Forgive for Joy's Sake (Part 13)

She went into the living room to find out what my father wanted and Wes came into the kitchen to find me. “Are you ready to head home?”

“Yeah, I’m ready.” I grabbed my purse and said good-bye to my parents.

Wes had barely pulled out the driveway before saying, “Well, were you able to find out who the guy is from Mel?”

“Yes, his name is Lamar Eldrich and he could potentially be Joi’s father.” I left it there for him to absorb.

“Did she explain why, after all this time, hasn’t she taken the steps to verify whether he is or isn’t?” He looked over at me with knitted eyebrows.

“Your guess is as good as mine’s. The good news is she is ready to take the steps now.  Next time he shows up on my doorsteps I’m to let him know.”

“Excuse me? What do you mean you’ll let him know? Did Mel assure you he wasn’t dangerous in any way?” He drove unto the on ramp to take the highway to my place.

“As best she could,” I hedged, feeling things were about to get heated.

“As best she could? What exactly does that mean? Either she knows or she doesn’t. Either she thinks he is or he isn’t. Which one is it?”

“Good questions, but she didn’t specifically answer any of those. Look, I’m not going to let the guy in if that’s what you think. I’m going to talk to him through the door. That is, if he shows up before I head over to my parents on Monday. If he shows up there, I can talk to him through the security door. Either way, I’m not letting him in.” 

We debated back and forth until he pulled in front of my place. “I suppose you’re not going to invite me in.”

“Not a chance,” I say as I open the door and climb out the rented SUV. He opened his door and climbed out too.

“I’m still going to walk you to the door,” he said, rounding the vehicle and catching up to me half way up the walk way. We were at the bottom of my porch when Lamar stepped out from the shadows.

I stepped back startled and Wes stepped in front of me.

“What the hell, man?” Wes said to Lamar who immediately put up his hands.

“I’m just here to talk. I’m not looking for trouble.”

“You don’t wait to ambush a woman at night because you want to talk.” Wes hands balled into fists and he started up the porch steps towards Lamar.

“Wes wait. Let him talk. We need to sort this out for Joi’s sake.” I was actually relieved that he showed up while I was with Wes. If we had this discussion now, there would be no reason for him to make another surprised appearance at my place.

“Has Mel told you anything about me?” he asked, stepping back as Wes reached the top of the stairs.

“Yes, she told us exactly who you think you are.” Wes towered over him watching his every move.

“Then you know I just want to know whether or not Joi is mine’s. Surely you can understand that?” He appealed to Wes, they both seemly forgetting I was there.

“She has agreed to the paternity test. But let me explain to you that what you are not going to do is harass my sister, my niece, or my woman. I’m going to give you my number and you are going to call me and we will work out the when and where.  If I find out you showed up here again or anyplace where they are, I’m going to make sure you never make that mistake again. Got that?”

Wes stepped closer to Lamar who stood his ground while saying, “Yeah man, I got it.”

“Pull out your phone then.” Wes watched carefully as Lamar slid his phone out of his pants pocket. Wes rattled off his phone number and then told Lamar to call it so he would have his number. “Call me tomorrow morning at ten, not a minute after or a minute before.”

“Aren’t you going to tell me your name? Don’t you want to know mine’s.”

“Lamar, I already know who you are and my name is Mel’s big brother. Now get out of here and don’t even look back let alone come back.” We watched Lamar walk slowly down the stairs, pass me, and to a black sedan parked halfway down the block. He drove off leaving Wes and me standing in front of my place. Me looking at him. Him looking at me. After about fifteen seconds had passed, Wes finally broke the silence. “Before you try to kill me for what I said, I just said it for effect.”

“Since I know I’m not your woman, I figured as much.” I climbed the porch stairs and pulled my keys out. Once I had the door unlocked, I turned to him and said, “Thanks for looking out.” I turned back to the door and opened it.

Before I could step in, he said, “Wait, you forgot something.”

When I turned around, he leaned in quickly and kissed me so thoroughly I felt tingles from my head to my toes. He pulled away slowly and said, “You forgot that we are now kissing buddies and there are currently no kids around. Now get in the house and lock the door before we both have to explain to your parents why I didn’t make it back to their house.”

I wanted to say something, to let him know I was unaffected, but I was affected and couldn’t think of a thing to say. I stepped back into the house and locked the door. His footsteps retreated and I heard the SUV start up and pull away. One thought kept running through my mind, me and my heart were in trouble. It was up to me to save us both.

 What do you think will happen next? Make sure to comment below and share your thoughts. The story will continue next week so make sure to subscribe below so that you won’t miss any of the story as it unfolds.

Interested in reading my books find them on Amazon.