Lois didn’t have to say it for me to realize the little weasel ass motherfucker who had been claiming to fix my baby’s internet was indeed the nigga on that creepy shit with her. When we got back to the restaurant, Lois said she’d get me an address andwhatever I needed on ol’ boy as soon as possible. I agreed, then hopped in my truck to leave. I was picking up Aja, then Jade. While I was driving, my mind went to Wiley before I fished my phone from the cup holder and decided to dial my brother. It took him a minute to answer, but when he did his ass sounded irritated and short tempered as always.
“Yeah.” He sighed into the phone.
“Yeah what? That ain’t how you answer, no phone fool.”
“Probably ain’t, but that’s how I answered this shit. What’s to you?” he huffed.
“Nothing besides your stank ass attitude. The fuck is wrong with you?”
He sucked his teeth before sounding like he nearly sneezed through the phone. A cough ensued. “Tryna figure out which one of these lil mfs got me sick.”
I chuckled almost immediately. “Nigga, you got three kids. What do you expect?”
He scoffed. “I know. I think it was when the twins went to school. Everybody else in this motherfucker is fine, but I think my fucking asthma is flaring up.” He coughed again.
“Damn. Feel better. I got Aja anyway; baby girl wants to stay with me now. She claimed you have too many babies and dogs.”
That earned a throaty laugh from him. “Damn. I’d talk some shit, but I see where she’s coming from. Are you ready for that?”
“I don’t know, but I won’t know until I try. Plus she was adamant about it. She believes Jade lives with me.” I laughed at the thought.
“Shit, don’t she?”
“Nah, it's temporary. But I didn’t call you about all of that. I called you because Wiley Ortega came to my restaurant with his nephew. Left me his card and told me he thought?—”
“You were his son? Shit me too and if Sora was still in Chicago, he probably would’ve popped up on him too. He cameby the shop a few days ago.” Kinga laughed. “I've been doing business with his old ass for years and he ain’t never said shit.”
“What’s different now?” I asked, eyes on the road as I pulled up to Aja’s school.
“Hell if I know. And I don’t care to find out. I’m damn near thirty, the fuck I need a daddy for? Too damn old to be out here looking for a father, O, and you are too.” More coughing followed his statement.
“So you ain’t gonna talk to him?”
“Nah, I’ma let you do it, since I know it’s in your character traits to be the one who does,” he answered in a matter-of-fact tone.
“What is that supposed to mean?” I threw my head back in confusion.
“You have great communication skills. I don’t, ’cause I ain’t never gave a fuck to communicate. You’ll go talk to him and come back to tell me. Nothing more nothing less. I do have something I need to discuss with you when you get the chance though.”
“So you already knew?” Everything he said, including his reaction, pointed to that. I watched the pickup line as I pulled into it.
“Partly, but I found out from that rotten ass fool Memphis that night. And before you get on my nerves asking why I didn’t tell you, I’ma remind you that you’re pushing forty. What the fuck you gonna walk around looking for a daddy for? Unc had us regardless of anything.”
“I ain’t pushing no fucking forty.”
“Yeah, right. You’re closer to forty than twenty, but it’s about whatever you believe, bro. Lemme hit you back in a little while. My wife finally made a nigga some soup.”
I laughed. “Aight get you some rest.”
“I am. Make sure you tell my niece she ain’t have to do us like that. And don’t let that lil nigga hug her at the door. Last time I swear he said some shit in her ear.”
“Okay, I’ma handle that.”
When we hung up, I got out and rounded the truck. I leaned against the side of the car waiting and focusing on the kids coming out. Aja wasn’t in the first two groups but was in the third and right next to her was Sabastian and another little girl. I watched strictly as she hugged the little girl, then Sabastian goodbye before approaching me.
“Hey, Daddy,” she greeted, standing directly in front of me.
“What’s up, lil friendly ass girl.” I winked with a smile on my face. “I’on get a hug too?”
