Page 60 of Papa's Beloved
“If you don't, we have some in the bodega. I’ll have one of the prospects bring some.”
“Thank you, Stormy.”
“That’s what friends are for.”
Stormy heads to the kitchen after she helps me off the floor.
Papa
I’M IN MY OFFICE ATBarron’s when my cell phone rings. I look at the screen to see it’s Queenie.
“What can I do for you today, my queen?”
“Your real queen needs you. I can’t say more. Please come.”
“I’m on my way.”
The call ends and I power off my computer with the button, grab my keys, and run out the back door. The manager knows where to find me if they need me.
“Fuck!” I yell, realizing I need my buddy. I let myself in the back and run through the shop.”
“Angel, we've got to go. Stormy called; Beloved needs me.”
Angel nods and springs from behind the counter. He’s been helping in the shop today. We run down the hall and out the back to our sleds. At the same time, we throw legs over our bikes, start them, pop the kickstand and take off. We’re all in the habit of backing our bikes into spots so we can pull out.
?
When I enter the apartment I find Nay curled up on the couch asleep. She’s wearing her comfort pjs. They’re purple and made of fleece. Something is wrong or it’s her moon time.
Stormy stands up and walks to me. She motions for me to follow her.
“I got her to eat some crackers and drink some ginger ale. She’s had an emotional morning. I can’t tell you without telling you something that needs to come from her.”
I admit I’m a little panicked by those words, but I trust Stormy. She’s a good woman and I see her as a little sister. I give her a quick hug.
“Thank you for taking care of her. Did she call you?”
Stormy shakes her head. “No, I came to talk to her about the bodega. She’s going to help me keep up on what everyone likes, so we can keep it stocked with staples and a few other things for variety. I brought over my laptop to go over things.
“When I knocked, she didn’t answer. I could hear her crying. After a couple minutes, I let myself in. I hope you’ll both forgive me, but I had to get to my friend.”
“There’s nothing to forgive. You heard a friend in need and took action. Thank you for taking care of my woman.”
“It’s easy to do. She doesn’t understand what she does for everyone around here. I hope one day she will. Call me if you need anything.”
I nod my head. “I will. Thank you.”
I wait until Stormy leaves to scoop Nay up in my arms. She stirs, but goes back to sleep as I carry her to our room. I tuck her in, pulling the covers over her. She snuggles under them and falls into a deeper sleep.
I sit in the chair near the bed and watch her sleep for a while, wondering what happened that caused her meltdown. She’s not prone to them. In fact, they’re very rare. In all the years I’ve known her, I’ve only seen her meltdown a few times.
I’ll make one of her favorite dishes while she’s asleep. Maybe a few of them. My woman loves her comfort food. Then she lets me work it off her in bed.
Chapter 46
Papa
I’m sitting on the bathroom floor holding a pregnancy test in my hand. I could give a flying fuck my woman peed on the stick. She’s pregnant. We’re pregnant. I’m going to be a father. Holy fuck. I’m going to be a dad.