Page 33 of After the Knockout
“To Shoreline?” Pops asked. Both of them started talking at once.
“My son there,” I said simply. “And I’m here. Don’t feel right.”
Jaylen leaned closer to the screen. “Nigga, youjustleft Shoreline.”
“I know.”
“We already sent the pilot home. How you gon’ get there?”
“I’m driving.”
“Driving!’ Jaylen roared. “It’s still some flooded areas out there.”
“At least wait ’til the morning, Son.” They were talking at the same time again. I ignored them both and grabbed another hoodie.
“I wanna be there when he wakes up. I’ll take the truck.”
“What about training on Monday?” Pops asked.
“I gotta move it back.”
“And the media schedule?” Jaylen added.
“Gotta move it back.” I grabbed my keys off the dresser. “I’ll call Cherry.”
Pops stared at me for a second before nodding once. “You making the right decision.”
I nodded. Having Pops’ support meant the world to me.
“Be honest.” Jalen cut in. “You going back for your son, or you just miss hitting Lyrius from the back?”
“Man. Shut the fuck up.”
“I still don’t know why you even took them back home. I would’ve moved them straight into my damn house!” Jaylen declared dramatically.
“Nah,” I said immediately. “Dakoda got a home already. School starts next week. Friends. Routine. I ain’t taking him away from all that just ’cause I’m finding out about him a little late.”
“I guess.” He shrugged. “So what? You just gon’ commute between Azalea and Shoreline?”
“I’ll figure it out.”
“You need to call Cherry and push your schedule back,” Jalen said. “Media too.”
“I know.”
“You want me to hit her?”
“Nah,” I said, zipping the last duffel shut. “I’ll hit her now.”
“Aight,” Jalen replied. “Keep your location on just in case I have to come get your ass on a boat again.”
“Whatever.” I smirked as Pops laughed loud as hell. “I’ma hit y’all when I make it to Shoreline.”
“Drive safe, Son.”
“Yeah,” Jalen added. “And try not to fall in love with being somebody’s daddy too fast.”
“Too late.” I grabbed the two duffel bags off the bed and started out of my room and down the stairs.
