The second I stepped through the door, I heard chaos. Not TV. Not music. Benny.
***
“Daddy!” His little voice rang out like a damn fire alarm.
This wild-ass boy came running down the hallway full speed. Shirt half on, one sock on, and a cape made from one of Nic’s silk scarves tied around his neck.
“Benny, slow the hell—”
Too late. He crashed into my leg like a linebacker and grabbed hold.
“You fight bears today, Daddy?”
I looked down at his lil’ crazy-ass. “I thought you were the one fighting bears and shit?”
“Yeah, but I need backup. They too big.” He stretched his lil’ skinny ass arms wide to show how big the bear was.
“You got it, man.” I scooped him up, kissed the top of his wild curls, and walked toward the kitchen.
Goldie was at the counter in shorts and sports bra, stirring a pot. Her hair was tied up, skin glowing, lips pursed like she was deep in thought.
“Your son think he’s a gah damn Power Ranger,” I announced.
“I know. He’s been jumping off the furniture all damn day.” She didn’t even look surprised.
I put Benny down, and he ran to the fridge to grab a juice pouch like he paid bills here.
“I can’t help he got my energy.”
“Mhm. Don’t forget about that mouth.”
Goldie turned to face me, leaning back on the counter with a knowing look. I walked up behind her, slid my arms around her waist, and kissed her neck.
“You smell like outside,” she said flatly.
“Come clean me up.” I kissed her neck again.
She shrugged me off. “Go wash up. Dinner’s almost done.”
By the time I finished my shower, Goldie and Benny were already seated. Benny barely made it through prayer before digging into his plate like he hadn’t eaten all day. Goldie sat quietly across from me, just watching. I knew that look. She was about to be on some good bullshit.
“You been acting different,” she finally said.
“Here we go,” I muttered, chewing on a piece of grilled chicken.
“I’m serious. You’re moving like you got something to hide. Is it about Kilo?”
I paused, fork halfway to my mouth.
“What makes you say that?”
She narrowed her eyes. “Because when I asked you the other day, you got slick. And every time I bring him up, you get weird.”
“I always get weird when people ask me shit that ain’t got shit to do wit’ me.”
“You better not be lying for your brother, Lincoln.” She pointed her fork at me.
I looked at her dead in her face. “You calling me a liar?”
