Page 41 of Ride
Dad put the toothpick in his mouth, twisting it between two fingers. “Amena’s a good girl. Even though you kept that relationship quiet, I could see the love you had for her in your eyes whenever she came around.”
I threw a hand up and brushed it down my face. “Her ex came to town and tried to take her son.”
“He’s the mayor in Atlanta. Be careful.”
“Careful is what he should be, because if he tries to fuck with her again, it’s on.” Now older, I had connections to get shit done if Virgil tried to take Kayne again.
Shaking his head, the smell of good food wafted in the air and my stomach growled. “Your mother worries about you, and now a new grandkid?”
I chuckled at his comment about a grandkid, which was hilarious because Amena and I weren’t a couple, but I would always look after Kayne—no matter if she’s in my life or not.
“Chill on that grandkid label. We’re working on being friends.”
“Guys dinner is ready.” Mom stepped in the living room with her hand on her hip and a goofy smile on her face. My dad stood up alongside me, reaching to hug my mom.
“Laikin, did you know Amena was such a good cook?” Mom nudged me on the arm, like it’s supposed to impress me.
“Dad, tell your wife to stay out of my business.”
Mom raised her hand to smack me on the back of the head. “Watch your mouth.”
Amena and Kayne sat at the table. I took the seat on the opposite side of her to put Kayne in the middle, and Dad sat at his usual head of the table with Mom on his right.
Peeling the foil from the pasta, Mom scooped up each plate and passed them around. The only sounds were of utensils clinking and drinks getting filled.
“When’s the next race?” Dad came to a few, but Mom hated to see me in that role because she worried I would get hurt.
“In a few weeks. That will determine if I can get to the finals.”
“I used to be afraid of you getting hurt. Those cars drive so fast.” Mom took a piece of bread and pasta.
“Honey, just like any other sport, they all have the good and bad to them,” Dad remarked and winked at me.
“Amena, how is work going for you? Are your parents excited?” Yet again, my mom was trying to play detective.
Licking her plump lips, Amena smiled at me. “Busy. I picked up a lot of high-profile clients after working with Laikin.”
“That’s wonderful news, and Kayne’s in daycare, correct?”
Kayne meshed some food together, and Amena rubbed the top of his head. “I’m a big boy.” The entire table laughed at his outburst.
Kayne ate some more of the food, letting his mom wipe his face clean.
“I went to the house and filled the fridge—and found a housekeeper to get it cleaned up for you.”
At the mention of my real place, Amena’s face froze and her eyes narrowed. “You have a house?”
I was annoyed my mom blasted my business. I wasn't ready to move in until I had a wife and child, when I was less busy with my career. When we were young, I had imagined the house, kids, and life I would have with Amena, but now it was all just a faded memory.
As I kissed my teeth, I smiled. “Something like that.”
“Something like that. Either it's a yes or no, Laikin. It’s like you have a secret life.”
“I do, one you would have been a part of if you stuck around.”
All noise from utensils clanking on plates and talking ended. Amena dropped her fork on the table, scooted back in her chair, and lifted Kayne into her arms.
I stretched out a hand to block her from leaving the dining room. “What are you doing?”