“I wouldn’t say that either honestly.”
“Then, what’s the problem?”
“I feel like I was lied to.”
“Did they lie?”
“Not technically.”
“Then you can’t hold things like that over your relationship, Jiselle. I say you give one chance. You can’t expect someone torespect a boundary they don’t know exists. You found out this information. Fine. You tell them how you feel and leave it aloneifyou still want to be with them. If you don’t, cut them free. If you do, give them another chance. If they make the same mistake after knowing how it makes you feel, they aren’t for you.”
“I hear you.”
“Did that help?”
“Yeah.”
“Good.”
He was right. I’d overreacted just a little bit and it wasn’t because I thought Kiano was a liar or a cheater but because I had control issues stemming from wanting to know every little thing my man was doing to make sure he wasn’t preparing to build a dream life without me.
Stone and Kiano weren’t my dad and I couldn’t just throw away a relationship I genuinely wanted and was happy about because of a little omission. My foot automatically tapped while I thought about the conversation I needed to have with Kiano soon.
My stepmom walked out of the back door carrying two mugs.
“I made you coffee.” She handed my father a mug. “And Jiselle I made you black tea with honey and sugar, just like you used to like in high school.”
“Thank you.” I accepted the cup with a smile.
“I think she drinks coffee now too, baby,” my dad said.
I elbowed him in his side, nearly making him spill his coffee.
“Oh.” She shifted on her feet. “Sorry.”
“No. It’s perfect. Thank you.”
My dad smiled, looking between the two of us.
“You don’t come out here often. Are you sure you don’t want to stick around for breakfast?”
“Uhh.” I looked between them. “I mean, I guess I can hang out for a little.”
“Perfect!” She clapped her hands. “I’ll start on that right now.”
“I’ll help,” I offered.
“No, no. Spend time with your dad,” she said quickly.
“That’s her way of trying to tell you she doesn’t want either of us in her kitchen while she works,” my father pointed out.
She giggled but didn’t say he was wrong. She just spun and bounced back into the house. My dad sighed.
“I’m happy you’re happy,” I said quietly.
“Yeah? Me too.” He wrapped an arm around me and kissed my head. “I’m happy you’re here.”
I leaned my head on him and closed my eyes. The weight I’d been carrying rolled off me and I sighed in contentment.