“Can we go?” Yami asked, feeling uncomfortable under his intense stare.
He chuckled. “I still make you nervous?”
“No, I just don't want us to be late.”
Miego moved closer to her before he leaned down and kissed her. “I make you nervous, but it's cool. I won't hurt you, Yami. You’ll eventually learn to trust that.” He stepped back and winked at her before leaving the room.
When they reached the living room, Ray jumped up from the floor where she was watching TV and ran to her mother.
“You look so pretty, Mommy.” Ray grinned at her just before Miego scooped her up in his arms, forcing a slew of giggles out of her.
“You look pretty too, baby girl.” He lowered her body, holding her against his chest, and kissed her on the forehead.
Watching Miego with her daughter made Yami fall harder for him, but it also made her feel bad about that fact that she was keeping Ray from her father. As much as she hated it, she knew that she had to do something about it.
Forty minutes later, they pulled up at a building near her mom and sister’s house, and when Miego parked, she looked at the building and then back at him, curious about where they were.
“Isn't this your mother’s building?”
Miego just smiled and got out. He walked to the back door on the passenger side, got Ray out of her car seat, and then opened Yami’s door. “Let's go.”
“Tell me why we’re at your mom’s building first,” Yami said, looking up at the building and then back to him.
“Yami, let's go.”
Her expression dropped and she looked at him like he had lost his mind. “Why are we at your mom’s house?”
“You said you couldn't just leave her with anybody, so my mom said she’d keep Ray for us. My sister is here too, so she’ll be good,” Miego rattled off and then turned to walk to the building, but stopped when he didn't feel Yami moving behind him.
“I don't know your mother, Miego,” Yami said firmly, still not moving.
He turned to face her with a grin. “You don't trust my mom with your daughter, shorty? That’s fucked up, but that’s cool. Either way, we’re still going in there and then you can tell her to her face that you don't trust her.”
“I’m didn't say that. I mean, I didn’t say that I don’t trust her to watch Ray. All I said was that I don’t know her.”
“I’ight then, let’s go so that you can meet her.” He took a step in Yami’s direction, grabbed her hand and began moving toward the building again. Once they made it to his mother’s floor, he unlocked the door and stepped inside. Yami was right behind him and about to lose it.
“Ginette, where you at?” He yelled from the living room, and not even seconds later his mother appeared with his sister right behind her.
“Oh my, look at this pretty girl,” Ginette said placing her hand on Rays back and then gently rubbing it.
“Ma, this is Yamiah and Ray.” Miego’s head nodded toward Yami, who was standing beside him, and his mother smiled and extended a hand to her.
“How you doing, baby? I’m glad you’re here.” Ginette's smile was soft and welcoming, which was a good sign.
“I’m good, and I’m pleased to meet you,” Yami offered and accepted her hand. After a she released it, she glanced at her daughter. “Are you sure you don't mind keeping her?”
Ginette noticed the nervous look on Yami’s face and offered a reassuring smile. She loved children, and since she only had the one grandchild, she welcomed the opportunity to spend time with Yami’s daughter. But she also understood her hesitancy about leaving her child with a stranger.
“I don't mind at all. In fact, I’ve been looking forward to it since this one doesn't seem to have any interest in having any of his own. Trust me, she’s in good hands. I promise to take good care of her, you have my word on that, sweetheart.”
There was something about Ginette’s words that put Yami at ease, so she nodded and agreed. “I appreciate it.”
“What’s up, Yami?” Yanna said before walking past her and plopping down on the sofa.
“Hey.” Yami looked at Miego and then right back to his sister.
“Girl, don't stand there looking crazy. You’re good,” Yanna said, glancing at her and then focusing on the TV. “So where are y'all heading?” she asked, this time not looking at her.
“Umm, I’m not sure, he won't tell me.”
“Miego, you’re so damn extra,” Yanna said and looked over her shoulder at her brother.
“Mind your damn business, Yanna.”
“Watch your mouth around this baby, Miego,” Ginette said, frowning at her son. “Hey sweetheart, is it okay if you stay here with me for a little while?”