Page 64 of Father of the Bride
“In case you need it spelled out for you,” Orion said, taking a step forward, “that’s mine. All of it. I don’t give a fuck what it looks like from the outside. We’re locked in.”
Mark smirked. “You think so?”
Orion huffed out a laugh. “What’s a square ass nigga like you gon’ do with all that anyway? Fuck outta here. My name’s tattooed on that thang, Doc. Don’t get your feelings hurt.”
“What did you just say?”
Davion had snuck up on them without them realizing.
“Son—“
“Nah, what you just say about my mama?”
Amari and Sylvan looked up, instantly alert.
Orion swallowed hard. “Just a little jawjackin’, that’s all. Don’t worry about it.”
Mark exhaled. It sounded to him like Orion made it up, which made a lot more sense than Sunny lying to his face.
“Nah. I wanna know what you just said to him aboutmy mother.”
Orion frowned, backing up a step. “Why don’t you watch your tone first. Take that bass out your voice.”
Davion chuckled bitterly. “Whatever you said…I already know it’s gonna piss me off.”
“Then quit ear hustlin’.”
“Or you can just stop talkin’ shit!”
Mark moved in front of Davion as Orion charged him, taking the brunt of the man’s weight. He was unfazed; three years of college football had prepared him for days like this.
“Tell ‘em!” Davion said from behind Mark. “Tell your sons the truth.”
“About what?” Sylvan said. “What’s going on?”
Mark pressed his palms against Orion’s chest, moving him backwards with some ease. An employee rushed out of the fitting room, concern on his face.
“We’re good,” Mark said, shaking his head at Orion. “Let’s not do this here.”
“Nah, tell the truth, Pop! Tell them why Mama divorced you.”
Orion’s shoulders dropped as the fight went out of him.
“Because you cheated,” Dav said flatly, turning toward his brothers. “With a bitch he met at Mama’s job. Who she was friends with. Mama introduced them.”
Amari blinked. “Wait…what?”
“You serious?” Sylvan said, his phone forgotten in his hand.
Orion opened his mouth, then closed it.
Mark stood at attention, ready to step in again if he needed to. But Orion was like a balloon that had been unknotted, leaking oxygen, falling and flattening against the floor.
“I ain’t doin’ this shit,” Davion muttered. He snatched the garment bag out of the employee’s hand and stormed out the door.
Mark caught up with him outside on the boutique steps.
“Dav—“
