WHAT IF - 25 YEARS - 7

PART 7

| Later – Maddox’s |

They ate and talked and met with the family, then headed back to Maddox where they settled the kids in for the night, then went downstairs to have TV and talk time with Maddox. "Good time to clear the air?" Elle asked.

"Yes," Maddox responded what do you want too know from me. I'll answer everything."

"uh ..." She looked at lucky.

"why didn't you try more than once to contact mom? Or even us later?" Lucky asked.

"i honestly didn't know if your mom wanted me around. I left because Antonio and your uncle kt almost killed me. That was enough to kill anyones ego. I understand the last few words i said to your mother sounded harsher than i intended. I was SO in love with your mom and at that age the things i was best at were sweet talking girls, sleeping with them, earning their trust and then dogging them," he paused "I've had two loves in my life, your mom and my ex wife. So after I said goodbye and told her to contact my father about financial and travel arrangements and she never followed through, I knew i lost her and i was positive she aborted you guys. I tried contacting her twice because i couldn't stop thinking about her, and each time, i punked out. I spent ten years in a relationship which ended in divorce because she cheated on me. Karma is a Bitch."

"It would have been nice is all," jiselle told him, "to have our real dad there ... Not even all the time but to know you could have at least been reached. But," she shrugged, "things happen for a reason."

Lucky agreed, "things would have been different. I'm not knockin how we came up with Antonio but the vibe could have been so much better."

He nodded "i don't doubt it. I could've tried harder. Your mom was a lot stronger than i was. But with not having a single hand in you guys' up bringing, its crazy how much you're like me. I saved money like crazy and before i started doing music, i was a business man, i still have all control over my international night club chain. Also, I’m no stranger to a piano, i know that thing like the back of my hand and I'm all self taught. I'm bummed i wasn't there but so fucking happy I've got you guys in my life now. ."

Jiselle grinned, "really? I play by ear and I have perfect pitch."

"She got the talent," lucky laughed, "and i got the business sense. With the money you gave me, i have so many ideas of what i want to do with it."

"that's damn good baby..." He smiled at Jiselle, and then looked to lucky, "we'll have Talk business sometime."

He nodded, "when you're back in NY, you have to meet my wife."

"And oh my God," jiselle smiled, "Dante. You're gonna love him."

"I would love to," he stood, "lets hug it out..." He chuckled.

They stood and hugged, then lucky whispered to Maddox, "you're gonna hate Dante."

Maddox died laughing as Jiselle reached around and hit lucky, "why?" They pulled out the hug.

"Lucky NEVER liked Dante. Said he was too cocky."

"He is! Nigga act like he own everywhere he go. Autograph and shit ... Stupid ass press smile."

Jiselle rolled her eyes, "he plays baseball."

Maddox laughed, "I'll keep an open mind but fact is no one soul ever be good enough for you, PERIOD."

"Exactly!" Lucky smacked her on the forehead.

"Pinhead!" She swing at him and missed. No matter what the age, they'd bicker and swing just like they'd had their entire life

"Alright alright, enough... You guys tired or want anything to drink?"

"I would love some alcohol," jiselle batted her eyes

"I'll take whatever."

"what do you drink, Elle?" He made to Hennessey on the rocks for him and lucky.

"Um ... Cherry vodka sour. I'm a lightweight."

"She can only have 3. Watered down ... After that, she's down." Lucky followed him to the bar.

Maddox laughed, "you guys wasn't to see some pictures?"

“Of who?” The twins asked in unison.

"your mother and I, when we went to Mexico for winter break."

"ooooo let's see!" Jiselle made herself comfortable.