Legendary Daddy by Mia Monroe (each kindness read aloud txt) 📕

He gasps. “Lucky boy.”

“Yeah. I think he wants to see me again.”

“That’s great. Don’t be nervous, okay? If he’s the Daddy for you, he’ll totally get you.”

I exhale. “I hope so. I like him so much.”

“Good. Just take it easy. It’ll work out if it’s meant to.”

“You’re right. Keep me posted, huh? I’ll check in next Sunday.”

“Thanks. It’s always good to hear from you. It’s grounding for me.”

“I know. Love you, Finny.”

“Love you too, Bents.”

I hang up, but my heart is heavy. I tried to get Finn to move out here with me, he was even encouraged by his father, but he couldn’t accept leaving his dad alone. I guess it worked out. I was only here a little while before his dad was diagnosed. I need to make sure I keep enough money in savings to buy a plane ticket when the time comes.

I busy myself with reading the rest of my emails, then I start gathering my laundry. I’ve put it off for more than a week already. I hate the laundry room in this building. It’s where a lot of bad things happen. Drug deals, fights, I even heard a woman was attacked there. Before heading out, I peek out my window, smiling when I see Ramos in his usual spot on the steps. Keys, phone, and laundry basket in hand, I make my way down the hall and the stairs, stopping to peer outside.

“Hi, Ramos.”

He twists around to look at me, smiling. “Hey, Little Bento. What’s up?”

“Going to do laundry.”

He nods, popping to his feet. “I got you. Let’s go.”

“Thanks.”

Ramos comes inside and we head down to the basement laundry room. Thankfully, it’s clear. I appreciate that Ramos comes with me, but he still scares me a little when he makes people leave. I guess that’s why they listen to him.

I throw my clothes in the wash then sit in a beat-up chair while Ramos looks at his phone, typing out text messages.

“Hey, Bento,” he says, glancing up.

“Yes, Ramos?”

“Don’t you got a better place you could live? I don’t mind looking out for you, man, but this place ain’t somewhere you should be.”

“I know. This city is just expensive, and I’m trying to get my business going.”

He nods, focusing on me for a minute. “Yeah, man, I know the hustle. I just wouldn’t like it if I wasn’t around and someone gave you a hard time. You don’t have no friends or nothing you could stay with?”

“I sort of have a boyfriend now.”

He nods, smiling at me. “Hey now. Little Bento got a man?”

“Kind of, but it’s new. He does live in a really big house, but there’s no way I could ask. Maybe in a few months.”

“Cool, cool. I got a few months. I ain’t complaining. You’re a good kid. Remind me of my little bro.”

“What happened to him?”

“Ah, he moved. Smart kid. Went to college and shit. You go to college?”

I nod. “Yeah. Art school.”

“See. You’re smart. You’re gonna do things with your life.”

The washer buzzes, so I hurry to move my clothes to the dryer.

“Why don’t you leave this neighborhood? You’re a good guy.”

Ramos smiles. “Nah, kid, I’m not. Maybe one of these days I’ll get my shit together. I’m a good cook, you know? Think I could open up a little restaurant or a food truck or something. Those are popular.”

“They are.”

He shrugs. “Maybe. Not like I could go just get a job, you know? I got a record. Got all these tattoos. People are scared of me.”

“Yeah.”

“But I could be my own boss.” He pats his fist twice over his heart. “Like I am now, but you know, on the up.”

“Right.”

His phone rings, and he answers, turning his back to me. Fortunately, it doesn’t take much longer for my clothes to finish, and by the time I throw them in my basket, Ramos is done with his call.

“I’m all done.”

“Cool.”

We walk back upstairs, the light in the stairwell flickering above us. This apartment building absolutely looks like a place where people get murdered. A shiver runs down my back. I just want to get back to my apartment.

On the landing, I pause. “Thanks, Ramos. I believe in you. Someday, you’re gonna get that restaurant.”

He laughs. “Yeah, I am. And you’re gonna be big time.”

I wave goodbye, then head up to my apartment. I don’t know what I’d do without Ramos, but I never want to find out.

Thirteen

Legend

Later that afternoon, I find myself restless. I just saw the boy, but I’m craving his company or at least the sound of his voice. Plus, I could ask him about meeting Matteo tomorrow. It’s kind of a big step, meeting friends, but I feel like this is a safe one. If Bentley becomes a permanent part of my life, I want him to know my closest friend and vice versa.

Since I have zero chill, I dial his number. It rings several times before his breathless voice comes through.

“Legend?”

“Hi, pretty boy. How are you?”

“Um, good.”

I hear something in the background that I can’t make out.

“Is something going on there?”

“Oh, um, yeah, something outside. Car accident maybe?”

“Ah, but you’re okay inside?”

“Yeah.”

Something about his voice is bothering me.

“Tell me the truth, boy.”

His breath hitches. “Daddy-voice.” He laughs softly. “I’m okay, Daddy. I promise. I was distracted looking outside.”

“Where do you live?”

“Hollywood.”

I cringe. “Is it safe?”

“Yes, Daddy. I’m safe. What are you doing?”

“I had a question for you. My friend is coming down from San Francisco tomorrow. He’ll be hanging out for a few days. Would you like to meet him?”

“Would I like to meet your friend?”

“That’s right. He’s my dearest.”

“You want me...to meet him?”

“I do. What do you think?”

“I think that would be amazing, Daddy.”

“Good. I’ll call you when I know more. What are you doing?”

“Um, I called my friend. His name is Finn. He lives back home in Ohio. His dad is dying.”

“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Yeah. He doesn’t have long, so I’ll need to go out there when