Page 36 of I Don't Want You Back

Chapter 11

“Man, Malia, call me when you get this message,” Landon said as he left his ex-wife another voicemail.

Lennox had been calling her since one that afternoon, and it was now after three and she still hadn’t answered. She was supposed to be there to get him hours ago and she hadn’t shown up or called yet. He was supposed to be picking Faryn up at six, but that didn’t look like it was going to happen. It was their first official date in Landon’s eyes and he was going to have to cancel. His son looked so pitiful as he walked around the house and peeped out of the window every so often. He wouldn’t feel right going anywhere and leaving him home like that. Malia had disappointed them enough. Landon wasn’t about to keep it going.

“Aye!” Landon yelled upstairs. “Y’all come down here right quick!”

He heard his sons walking down the stairs and they were standing right in front of him a few seconds later.

“Is it time to go?” Lance asked as he carried his duffle bag in his hand.

“Nah, you can go put your clothes up. You’re not going by your auntie. We’re gonna go to the fair,” Landon replied.

“Really? Did my mama call?” Lennox asked excitedly.

“No, I’m gonna bring y’all,” Landon replied.

“Can Ross come with us?” Lance asked, referring to Makena’s son.

“Yeah, I’ll tell his mama that we’re coming to get him,” Landon replied.

“Can he stay all night?” Lance asked.

“Yeah, he can stay,” Landon replied.

“Yes!” Lance cheered as he ran back upstairs to put his clothes away, with Lennox following behind him.

Landon hated to do it, but he dialed Faryn’s number, preparing to cancel their date. He was starting out bad already, but his hands were tied. He had to make sure his sons were straight, even if it meant neglecting himself. He had basically demanded that Faryn go to dinner and a movie with him and, now, he was calling to cancel. It seemed that he was destined to be alone, but he had to be okay with that. His boys came first, no matter what.

“Hey handsome,” Faryn said when she answered the phone.

“Hey,” Landon replied.

“Why do you sound like that?” Faryn asked, sensing that he wasn’t his normally happy self.

“I got some bad news,” Landon said solemnly.

“What’s wrong?” Faryn asked, concerned.

“I have to cancel our plans. Malia was supposed to pick Lennox up and she never showed up. Her stupid ass ain’t even answering her phone. He was kind of down, so I’m gonna take them and my nephew to the fair,” Landon replied.

“Okay, so I need to trade in my dress and heels for some jeans and kicks,” Faryn said as more of a statement than a question.

“Huh?” Landon asked in confusion.

“Huh my ass, nigga. You said that I better be ready for our date today and I will be. I don’t give a damn if we go to the fair or McDonald’s to share a value meal, I’ll be ready,” Faryn replied.

“You’re serious? You wanna go to the fair with us?” Landon questioned.

“What time do you want me to be ready?” Faryn asked, making him smile.

“Right now. I’ll get you first and then we’ll get my nephew, since he’s closer to where we’re going,” Landon replied.

“Okay, call me when you’re downstairs,” Faryn replied.

“I will,” Landon said before they disconnected.

“Ms. Clark is coming with us too?” Lance asked as he and Lennox heard the end of their father’s conversation.

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