No Letting Go [Completed]

Ninety-Three

Ignoring the stares, I pull Ricardo to the bathroom, checking on Riley and Nate who are, thankfully, in the room playing with the other kids. I'm also my granny wasn't present for that bullshit Colin pulled. He's so disrespectful and I'll deal with him later.

We get to the bathroom and close the door. "I swear if I see that nigga, his ass is mine."

I walk to the cabinet to get a towel and wet it with warm water. "No. Don't even stoop down to his level. He's not worth it honestly." I say gently touching his bleeding lip with the towel.

"You okay?"

"I'm not the one with a busted lip right now, I should be asking you that."

"This is not how I wanted your family to meet me."

"Yeah, well, I think everyone clearly saw who's at fault. I'm sure we can smooth things over quickly...oh and if my granny G tries to hit on you, please pay her no mind." We both let out a giggle.

"You look beautiful."

"Thank you."

"You look very handsome. I still can't believe you're here...when you should be with your kids."

"I would have, if their mother didn't decide at the last minute that she's gonna keep them. But, I get them for New Years."

"Hmmm maybe we could join you."

"I'd love that."

"Am I all cleaned up now?"

"Yup." I say putting the towel on the sink.

"Thank you." He pulls me closer to him.

"No problem. I appreciate you surprising me."

"I needed to see you. I missed you."

"I missed you too." I say before giving him a kiss. "We should probably get back to my family..." I grab his hand and we walk out. To my surprise, everybody's going about their business and there was really no explaining to do. I guess everyone just wants to forget about what happened and just continue to have a good time as we were and I'm glad.

"Where's Riley and Nate?" He asks.

"In the room playing. Come with me, so you can officially meet them." As we get closer to the room, the sound of children running around and playing grows louder.

"Riley." She looks my way and I signal her to come here. "Bring bubba with you." They walk into the hallway and Riley stares at Ricardo. "Ry...this Ricardo."

"I know. I talked to you on the phone, remember."

"Yup. I remember our conversation very well. It's nice to meet you." He holds out his hand and she shakes it.

"Nice to meet you too."

"And this is Nate." I say picking him up. "Tell Ricardo hi."

"Hiiiii." He says waving.

"Can we go back and play now?"

"Sure." I put Nate back down and they run back in the room.

"I was afraid to meet Riley in person but I think it went pretty well."

"I knew y'all would be okay after the FaceTime call. She was too nice."

"That was considered nice?"

"Yup."

The rest of the day goes by pretty smoothly. After helping getting the house cleaned and getting both of my children bathed and in bed, I sneak away and go see Ricardo at his hotel.

Upon arriving at the hotel, my phone starts to vibrate.

My Headache😒: That's foul as fuck, and out of line and you know it.

Me: 🙄🙄🙄

My Headache😒: You think this is a damn joke.

Me: No. I don't think it's a joke. I think you're childish as hell. That's what I think. You showed your ass today, and disrespected my grandmothers home. I really have nothing more to say to you.

My Headache😒: Fuck you Aaliyah

Me: Wow. Goodnight Colin.

**************************

A couple days after Christmas, I meet up with Kash for dinner one last time before she goes back New York, and I explain everything that happened Christmas Day.

"You know, I thought I'd give him a chance, but after hearing this, my opinion about him still stands..."

"I really didn't expect anything different from him. In Colin's mind, Colin can do no wrong. And him hookin up with trout mouth, even though that was a teammates ex, wasn't bad. Like for some odd reason, it's okay to him."

"He's so childish, and stupid. I'm glad you found someone who's gonna treat you right. You deserve it. So how did Riley take to him?"

"Really well actually. She FaceTimed him with me the night before we flew down here...and then when they met the other day, after everyone went home, he kept them both company while I cleaned the house."

"Well I'm glad Riley likes him and I assume Nate does too."

"Well, he let him play with his toys, so that says a lot...but what about you. When will you and Odell start poppin them out?"

"Not anytime soon. I have too much going on right now. By the way, I went ahead and confirmed my interview on Hot 97..."

"Oooo you petty bitch. When?"

"January fourth, and your ass better watch."

"Wait, watch? I thought it was on the radio."

"It's one of them sit down interviews she does but not to worry, it's being streamed live, and of course I'll tweet the link and tell people to tune in. I've never been so ready for an interview in my life."

"I can't wait."

After dinner, she brings me back to the house.

"I'm so sad you're going back so soon." I say.

"Same here. But it's back to my busy life. You and the kids definitely have to come and visit."

"We definitely do. Riley loves the big apple."

"Well we'll definitely have to plan it out."

"Sounds good." We reach over to give each other a hug. "It was so good to see you again."

"It really was. Give the kiddos a kiss for me?"

"I will. Have a safe trip Kash."

"Y'all as well. Love you!"

"Love you too!"

I hop out the car and walk in to a quiet house. I take it everyone's asleep already. I've had such a good time the past couple weeks, I almost don't want to go back to the bay, especially if I have to come across that asshole I call the father of my children. I take a quick shower, and watch tv until I fall asleep.