Page 53 of Steel
“Aye!” I snapped, causing the truck to fall silent. “I need y’all to focus on the task at hand.”
I almost forgot that I was talking to a bunch of kids with a limited attention span.
“Y’all go have a good day. Love y’all.”
“Love you too!”
They filed out of the truck, Jaiden being the last one.
“KD?” he said, looking back.
“What’s up, buddy?”
“I wouldn’t mind being real friends with Nayelli.”
I smiled. “Then be her real friend.”
“Okay. See you later!”
“See you later, dude.”
He hopped out of the truck and headed into the building. I pulled off and headed to the academy. Maybe I was overstepping with Nayelli. Shit, I knew I was, but she was my kid. If I couldn’t have my own eyes on her, her little cousins and uncle would have to do. I was sure Neha would have something to say about it if she found out. She’d probably curse me for everything but a child of God, but it was whatever.
The school wasn’t doing their job, and like always, a Dillinger had to make shit happen. If letting the kids loose didn’t work, I’d just handle it myself. If I had to beat their daddies asses to prove a point, I wasn’t above that.
The sound of my phone ringing broke me from my thoughts. I picked it up to see a call from Miss Anita. Swiping the screen, I answered.
“Good morning, Ms. Anita.”
“Good morning, Kerrion. Do you have a minute?”
“I’m on my way to work. What’s up?”
“Well, I was hoping . . . I was hoping I could get KJ for the weekend.”
My ears perked up. “The whole weekend?”
“Yes.”
“That’s a lot to handle. I mean, I know you can handle a kid, but are you sure you’re ready?”
“I’m ready. I miss my baby, and I need some part of her close to me. I hate that I haven’t been the best grandma, and I want to do better. Please let me keep him.”
“I’m okay with that. He has a respiratory infection right now, but if he’s better by the weekend, you can take him.”
“Does he need anything?”
“He’s currently being spoiled by his grandfather, so he’s okay.”
“Okay, well, can I call to check on him later?”
“Of course. If he’s feeling up to it, we can FaceTime.”
“Thank you. I appreciate your patience.”
“I love you, Ms. Anita. You were one of the most important people to one of my most important people. I got you.”
“Thank you, baby. Have a good day.”
