Page 62 of The Perfect Verse
The room filled with applause when Rell and Travis rushed her. She was used to it by now as Rell plopped on her lap whileTravis wrapped his arms around her neck. Scooter stood nearby with the hugest grin on his face. He couldn’t wait until they showed everyone what she’d been working on behind the scenes.
“Baby, you’re ready?”
“Oh, I almost forgot.” He looked at Donovan, waving him over. He whispered in his ear, needing his help. Both were just about to leave when Shawn approached him.
“Scooter, is it?” Shawn spoke, extending his hand. Scooter hesitated for a beat but slowly slid his hand out of his pocket and shook his hand. They had a silent meeting of the minds, and Scooter preferred they keep it that way. “Take care of her.”
“Been doing it.”
Shawn’s eyes lingered a little too long at Kaleela, but no words were spoken as he took a few steps back, confirming Scooter’s suspicion. He had a rule about no dating the first year of sobriety, but he always wondered if she would be interested in year two. He guessed he’d never know.
“Matter of fact, follow me. Dread Man, relax. Shawn’s coming.”
“You ain’t about to kill that nigga, is you?”
Shawn lifted one brow, second-guessing himself, and not because he couldn’t handle himself. Scooter slapped his shoulder and smiled.
“Aye, we’re all here for the same reason. If you plan on remaining her sponsor, she has to see us getting along. Might as well start tonight.”
As the rest gathered around, the staff began to usher everyone to the cafeteria, where piles of food greeted them. It was all of Kaleela’s favorites, from smothered turkey wings, oxtails, yellow rice, collard greens, mashed potatoes, and sweet rolls.
“Mama Kaleela, we have a gift for you, too!” Rell announced.
“You do, baby?” He nodded his head, revealing a complete set of teeth at the top. At the bottom, though, two were missing. He didn’t mind, as long as the tooth fairy left him a hundred dollars per tooth. He even tried to pull out a few that weren’t due to come out until Scooter caught him.
“Little snitch,” Travis grumbled.
“Soooo.” He stuck out his tongue, then took off as they ran around with a few older children who were there. Kaleela couldn’t believe she was legally a parent, and she had The Crew to thank for that.
“Ready?” Scooter asked her when he came in with two covered canvases. She frowned, confused about why he had two. “Rell, Trav, help your mama with this.”
He placed the wrapped canvas in front of her, her tear-filled rims blinking. She had no clue what it was, but she could tell Rell and Travis couldn’t wait for her to see it.
“I can help!” Rell offered. She nodded her head up and down, softly sobbing. When Travis ripped one side, Rell tugged on the other until the brown paper fell off. There was a beautifully painted canvas of her, Rell, and Travis sitting in a park. It was from a picture the day after they were legally adopted. Her eyes lifted to Scooter, who stood with crossed arms, his lips tucked.
“That was hard as hell getting done without your nosy ass trying to keep up with why I was running late the other day. Mrs. Otto helped with it, but this is the first of many.” He knelt and pecked her lips. “I love you, baby, so fucking much.”
As they all began to head out to eat, Scooter called out to X. “Let me holler at you.”
“What’s up?” They slapped hands while Shona stood to the side. “Baby, walk with the others, and make me a plate. I’m coming.”
Her eyes welled up at the sight of the painting. She couldn’t believe they’d created their own little family. “Okay, I love you, but hurry.”
He kissed Shonasia on the lips, slowly releasing her hand. Scooter couldn’t help but notice the rock that sat on her finger. He hoped one day, Kaleela would see herself being open to marriage. He wasn’t rushing, but he also wasn’t giving her an out.
“So, uh, I know the history and all, but you know how Chico and Chello looked out for Kaleela?”
“I do.”
“I figured it wouldn’t hurt to have them over from time to time when we link up with the boys, creating new memories. I wanted them to see what my baby didn’t see or have when she was growing up. I wouldn’t dare do that shit without having your blessing, though. Kaleela loves you. Hell, I almost love you,” he teased when X smirked.
“But more importantly, I respect you. I’m new to the scene, but I ain’t going nowhere. I know you’re not either.”
“Pfft. Hell no.” X rubbed his chin, giving it some thought. He didn’t have to be Chico’s friend, but he could at least try, as long as he remembered what he and Shonasia had was what they had.
“Your call.” He lifted both hands, and X smiled.
“Nigga, what you’re smiling for?”
