Page 57 of Still Made For You

“It’s the curse of the curve.” He shrugged his shoulders. River and I glanced over at each other before it finally clicked in my head. My mouth dropped open in shock.

“Daddy! What the heck? I could have lived the rest of my days not knowing that piece of information.”

“She asked a question, and I answered it. It’s a Graham family curse. Why do you think Elantra stayed with Knowledge for so long? It damn sure wasn’t because he was a good man.” His revelation made a lot of sense because Lord knows Renegade had a third arm between his legs.

“See now you’re being messy. It makes sense because there isn't enough love in the world to make me put up with the shit y’all put these poor women through.” River added. She made a good point. Out of all of the men, Pops and Knowledge were the worse ones.

“The Lord didn’t give me this dick to only give it to one woman. Now, if I could get these women on the same page, it could all work out.”

“Nobody in their right mind will agree to any of that. You might as well be single if you know you can’t be monogamous.” River suggested. It amazed me at times how different his sons were when it came to dating. Law has player tendencies, but Renegade believes in monogamy. Well, he used to. I couldn’t speak on what he’d done the last few years.

“Don’t you want a step-mama?”

“I already have one. Tammy’s been a second mother to me since I was born. She’s probably the reason you’ll never be able to settle down. That’s your karma for fumbling the realest woman you’ve ever had.”

“If I hadn’t done what I did, you and your sister wouldn’t be here.” He reasoned.

“So, I should be grateful my daddy’s a hoe?” We both cackled as he glared at her.

“Yeah, it’s time for you to go. Ain’t your little boyfriend looking for you?” The two of them cracked me up. It reminded me of when I used to have family dinners with them.

“Oh, now you want me to go. What’s wrong, twin? You can dish it out, but can’t take it, huh?” These two really were twins in looks, which is funny because none of his other children resembled him at all. All of them look different from the others.

I’m not worried about you. I’m gonna say what I want, and I know you are too. Make sure you text me when you make it home.” River’s jaw dropped at his insistence. I chuckled at their interaction.

“Fine, I’ve been put out of better places anyways.” River pretended to pout, moving to towards her father to kiss him on the cheek.

“I love you, daddy. Please take care of yourself.” Prosper shooed her away with his hand.

“I’ve been managing all this time, y’all worry too much.”

“You heard what I said, old man. Either you do right, or you’re gonna be in someone’s nursing home scarfing down oatmeal.” She teased. Prosper glared at her before flipping her the bird. River gripped her chest in mock surprise.

“I think the dementia is setting in already. I’ll be sure to bring some diapers on my way over here tomorrow.”

“Baby girl, play with something safe. I may be your father, but I’m a gangsta, too. Bring some damn diapers to my house and see what happens.” He warned.

“Lighten up, Pops.” River chortled, trying her best to conceal the grin covering her face. Her and Triniti kissed his cheek before walking out of the house.

“So, how are you really?” His eyes held the concern of a parent, warming my heart. I fiddled with my hair, avoiding all eye contact.

“You know I’ve kept tabs on you since you left. I gave you enough space to live your life, while assuring your safety. I’m proud of you. Even with everything you’ve been through, you’ve done well for yourself. I knew you were a true warrior.” He nodded, then reached for a bottle of what appeared to be whisky.

“I still have most of the money you’ve sent me.” I blurted out. Prosper poured the potent liquid into his glass before extending the bottle towards me.

“No, thank you.” I declined, even though a stiff drink may have quieted my intrusive thoughts.

“Fine, more for me.” Shrugging his shoulders, he held his newspaper in his left hand as if it contained some juicy tea in it.

“Did you hear what I said?” Prosper’s a complex character. However, his heart remained unwavering.

“I’ll tell you the same thing I’ve told my family. My mind functions like a well-oiled machine. The money in question belongs to you, not me. What you choose to do with it, is your business.”

“You’re not obligated to take care of me. I owe you, not the other way around.” I suggested. Of course, I stated the obvious. Prosper took a sip from his glass before addressing me.

“If you know anything about me, then you’re aware I never do anything against my will. I’m a man who values money, so I’ll never invest where there’s no value.” I gulped, sitting there hanging on his every word.

“Gee has always been the most like me, even though he’ll tell you differently. He’s been a natural-born protector since the day he learned how to walk. It’s a family trait, if I am being honest. My father taught us to stand on our word and to protect the ones we love at all costs.” Prosper refilled his glass before continuing.

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