Page 55 of Maybe I’m the Problem

“Boy, you ain’t never beat me in Uno and you never will. I don’t care how much I’m in pain.”

“Have you told Law about us yet?”

“No, Trey and I’m not. Why would I do that?”

“I think he should know that I’m around. My girl knows about you, and my life is easier. I don’t want to be in here bringing you food and playing cards and shit with you.”

“Law ain’t coming back no time soon. He’s comfortable with me being here, so he’s back to handling his businesses. It’s late when he gets back to the room.”

“Not trying to get in your business but do you believe Law when he says he’s not cheating anymore? Us men can be so manipulative.”

“You damn right you are manipulative. You sitting your ass in here with me after hurting me over and over again. I hope you don’t fuck with Serenity like this. She sounds like she’s pretty dope, especially to be helping you with your daughter. Don’t fuck this relationship up.”

“I’m going to try my best not to. Serenity is good to me and my daughter. It’s only been a few weeks but she’s already helping my daughter get potty-trained. Shit was hard for me. I’ve tried to reach out to Lana but her nigga answers the phone every time and tells me she’s busy.”

“You’re not worried about her?”

“For what? She doesn’t mean shit to me. She took me through hell. I got my daughter and now she can do what she needs to do.”

“I understand.”

“I’m just trying to be a better man. Maybe if we met at a time like this, shit would’ve worked out between us.”

“Yea, we both had some growing up to do. Shit, I’m still growing. Law takes me through shit and I have to remember that I’m about to be someone’s mama now. I can’t chase behind another man and make sure he’s not cheating on me. You started this shit and look at us sitting here having a real grown-up conversation.”

“I’m proud of your growth. You know I’m always here if you need anything. On some friend shit. I don’t want anything from you.”

“I appreciate that, but Uno, nigga.” We shared a laugh when the door popped open.

“Fuck so funny? I want to laugh, too. Do you know my girl personally, or you still fixing her bed?” Law asked me.

I looked at Summer to see if I needed to let his ass know what was going on. From her eye contact, I knew all I needed to do was get up and take my ass home to my daughter.

“Summer, I’ll see you later. I better head home to my girl and my daughter,” I told her as I grabbed the cards up.

“Thank you for everything,” Summer said as I made my way out the door. Law looked like he was ready to explode. Now he saw where Summer was coming from when she questioned him all the time.

“How’s Summer doing?” Serenity asked as she sat my plate in front of me.

“She was in pain today but other than that, she’s doing great.”

“I would love to meet her one day. Seems like you guys are back on track.”

“Shit, I would love for y’all to meet but there’s no need for all that. Her nigga probably having a fit right now.”

“Why?”

“He walked in on us playing cards. Nothing deep, but he doesn’t know our history.”

“Damn, well I’m glad you’re home because I need to tell you something.”

Shit! I couldn’t take any more news. Serenity got up and walked out of the living room and came back with a piece of paper.

“I got let go from my job today.”

“Okay, we can figure some shit out.”

“No, I’m leaving Trey. I’m moving to Texas for another job. It’s a transfer.”