Page 54 of The Desired Nanny
“The other, what?” I encouraged.
“I don’t fucking know. I don’t have anything. I love him, but—”
“But negates everything before it.”
“I love him; however—”
“That’s actually worse, in my opinion.”
“I’m convinced the boy’s brain is made up of 78% creatine.”
I snorted. “Jesus.”
“What’s that word people use to describe a handsome man whose elevator doesn’t reach the top floor?”
I paused to think. “Himbo.”
“That’s it. The boy is a himbo. How much do you want to bet if we return to the hall that that boy is shimmying? You spend all that money on an education for the motherfucker to learn to dance and lift weights on camera for a living.”
“Anthony, you’re being harsh. You’re just a bitter old man because your knees went out nearly thirty years ago. You couldn’t shimmy to save your life.”
“My knees weretakenfrom me,” he corrected bluntly. I put my hands up in submission.
“You’re right. Thank you. You’re still bitter because Ronan didn’t follow in your footsteps and join Delta Sigma Phi.”
“When he mentioned rushing, I thought, great, and suggested Delta Sig. Do you know what this little boy told me?” Anthony asked, scooting closer to drive his point home.
I did know what Ronan told him, but I wanted to hear it again.
“No; remind me.”
“That little boy told me that there was no way in hell he was joining Kappa Kappa Kappa! I’m offended.”
“Lower your voice—there’s no need to yell.”
“I’m whispering.”
“You think you are, but you’re not, and your offense is your problem. I wasn’t offended when Kieran joined Kappa Alpha Psi. Take yourself out of the equation and ask yourself why your biracial son would prefer to be in a brotherhood with Black men than white men.”
“I get it. I understand, but Kappa Kappa Kappa?”
“That’s what it probably looked like to them. Plus, you know it hasn’t always been smooth sailing for them growing up. There were racial incidents we had to deal with in school, and if I’m being honest, I’m glad they landed where they did. They were happy and safe amongst their peers. Casey joined Delta Sig and look how that turned out. He was kicked out for having revenge sex with the President’s mother.”
“That boy is something else,” Anthony said with a tsking noise.
“Tell me about it. I talk to him often about sexual discipline, and it goes in one ear and out the other. I wouldn’t be surprised if he has children out there somewhere he doesn’t know about.” Silence fell between us as we finished the joint. “I’m nervous,” I admitted.
“About what?”
“The talk I must have with Kiyah on Sunday.”
“It is what it is.”
“How do you tell your child that you’re cutting them off financially?”
“I don’t know. I’ve never done it myself, but I have a feeling Kiyah will land on her feet.”
“You think so?” I asked incredulously.
