Nobody's Son by Zaria Garrison

anything. You just wanted a chance to know your father. That’s a right that every man should have, and he stole that from you.”
    â€œI understand what you are saying, but—”
    â€œBut nothing,” Rip said, interrupting him. “My father spent his life behind bars for shooting my mother in a drunken jealous rage. You know that. As horrible as that was, he still wrote me letters from the pen every week until the day he died. If a murdering bastard like that can try to be a real father, then Wayne James at least owes you an explanation.”
    â€œYou’re right, man. You know what I wish? I wish I could just have thirty minutes in a room with just him and me where he couldn’t leave, he couldn’t deny me, and he’d be forced to explain. Remember that scene from the movie Uptown at Last when the wife tied her husband to a chair in the basement to force him to listen to her and answer her questions? That’s what I wish I could do to Mr. Wayne James.”
    Rip listened intently and nodded his head. “I understand perfectly,” he said.
    â€œIt’s getting late. We’d better hit the road. I want to go see Ellen and explain everything before I go home. I’m going to wake up Miss Minnie and let her know I’m leaving.”
    Rip sat quietly as Semaj walked across the backyard and knocked on Miss Minnie’s door. There was a time in his life when he would not have hesitated to put the fear of God into anyone who came close to disrespecting his family the way Wayne James had disrespected Semaj. Even though he’d put that lifestyle behind him, he sat struggling internally as he fought the overwhelming urge to contact some of his former associates and make his cousin’s wish come true.

Chapter Six
    â€œGwen, I’m so glad you could make it,” Wayne said. He quickly took off his lapel microphone and rushed over to where she was standing.
    â€œI was surprised when your publicist called. You usually don’t like to have family members visit you while you’re working,” she answered. Gwen stiffened up when he reached out to hug her.
    â€œHey, what kind of hug was that? We’re family, girl.” He squeezed her tightly until she finally relaxed and hugged him back. “That’s better. I just thought you’d enjoy coming down to the studio and watching me tape my appearance on The Kandyss Kline Show . She’s nationally syndicated, and I think she’s destined to be the next Oprah.”
    Gwen smiled for the first time since she arrived. “I’m a big fan of hers. I’ve loved her since she was a member of that eighties girl group Star*shine. Do you think I can get a chance to meet her?”
    â€œOf course. I will personally arrange it. She’s in her trailer right now, and I’ve reserved a spot for you right over there,” Wayne pointed to his left. “As soon as the show is over I’ll bring you down to chat with her.”
    Beaming with excitement, Gwen rushed over to the luxurious and comfortable chair Wayne had reserved for her. He’d also arranged for her to receive VIP treatment while she watched the show.
    Wayne James was not the only celebrity guest to appear on that day’s show. Feeling starstruck, Gwen sat and watched in awe as Kandyss interviewed her favorite rapper, LL Cool J. After his segment, Gwen thought she was going to faint as she watched Shemar Moore step out on stage. She thought he was even more gorgeous in person and felt her heart racing when Shemar took off his shirt and flexed his muscles for the cameras. The last guest to appear before Wayne was Tia Mowry who starred in Gwen’s favorite TV show, The Game.
    As she sat watching her idols she was served an assortment of finger foods and several glasses of champagne. By the end of the show, she was feeling happy, full, and tipsy. So tipsy that she completely forgot to ask Kandyss for an autograph.