Page 21 of Rebound

“Hi, there,” I say.

“This is Marney,” Layla says. “She lives next door, and my mom watches her sometimes.”

Just as the words leave her mouth, Stella opens the front door and walks in. Right behind her is another woman who looks to be about her age.

“My goodness, I thought you were lying, Stella,” the woman says as she walks to me. “I’m not a Sethhead,” she says even though she does the facial expression and hip thrusts, “but I am a fan.” I stand and shake her hand. She pulls out her phone and we take a few selfies. Layla rolls her eyes. “Lay, girl, how did you get this man? I knew hanging out with Jeannie was a good thing.” She walks around me and looks me up and down. “And don’t worry that he has a child. We love kids in this family.”

“Oh my god, he’snotmy boyfriend. He’s not even my friend,” Layla says.

“Mmhmm. Girl, hush,” the woman says. “I’m Donna, and I’m one of Layla’s moms.”

“But not in a lesbian way,” Stella says, and I almost choke on my laughter.

“Girl, please,” Donna says. “I was stupid enough to marry Stella’s ex-husband, Layla’s daddy. It wasn’t long until I realized he ain’t shit,” she says. “Do you know where he was when I was miscarrying his baby?” When I shake my head no at her, she says, “Neither do I. To this day, he won’t tell me. I came here looking for him, and when Stella opened the door—”

“I just knew something was wrong,” Stella says, interrupting Donna.

“Oh my god,” Layla says. “Why do you have to tell every single person you meet this story? He didn’t even know you were pregnant. You didn’t know either until that day.”

“To warn them about that useless piece of human garbage,” Donna says. “Stop interrupting me, girl. Anyway, Seth,” she says turning back to me, “Stella is the one who took me to the hospital. She stayed with me and took me home afterward. She brought me food every day for the next week. That’s how the friendship started. And you know what the cherry on top of thesundae is? He hates it. He hates that we’re friends, and he can’t do a damn thing about it.”

“Can you stop talking trash about my dad?” Layla says.

“Stay out of grown folks' business. We didn’t start talking shit about him in front of you until you became an adult. You know he ain’t shit. He was late for your high school graduation and missed you walking across that stage. I’ve never forgiven him,” Stella says. “Anyway, you two go ahead and go out. Me and Donna will watch Jasmine, and the two of you can have some time alone. It’s important to take a break from your kid, even if it’s just for a few hours.”

Jasmine has already wandered off with Marney. They are sitting in the corner playing with Legos now.

“We are not—” Layla begins.

“Let’s go have some dessert,” I suggest. “I can use some fresh air, but Jasmine won’t want to stay,” I tell them. “She’s my shadow.”

“I don’t want dessert,” Layla says. “I don’t want anything.”

“You can stand to put on a few pounds,” Donna says. “This is a big man. He’s gonna need some cushion.” Layla’s eyes widen in either shock or disgust. “Go and have a few minutes alone,” Donna says waving us off.

“I’ll go home and get a few jerseys for you guys and be back. Layla, you want to come with me?” I ask.

“Hell no,” she says.

“Layla, I know me and Donna talk shit about men a lot here, but your attitude is no way to keep a man. You’re too young to be this cynical,” Stella says. “You need a break. Donna is here, and she’s going to help me. June Bug will be home in about an hour. Go get some air.”

Layla blows her breath upward and her bangs bounce on her forehead. “Okay,” she says. “Let me go change.”

Once she goes down the hall and into her bedroom, her mom smiles at me. “You fuck with my daughter, and I’ll cut it off,” she warns without dropping the smile. “And I know you know what it I’m talking about.” She points at my crotch.

“I’ll hold you down while she does it,” Donna says.

“I’m not messing with her.” I hold both hands up. “I promise.”

“So, you’re serious about her?” Stella asks and I nod. What I want from her is about as serious as you can get. “Good,” her mom says. “She’s a sweet girl, and I love her to pieces. She deserves a good guy, not some fuckboy.”

Jasmine and Marney start ramming their toy strollers into each other and laughing. A few minutes later, Layla comes out of her room in a short red dress and a pair of white sandals. Her legs are long and toned, and I admire her body from her legs up to her face. She’s even put on light makeup.

“Let’s go,” she says to me.

I look at my daughter, who is now sitting on Donna’s lap. “Daddy will be back, Jazzy Girl,” I say to her.

“Bye!” she says without looking up from Donna’s phone. Layla goes out the front door, and I leave my phone number for Stella in case she needs to get in touch with me. She shoos me away, and I follow Layla out the door.

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