I was talking to my friend Jack in California about sports when I noticed some stress in his voice. We've been friends about 18 years and we're able to sense things about each other that many would miss. I could tell he was uneasy about something.
"Jack, is everything okay? Something's wrong. I hear it in your voice."
"Everything is ok, Damien."
He wasn't convincing in his response.
"Jack, I've known you long enough to recognize when something is wrong and when you're not being honest."
"Man, dude, okay damn!! It's my ex wife. She's being petty and childish as usual. She tries to turn our son against me. I wish she'd realize that it won't happen. She needs to find some business."
"Doesn't she have a man?"
"Dude, I don't know. You know I remarried since I left Texas so I really don't care who or what she does. My only concern is my son."
"I was planning on going to Houston to visit some relatives next week. I can check up on your son and talk to her as well."
"You sure?"
"It's no big deal. I'm going down there anyway so it won't be a problem."
"Cool, I'd appreciate that, bro."
"Jack, I told you that's it is not a problem. I'd be glad to do it. Besides, I'd be able to see my godson."
Six days later, I drove from Dallas to Houston and visited my cousin Josephine. We ate lunch and then I told Josephine and her husband Chike that I was going to visit some friends and I'd return later that evening. Josephine was okay with that but sometimes you have to wonder with her as she babysat me as a child and tends to remind me of this even though I'm 40.
"Jojo (Josephine's nickname), I'm not 8 anymore. If I plan to be out past 10, I'll call you. I promise."
"Good. You know it's disrespectful and rude to visit someone and be out all night."
I wanted to say that I was grown, but I truly respected her and watched my mouth. I called Katherine, Jack's ex and told her I was in town.
"Can I take you and Benjamin to lunch?"
"Sure! Being that he's 9, he may want to go to the mall but I know his favorite is pizza."
"What young boys favorite food isn't pizza?"
We both chuckled at that statement.
She gave me her address and I arrived in 25 minutes.
I rang the doorbell and almost instantly, the door seemed to be snatched open and I felt this little body slam up against me as Benjamin hugged me faster than I could react.
"Uncle Damien, mom said you were coming over!! When did you get in town?"
"I just got here. I came to visit a cousin of mine and wanted to make sure I saw you. Are you hungry?"
"Yes. I want pizza."
"Why am I not surprised?"
"Because boys love pizza. Girls love other foods."
I couldn't do anything but give him a high five and laugh. He's definitely got his father's wit. We walked in the door and I saw Katherine, Benjamin's mother and Jack's ex. She gave me a hug and it felt surprisingly tight.
"Damien, how are you? How was your drive?"
"I'm doing well and the drive was ok, Katherine. Benjamin said he wanted to get some pizza, is that ok?"
"Sure. Who's driving? I trust you are, Damien."
"No biggie for me. I'll drive. Can I use your restroom before we leave?"
"Sure. Down the hall, it's the second door on the right."
As I was in the restroom relieving myself, I thought about that hug Katherine gave me. It did feel tighter than a typical hug, but then we had an encounter 12 years ago. We had a threesome with her best friend who I was dating. The interesting thing about the threesome is that her best friend is black, she is white, and I'm black. It was good enough that I wondered what it would be like to have her one on one. I had a flashback about it and began to get really hard. I remember her double D's being really beautiful to look at and being balls deep inside of her sugar walls felt like a combination of silk and velvet. I resisted the urge to rub one out and decided to flush the toilet. I washed my hands and we left.
We got to a local pizza place that Benjamin really liked. This place also had pasta and I love a good lasagna. He wanted a supreme with everything on it. Between bites of pizza, he mentioned something about a video game.
"Uncle Damien, if I got on the honor roll, would you buy me a video game?"
"It depends on the game, Benjamin. Did you get on the honor roll?"
"Yes, he did. I'm so proud of him. He got all A's and one B in Science."
She pulled out her phone and she showed me his grades via the school's app. Sure enough, there were all A's and the one B in Science.
"Ok Benjamin, you did get on the honor roll so I'll get you a game. Which game do you want?"
"Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare. Can I have that one?"
"No, that has a mature rating. I'm not buying that for you. You're nine years old. Choose another one."
"Okay. I choose NBA 2K16. I really like that basketball game and I know it's gonna be great."
"I can buy that one for you. Consider it done."
Benjamin got excited and got up from his seat. He asked me to get up as well. He said he had to show me something. I got up and followed him to the front door. He stepped outside the window and pointed across the parking lot. There was a GameStop there. I think I may have been set up by a 9 year old but since he's my best friend's son and a good kid, I was happy to see him and get the game regardless.
We went back to the table, finished eating and left the pizza place for GameStop. Katherine walked alongside me and Benjamin was leading the way. When we got in the line to pat for the game, Katherine's phone rang. It was the mother of one of her neighbors whose son was Benjamin's best friend asking about a sleepover.
"Benjamin, this is Eddie's mother. She wants to know if you want to spend the night over there."
"Can I, mom? I can show off the new game Uncle Damien is buying me."
"It's up to you. If you want to, you can."
"Okay, I'll go. Tell Eddie's mom, yes, I'll spend the night."
We bought the game and went to the car. As we were driving she asked me if I was leaving immediately. I responded in the negative, saying I wanted to hang around a little and catch up. Upon reaching the driveway, I was barely able to park when Benjamin jumped out of the car when he saw his friend Eddie. I laughed really hard as he rushed with such excitement to show his friend the game I bought for him. Ah, the enthusiasm of young kids.
Katherine and I went inside the house and I laughed about Benjamin's excitement in showing Eddie the game.
"He's always excited like that. Would you like some wine? I have Mangoscato."
"Isn't that from the Earl Stevens vineyard?"
"Why, yes it is."
"Sure, I'd like a glass. I have always wanted to try Mangoscato."
She had these really big wine glasses and poured us both a glass which are about triple the size of a normal glass. I'm glad I have a higher than average tolerance for alcohol and that I ate first. She brought me my glass and we sat down in the living room.