Monica was glad to be back home in Houston. She truly enjoyed her time in San Diego. The impromptu visit from Kenny was precisely what she needed. Though they had only been dating for a few months, Kenny took every opportunity to let Monica know she was important to him. For the first time, Monica understood what it felt like to be treated like a queen. While Casey could afford whatever Monica's heart desired, he stopped treating her like she was the remarkable woman in his life. With Kenny, she never had to worry about where she stood; he was consistent day in and day out.
With her relationship with Kenny growing stronger each day, Monica knew it was time to talk with Casey about allowing their son Josiah to meet Kenny. She also knew it was time to have the conversation with Casey after their awkward run-in at Bistecca in San Diego. She could see the hurt in his face, which was puzzling to her because he was the one who had ended their relationship. Monica resolved that she would always have love for the man she shared a son with and with whom, until recently, she had spent her entire adult life.
Checking the time on her computer, Monica permitted herself to take a break from studying. It was seven in the evening in California, and she hoped Casey was available for the much-needed co-parenting conversation. She picked up her phone which was resting on the end table beside the couch and scrolled through her contacts. She pressed the phone icon next to Casey's name and put the call on speaker.
"Hey," Monica said when Casey answered the phone.
"What's up," he responded.
"So," Monica stalled as she fished for her earbuds on the couch, "You know that Kenny and I have been seeing each other for a little while and things have become serious for us," taking one of the buds from its cradle, she placed it in her right ear switching the connection from the speaker to Bluetooth. "So before introducing Josiah to Kenny, I wanted to let you know and have a conversation with you to see if you had any concerns about it," Monica concluded.
"What?" Casey responded, confused, "Kenny hasn't met Josiah yet?"
"No," Monica responded. "Why would I introduce Kenny to Josiah without talking to you first?"
"Oh, I don't know," Casey responded. "Y'all looked cozy when I saw y'all in the restaurant last time, so I figured y'all already been playing family."
"Casey, I really wish you knew me better than that," Monica sighed. "Just know I'm not going to have any and everybody around my child. And, I certainly wouldn't have anyone around my child without discussing it with you first. I think it's important as JoJo's parents that we have at least that amount of respect for one another," Monica paused, "…you know, to at least inform the other person when we're going to introduce our child to our new partners," Monica said.
"You're right," Casey agreed. "Honestly, I just didn't think about it. I mean, I'm not dating, and I didn't even know you were dating until I saw you, so you know," Casey paused, "And I know things ended badly, and our communication hasn't been the best."
"It's improving though," Monica reassured.
"I wanted to tell you that I appreciate you for being a good mother to our son and for being a good person to co-parent with. I appreciate you and I know that I haven't told you that before and I apologize for that. So, if you and Kenny are taking your relationship to the next level you certainly have my blessing to introduce him to JoJo."
Monica looked at the phone to see who she was talking to. She couldn't recall the last time Casey apologized to her, sang her praises, or been humble enough to acknowledge his shortcomings. Monica didn't know what was happening with Casey, but she would not interrupt him.
"If there's anything I can do to improve your life and support your relationship, just let me know," Casey offered.
"Thank you, Casey; I appreciate your support, and I appreciate you, too. Josiah is very lucky to have you as a father. Look at us being adults and getting along," Monica joked.
"Ha," Casey laughed, "you're right. You gotta thank my mom for my coming around."
"I adore your mom; she's an amazing woman," Monica shared.
"She loves you too," Casey admitted, "I didn't realize you two were running around like Laverne and Shirley."
"Oh," Monica paused, "she is JoJo's grandmother, and she and I always got along. There was no reason to exclude her from our lives. You just didn't want me," Monica laughed.
Pierced by her words, Casey was overcome by guilt. "Monica?"
"What's up?" she answered.
"I'm sorry. You deserved better from me," Casey apologized.
"Thank you, Casey, for acknowledging that," Monica paused, "I have better now, and though the picture doesn't look like what we imagined when we were kids, we'll always be family."
"So, can we be friends?" Casey asked.
"Yes, silly! I stopped being mad at you a long time ago. I'm good, you're good, we're all good," Monica reassured.
"Thank you," Casey responded soberly.
"Well, it's getting late for me. Let me get off this phone. I'll talk to you later," Monica informed Casey.
"Good night," Casey replied.
"Night."