Dad doesn’t make breakfast often but when he does, I gotta admit, I’m very impressed. He usually does it for special occasions, so even if he disagrees with the party, he finds it a special occasion for me, and I love him. He’s the best father. I came down as soon as he called. Some nice and hot pancakes with bacon and eggs, sunny side of course. A slice of ham with some hash browns and sausage. Damn dad, you’re gonna make me look fat! Obviously that’s sarcasm and I love my dad for it. I was stuffed full after all that. Made me feel like a queen bright and early in the morning! Ah who am I kidding, it’s like 1pm. No matter the time, I’m down to have some great cooking courtesy of my dad.
I really just spent the day on my phone and watching some cable TV news. But it’s almost time to leave. I got on my favorite skirt, as requested by my soon-to-be boo. Dolled myself up to look my best and look in the mirror… goddamn, I look good! Y’know, my confidence wasn’t always there, especially not my body confidence. As a little girl in elementary school, I was anorexic, believe it or not. Look at me now and it’s like you’d never even know. My dad got me all the care I needed and even took me to some confidence classes and shit like that. Took such great care of me. Big ups to my therapist too, his name was Tate. He even worked with my dad at the broadcasting company for a little bit. I never knew his last name. He was a scrawny white man, but now I hear he’s in some decent shape. That’s good for him. Maybe his talks rubbed off on himself too! Haven’t seen him since therapy though. Dad still talks about him, let’s me know he says hello and all that good stuff. I saw him in middle school for therapy, I’d say about 5th grade. Maybe 6th. He helped me become the woman I am and now I’m one strong and confident woman and I am very comfortable in my skin.
I hear Po’s car coming up the driveway. Pretty brave of him. At least dad seems pretty chill about today so maybe he won’t think anything of it. “Daddy, I’m leaving!”
“Okay, babes. Remember what I said. No drinks. And be careful.”
“Of course, daddy, I promise you.”
I gave my dad a big kiss on the cheek. And out the door I go.
“Wait Heather, one more thing.”
“Yes?”
“Remember to have fun! I love you.”
He had the biggest smile on his face, so adorable.
“I will dad. I love you too.”
Po didn’t say much in the car on the way to his place. Seemed kinda nervous. I wonder if he feels the way I felt this morning. Hell, I still feel that way. I attempted to make some small first-date-type talk like ‘it’s been nice all day’ and ‘do you mind if I turn down the A/C?’ All I got were small quick answers, mostly one word. I actually haven’t been to his house ever. Maybe I’ll be able to figure out this mystery about his mom. Will she be there? Will I meet her? Why does Po hide her from me? When I saw a big gate, I was shocked. He buzzed in and the gate opened, leading us down a long winding road; well paved. And as we come around a turn; out of hiding from behind the trees was a very impressive house. Huge modern mansion. Nice big swimming pool. And of course, a whole hell of a lot of party guests. I don’t think a single girl here was wearing a dress though. Or a skirt. It was only 6:35pm so the sun was still out slightly, shining bright lights off the big glass windows. Enchanting. His little rinky-dink Pontiac does not match this house at all. We pulled into the huge garage and he told me to wait here. His cute ass walks around the car, opens my door for me, and gives me a forehead kiss. I blushed so hard. He brings me inside and it’s just… wow. The grand staircase. The huge chandelier. The overhanging second floor looking out into the foyer. I thought only hotels had a foyer. Po’s nervousness turned into excitement; I could tell as he was a lot chattier. Telling me about all the parts of the house. He took me to the kitchen where mostly everyone I knew was. Cindy’s ass talking to about every guy she can. Derrick just being Derrick. And… is that… the M’s!
“Po, what the hell are they doing here?”
“Oh, I invited them. Is that an issue?”
Yes.
“No.”
“Are you sure?”
No.
“Yes, just worried about previous interactions.”
“Oh, I’m sure you’ll be fine.”
Yeah, sure Po. Sure. I knew they were only here to cause trouble. I don’t think I’ve seen Po and any of them interact. Would make sense how he knows all the gossip about them though.
Po brought me to see his father. The man himself. Mr. Gladys. “Hi, I’m Po’s father. My name is Louis. Call me whatever you like.” He smiled at me. I have never had an extended interaction with Mr. Gladys. Mainly just him complimenting me from afar whenever he sees me. I never see him anywhere when I’m with dad though. Nowhere to be found. But seeing him up close is a different story. He stands about 6 foot 2, has a pretty well-kept beard, and he’s super muscular. Like he’s a boulder. Dwayne Johnson would be jealous of this man. Us three sat and chatted together for a few hours. Mr. Gladys seemed to be on his phone a lot while we were talking but I didn’t mind. I understand some things are important. I
