Lost One

31

❝SHANTEY❞

That same Thursday, into the afternoon, Shantey and her kids joined Amanda in San Diego at Sesame Place theme park for Kareem's two-year birthday. Instead of inviting an entire crowd, the Booker kids—that's became Amanda's family—joined the two best friends and Anicia. She went against inviting Kareem's father just so vibe's wouldn't get ruined. Sino provided the security detail to keep everyone protected. They all spent a long and fun four hours at the theme park before gathering in the sprinter and heading back on the four hour drive.

The kids were exhausted after playing around and the sprinter's lights were dimmed very low so the sleeping ones could rest peacefully. Azoni was resting beside Shantey while Seona laid her head on her lap, getting her braids taken down that she planned to redo before heading back on tour.

She was in the midst of unbraiding when her phone rung and picked it up to see a contact flashing across her screen—one she didn't would've expected. She answers; once it connects the Harlem native pops on her screen. "This... Is a surprise."

"Tried to call Twin, he ain't answer." His accent gets the attention of Amanda that sits beside her and holding her sleeping two-year-old.

Shantey looked to the next seat where Cru sleeps. "Yeah, he's sleep. Want me to wake him up?"

"Uhh, na, you straight. . I actually called to wrap witchu."

Shantey brows lifts in surprise. "Really? What about?"

"That therapy shit you suggested; I'ma rock wit it. I ain't gonna be back in Cali till a few shows, so I'll have my assistant get wit yours."

"... Okay, uhhh, great. That's what we need."

"Mmhm, yeah. Tell Twin to get back at me."

"Will..." the phone hung up before she could finish, "do."

"At least he comin around." Amanda states as Shantey placed her phone back in her purse.

"Yeahh. One session I'm not ready to have." Shantey exhaled, continuing to take down Seona's hair. "But anyway, you talk to Keyon?"

Amanda baby father's name got a eye roll out of her. "Yeah. The clown been callin me with No Caller ID cause I blocked him. I finally answered and let him talk to Stinka while you were at your session. He was happy to hear from his Dad, so I agreed to let him come by only and play with him in the backyard. I don't trust my son's safety with him."

"Which is very valid. You taking it one step at a time."

"The only amount of steps I'm taking with him. How's Che doin on tour? She not causing problems?"

"None. She's been staying focused for the most part. Our show in Atlanta she invited some of her little Easton entourage but they were respectful, so that was cool. Mo even brought the girls by."

"And how's she doing?" Amanda asked about Monae.

"Girl, being Mommy, wife, and running ALiGN. She told me she's been talking to Kory and Kendra's grand-mother Gloria. She told her Kory's not doing good down there. Gloria's talking about sending him to foster care—"