Page 5 of Ride
“Why can’t I go out with my friends? I’m seventeen.”
“Because I said so. When you’re grown and pay your own bills then you can stay out longer.”
“That’s not fair! Brett gets to run around with his friends and be gone all night.”
“First off, who are yelling at Amena? My house and my rules. Brett has curfew.”
“Yeah, midnight,” I mumbled.
“He’s a boy. He can handle himself.”
I threw up my hands. “You treat me differently. Daddy, say something.”
It was Friday night, and my parents wanted me home by nine. I would be eighteen in another five months, but according to them, I still needed to be home before it got dark, and I should have been thankful that they cared.
“Listen to your mother, she loves you, baby.” Dad rubbed the top of his head, eating his meatloaf and mashed potatoes.
“I hate it here.” I shoved my plate forward and jumped up, letting the chair fall to the ground.
“Keep acting like a child, Amena, and see what happens,” Mom snapped.
“I get good grades, go to school, and do babysitting on the side for extra money. Why can’t I go out with my friends?”
“The discussion is done. Either sit and eat or go to your room. You are grounded.”
* * *
Those old arguments flood my mind as I lifted a hand to wave. “Hi.”
“Amena,” Mom whispered, hand covering her mouth in surprise.
“Yeah, Mom, it’s me.”
“Are you here for good?” she asked, taking a seat next to my dad on the couch and running a hand across Kayne’s back.
At first, Virgil wined and dined me. I was nineteen and he was twenty-seven. Our early courtship was a dream come true and made me feel alive after seeing Laikin fall into anything that opened their legs when we were younger.
I thought it would be a good idea to come back and start over. My life needed a new start, and my son needed stability. The fights, cheating allegations, and being in the public eye because of my husband’s job as mayor had put a strain on our lives.
“We’re here for now, Momma.” Giving her a long explanation of my divorce would have to come later; the only thing on my mind was how exhausted and hungry I was.
“Laikin, how are you, son? Brett told us you have a race coming up soon.” Mom reached over to embrace Kayne. He had fully woken up and I watched him look around the room.
“I’m good, ma’am. If you want to come with Brett, there’s more than enough room for everybody.” Laikin's phone chimed. Out of habit I watched him remove it from his pocket and put it on silent. Biting his bottom lip and grinning meant it was some girl wanting to meet up.
“Thank you, Laikin, We'd love to come,” Mom replied.
His six-foot frame and square jawline always gave me goose bumps. Strong wide shoulders that carried me around the pool when we were younger and full lips that sucked on mine gave chills. His dark, charcoal skin had pierced my soul when I first met him. I was fourteen, and he was fifteen, riding bikes with my brother. Back then I had no clue about loving boys, but Laikin was my hero, best friend, and deep down the first man I wanted to have kids with.
“Brett has my number. Let him know and I’ll get you settled. I have to leave. It was nice seeing you all again. Amena, take care of yourself.” Laikin gave a goodbye wave and whirled around to the door. Kayne suddenly started to pout and throw a tantrum.
“Hey, Kayne, what’s wrong with Grandma’s baby?” Mom pulled him on her lap, rubbing his back.
“I want to go with Laikin,” Kayne cried, extending his arms out for Laikin to pick him up.
My father wiped his tears, turning the TV to some kid channel and patting his leg to get his attention. Scrubbing a hand down my face, I could see my baby getting attached fast. “Baby, Laikin has to work.”
Those bright almond shaped eyes stared at me. “I want to work.”