Page 35 of Objection

The man turned, and at the sight of us, his smile wavered slightly. He handed the man next to him his tongs, then wiped his hands on his apron.

“Speak,” Yolanda urged, nudging her husband with her shoulder.

“Hey, baby girl.”

“Hi, Daddy.” She wrapped her arm around mine. “This is my boyfriend, Kaos.”

“Boyfriend?” he repeated, just like her mom. Only difference was, Yolanda’s tone was surprised and amused. His was angry. “He looks a little too old to be anyone’s boyfriend.”

“Daddy!”

“Walter!”

“It’s fine,” I said with a smile. “He’s right. I’m forty years old. I’m her man, if that makes you feel better.”

“What would make me feel better was if she’d be with someone closer to her age.”

“Daddy, please. He’s only eight years older than me. It really isn’t that big of a deal.”

“I can assure you, Mr. Monroe, your daughter could not be in better hands. No one will treat her better than me.”

His head shook as he sighed. “How’d you two meet?”

“She’s my executive assistant.”

“Oh great.” He laughed as he looked at his wife. “So not only are you older but you’re her boss too?”

“We didn’t come here for this,” Serenity said, crossing her arms over her chest. “If you have a problem with my relationship, that’s fine, but it’s not going to change anything. I’m in love with Kaos, and I’m happy with him. I’m happy with my life in Rose Valley Hills.”

“I bet you are,” he challenged, pointing his finger in her face. “You stole your sister from me and convinced her to run off from home too.”

“Aight, we’re gonna end this conversation here,” I told him, pulling Serenity behind me. “Out of respect for your home, I’m going to ask you nicely not to disrespect my woman.”

“Your woman?” He laughed. “That’s my daughter.”

“True, but what I said stands. I asked her to come here so the two of you could work out your issues. If that’s not possible, I’m going to take her back home.”

“Walter, please,” Yolanda begged, grabbing his arm.

“Don’t Walter me,” he mocked, pulling himself out of her embrace. “Unless she came to apologize or tell me she’s coming back home, there really ain’t nothing else for us to say.”

“Wow,” Serenity muttered, head jerking as if the words physically struck her. “Let’s go, baby.”

As we headed out, Yolanda called behind us. We didn’t stop until we were out by the car.

“Thank you for coming,” she said, “and for trying.” Her teary eyes lifted to mine. “It was nice to meet you.”

I nodded as she pulled Serenity into her arms for a long, tight hug.

“You can always come to The Hills to see us, Ma, but I’m never coming back here again.”

Sniffling, Yolanda nodded and wiped her eyes. “I understand, baby. I wouldn’t even ask you to. Not until he’s ready to stop being stubborn and fix things between the two of you.”

“That man is old as hell,” I said. “Whatever is his character, it’s fixed. Unless God speaks to his heart, he won’t ever do the right thing. And I will never let her be subjected to his bullshit again, so for his sake, you better hope he has a come to Jesus moment.”

As I opened the door for Serenity, her mother said, “Please take care of my baby, Kaos.”

“You have my word.”

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