Page 71 of Ride

“I talked to Sarai about clearing my schedule.”

Amena turned to me. “She give you shit?”

“A little, but she understood.”

“I’m excited to go on our first trip as a family.”

“First, but not the last.”

“Kayne, turn the TV off and come eat.” Amena pulled the chicken out, filling a plate for him and placing it on the table.

Kayne ran into the kitchen and took a seat.

“Sarai scheduled the interview.”

Amena gulped her drink. “I’m excited, but nervous.”

“Me too.”

Kayne ate a piece of cornbread, sitting up in his chair. “Hungry!” Kayne laughed with his mouth open.

* * *

After Amena gave him a bath, I sat on the other side of the bed as she read him a bedtime story.

“The tiger went home.” Amena pretended to growl like an animal.

Kayne laughed at her attempt. She leaned forward and pressed a kiss on his cheek, then his forehead.

“Laikin, can you stay until I go to sleep?” Kayne asked as I stood to leave.

I looked from him to Amena.

“Are you scared of the dark baby?” Amena had a night light in the corner for him and kept the door open in case he wanted to come sleep with us.

“No, Mommy, this is man talk,” Kayne answered, making both of us gawk at his statement.

“Ugh, okay. I will leave you two alone.” Her shoulders dropped like she was missing out on something.

I shrugged and sat back on the bed. “What’s going on, little man?”

“Do you love my mommy?”

“I do.”

“Does that mean you like me?”

I smiled at his question. “I like you a lot.”

“Can you be my daddy?”

I hadn’t thought to even talk with Amena about my role in her son’s life and now, having this conversation, it felt like we should have talked with him sooner about my intentions.

“You know your dad’s name is Virgil right?”

He nodded, twisting his teddy bear in his hands. “He no fun like you.”

“Thanks, little man. I tell you what.”