“You’re not mad I didn’t try to talk it out first?” He locked eyes with me, and I saw the concern in his.
“No.” I chuckled. “You’ve always been the act first and ask questions later kind of person. That’s why I said you reminded me of Smoke when he shot that man for trying to steal from his truck before he even saw who it was.”
He smiled and ran his hand over his head as he returned his attention to the road.
“I’m glad you’re not upset, and I still apologize for getting out of character like that.” Kayne made sure to look at me when he added, “You know I ain’t lettingnobodydisrespect you though.”
“I know, pookie, and I love you even more for that,” I affirmed, unbuckling his jeans. “Let me show you how much.”
I lowered my head to his lap and gave him slow, sloppy head that had his speed accelerating and moans filling the car. I knew he was about to cum when he abruptly pulled over to the side of the road. After swallowing every drop of his seeds, I put his dick back in his boxers and jeans and wiped my mouth as I sat up.Him staring at the side of my face caused me to look over at him. His serious expression made me laugh.
“Why are you staring at me?”
“I love your nasty ass.”
That made me laugh harder. “I love you too, baby.”
As we pulled back onto the road, I checked my notifications. In our group chat, they made plans to finish the evening at Brodie’s house. I told Kayne, and he confirmed I didn’t mind going before heading that way.
Things were progressing between me and Jayla perfectly. As we prepared to return to school on Monday, I tried to mentally prepare for the conversation Pearl wanted to have. I didn’t know what she wanted to discuss. The last time we talked, it was about what the kids needed for school. Jayla and I had already told her we’d get whatever they wanted and needed. Since Miley was going into first grade and Mateo had a growth spurt, we got new clothes along with school supplies. Unless she wanted to discuss transportation to and from school, I wasn’t sure what to expect with this conversation.
I could tell it was weighing on Jayla heavily too because she’d been silent the whole drive. When we arrived, I cut the car off but didn’t rush to get out.
“What do you think she has to say?” Jayla asked softly.
“Honestly, bae, I don’t know.” I took her hand into mine and kissed it. “Could be about how the kids are going to get to school since she isn’t in the district.”
Jayla sucked her teeth and shook her head. “I can’t believe Sonny came home long enough to register them for school before leaving again. He didn’t even have the decency to make time for them. He just went to the school and fucking left.”
“My gut is telling me that man ain’t coming back, Jayla. Not permanently.”
“Unfortunately, I think you’re right.”
We sat in silence for a while before I got out and went to her side and opened her door. Hand in hand, we walked the short way to Pearl’s front door. I rang the doorbell, and it wasn’t long before Pearl came and greeted us then led us inside.
“Where are my babies?” Jayla asked instinctively, looking around the living room.
“With their aunt Stacy. I didn’t want them here for what I had to say.”
While Jayla and I sat on the couch, Pearl sat in the recliner that was off to the side of it. I wrapped my arm around her shoulders while she rested her hand on my thigh.
“Sonny ain’t coming back,” Pearl said with a slow shake of her head. “He done went to Miami and convinced himself he is happier and at peace when he isn’t a father. A husband. A man with responsibilities.”
Jayla and I looked at each other.
“Is he giving you custody of the kids?” I asked.
She sighed and ran her hands up and down her thighs. “He wants to, but I don’t want it. He wants to give up his rights and stay in Miami. I’m willing to do what I gotta do for my grandkids so they won’t be put in the system. Legally, I’ll be their guardian, but his siblings gon’ have to raise them. I’m too old. I done raised my kids. I can’t raise his too.” She leaned forward andpointed toward a purple folder on the coffee table. “That’s some information on the schools up the street I’ll have to transfer them to. I wanted to tell y’all before I told them.”
“Wait, what?” Jayla asked sitting up, and the distress in her voice made my heart ache. “They can’t go to other schools.” She chuckled nervously. “M-my little nugget is about to be in a completely new grade and that’s an adjustment I wanted to help her through. And Mateo . . . he’s doing better in school and had plans of joining the gaming club. They’ve already had so many adjustments and are just now settling into something stable. Youcan’tuproot them from their schools.”
“I ain’t got no other choice. Their schools are too far away. I don’t drive like I used to.”
“We’ll take them,” I offered. “We’ll keep them throughout the week, and they can alternate between their aunt and uncle’s houses on weekends and breaks.”
Jayla nodded rapidly, clawing my knee. I knew her nervous energy was going into that movement, and I was willing to tolerate or do just about anything to relieve her of it.
“Will that work?” Jayla asked—pleaded.
