Page 72 of Pieces of Us

He chuckled as we got up from the ground.

“I almost had you, though, but you still got it, Boogie.”

“I told you I never lost it. I’m going to feel this in the morning.”

“Nah, I’m going to give you a bath, massage, and make you cum again. You won’t feel shit in the morning but satisfaction.”

“Mmm…say it again.”

He chuckled. “I’ma make you cum again and again and again.”

“Oooh, don’t threaten me with a good time. Booby and Boogie back together again. The world better watch out!”

He laughed aloud. “Bring ya ass on, girl.”

After the crazy night I’d had, I was ecstatic about my night turning into a happy ending.

Nehemiah

August

The months seemed to roll by quickly. Megan had gotten accepted into Detroit School of Arts, so we were shopping for back-to-school clothes and supplies. While our bond seemed to grow tighter, I could tell something had been a little off about her lately. Morgan had also been concerned, which prompted me to set up this daddy-daughter shopping spree. Although I was still learning my daughter, I did notice that when she got upset, she grew quiet. I wasn’t a therapist, but when it came to her, I was willing to be whatever she needed.

While walking out of Neiman Marcus, I suggested we take a break and get some grub, so we headed to the food court to get some Subway. After getting our food, we sat down and began eating. I wanted her comfortable, so I waited a minute before I addressed the issue.

“So, what’s been up with you lately? It’s cool if you don’t want to talk about it, but your moms seem a little worried about you.”

Her eyes lowered before she set her phone on the table then looked at me.

“My dad told me not to call him Dad anymore,” she revealed.

That shit had my temper rising. We hadn’t been hearing much from him or Gio over the past month or so. I figured their asses finally caught the hint and knew I wasn’t going anywhere any time soon.

I wanted to tell her fuck that nigga, but I wouldn’t match that bum’s energy. He took over my role as Megan’s father, pretending to be this loving, caring father figure, but at the first sign of trouble, he did shit like that.

I ran my fingers through my beard a few times, thinking of a positive thing to say before I spoke. I didn’t want her to think I didn’t care about her feelings because I absolutely did.

“Did he say why?”

She nodded. “He said it doesn’t feel the same now that you’re back…that you and Mom didn’t want me calling him that.”

This bitch ass nigga.

“Meg,” I called out, wanting her to look at me. She lifted her head and looked at me. “Hear me when I say your moms and I never said that, a’ight?” She nodded again. “He shouldn’t have ever told you anything like that. He’s been your pops for fourteen years, and because I’m here, he may feel a bit insecure about that. But that’s not on you, okay?”

“Yeah…It just felt weird when he said that. I know Mom wouldn’t say that, and since getting to know you, you don’t strike me as the type of person to be malicious. I don’t know. It just hurt my feelings is all. I’ve just been trying to move past it and not make it a thing because I didn’t want you all at odds. It’s why I’ve been quiet.”

“I understand, baby girl, but don’t ever feel as if you can’t come to us. As your parents, it’s our job to protect you, love you, and show up for you no matter what. Although it’s unfortunate that he dropped out on you, just know that you won in the end.I think I’m a pretty cool pops, no?” I asked, popping my collar. That made her laugh.

“You are.”

“Thanks. And always know I’m going to show up for you every time andnevergive up on you. Like who wouldn’t want you as a daughter? You’re the dopest kid I ever helped create.”

Her smile brightened the messy mood she had been in, and that’s all I ever wanted to see.

“Are you going to tell Mom?”

“As your parents, I think she should be privy to why her child has been solemn. She was really concerned about you, kid.”

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