Page 17 of Passion
“I didn’t want anyone to talk me out of it. I truly believe he is the man I was supposed to meet and eventually fall in love with.”
He slid his hand over his face and shook his head. “I don’t believe this shit. You actually think I’m cool with him meeting my kids and living with them?”
“I know you would want to meet him first. That’s a given. I was hoping you would be okay with them meeting him. I prepared myself for what I thought your response would be. I know this seems fucked up, and I’m sorry. I didn’t tell anyone other than Yunique and Vegas.”
“So nobody was there?”
“Everyone showed up because Vegas told them. I didn’t know that until the wedding day when I saw them. Mama said it was my responsibility to tell you, so she left it up to me. I should be the one you heard this news from.”
“You damn right, and I should have known before now. When you filled out the fucking application, you should have told me. I can’t believe you would do something like this without taking me and the kids into consideration.”
“I took the kids into consideration. I already know that they will love Gentry. I’m sorry I didn’t take how you would feel about them being around him like this until afterward.”
“Yeah. That’s why yo’ ass nervous. I don’t like this shit, Giselle, not one bit. When can I meet him?”
“Let me text him.”
He slowly shook his head as I sent a text to Gentry. “What time frame are you looking at to be living with him?”
“Next weekend. The kids can stay with you and Mama until you’re more comfortable. I will still see them every day. While I want them to move in when I do, I’m willing to compromise on that since I sprung this on everyone, especially you. For the record, I really am sorry, Clayton. We’re better than that.”
“Well, I ain’t so sure about that no more since you withheld that shit from me. You knew I wouldn’t agree with it. Whatever you do with your life is your business, but when it involves these kids, it’s my business too. I’m just tripping that you didn’t think about that shit. You know how protective I am of them, and you used to be the same way. I’m not so sure now.”
“I’m still protective of them. Don’t question my motherly instincts, Clayton. My only fuck up was not talking to you about it.”
My phone vibrated. Going to it, I saw a message from Gentry. Whenever it’s convenient for him. I’ll make it work, baby.
“He said whenever it’s convenient for you.”
“Tonight. I’ll take the kids to my parents. My mom’s been begging for them to come spend some time with them.” He shook his head again and said, “Meet at Harry’s at six. That’s three hours from now.”
He stood from his seat and called for the kids, completely dismissing me. I knew I deserved that shit, so I didn’t say a word about it. When the kids got to the porch, I gave them hugs and kisses and promised to see them tomorrow. Clayton got them in the house and practically slammed the door without saying another word.
When I got to the car, I called Gentry. “Hey, baby,” he said when he answered.
“Hey. Tonight at six at Harry’s.”
“Okay. I’m on my way home now. You okay?”
“I’m a little nervous. He was angry, but I get it. I fucked up by not telling him.”
“He wasn’t disrespectful, was he?”
“No. He just kept repeating that he thought we were better than that. I hate I didn’t tell him.”
“Okay. Try to be cool about it, baby. There’s nothing you can do to change things right now. You coming here to change?”
“No. I’m just gonna shower at home, and I’ll go home with you after dinner, if that’s okay.”
“Of course it’s okay. You just don’t wanna be distracted. That’s why you ain’t coming here before we go.”
“You’re absolutely right. We can’t be late. That will only add salt to the open wound.”
“Hmph. You right about that. Can I at least pick you up? After we eat, I’ll take you back to get your car.”
“Yes. Please be on time, Gentry.”
“I will. I know how important this is. See you at five thirty, baby.”