BFF

Mr. East

Dave – POV

I woke up that morning feeling good—Tia was finally home. I headed downstairs to whip up a little breakfast before she and Corey woke up. Just as I started on the turkey bacon, my phone rang.

On the phone

"Hello?" I answered.

"Hey Mr. East, this is Coach Brown from Cali High. I'm calling about Corey."

"Yes, sir—that's my nephew," I said, already feeling some pride bubble up.

"I'd love for him to play for my team. We've got morning practice every day in the summer at 8 a.m., and once the school year starts, practice will be at 3 p.m. He can start Monday."

"That's perfect. I appreciate this, Coach."

"No problem. See you guys Monday."

"Alright. See you then."

Call ended.

I finished cooking—turkey bacon, grits, and biscuits—then headed back upstairs to wake up Tia. I kissed all over her face until she stirred.

"Yes, David?" she mumbled, eyes still closed.

"Here go yo food, mama."

"Thank you, baby. And let Blue in—he scratching at the door."

"He always trying to get in here with us."

She laughed. "I know."

While she went to brush her teeth, I walked up to the third floor to check on Corey.

"Wassup, unc?" he said, sitting up.

"Where yo little girlfriend at?"

He laughed. "She left this morning."

"Aye, you start basketball Monday. You don't have to work unless you want to."

"Okay, thank you. Do you know which school?"

"Cali High."

He started grinning from ear to ear.

"Let me guess—yo little girl go there?"

"Yeah, she does."

I nodded. "Alright. Me and T about to head to her doctor's appointment. Breakfast downstairs."

"Did T cook it?"

"No, nigga—me. It's good."

"Aight. I'm gon' be with Uncle Bull today."

"Cool. Lock up."

"Always."

I walked back down, lighting my blunt on the way. Tia was back in bed. We had gone at it all night after our talk, so I couldn't even blame her.

"Tia, get up girl. You gon' be late."

"I'm so tired, like fr, Dave. Give me a minute. You wore me out."

"You have an appointment. When you get back, you can sleep all day—I promise."

"Alright, alright..."

Eventually she got dressed and we made it to the doctor's office.

Inside the Office

"Good morning, Tia. And David, how are you?" the doctor greeted.

"I'm good, Doc," I said.

"I'm doing good," Tia added.

"How's your breathing with the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?"