Page 2 of Kings Fear No One
“Where do you think you’re off to?” Mama snaps suddenly, catching me before I can walk off. “What have I told you about these events?”
“I should say hello to everyone.”
“You know better than that. I’ve raised you to have manners, didn’t I?”
“Yes, Mama.”
“Patrice, go easy on her,” Papa says from her side. While Mama struts, Papa strolls, at ease considering the summery occasion. “Tey Tey probably wants to say hi to her friends.”
“Say hi to her friends or go off with some boy? You didn’t see the outfit she had on. Booty shorts, Reggie.”
“You remember how you used to put on those miniskirts and sneak out to see me, right?”
Grandma Renae cackles. “I sure do. Why do you think I always made you two keep the door open? I knew what your fast little behinds were getting up to.”
“I was not fast,” Mama says quickly, her nose practically in the air. “We were in love. And we did things the proper way. We got married so we could be together.”
“If that’s the story you’re sticking with. I found the condom wrappers buried in the trash.”
“Renae! Teysha is listening.”
“So what? She’s getting around that age where she’s curious?—”
“Not here. Lord knows the last thing we need is for people to overhear us.” Mama shakes her head in disapproval, her lips pursed, then she puts an arm around my shoulders. We’ve ventured into the thick of the park grounds where other church members are mingling. She stops us in front of the pastor’s wife. “Edna, what a nice event you’ve put together. We’ve brought some of my mother-in-law’s home-baked biscuits.”
“They were so delicious last time, we’ll eat them right up.”
I stand by obediently as the two chitchat, and I pretend I’m listening to what’s being said. Once the conversation turns to sharing recipes, I’m barely hearing a word.
I’m not alone.
Papa and Grandma Renae wander off to check out the rest of the food tables.
I’m checking out the food tables too—Wallace Scott has grabbed a bag of Doritos to go with his can of coke. I could walk right up to him and ask him how his summer vacation’s going.
My belly gives another funny flutter.
The nerves always get to me when I think about talking to him. I always end up chickening out.
It doesn’t help that I’m dressed like I’m about to do chores around the house, swallowed up in the baggy t-shirt Mama insisted I wear. The other girls from school look cute in their summer outfits. It’s the school dance all over again.
A sigh blows out of me. I slowly back up to go sulk away from everyone else. Someone walks up first and interrupts before I can.
“If there’s one rule I have for today, it’s that all the pretty young women are supposed to smile,” says Pastor James. He’s smiling himself, showing off the gap in his front teeth. “What’s got Teysha Baxter so down? Turn that frown upside down, young lady.”
“Pastor, hello…” I murmur, brushing a loose piece of hair behind my ear. “Thank you for inviting my family and me.”
“It wouldn’t be a community event without the Baxters.” He leans slightly closer ’til only I can hear him. “Between me and you, you’re my favorite.”
“Um… thank you.”
“You’re growing up before my eyes. I remember when you were a tiny little thing barely starting school. What grade will you be in?”
“Eighth next year.”
He whistles, his hands on his waist. “I bet the boys have taken notice. Has your father had to beat them off with a stick yet?”
“Um… no… not really…”
