Page 18 of Heartless
I move away from the conversation with my father and toward my brothers. Throwing my arms around Micah’s neck, I say, “Boy, ain’t nobody forgot about you with your bigheaded self.”
Laughing, he says in a low voice, “The ladies aren’t complaining.”
I mush him in the side of the head before I turn to Marc Jr. and say, “Thanks for coming, big bro.”
“I’ll always be here for you, lil’ bit,” he reassures me, calling me by my nickname.
“I’ve had a few people approach me about dancing with their dance companies and putting on a show for their theaters,” I tell my family.
“You are amazing enough to run your own dance company,” Mama says.
“That’s not my desire anymore, Mama. The dance studio, and my students and staff are an amazing family and an extension of who I am. I’m thankful for what I have now, and the only thing that could make it better is to start my own family.”
“You sure that’s not what that boy wants? I bet he’s convinced you to give up your lifelong dreams to stay home and take care of his kids. And for what?” my father asks, shaking his head and looking disappointed.
“Daddy, that’s not what this is. The dreams I had simply changed, that’s all. No matter what I want to do, Onyx is supportive of that. And right now, that happens to be starting my own family.”
“Are you sure?” Daddy asks.
“I’m thirty-three-years old. I think I’m certain about what I want now,” I say.
“You might change your mind a year or two from now,” Daddy says.
“Then you won’t have the money because it will all go on raising a child,” Micah challenges.
“I’m just ready for grandkids,” Mama says.
“I’ve thought through this clearly from all angles. Money isn’t an issue. If I want to do something that’s out of my financial reach, Onyx is more than willing to finance it for me. He’s offered, trust me. What I want is not influenced by anythingOnyx said or didn’t say. These dreams live in my heart and mind, and nobody planted them there. This is one of the greatest nights of my life and has nothing to do with my marriage or anything else. Can we focus on what this night is about and celebrate that?” I ask hopefully.
“I’m just ready to party, lil’ sis,” Marc Jr. says.
“We’re here because we’re proud of you, and we want to support you. So, if you say it’s time to party, then let’s party,” Mama says cheerily.
“Thanks, Mama. Come on, let’s go to the other room and celebrate with everyone else,” I say.
“I’ll have to gracefully bow out, lil bit. I’m tired, and I need to get home, but I wanted to stop by here to extend my congratulations. You did a wonderful job out there tonight, baby, and I was proud of you,” Daddy says.
“Thank you so much, Daddy. Mama, I’m sorry—”
“I’m staying,” Mama says.
Daddy turns and scowls at her. “You’re what?”
“I’m staying.”
“How are you getting home?” he worries. “You can’t be catching no Uber or Lyft.”
“I’ll take her, Dad. Go ahead and get some rest,” Marc Jr. speaks up.
Micah shakes his head. “I’m leaving too. Make sure the ole man gets home,” he says.
“Yeah, you do that,” I say softly, leaving the room as Mama and Marc Jr. follow me, and Micah and Daddy head to the front doors to the right of us.
Mama grabs my hands before I can take another step. She faces me and stares into my eyes. She knows that I believe my father left because he didn’t want to be around the Maxwell family. I can’t force him to embrace what he clearly doesn’t believe in.
“Tonight, we’re going to celebrate. And whatever happened in that room, no matter how it made you feel, think, or believe, we’re leaving that there. Understood?”
“Yes, ma’am.”