Page 42 of Through Treacherous Weather
“What is this place?” Denim asked curiously as he looked around the immaculate building. The floors were so shiny, he could see his reflection in them.
Denim truly was a busy teenager. When he wasn’t playing football, he was taking boxing lessons at Chicago’s gym. There were also times he simply liked to hang out with friends in the neighborhood or at one of their homes. Justice didn’t mind him being busy because it kept him out of trouble. Denim’s life had started out rocky, but Justice often hoped he’d got to the boy in time, denim was able to experience living life in a loving home with people that cared about him and how his life turned out. Never once had he been treated like a burden or felt like Justice regrated taking him home.
People told him how lucky he was because he had a real diamond stud in his ear, and he got all the latest fashion and shoes. He also got to ride around in everything from Bentley’s and Maybach’s to Maserati’s and Lamborghinis. Denim went from rags to riches in a matter of hours. But that wasn’t whyhe deemed himself lucky. He knew he was lucky because he didn’t get yelled at. Denim didn’t get beat on or verbally abused. He had always had a clean, stable shelter over his head, clean clothes, and an array of food and beverages to choose from. Justice talked to him like he was his big brother, and Lauren gave him the same love and affection that she gave the other kids.
“It’s a surprise,” Justice winked at Denim as the elevator doors closed. He pressed the button with the number sixteen on it, and the pair waited patiently to reach their destination.
After stepping off the elevator, Denim followed Justice down a long hallway. The office that he was led into was at the end of the hall. Denim momentarily stopped in his tracks when he saw Lauren already seated. There were three chairs placed side by side in front of a large cherry oak desk. Behind the desk was an older black man with gray hair sprinkled in his beard and on his head.
“This is the adoption lawyer,” Justice spilled the beans. “He’s the one that is helping us to be able to legally adopt you. All that’s left is for us to sign these papers and go to court, then you officially belong to us.”
“Really?” he asked with wide eyes. “So, my mom can’t come back and get me?”
“Never. She already signed over her rights.”
Denim had never been happier to hear anything in his life. He couldn’t stop himself from rushing toward Justice and wrapping his arms around the man. His previous foster parents and his mother’s boyfriend used to call him a pussy whenever he cried. It was Justice and Lauren that made him aware that was bullshit, and he could cry whenever he wanted to. He didn’t cry, but he was damn close. Despite being told that Yolanda had signed over her rights, Denim held onto Justice like he actually feared that someone would come take him away.
The way Denim clung to him had Justice blinking back tears. Lauren didn’t even try to stop them. Salty tears left streaks on her cheeks as she watched the moment between the two. When Denim finally released his hold on Justice papers were signed, and the lawyer promised to be in touch with a court date.
“You want to swing by Wise’s crib?” he asked Denim on the way to the car. “I’m sure his chef cooked up something real dope today. We can go over there and eat up all his food.”
“Yeah,” Denim laughed. He liked going to Wise’s house.
The moment Justice pulled into Wise’s driveway, Denim knew something was up because there were too many cars out front. He saw everyone’s car. Even Nana’s. When they walked in the house, Denim’s smile stretched a mile wide when he saw a banner that said Congratulations hanging in the foyer. The aroma of food hung heavy in the air, and his entire family was in Wise’s living room because that was what they were now. His family.
“Congratulations!” Everyone shouted when he walked into the room.
Winter ran over to him and tried to pick him up, and when she couldn’t they both laughed. Denim had never felt more loved in his life. He was also finally able to breathe. The fear of Yolanda showing up at his door was gone. He used to love her just based off the fact that she was his mother. As he got older, Denim determined that she didn’t deserve his love. He would reserve that emotion for people that were actually worthy of it. The only thing he missed about his old life was his sister. He prayed every night that she was somewhere safe and being loved the way he was. It would have been awesome if Justice and Lauren could have taken her to.
Maybe one day he could find her, and they could be close. Denim blinked away tears because he didn’t want to be sad. Maybe he could start working for one of the triplets or evenWinter and start saving his money. After he saved enough, maybe he could tell Lauren and Justice that if they could get his sister, he’d pay for her food, clothes, and shoes and be responsible for her. He knew they didn’t want any more kids, but he would do anything to be able to be with his sister.
Jaiseem told him that his sister was with her biological father’s mother. Denim didn’t know her and wasn’t comforted seeing as how the woman’s son was the one that beat his mother up and made her go into early labor when she was pregnant.
Wise walked over to Denim with a small, black gift bag in his hand. “You came into the family and knocked all the other kids out the way and became my oldest grandchild overnight. One of the most important things a man can wear is a watch. This isn’t a Rolex or anything, but it cost a pretty penny, and I need you to be responsible with it. Cool?”
Denim nodded eagerly. Since being included in their family, Denim was no stranger to getting nice things. As long as he kept his grades up, he could pretty much get anything he asked for. But knowing that Wise purchased him a pricy watch and considered him his oldest grandchild meant the world to Denim. The day couldn’t get any better. For the first time in his life Denim actually felt like he belonged.
Esco walked toward Fatima’s car. When he reached it, he opened the door for her, and she immediately noticed the solemn expression on his face.
“You okay?”
Esco sighed. “I’m good. I’m damn near canceled because I’m sleepy as hell to the point that it has my ass irritated and short-tempered. I was about to stay my ass at home and just sleep, but I didn’t want to flake on you.”
“What’s wrong?”
“Shai’Ann is still adjusting to being with me in a new house. She’s good during the day, but she’s not sleeping through the night. That shit is killing me. Grey is keeping her for two days, so I’m going to try my best to get some sleep. My mom is going to keep Star for me. I just need about ten good hours of rest, and I’ll be good.”
His brows dipped as Fatima smiled. “I picked the absolute perfect date,” she clapped lightly. She was proud of herself. When Esco asked her what she wanted to do, she told him it was a massage.
Looking around, his eyes darted over the various businesses in the shopping plaza.
“We’re going over there to get massages,” she pointed at the massage place. “Afterward, we can have dinner and a few drinks, and then you can go home full and relaxed and sleep like a baby. I’ll even come clean for you if you want. If the house needs to be cleaned.”
Esco simply stared at her. He stared for so long she shifted her weight. “You don’t want a massage?”
“Hell yeah. I’m standing here wondering if I should kiss you in the mouth.”
Fatima pushed him playfully while giggling. He had her nervous for a moment. She was glad that she picked something he would like. Though their rooms were side by side, Fatima and Esco weren’t in the same rooms while getting their massages. She had a membership at that particular place, and she knew that they were wonderful. Every time she got a massage, Fatima left feeling so relaxed and soothed.
