Page 30 of Scribbled Excellence

I giggled.“I can only imagine. Daddy, did you hear anything back from Attorney Mastermind?”

A few years ago, August found a lawyer, Attorney Greg Mastermind, to look into our father’s case. August felt like some things were mishandled, and our father shouldn’t have gotten as much time as he did. The lawyer said that he agreed with my brother and took the case pro-bono. Attorney Mastermind told us that it could be a long process, but he felt hopeful.

My relationship with my father looked completely different than my relationship with my mother. It wasn’t always like this. I held a lot of resentment toward him after he was convicted. At that time, I didn’t know the full story about my mother’s involvement. My mother forbade me and my siblings to go to court proceedings. In hindsight, that was how she was able to keep the fact that she was with him when he was arrested. The way she told the story was that she was out with her friends when he was caught.

It wasn’t until years later, after my brother poked around the case to find out what really happened that we learned the truth. When we confronted our mother, she made light of the shit. That pissed me off because, yes, my father was in the streets, but there was never a doubt that he loved us. His criminal record made it hard for him to get a job that truly sustained our family. The streets always had open positions.

Once I knew the truth, I opened up to a sit-down conversation with him. After our first visit, many more followed, and I appreciated it. Most people thought that people in jail were a burden because they always needed something. Shawn Darius Bennett was the exception to the rule. He was a hustler and took care of himself very well. There were times that he took care of us as well, . . . a lot of times. He would send me five hundred to one thousand dollars at a time and told me to put it on bills.

Michelle’s trifling ass never did that shit. We were on state assistance up until I took custody of my brother and sister. I was the one that handled the home finances because I was the one that brought in the money outside of the utility checks. I loved my father. Michelle, not so much.

“I have, baby girl. He came to visit me yesterday to tell me that there’s been a break in my case that might be the key.”The excitement in his voice woke the excitem ent in my soul.

“That’s good news, man,”Kyro blurted with his own excitement. I loved that he wanted this for me and my siblings as much as we did.“Did he get you a court date or anything?”

That was a good question. I waited with bated breath for his answer.“He said we would know in the upcoming weeks if I got one.”

“Please let me know if you do, Daddy. I want to come if I’m allowed to. Did you already tell Tuesday and August?”I asked.

“Nah, I didn’t want to get their hopes up and it’s for nothing. You know baby girl gets her hope as high as heaven, and when she’s disappointed, it goes to hell. I don’t want to do that to her,”he said.

I sighed.“You’re right. Well, I hope it’s good news.”

We talked until I finished dinner. He had a contraband cell phone, so he was able to call more than the normal prisoner. I never called him; he always called us. I prayed that it worked out in our favor and our dad was able to come home.

You’re Our Guest . . .

Tonight was the night of the private art showing. We got the text with the time and date a few days ago like the initial invitation said that we would. I was excited and anxious. I’d never been to an art exhibit. Danielle, of course, was invited. We traveled to Atlanta yesterday to shop for a dress. I absolutely loved the dress that I bought. It was a black-tie event, so Kyro was wearing a tuxedo.

Kyro went all out and got me, him, and Danielle a car service for tonight. The event started at eight, and the doors opened at seven thirty. We’d just pulled up to the venue.

“Kyro, be a gentleman,” I whispered. He hadn’t been able to keep his hands off me since I came out of the bedroom. We got ready at Danielle’s house, which was gorgeous. There were daysthat I was still in shock that I was close with Danielle. For all intent and purposes, she was my aunt.

Kyro kissed my neck, then he placed his lips near my ear. “I am being a gentleman, trust me. I haven’t tried to fuck you in this car yet.”

I gasped then giggled. “You are mannish as hell. I love that shit though.” I said the last part in a low voice.

The driver opened the door on Kyro’s side. Kyro helped me and his sister out. When we got to the door, security checked our IDs. For their private art showings, it was the gallery’s policy that all cell phones went into lock boxes. They gave you the key to hold.

When we walked into the building, my eyes bucked at the people in attendance. It was celebrities, athletes, artists that I admired, collectors that I was familiar with, and some not. All the women wore black, gold, or silver dresses. Danielle told me that was common for black-tie events.

There was a server near the door with a tray of wine. The bottle was on the tray as well. I smiled at the label.Basil-Sand.Since our first date, I had become obsessed with their wine.

Kyro wrapped his arm around my waist, pulled me into his side, then kissed my neck. “You are so beautiful. Your skin is glowing.”

My cheeks warmed and rose. “Thank you, baby. You are quite handsome tonight.”

Danielle interrupted our naughty conversation. Her finger pointed at us. “I know that look, and I will beat both of y’all asses if you duck off anywhere.” She grabbed my hand. “Come on so I can introduce you to people.”

Kyro and I laughed at her knowing us well. For the next twenty minutes, she introduced me to so many people. Starstruck was not big enough of a word for some of the people that I met.

When I made my way back to my man, he stood next to Rashad, Daylen, and who I recognized as his wife, Simonette. “Simonette, you look stunning. How’s your baby girl?”

She had her baby less than a month ago. I was surprised that she was here. Her smile was bright. “You do as well. My little Daria is so perfect. She’s such a good baby. As long as I keep her fed, dry, and clean, she’s the happiest girl.”

“Awe, I can’t wait to have a little mini me.” My finger went up in Kyro’s face as soon as the ‘e’ of the me left my lips. “After I’m married.”

He chuckled. “Duly noted, trust.” He glanced down at his watch. “They should be starting soon.”