Page 38 of Smoke

That was exactly what happened.

She ate about half of her dinner before she said she was tired. I excused her from the table and led her to her room where I gathered her pajamas while she started the shower. Once she was done and dressed for bed, I tucked her in and sat next to her.

“You wore yourself out,” I said, stroking her hair.

She smiled. “I had so much fun.”

“I’m happy to hear that.”

“Mommy?”

“Yes, baby?”

“When can I come home? I like staying with Granny and PaPa, but I miss living with you.”

I fought back the tears stinging my eyes. “I miss you living with me, too, baby. I hope you can come home soon.”

“I hope so. Who’s gonna take care of you when you have my baby sister?”

I smiled. “I can take care of me.”

“But what if you get tired? I won’t be there to help you.”

“I love that you want to help me, but I’ll be okay. If anything, me and your baby sister will stay with Granny and Papa for a little while.”

“You can put her crib in here with me. I’ll make sure she’s safe.”

I chuckled. “I know you will. You’re gonna be a great big sister, just like your auntie.” I leaned over to hug her. She wrapped her little arms tightly around my neck. “I love you so much, Korri.”

“I love you more.”

“I love you most.” I smothered her face in kisses, causing her to erupt in giggles. “Get some sleep. I’ll see you after school tomorrow.”

“Okay.”

She blew me a kiss before snuggling under the covers and closing her eyes. I stood from the bed and walked to the door, looking back as I touched the light switch. I prayed to God I could bring her home soon. Something had to give… it just had to.

I got backto my house about nine.

The neighborhood was quiet, and streets were still. Pulling into my garage, I kept watch of my surroundings and waited until the door was down to get out. Inside the house, I made my way into the kitchen. The only brightness in the house was the dim light from the nightlight in the corner of the kitchen. I kept it for Korri in case she got up in the middle of the night for a drink of water.

I put my bag down in the kitchen and went to the fridge to grab a bottle of water. Standing in the open doorway, I gulped half of it down before placing it back in the fridge. When I closed the door, I almost screamed at the sight of Patrick standing there. Even in the dim lighting, I could see that smug look on his face.

“Hey, baby mama.”

“What are you doing here?” I asked, backing away.

I bumped into a body, causing me to spin around. I came face-to-face with what looked like a woman in all back from headto toe. The only thing visible was her eyes, but I couldn’t make them out.

“What do you want?” I asked, turning back to Patrick.

“I have another package for you. My boy is waiting to deliver it. Since you weren’t where you were supposed to be, I had to come track you down. I gave you the courtesy of not running up in your people’s place, but it ends there. Let’s go.”

“Patrick, I’m tired?—”

His hand came across my face, causing me to stumble back.

“Did I ask you what the fuck you were? I said let’s go. Put this bitch in the car.”

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