“I promise I’ll come see you more,” I said, making sure to roll my eyes at Siah.
“I'm going to hold you to that. Don't make me come looking for you, Pretty,” Senior said with a sly sexy grin that reminded me of his son. They both had a way with women, which I loved and hated. The two of them were so much alike that it was scary sometimes.
“I promise.”
“So how have you been? This one treating you good?”
I glanced at Siah, who was looking down at his menu.
He spoke without looking at me. “Don’t even fix your face to say some foul shit.”
Senior laughed. “You can tell the truth. Don’t worry about him.”
“He does alright, I guess.” I leaned into Siah’s shoulder just a little, which made him place his hand on my leg and let it move up and down my thigh.
“If you have any problems, just let me know. I’ll straighten him out for you.” Senior winked at me.
“I will.”
Siah didn't bother addressing his father’s statement, he just leaned back in his chair and smiled before placing his arm across the back of mine.
“So, business is good, I hear. Siah told me that you’ve been working a lot lately.”
I smiled at the fact that he discussed me with his father. I knew he did, but it still felt good when I heard Senior talk about it.
“Yes, sir. Hopefully we can get it out of the hood soon and on a bigger stage.”
“Money is money, Pretty. Doesn't matter where it comes from. It all spends the same.”
“I know, I just want more than what we’re doing.” I shrugged.
Senior was a hustler, just like Siah, in fact, he was the reason why Siah had his empire. It all started with Senior, and when he retired, he passed it down. Years later, Siah had changed things to suit his needs and was doing much more than his father ever had.
“I get it, and there’s nothing wrong with that. You can make it happen, just stay at it.”
“Soon, Pretty, real soon. Trust me, you’ll get there.” Siah leaned in and kissed my cheek.
Senior glanced at his son and then me, he didn't say anything though, he simply smiled before he held his hand in the air to summon the waitress. She came right over, showing all thirty twos, which I was sure was due to Senior.
“Are you ready to order?”
“Yes, but I’ll order for everyone.” Senior rattled off a list of items and then looked at me.
“Coffee or juice?”
“Coffee, cream and sugar,” I said, looking at the waitress.
“I’ll have coffee, black and bring two glasses of orange juice, one for me and the other for my son.”
“Your son, I should have known. He’s handsome, just like you, Senior,” she said it in a way that didn't offend me because I could tell that she was more interested in Senior than Siah, which was clear as day.
She was pretty, but not what I would have considered Senior’s type. He usually liked his women pretty young, and she was clearly in her mid-forties, slender build like she worked out. Her jet black hair was pulled into a ponytail in back of her head and she was dressed in jeans with a powder blue polo. Nothing over the top.
“’Preciate it,” Siah said in reference to her comment about him before his hand moved down my arm since it was still across the back of my chair.
“Okay, I’ll be right back.”
She smiled at Senior and then left our table. Shortly after, she returned with our drinks, and then our food not long after that. Senior had ordered pancakes, eggs, sausage and homemade biscuits. The food was great, and I ate way more than I should have, but I couldn't stop. We all caught up and talked about any and everything going on in our lives. Senior and I ganged up on Siah as usual, and like always, I enjoyed my time with the O’day men until breakfast was over and it was time for Siah and I to leave.
“I'm about to hit this bathroom before we make this drive. Stay away from his old ass while I’m gone.”
“Whatever,” I said, sliding my arm around Senior’s waist and resting my head on his side.
“Keep that shit up and he’ll be taking your ass home,” Siah threatened and then walked off, leaving us.
Once he rounded the corner, Senior started with the questions. I knew it was coming because he knew me, but even more than that, he knew his son.
“So now you can tell me how you really are. Is everything okay with you and my son?”
“Yeah, why?”
“Because I know my son.” Senior offered a sympathetic smile.
“We are what we are. That hasn't changed,” I admitted.
“Be patient with him, Nonie. He’s complicated, and unfortunately he learned from me, but he loves you. Just in his own way. I’m not sure that Yosiah can just change who he is. He’s trying for you, but I don't know that he can.”