Page 212 of Own It

Rakim pursed his lips at me once he realized I was ear hustling.

My dad stuck his arm out to pull me into a tight hug. The last time he did such a thing, I was released from a kidnapping.

“Also, in the future, Dr. Conrad, I’m gon’ need you to refrain from name calling Daylin no matter how upset you are. I want us to be cool, cordial, but you being disrespectful to my lady is the quickest way for us to become enemies.”

My dad froze, a smile lingering, before he nodded to comply with Rakim’s wishes.

“I apologize for that, baby girl.” My dad looked down at me, still clutching me into his side. I kissed his face in response. “You like men who kidnap you, huh?” he jested as I pulled away, making the three of us chuckle lowly in the otherwise quiet hospital.

“No. Just this one.” I sank into Rakim’s side as he hugged me into it.

I would let today’s progress simmer a bit before I revealed the new impending creation from Rakim and me.

TWENTY-NINE

kasia

THE VERY NEXT WEEKEND . . .

“Mommy, please go ice cream!” Divine hollered, snapping me out of my deep thoughts as we sat on the couch, watching Luca.

“Don’t yell, Divine.” I scolded her.

“You no answer.”

“I . . . I’m sorry.” I shook my head at myself as she climbed into my lap.

Ever since AJ’s party, I’d been zoning out, thinking of Josias. He annoyed the fuck out of me, but at the same time, I was noticing the changes.

When he came to get Divine, he kept it respectful, for the most part, picking her up and returning her with no issue. At the same time, he hadn’t quite given up, making it a point to speak with me anytime he felt it was right to tell me that he still loved me. Also, though he threatened to stop paying my bills if I didn’t fuck with him, that had proven to be bullshit.

It was difficult to break away from his ass, but I was going to continue to be steadfast in my efforts.

“Daddy!” Divine shouted, peering out of one of my big windows.

“Your dad is not . . . here.” I falsely corrected Divine as I watched Josias amble up my driveway, holding the hands of his son, JJ, and then daughter Julianna.

“With JJ and Juju!” Divine screeched, running to the door.

I followed her, frowning as I shook my head. I was just internally complimenting Josias for being mature and not the invasive, controlling asshole he could be—especially now that I was dating—yet here he was, proving me wrong. I knew it was God telling me to keep on with what I was doing.

“Jojo, what’s up?” I opened the door only seconds after he rang the doorbell.

“Damn.” He chuckled, and I could see the sparkle in his eyes, which caught me sort of off guard. Lately, he’d been so sullen that it was strange seeing him happy. It could’ve been for the kids, but I liked seeing him have a little joy. “I know it’s yo’ time with her . . .” He picked Divine up, who wouldn’t stop until he acknowledged her. “But these two wanted to go to Chuck E. Cheese, and I thought I’d take her too.”

“Oh, okay, well sure. We weren’t doing anything.” I smiled, seeing all three kids shout with excitement.

“You’re coming, too, Miss Kasia?” JJ asked.

“Oh . . . no. I’m gonna . . . just probably go see a movie or see what my friends are⁠—”

“You can roll, Kasia. I promise I won’t try or say anything.” Josias adjusted Divine on his side. “And Tarin won’t know.”

“Pleeeassse!” JJ pleaded, and I smiled at his cute self, looking like his father’s twin. How someone so evil like Tarin could create the sweetest little boy was beyond me.

“Uh, okay. I guess I can come. Let me get my purse and phone plus her jacket.”

“She got a jacket in my whip, but aight. We’ll be in the car.” Josias turned to walk back to the car as I retreated inside to gather my things.