BFF

Cuba

Dave – POV

I'd been in Cuba for two weeks now, handling a few sit-downs Benny had scheduled before I took over. Bull came with me—it made everything easier.

"Yo, phone ringing, Dave," Bull called out.

"Good lookin'," I said, grabbing it.

I'd just stepped out the shower, tired as hell. It had been meetings nonstop since the plane touched down.

Incoming Call: Baby

"Yeah," I answered, my voice low.

"You okay?" Tia asked.

"Yeah, just tired."

"You look like it. Get some rest."

"A nigga tryin'. Too much needs to get done."

"Well, if you would've brought me, I could've relaxed you," she teased.

"Oh, that right, mama?"

"Yup. But you swear you too busy."

"I am. I need you there with Corey and JJ."

"We're good. Ciara and Corey been bumpin' heads though. Yesterday was bad. I think you and Bull should talk to him when y'all get back."

"I will."

"You stressed?"

"Nah. Just need sleep."

"Want me to call you later?"

"Nah, you good. What you doing?"

"Finishing this assignment for class."

"You not stressing, are you?"

"A little, but I'm good."

"Don't stress yourself out, girl."

While we talked, I started throwing on clothes—one more meeting before the night ended.

"When you coming home?" she asked.

"Tomorrow. Just one more sit-down tonight."

"Good. I miss you."

Bull poked his head in. "I understand y'all cakin'—lemme see my seed."

I handed him the phone. "Tia!"

"JJ, your daddy on the phone," I heard her say.

"I'm coming, Auntie!"

"Hey son," Bull said.

"Hey Dad! When you and Unc coming back?"

"Tomorrow. You having fun with Tia?"

"Yes! We went everywhere—the movies, skating, museum, water park—everywhere!"

"Oh y'all havin' fun fun."

"Yeah! And Corey... but he broke one of Uncle's paintings."

I snapped back to attention. "He did what?"

"Nothing," Tia said calmly. "I handled it. Relax."

"JJ, give Auntie the phone," I said.

"Go play your game, lil man," she told him. "Love you, JJ."

"Love you too, Dad!"

"Alright," I said. "What happened?"

"They were arguing about something—I don't know—and he punched the wall. Hit where your painting was. I already ordered a new one."

"That ain't the point."

"I know the point. He needs to control his anger. But he get that from you and Bull, so what did you expect?"