Total pages in book: 147
Estimated words: 148949 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 745(@200wpm)___ 596(@250wpm)___ 496(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 148949 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 745(@200wpm)___ 596(@250wpm)___ 496(@300wpm)
I smiled. “I’m not feeling P-Train.”
“Why not?”
“It sounds like the name of a hustler on the corner of East Harlem.”
“Paolo needs something dope. With his life and the people raising him, he’s going to end up being the baddest motherfucker that ever lived.”
I watched Paolo rush to Max, grab the folded diaper, and put it in the trash. “Good job, baby.”
Paolo clapped.
“Yeah, man.” Max winked at him. “You did that.”
Paolo rushed back over to the bed. Harlem raced that way as if desperate to beat him. Soon they both crashed onto the bed and returned to playing.
I turned to Max and Emilio.
The song started over.
“Back to story time, nephew.” Max slid a new diaper under him. “So, the unspoken lyrics to this song is a conversation between two lovers lying together on a starry night.”
This may be the longest diaper change of his life.
But, Emilio didn’t care one bit. The whole time he watched Max in utter amazement.
“In the song, the singer is in disbelief that such an amazing person would be his lover.” Max squirted a little cream on his bottom and smeared it on. “But more important, the two chicks from the party didn’t fight that night. I often wonder if they thought Duke was writing the song for them.”
Emilio furrowed his brow.
“Now listen.” Max placed the cream to the side. “The song’s instrumentation is understated and minimalist. There’s a focus on the interplay between the piano and trumpet.”
Emilio parted his lips.
“The piano provides a soft and steady rhythm, while the trumpet solo adds a touch of warmth and emotion to the song.”
I wish he would finish with this diaper?
“Meanwhile, the mood of the song is melancholy and reflective, with a sense of longing and nostalgia.” Max whistled and brought the front of the diaper up to Emilio’s waist. “When you take the love of your life out to eat, nephew, this is the song you have the band play in the background.”
Paolo giggled as he wrestled with Harlem on the bed.
“You play it because this is a smooth and sophisticated sound. It lets your lady relax, but also feel emotionally moved.” Finally, Max fastened the diaper tabs securely and gazed down at him. “There you go, nephew. How was that?”
I rose from the chair.
Max slowly picked Emilio up, gave him a kiss on the cheek, and then cradled him in his muscular arms. “You know what, nephew? Someday you will look back on these moments and thank me for keeping your booty clean and fresh.”
I rolled my eyes, but couldn’t help but laugh. It was moments like these that reminded me of the healing power of the people I loved.
Maxwell handed Emilio back to me and I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the love and laughter that he always brought into my life.
“Thanks, Max.”
Emilio snuggled into my arms.
“You know I got you, Em.” Max studied me. “How are you doing?”
“Better.”
He gazed at my leather gloves. “How are those hands?”
“Good.”
“That was stupid.”
“I know.”
“Don’t fight a mirror again.”
“I won’t.”
Someone knocked at the door.
Then, it opened.
Blue entered and headed to me. “Baba is here to take the kids.”
I kept my voice low. “How is she doing?”
“I could tell she was crying all morning, but David thinks her taking the kids for a walk around the garden will help her with grieving over Olga.”
“But, will it though?” Max twisted his face. “Personally, I’m not ever going back in that garden again. It’s probably ghosts and shit there.”
I handed Emilio to her. “Can you make sure guards are with Baba, so they can help her out with the kids? I don’t want it to be too much for her today.”
“I will.” Blue smiled at Emilio.
Max waved over Paolo. “Come on, Pauly-Wauly. Time to go.”
Paolo gave him an odd stare and remained there.
“Yeah. That nickname doesn’t stick either.” Max shook his head. “What about Paolito? Little Spanish flair.”
“You really are going to confuse him.” I gestured at him. “Come on, Paolo.”
He slid off the bed and hurried forward.
“P-Master or P-man? Oh no. Hold up.” Max smirked. “Pacman. That could be dope. No one is messing with a dude named Pacman.”
Blue carried Emilio away.
Paolo and Harlem trotted after her.
Max put his hands in his pocket. “Yo, Blue.”
Paolo and Harlem rushed out of the room.
Meanwhile, Blue stopped and glanced over her shoulder. “Yes?”
“What’s up with the managing?” Max gestured at the door. “David or Giorgio?”
I raised my eyebrows. “Or both.”
Max sucked his teeth. “Shit. After what I saw, it won’t be no both. I’m telling you that right now.”
Blue shook her head and continued off with Emilio.
“I see she’s going to avoid the answer.” Max rolled his eyes.
The door shut behind her.
I held out my hand. “I’m ready to call Mrs. Delphine.”
“Fuck.” Max gazed back at me. Worry hit his eyes. “You’re ready, but I’m not.”