“I ain’t missing shit. How do you think I got you three? I have perfect aim. Better ask your mother. And, according to sources, you don’t miss, either.”
“Like father, like son. I told you I got you. You thought I was bullshitting?”
“Ummm hmmm. Did you tie up that loose end?” He cut to the chase.
“Laike is making sure it’s tied, burned, and disposed of.”
“Good. Now what you want, Luca? I’ve got things to do.” He swore he was so busy, but his days mostly consisted of golf, television, dinner dates with my mother, and yard work that he never seemed to complete.
“I’m going to marry her,” I revealed, lighting the blunt in my hands.
“Hell, you’d better or don’t call me or your mother anymore.”
“You’re choosing a stranger over your own son? You’ve only known her for three months.”
“I like her better,” he admitted. “She’s good for you, son. Only one of those kinds swings by in a lifetime. Don’t let the opportunity pass you by.”
“I won’t.”
“Is that all?”
“Nah. Not really.”
“Ooooooh. I see. Mr. Big Shot is scared.” He tittered, having a field day with that piece of information.
“Not really.”
“Oh, yes, you are. That’s why you called me. What you want some advice, son?”
“It would help.”
“Ask her in private. She’s the type of person who doesn’t like attention or the pressure other’s presence would cause. Don’t put her on the spot like that. Make it simple. She’ll love that. Don’t involve the kids. Make this moment about her and her only. Kids can be difficult when the attention is not solely on them.”
Emorey, I thought immediately.
“Make it part of your normal routine. She’ll notice. They always notice when something is different. Don’t weigh her finger down, either. I know how you get. She’s a graceful, elegant girl without needing the bright lights and marching band. Give her a simple, meaningful diamond that you can upgrade as the years go on, eventually getting her the chunk of a diamond that I know is on your mind right now.”
“Is that all?”
“Na. Focus on the marriage and not the wedding. If I could go back in time, I wouldn’t even have had a wedding. Your mother and I hated that shit. Don’t assume she wants it just becausemost women do. Ask her how she wants to proceed and take it from there.”
“Alright.”
“Now, I’ve got to go before I have to whoop one of these crackers on the course with my club for looking upside my head like they ain’t got no damn sense.”
“Behave, old man.”
“I love you, son. I’m proud of you.”
“Always.”
I ended the call with my father and immediately dialed Rico’s line. He answered after a few rings, sleep still evident in his voice.
“What’s up, Luca?”
“Shit, nigga, wake up.”
“I’m always up when money on the other end of the line.”
