"Unbroken Threads: A Woman's Journey Through Hardship and Purpose"

Ride Along

Classix is on his phone chatting with someone for a good ten minutes during our car ride. (Sucks for me.) I can't tell if it's a chick or not, but it's not business-related. (I'm tripping.) As soon as he hangs up, I ask, "Your lady?" He giggles and says, "Nah, my daughter!" I respond, "Cool! How many kids do you have?" Classix replies, "Just my daughter; she's my world, you know!"

I mention I have a son and three daughters. "Wow, girl!" Classix exclaims. "I guess you've been busy! How old are they?" "25, 23, 18, and 19," I say. "How old is yours?" I ask. "She's 25," he answers. "We're extremely close. I wanted to have a football team, but I never found the right woman."

"I love kids," Classix continues, pride evident in his voice. "I volunteer once a month at a Boys and Girls Club in my old neighborhood." "That's amazing," I reply. "I wish I had spare time to do stuff like that. This is the first time in years I've been somewhat selfish and decided to do something solely for myself."

"What benefits you benefits your family," Classix says. "Not only that, but you're setting an example for those girls who look up to you. You'll inspire them to accomplish their dreams." (Oh, Lawd, if I'd had my ring on, it would have fallen off!) "Hey, if you don't have plans after this interview, would you like to grab some lunch or something?" Classix asks. "Yes, of course!" I respond. Next stop: A Table 4 Two with Shelly, and then lunch with Classix.