Page 9 of Guarding Our Love
I knew nothing about Calil now to have feelings toward him. Being attracted to someone meant nothing as long as a person didn’t act on it. I could admire a handsome man from a distance just as I was sure Roy had been attracted to other women over the years. I didn’t think he ever did anything, but lately, I hadn’t been so sure.
“You don’t have to convince me, friend.”
“I’m not.”
“Mhm. Why did your voice get so high?”
I made sure my office door was locked before I walked down the hall toward the elevator.
“It didn’t. Anyway, let me go pick up these kids. I’ll talk to you later.”
Kendyll laughed before she made me assure her I would at least text her later in the day.
The elevator door opened, and I was relieved it wasn’t anyone in there. I didn’t feel like talking to anyone. I needed to get my thoughts together before I picked up my boys and went home to my husband. I didn’t need thoughts of Calil seeping into my mind.
When the boysand I got home, I cooked a quick dinner while they did their homework. Roy hadn’t reached out all day, and I didn’t like the feeling I got from that. I thought about being petty and not making enough food for him, but I decided not to be that way. I made sure he had a plate of food in the microwave whenever he got home.
Once the boys were in bed, I sat in the living room watching television and sipping on some wine. I wanted to call Roy and see when he would get home, but I didn’t. Instead, I turned my phone off and focused on the movie. At some point, thoughts of Calil filled my mind. I wondered if I would see him again. If he were dating, or if he still was a ho.
“That ain’t your business, Sloan,” I said to no one. I had to remind myself that whatever Calil did wasn’t my business. I did hope that we could have a conversation the next time I saw him.
I waited for Roy to get home and damn near drank the entire bottle of wine. I knew it was a bad idea, and I would feel like shitin the morning, but I was in my feelings. Something was going on with Roy. I called his phone more than once, but the first time, it rang until it went to voicemail, then every time after that, it didn’t ring at all. It was almost midnight by the time I went to bed because I couldn’t keep my eyes open, and my husband hadn’t come home.
I hadpractice the next morning, but I made sure I got up early so I could check on my grandfather before I went. Sometimes, practice lasted all day, and I knew I wouldn’t be able to focus unless I knew he was good. He was fine when I left the previous day, but that meant nothing. A lot of shit could happen overnight. I ended up staying with him for a while after Sloan left and was surprised he hadn’t brought her up.
The only thing we talked about was his moving into my house and what kind of aide he wanted. Since I was gone a lot, we decided on someone around the clock, but they didn’t need to stay there. There was extra room, so they could have some privacy if needed.
I knew Sloan said the agency she referred us to was good and professional, but I didn’t feel comfortable with someone moving in. It was bad enough that I had to have someone different on my property every day, but I couldn’t leave my grandfather by himself. I just prayed that nothing crazy happened. People would agree to sign a nondisclosure agreement but still find a way to go against it. I wasn’t trying to have my privacy breached because someone thought they could get close to me. It wasn’t just females I worried about. I worried about dudes, too, because they liked to set niggas up to get robbed. I had a license to carry, but I wasn’t trying to shoot someone in my crib. I would if I had to, though.
“Hey, Grandpop. How are you feeling?” I asked as I walked into his room.
He sat up, watching the morning news like he did every day. It was too early for breakfast, but I would help him eat whenever it came.
I talked to the nursing staff the night before and told them I would be there before visiting hours. I liked that they understood and were accommodating. I made a mental note to send a monetary donation and food for the staff while my grandfather was there.
“I’m okay. I thought you had practice this morning,” he voiced as he lowered the volume on the television.
I walked further into the room and sat in the chair next to his bed.
“I do, but I wanted to come here first. We have a game coming up, too.” I sat back in the seat and crossed my legs at the ankle. I would only visit for an hour or so, but I wanted to be comfortable.
“You think I don’t know your schedule?”
I chuckled at the look he gave me. “Of course, you know it. I was reminding you just in case you forgot.”
Grandpop sucked his teeth and glanced in my direction.
“I may have fallen, but my memory is still intact. Just like I remember how you stared a hole in Sloan when she was in here.”
I knew sooner or later, he would say something.
“I didn’t stare a hole in her. I just couldn’t believe I hadn’t seen her in all these years, and she looks good.”
“She sure does, even with that big ass rock on her finger. I know you saw it.” Grandpop had the nerve to smirk at me.
“Yes, I saw it. What’s your point?”
“My point is, I know you. I also know how you felt about Sloan, but you were too stupid and messed it up. Too busy chasing ass and shit.” Grandpop rolled his eyes at me and chuckled.
