Page 7 of Love's Instant Replay
Looking down at Mica, my heart rhythm jumps out of sync when her hazel eyes are peering into mine with an unmovable expression. This is the first time since Meshay left that Mica has said anything along these lines. My eyes blink slowly, and the palm holding onto Mica’s begins to perspire as I attempt to respond.
“Yuck. Your hand is wet, Daddy.” Releasing my hand, Mica’s nose twists as she wipes her hands down her skirt.
One thing about my daughter is that she is a girly girl who doesn’t like getting dirty or even thinking of it. Today’s attire is a matching skirt set and white sandals courtesy of one of my teammates’ wives. A couple of the WAGS periodically shop for Mica because they are under the impression that her wardrobe will be a lost cause if I’m left to shop for Mica myself. My baby girl has been blessed with a head full of long hair that I would have tangled in varying lengths if I had to tackle it. Thankfully, Jaleel has an on-again, off-again thing with a chick that works for Zi’s Beauty Palace.
“Yo, ain’t you C. Evans?” an unfamiliar male voice asks, shifting my eyes from Mica to the young guy who appears to be in his mid-twenties.
One of the drawbacks of my career is being recognized on days when Mica is with me. Trying to provide her with normal life experiences often has me avoiding the presence of bodyguards. I thought the baseball cap that’s sitting low on my head would be able to disguise my features since Mica and I are at an unpopular trampoline park. But this guy posing the question lets me know that my ploy wasn’t as effective as I hoped it would be.
“No. He’s not,” Mica snaps before I have a chance to speak, which causes my lips to twist as I fight the smirk forming because of Mica’s snappy retort.
“Oh, wow. You look like him. Sorry to bother y’all.” With that, the guy walks away, his shoulders sagging and his head hanging.
“I’m done playing. Can we go before somebody else sees you?” Mica whispers, looking around, causing me to chuckle lowly.
“It’s your world, Cupcake. I’m just existing in it.” Shaking my head, I connect our hands and head toward the exit.
After introducing me at the bookstore, Mica must have sensed something with the guy because her shutdown was quick and surprising. Usually, baby girl can’t wait to brag on who her father is. That thought has my thoughts returning to the brown-skinned beauty whose face is rushing to the surface. Maybe spending the past few years single is time wasted, and I need to consider changing my status.
“Did you enjoy the trampoline park?” Without giving Mica the presence of my eyes, I remove the fried chicken tenders from the grease and place them on the wire rack.
I’m making chicken tenders and fries for dinner, per Mica’s request. Knowing how much she loves them, I’ve finally finished frying the second batch, much to my delight. My hands can now recover from the flour and buttermilk with egg mixture used to create the crunchy coating. This will be my only cheat meal this week since it’s almost go time with the season. While I don’t restrict Mica’s diet or anything, I try to avoid as many fried foods as I can during the season. I don’t need any issues with my skills during a game and giving Coach Sumlin another reason to check me for being off my game.
“I always have fun there. Thanks for taking me, Daddy. Even though that man bothered us and stuff.”
A low chuckle escapes my mouth at hearing Mica confirm her annoyance with the unknown guy.
“Why didn’t you tell him I was me like you did at the bookstore? You were sharing my name like you were getting paid to do so with those ladies.”
“That’s because they were pretty, and I wanted my books.” That response has me turning to look at Mica, whose eyes are already on me. “What? I did.” Shrugging, Mica picks up her juice box and sips without breaking eye contact.
“Hm. So you don’t draw the line at pretty ladies, just men interrupting your fun play?”
“Mhm.”
“Noted.” Returning to the stove, I move around the fries before determining they’ve reached doneness, allowing me to remove them from the grease. “If you’ve drunk all that juice, you’re cut off for the night.”
“Aw, man. It was so good though. Pl?—”
“Nope. You’re at your limit for today. Once we finish dinner, it’ll be bath and bedtime. I don’t want you to have an accident because you had too many liquids beforehand.”
“I don’t pee the bed, Daddy.”
Smirking, I turn to look at Mica, whose face is twisted as she heads to the sink to wash her hands.
“Tonight won’t be the night we test that theory, Cupcake.”
While Mica hasn’t had an accident in a long time, she’s been drinking a lot of juice today, so I don’t want to tempt fate. With nothing else to add to my statement, I grab plates and add portions for Mica and me. After an enjoyable time at the trampoline park, I’m ready to climb into my bed and unwind with thoughts of Kyelle.
“I want four chi?—”
“I know, Cupcake. You eat the same amount every time I make them. Are your hands clean so we can eat?”
“Yes, sir. I’m ready.”
“Alright, let me hear it.”
Turning with both plates in my hand, I take two steps to the island, setting one down in front of Mica before taking my seat next to her as she bows her head. My chest expands and warms with joy when she begins speaking.
