“Yeah.” He rubbed his hand down his fade. “I know.”
“I have a suggestion and you're going to be shocked by this… I think it may be time to talk to your parents. Too much time has passed, and I believe it’s time to work out your issues with them. I don't fuck with them but you're their son. It’s time for healing.”
Side-eying her, Lo questioned, “Since when do you want me to talk to them? For years, you told me I shouldn’t because of what they did.”
Maddy’s gaze descended toward the table as she rearranged her fork, placing it next to the knife.
“I’m getting older, and I’ve been reflecting on a lot, especially the rift between you and your parents. I don't want something to happen to them, and you not have the closure you deserve. I know we all played a part in the situation and things may not even be the same between me and my sister. However, I want you to heal. I see your demons. Every time I look in your eyes, I can spot the torment you go through. I don't want that for you so think about having a conversation with them.”
Hearing this come from Maddy left Lo muddled. For years, she had advocated for him not to speak to Ada and Dax. She thought distance was the best decision. Now, she wanted him to converse with the opps, and he couldn’t understand why.
Maddy touched his hand. “Lo, promise me you’ll think about having a talk with your folks.”
Lo wasn’t ready for that. It required too much of him to even consider it. Still, he didn’t want to disappoint his aunt so he nodded, knowing that what she wanted wouldn’t happen any time soon.
Frustrated
Lo laid back on the bed, playing a game on his Motorola RAZR phone. A knock brought his attention to the door. Seconds later, it opened, and Dax peeked his head inside.
“You busy?”
Lo shook his head and sat up. Dax entered, wearing his usual slacks with a collared shirt and dress shoes. Lo had never seen his father in jeans. He was always dressed to impress and when there was an event, he stepped it up and donned designer suits that were tailored to his tall frame.
“You made that?” he asked.
Lo looked at the robot that sat on his desk. He’d built it in STEM class and brought it home.
“Yeah.”
Dax smirked. “You're the smartest kid I know. Your mama will say you got it from her, but you and I know the truth,” he joked, taking a seat on the bed.
Lo chuckled, awaiting what his father would say. It was rare that Dax came into his room to speak to him. Usually, it was the boys going to his study or bedroom to talk to him.
“I wanted to holla at you about something…” Dax seemed to be in deep thought before he turned to Lo. “I talked to your Mama about that opportunity you were nominated for, and I think you should give it a try.”
Lo gawked, unable to believe the words that had come from Dax’s mouth.
“You said I didn’t have to go.”
“I know.” Dax’s voice unveiled a bit of regret. “But this is a good look. You can learn so much, and you’ll even get scholarships for college.”
A deep sigh pushed from his lungs. Lo had never known his father to go back on his word. Dax’s word was law. He said what he meant, and he never led them astray. Witnessing him fold for his mother left Lo so disappointed in him.
“Look, I know this isn’t what you wanna hear,” Dax continued, “but your mama made some great points about this camp, and I think it would be great for you.”
Lo hopped from his bed, fuming at the reality of Dax changing his mind.
“Why you let her talk you into making me go?”
“I didn’t let her do anything. I heard her out and thought on it. Sometimes, as men, we gotta do some shit we don't wanna do. I see good things coming from this, Lo.”
“So, now I gotta give up my summer to go to a boring-ass camp?”
Dax angled his head, staring at Lo. “It won’t be the entire summer.”
Lo was beyond frustrated. Why did he have to go to a summer camp when all he wanted to do was stay home with his brothers? He, Meco, and Devyn had plans. They were going to have the summer of their lives now that Devyn had his license. They wouldn’t have to be chauffeured around by Ada or Dax. They had unlocked a new level of freedom and now his parents wanted him to give it up for some bullshit summer camp.
“You can be mad at me. I can handle it but in the long run, I think you’ll be glad that we made you go.”
