Page 72 of The Don’s Virgin Obsession

Didn’t sit around talking about feelings.

He worked.

He ran shit.

He disappeared into himself and came back when he was ready.

When I got older and started doing the same thing, nobody had to teach me how.

I had already seen it.

“You stop moving, people start counting your pockets,” he said, setting his tea down. “The bigger you get, the less mistakes you can afford.”

“I know.”

“Knowing ain’t enough.”

My mother called from the kitchen. “Vaughn Jr., take these containers with you before you leave.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

My father smiled a little at that, almost hidden. “She still bossing everybody.”

“She been doing that.”

“Only woman allowed.”

That was probably the realist thing he ever admitted without making it emotional.

I sat there for a while longer, watching the movie with him. He was breathing more heavily than usual but still sitting up, alert.

That stubborn shit ran through my blood.

After a while, I stood up.

“You gonna be good when I leave?” I asked.

He gave me a look. “I’ll be alive when you come back.”

I went into the kitchen, grabbed the food my mother packed, and kissed her cheek again.

“Don’t work all night,” she said.

“I’m going home.”

She gave me the same look she gave my father earlier.

I left before either one of them could say anything else.

Outside, the night air hit my face while I walked back to my truck. I sat there with the food on the passenger seat and my hands on the wheel, not starting the engine yet.

Women either bring peace or distraction.

That line sat with me.

I didn’t know what Sade brought.

She wasn’t peace.