Fate Unchanged (Quinah & Norminah)

Chapter Four

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QUINCY

It usually took Quincy around forty-five minutes to get to New Hope from the city. However, because of his pit stop to one of Philly's most popular pizza shops, and because of his time spent with Dinah, he didn't set foot into his house until a little after seven. As soon as she heard the door close, Adeya ran to Quincy and engulfed him in a hug. Quincy smiled as he swiftly picked the little one up, holding her on one side and the two boxes of pizza on the other.

"Welcome home, daddy!"

"Hey, baby girl!"

Quincy proceeded to shower his princess with kisses.

"Sorry I'm a little late. I had to make a stop before getting dinner. You decide what movie you wanna watch?"

"Can we watch Soul?"

"Again?" Quincy chuckled. "I take it that's your new favorite, huh?"

"Uh huh," she answered. "Joe's a teacher like mommy was."

Quincy smiled adoringly at his daughter before bringing his lips to her forehead.

"You're so right, mamas. Here. How about you get the movie ready, while I get snacks and drinks to go along with the pizza. I got your favorite, by the way."

The little one's eyes grew as she let out a gasp.

"Stuffed crust pepperoni!?"

"Yup! Two boxes worth."

"EEEEEEE!"

The six-year-old squealed as she ran upstairs to get ready for movie night, her little mannerisms reminding Quincy of his late wife more and more with each passing day. Justine watched the whole exchange from the kitchen's entryway, a smile ever present on her face as she leaned against the wall.

"You know," she began, helping Quincy situate everything, "you're bodying this 'single dad' thing. She'd be proud of you."

"I know she would," Quincy smiled. "Especially since I may not be a single dad for much longer."

The ebony's eyebrows shot up as intrigue took over.

"I'm listening," she said.

"You know that woman that works at Tango?"

"The cute bartender you make it a mission to go see every day after work?" Justine smirked knowingly. "Yeah, I know her."

"I finally asked her out...and she said yes."

"I don't why you're surprised," Justine chuckled. "I always got the sense that she was into you, too. So, when's the date?"

"Friday. I'm picking her up. I'm gonna take her to that Italian place over on Spruce Street."

"Vetri Cucina? Oh, she's gonna love that! You really like her, don't you?"

"I do. I never thought I'd be able to even find another woman attractive after what happened. But this is my second chance. And I'm gonna take it."

"I'm happy for you," Justine said as she gave Quincy a hug. "You're gonna kill it. Adeya can spend that weekend with us. Ronnie's been asking me and Luke when she could have another sleepover anyway."

Quincy chuckled as he walked Justine out to her car. After exchanging goodbyes, he watched as she drove out of the neighborhood, starting her three-minute journey back home. The twenty-nine-year-old got back in his house, took off his shoes, and headed upstairs to change into something more comfortable. He discarded his all black attire for a simple pair of grey sweatpants and a crisp, white, t-shirt. When he made it back downstairs, he saw Adeya in her pretty pink onesie, one that her mama had gifted her on the Christmas before she passed. She already had Disney+ pulled up on the TV, eagerly waiting for her dad to join her.