I cleared my throat, attempting to remain quiet. Aunie’s careless response was pissing me off.
“Is there something you would like to say?” she shouted while looking at me.
“What?”
“I said, is there something that you would like to say?”
“Don’t bring Nova into this,” Don stepped in. “This is between me and you.”
“Yeah, well, it sounds like your little girlfriend has something she wants to say. I figured I would give her the floor to speak.”
“Nah, what you need to do is get the hell out of here. At this point, I’m convinced that there’s no getting through to you, and we’re never going to be on the same page. You do what you want with no regard for anyone other than yourself.”
Waving him off, she turned to walk towards the door. “I don’t have time for this shit. I’ll let you know the next time I plan to get Dakota.”
“There won’t be a next time.”
“Excuse me?” she said, her head shooting around to meet his gaze.
“You heard me. I don’t get what the hell your problem is, but I’m not going to put up with it. Since you can’t act like you got some sense, then you don’t need to be around my daughter.”
“You can’t do that.”
“Yes, the hell I can.”
“You’re not keeping me away from the only thing that keeps me tied to my sister.”
“Well, you should’ve thought about that before you decided to play by your own rules.”
“Fuck you, Don!”
“I’m sorry you feel that way,” he said before strolling past her to open the door. “Now, leave.”
“You can’t be serious.” She stood in place, her mouth wide open as she stared at him.
Don didn’t budge. Instead, he turned his head toward the hall, waiting for her to take heed to his warning.
“Wow, you’re unbelievable. I’m the only person that keeps your daughter connected to this side of the family and you’re going to keep her away from us?”
“I’m not keeping her away from the entire family. I’m keeping her away from you.”
“Don—”
“Goodbye, Aunie.”
Her nose flared.
Shaking her head, she stormed out of the condo.
The look on Don’s face was a mixture of things, but the one thing I easily noticed was uncertainty. I knew how important it was for him to keep Dakota connected to family. That was the reason he moved back to Belbridge. But keeping her safe while also maintaining his sanity was just as important. With Aunie, he never knew what he was going to get, and that was a headache that he just didn’t need.
27
Nova
“Okay, Don, so just a little warning. Most of the people in my family have no tact. Specifically, my grandmother and aunt. They are known for saying whatever to whoever, so please don’t let them get to you. Matter of fact, if you can, avoid them at all cost.”
Laughing, Don kissed the top of my hand and helped me out of the car. “Babe, everything is going to be fine.”
