there’s a lot you’d like to say to me. I’m not gonna apologize. Not gonna bullshit you. When your mom told me she was pregnant the last thing I wanted was a kid by her. I had no business fucking around with her. I wasn’t a good father to the kid I had. My shit, my mistakes landed on her shoulders. She fucked up and got herself killed because of choices I made. I wasn’t going to fuck your life up too. I made a choice and stuck by it. Though I’ve always supported your mom. Bought her that house.
Paid for her car. Gave her money anytime she asked for it. Made sure you had a roof, clothes, and food. Did what I could. My Old Lady doesn’t know shit about you being mine. I’d like to keep it that way. If that makes me a prick, then so be it. I will say this though, you ever need me you can call on me.” He pauses and though his words should hurt they don’t. I don’t want anything from him. I may not have all his reasons but it’s enough for me. He didn’t want me, and I don’t want him.
“You know, East, when I told you to be there for Wylla Mae this wasn’t what I had in mind. But I gotta say, I couldn’t have found a better man for a son-in-law. We have some business to discuss later. Right now, I wanna know what’s the status with Lynn?”
“If that kid is mine, I will own up to what I need to, but other than she ain’t shit to me.”
His gaze slices to me. “How you feel about that?”
“I’m not happy about it but I stand by my man.”
“Alexa did one thing right. Taught you how to be an Old Lady. But I suppose that shit is in your blood.” I don’t have a response to that, and I get the feeling he’s done sharing. “Church in the morning.”
“I’ll be here. We good?”
“Long as you treat her right. It’s all a father can ask for.” He goes quiet for a minute. “How far along are you?”
“What?”
“Heard me. May not have been your father but I know that fucking glow on any woman. How far along?”
“We don’t know yet. Just found out after we got married.”
“So, you didn’t marry her cause you knocked her up?” his attention is back on East.
“Put my ring on that finger because I wanted to. Not because of any reason other than I love her. Wylla Mae claimed my ass when she was eight. I just didn’t realize it till few months back. I’m a little slow on the uptake.” East and Murder both chuckles.
“Phone.” Murder holds his hand out palm up. I look to East.
“Give him your phone, baby.”
“I didn’t bring it in.”
“Really liking the woman you’ve grown into, Wylla Mae. When you get home, East is gonna put my number in your phone. You ever need me want you to call me. I owe you that much. But meant what I said, don’t go around shouting our relation. My Ruthie wouldn’t take well to the news.”
“Don’t worry. I’m about as thrilled to have you for a father as you were to hear the news eighteen years ago. There’s no love loss. Can’t miss something I never had in you. I had my mom and I had East. She wrote me off, but I still have him. I think I got the better end of the deal.”
“Heard that, Cupcake.”
“Don’t call me that. My name is Wylla.”
Murder’s fury lips curve upward. “Got your mother’s mouth and my eyes. Could’ve done worse for you. You turned out okay. See you around. Don’t forget we need to have words tomorrow.”
“Later, Prez.” East taps my leg and nudges the small of my back. Guess that’s my cue to get up so I do. We get out in the hall when he says, “Wanna hang around longer or are you ready to go home?”
“We can stay if you want to. I’ve been keeping you all to myself.”
“Like you keeping me all to yourself, baby.” He stops me for a hug, hands on my ass, lips on mine. “One more beer then I’ll take you home.” We go over to one of the tables where a few of his brothers are sitting. East pulls me into his lap, embracing me like he did in Murder’s office.