Dario
When my phone rang and I saw Rai’s phone number come up on my caller ID, I smiled to myself. I didn’t know whether or not his mother was aware, but our communication hadn’t ceased at all since she and I had stopped seeing each other. We didn’t speak every day, but our line of communication was a pretty healthy one. He was a good kid, and truth be told, I missed having him around. But like I’d explained to him, things between his mother and me were over.
I’d always steered clear of women with children, not because I didn’t like kids, but because I know how contagious kids are and I didn’t want to have to end relationships with them because the one with their mother had ended. Yet, that’s exactly where I was with Rai. I wondered often what would happen if Chanel or her loser boyfriend discovered that Rai and I were still in touch. However, it hadn’t happened in four months, so maybe it wouldn’t.
“Hey buddy, what’s going on?” I greeted.
“Hey Dario. What ya doin’?”
“Not too much. Just leaving the gym and about to head home. What’s going on with you?”
He released an exaggerated sigh. “Bored. That’s all. On my way to sneak and watch one of my shows on Hulu.”
“It’s lunch time, right? You started your summer program already? Why aren’t you on the slopes hanging out with your pack?”
“I didn’t feel like it. I got a few more sessions left today; I’ll see them soon enough. Besides, it’s kinda hot and I’m just not really feeling like being around anybody right now.”
“What’s up with that? Not wanting to be around anybody? What’s going on?”
I held off starting up the car so I could chat without the distraction of the road. Rai seemed like something was going on and since I was who he’d chosen to make the call to, I wanted to be there for him in any way that I could, giving him my undivided attention.
“If I tell you . . . don’t tell my mom . . .” he started before sadly stating, “Oh, that’s right; y’all don’t even talk anymore.”
“Right. That’s how she wanted it, and I have to be respectful of that. You’ll understand it all when you get a little older. I promise.” I chuckled without meaning to. The lesson of women was going to be one of great challenge.
“No, I don’t think I’ll understand at all.”
“Oh trust me, you will.”
I wanted to laugh at the vision of him reflecting back on this conversation the first time he ran into one of the many girlfriends he’ll have in his lifetime. You’ll find out soon enough.
“No. I don’t’ think so, Dario. My mother doesn’t have any business with somebody that cheats on her. She thinks that I don’t know that’s why they broke up in the first place. I knew that he didn’t treat my mother the way she deserved to be treated. But now since she’s back with him, I swear I hate his guts.”
“Those are harsh words, dude. What’s happened between you guys? Has he done something to you? Said something to you?” I asked, my teeth clenched tightly , trying very hard not to let Rai know how on edge I’d become at his words.
“He didn’t do anything to me.”
I was afraid to ask. “To your mom?”
“No,” he responded, causing me great relief. “I just don’t want her with him. I think he’s forcing her to be together with him.”
I almost laughed aloud at his comment. “Rai, I haven’t known your mom nearly as long as you have and I know for a fact that she can’t be forced into anything, little man. She’s for sure her own woman. I honestly don’t think you have that to worry about. Listen, I know you don’t want to hear this, but adult relationships are super complicated. The two of them were a couple for a while. Sometimes people take breaks from relationships and then much later they realize that they were actually meant for each other the entire time. So, maybe that’s what happened with your mom and him.”
I didn’t even know if I believe the crock of shit I just fed Rai.
“I don’t think so. I just don’t. She doesn’t even seem happy. She doesn’t laugh or smile, Dario.”
“Maybe it’s just you who isn’t happy, Rai. Have you and your mom talked about it?”
“No, I haven’t talked to her. Well, kinda. But not really. I asked her why they were getting back together in the first place and she didn’t answer. My mom answers everything I ask her. I just don’t feel right. But that’s okay. I just wanted to see what you were doing. I’ll talk to you later.”
Just as I was about to ask him another question, Rai disconnected the line. The kid was affected and I felt badly. I didn’t know what to do—whether to call him back or alert his mother about how he was feeling. All I knew was that I felt like something needed to be done. Even if it was just enough to possibly open up dialogue between them, I needed to do that.
Without contemplating any longer, I dialed Chanel’s phone number, and then started my engine. By the time I’d put on my seat strap, her line had rang twice. On the third ring her soft voice came through the receiver, and filled the confines of my vehicle.
“Hello?” she answered.
I can’t lie; it felt good hearing her voice, but I wouldn’t tell her that.
“Hey. How’s things?”
There was an elongated pause before Chanel spoke again. “Hey Dario, how are you?” she asked.
It wasn’t lost on me that she chose to not respond to my inquiry into how she was.
“I’m good. Well, kinda. Shit.”
My words were constricted and I didn’t know what the hell I was saying. I felt like I was in business I had no place being in, but . . .
“What’s going on?” she asked, her tone laced with concern. “Is everything okay?”
“Not really. I . . . uhh . . . uhh . . .” Exactly why I was tripping over my words, I didn’t know, but it was a weird-ass feeling. I didn’t want her mad at Rai for any reason, but I couldn’t walk away at a time when I felt like he needed me to be his voice. “I talked to Rai earlier. Are you free to talk in person, real quick? If so, you can tell me where you are and I can come to you.”
“No,” she responded quickly. “I mean, yes, I’m free to talk, but I’d rather come to you.”
“Okay, well, I’ll be at my house in about ten minutes if you want to meet me there.”
~*~*~
I had no idea that Rai was still in contact with Dario. I smiled at the thought. It warmed my heart that he didn’t turn his back on Rai. I knew how much Rai valued the friendship they shared.
Damn, Chanel.
I hadn’t seen Dario since the breakup and I was a bundle of nerves. I missed him with my entire heart, but I did what needed to be done. I couldn’t bear for the truth to come out and that was something I knew Tyler would make good on, if I didn’t do things the way that he wanted them done. The problem was that it was becoming more and more difficult to look at him each day with the brewing hate. It was beyond me why a man who prided himself on being able to have any woman he wanted would subject himself to being in a relationship that was forced. I didn’t understand. And the bottom line was that I didn’t have to understand because what was at stake was much more important.
After passing security and driving into Dario’s community, I inhaled a deep breath in preparation of seeing him. I wondered if he would see in my eyes the longing. I had to stand my ground and remain strong. I drove up his driveway and parked in one of three spaces in front of his home and killed my engine. I was so nervous that I’d forgotten to check the mirror to ensure that I was intact, and now I couldn’t do it because he could very well be looking at me from any one of his many windows.
Just get out the car, girl, so you can see what this meeting is all about.
Before I did get out of the car, I called Rai to let him know that I’d be to his grandma’s a little later than normal. When he didn’t answer, I shot off a text message. A few more deep breaths later, I exited my vehicle and journeyed to Dario’s front door where he was already awaiting me.
Oh my God, girl, he’s right there. He’s right there . . . Shit.
I was about to be met with that physique. Maybe that smile. And those eyes. I need to focus. I made my way up the walkway and once I reached the top stair, a smile formed across Dario’s face. I reciprocated as he stood to the side, allowing me into the house. Damn, and there’s that scent. The moment I walked past him, his Irish Spring and Creed Aventus mix tickled and lingered at the entrance to my nostrils, bringing back memories of being in his arms.