Page 75 of Smoke

“What kind of class?”

Instead of answering, I pulled out my business card and handed it to her. Her eyes widened as she read it. Just as she went to say something, the door opened, and the nurse rolled Romi into the room. When she saw me, her eyes filled with tears. I went over and stooped to her in the wheelchair.

“Renay called me,” I said, gently wiping the falling tears away. “How is she?”

“Tiny… but strong.”

“Of course she is. Look at who she gets to call mommy.” She smiled faintly as I leaned in to kiss her lips. “Let’s get you back to bed.”

She nodded. The nurse helped me get her from the wheelchair and into bed. I made sure she was comfortable before taking a seat next to her.

Ms. Sherry stepped forward. “I really hate to leave you, but me and Jeff have to get on the road, baby.”

“It’s okay,” Romi said, faintly. “Thank you for bringing me in.”

“You don’t have to thank me. I love you, and you’ll always be my girl.” She kissed her temple. “I’m gonna call to check on you and that sweet baby later.”

“Okay.”

She went to Korri to give her hugs and kisses before leaving the room. Romi sank further into the bed. Her eyes landed on Laurel, and she cleared her throat.

“Laurel, I appreciate you being here, but I’d like some alone time with my family.”

Laurel’s eyes drifted to me. “Sure thing. I pray all is well with you and baby Juri, Romi. I’ll make sure everything at the shop is running smoothly until you get back.”

She vacated her spot in the corner and came over to the bed, where she gave Romi a hug. When she didn’t return it, Laurel stood upright and left the room without another word. Korri came over, and I helped her into bed, where she kissed her cheek before cuddling up next to her mother.

“So, Mr. Dillinger,” Mrs. Mitchell said, pulling up a chair. “You and my daughter seem to be a little more than teacher and student.”

I chuckled. “It’s new.”

She nodded. “And you’re okay dating a woman with children?”

“Yes, ma’am. It will be an adjustment, but nothing I can’t handle. Even though my father has always been in my life, I have a very active and loving stepfather who helped raise me. I have nothing but respect for him for coming into a ready-made family.”

“Which Dillinger is your father?”

“Stanley.”

That seemed to give her a little relief. If I’d said Blake, things might have been different.

“I’m a fan of the work your father does in the community. It’s nice to see the fortunate give back.”

“Yes, ma’am. Pops is big on community involvement. He always says if you’ve got it to help, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t. My grandfather grew up in the streets. It’s no secret what he did to make ends meet or what my uncle still does, but my father chose a different route. Some things may be unorthodox, but the goal is always to serve and protect the community we live in, by any means necessary.”

“Period,” Renay said, snapping her fingers.

I could tell I was going to like her. She seemed to be with the shits, and I could always fuck with that. Mr. Mitchell sat quietly. I could tell he was thinking but didn’t want to say much in front of his wife, daughters, and granddaughter. The look on his face, however, said he might be on the same type of time Renay was on.

Romi cleared her throat. “Mom. Daddy. Would you mind taking Korri for a walk? I need a moment with Renay and Devin.”

Her parents nodded and stood from their seats. Mr. Mitchell scooped Korri up, and they left the room, leaving us alone.Renay claimed the now empty seat next to her sister and grabbed her hand.

“What is it, sissy?” she asked.

“It was Patrick,” Romi said softly. “It came back to me when I was holding Juri. I got to the shop early because Ms. Sherry had an early appointment. I was checking inventory to make sure I had everything for her, when I realized I needed towels. When I opened the basement door to go down to get them, Patrick was down there with a few other guys, bagging up cocaine.”

“What!” Renay exclaimed.

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