Bottom Heights

“Tay... Baby,” Ray says as he kisses her on the cheek and gives her a strong hug. “What happened? I thought you’d changed you mind again.”

“I took a later flight,” she replies as she sets her bags of luggage down. “I tried to call but there was no answer.” Six years had been good to her father. Only a few gray hairs reflect his age yet his deep dimples still give him that boyish look she loved as a child.

“Sorry. I had a business emergency and—”

“You don’t have to explain anything to me,” she interrupts. She had no desire to know the specifics of her father’s pastime. The thought of him killing people for money made her stomach turn.

“Well, how’s school?” Ray asks picking up her luggage.

“Fine,” she responds as they walk out of the airport towards his white Mercedes.

“Two more semesters and I get me Bachelor’s in African Literature.” Upon reaching the car, a towering, heavy-set man takes the luggage from Ray and places it in the trunk.

“I’m very proud of you. I never had a doubt about how smart—”

“Since when do you need a driver, Dad?” interrupts Tay.

“Frank isn’t just my driver.”

“Oh... Is he your seamstress?” She replies sarcastically.

“No,” Ray responds uncomfortably.

“Well, he’s big enough to be a house,” she replies with astonishment.

“My bodyguard,” Ray reluctantly says.

“Excuse me?” she responds as they stand outside the car.

“Frank is my bodyguard. You’ll have one too while you’re here.”

“Why do I need a bodyguard? I have nothing to do with the things you do!”

“Tay, please. Will you do this for me? It won’t be that bad. I promise,” Ray pleads.

Tay wanted to turn around and get back on the plane she just left but she calms herself down. She too wanted to work on their relationship and try to understand her father; she knew she had to give him a chance.

“I will do things your way... for now,” she says as the two get into the car.

“Thanks,” he smiles and kisses her on the cheek. “I have a surprise for you.”

“What?” she mumbles staring out the window.

“You’ll see.”