Page 93 of Steel
Immediately, the door opened, and she stepped out with a smile on her face.
“Hey, Kerrion. When did you get here?”
“Like five minutes ago. Sorry to just walk in, but you never answered the door.”
“I’m sorry. I got caught up doing something.”
“What’s in there?”
“Nothing much. You know I love to plant flowers already, so I decided to plant a garden, so this is going to be my greenhouse.”
“Word. That means I get some of your famous beef stew with garden fresh veggies, right?”
She laughed. “I got you, baby.” She reached for KJ. “Hi, Fat Man!” She smothered his face with kisses. “I missed you so much. You ready to visit mommy? I know she can’t wait to see you.”
I felt a pain in my chest, and my hand flew to the spot to rub it. Ms. Anita looked up at me.
“You okay?” she asked.
I cleared my throat. “Yeah. Just . . . I don’t think I’ll ever get used to him having to visit her at the cemetery.”
She sighed. “Me either. Visiting her with him has been healing. I feel like she’s still right here with me in some ways. She’s watching over us.”
“I know.”
There was an awkward silence before she spoke again.
“Sooo, . . . you have a daughter?”
“Yeah. It was unexpected.”
“How’s it been?”
“With her? It’s been great. She’s an amazing kid, and she loves KJ so much. I know they are going to be the best of friends.”
“How old is she?”
“Ten.”
“Hmm. She a beautiful little girl.”
“Thank you.”
“So did you and mom reconcile? I’m just saying, you all looked very cozy.”
“We didn’t. But we are in a good space.”
“Oh. Well, I hope you have time for two kids.”
I frowned. “My father had time for six. I can do it with two.”
“I didn’t mean it like that. I just . . . KJ needs you. You’re the only parent he has.”
“I’m well aware of that, Ms. Anita. I take care of my son every day. He’s my main focus and always will be. His sister is just added into the fold.”
She raised a hand in surrender. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to offend you. Forget I said anything.”
I eyed her skeptically. I should have known she felt some type of way by the way she acted yesterday. The last thing I wanted to do was give this lady a piece of my mind. I gave her grace and respect because she lost a child, but questioning my parenting was where I drew the line.
