The "Boondock" Kids

*****

"Hey there big daddy," a gorgeous girl says as ahe strolls over to Riley. "Wanna dance?" Riley glances at Huey who has his lips pressed together in a hard line, and Caesar who scratches the back of his neck before looking back at the girl. "

She pouts. "Well you know where to find me." She winks before walking back to the dance floor.

Caesar pats him on the back. "You go boy."

Riley shrugs him off. "Nigga stop being gay."

Huey checks the time in no watch. 8:45. Damn. We were here that long? "Guys we should go," Huey says getting off his stool. "I'm driving."

"Fine. Only cuz yo hatin ass ain't drank nothin," Riley slurs as he jumps off his too.

"Cool then. Just drop me off at my hotel," Caesar says.

Huey nods.

*****

After dropping Caesar off, Huey drives back to the house in Riley's car with Riley since the girls took the Range Rover. As they drive, Riley looks out the window and frowns, pulled immediately from his drunk state as he sees a girl dressed in the same clothes his daughter has, walking in their direction.

"That Janet?" He says nudging Huey.

Huey looks out. "Yeah...what the hell is she doing out now?"

"Stop the car."

Huey stops the car near her and Riley gets out, instantly recognising Janet under the street lamp. "Girl where you been?"

Janet seems startled at first, but tries to hide it with a forced smile. "Hey daddy!"

"Where. You. Been?"

"...out."

"Out where?? Janny, its nine now."

"Chill dad! Imma big girl now! I can handle myself out on the streets!"

"Girl I swear if you was doin crack..."

"I wasn't doin crack! You do crack all the-"

"Just get in the car. C'mon. You can tell yo momma that bullshit."

Janet groans and rolls her eyes to the back of her head as she opens the passenger door. "Damn! I was just getting to know Chicago! You got somethin wrong with me exploring my home town?!"

"Girl you lucky yo ass too old to explore my belt!" Riley says as he sits in the car. "Nx. Talkin back at yo daddy. You betta know yo place girl!"

Huey can't help but watch Riley's parenting skills and shakes his head.

*****

At the house, everyones at the table eating dinner except for Ashley. The three walk into the kitchen. Aunt Cookie frowns. "Where ya'll been?"

Huey sits between Jazmine and Nakeem as Riley and Cindy sit on either side of Cindy. They peck. "Just out. Hey where Ashley at?" he says changing the topic, though not really caring.

Granddad frowns deeply. "Ah been callin her all afternoon. She just texted me that she'd be back around nine. We should find-"

Riley coughs. "Oh look at that." He forces a sniff, though you can clearly tell that his nose isn't clogged. "I think I got a cold and shit. Guess I should get some rest!" Riley stands up and speed walks out of the kitchen. Cindy sighs, "Night ya'll." She stands up and walks out after him.

"Um...dad?" Nakeem says.

"Hm?"

"I've been wanting to tell you...I have a date," he smiles nervously.