I extended my arms to Ivey, careful not to smudge her makeup. “You call me if you’re in trouble, you hear me? And no means the fuck no. Do you understand?” I said and her eyes watered.
“Yes, I know who to call if I need help,” she said, and I kissed her cheek.
“Curfew is nine,” Malcolm yelled again, and Ivey rolled her eyes.
Mom waved as Herman and Ivey pulled away in the black SUV. I knew she paid for the transportation once I saw Carson in the driver seat.
“You three need to get it together. Ivey is growing up. We have to trust her to make good decisions,” Mom said, and we all groaned. “And Kal, did you have to pat him down for drugs?” she asked, and I erupted in laughter, holding my stomach.
We wandered back into the house after Pops suggested he put some food on the grill. I hurried to the two-seater to snuggle next to Erin. She couldn’t help but laugh as I kissed her neck and playfully reached for her phone. This woman was unaware she signed up to be bothered at every available opportunity.
“Jhae, we could use some of your famous potato salad,” Mom said from the kitchen.
My eyes traveled from Malcolm to Jhae and they glossed within seconds. She peered up at Malcolm before standing on her feet and said, “okay.”
“Can you add some baked beans to that,” I said, and the room laughed but I was serious because I missed the two things Jhae could cook.
“Erin, would you like to help?” Mom asked as she wrapped the red apron around her neck.
My Weirdo looked from my mom back to me. “Sure, I can lend a hand. I can make any dessert or...”
“You can’t cook,” I interrupted Erin. She frowned at me after she stood from the couch.
“Why yes, Marquise, I can cook. But I don’t, with you ordering out and having a chef on retainer, why would I extend myself,” she said.
I straightened in my seat, staring at my woman with all her curves. “I bet I stop ordering out. We are buying groceries moving forward,” I said, and Erin waved me away as she strolled toward the kitchen.
“How did Marquise get on the album?” Mom asked Jhae.
“He begged just like he did the night we recovered your stolen mustang.” Jhae answered and I shook my head. Malcolm chuckled as we listened in on the conversation.
“Wait, Marquise stole your car?” Erin asked.
The soundtrack of spoons clicking against mixing bowls paused.
“Girl, yes, trying to impress some girl. Jhae and I tracked my car to the movie theater and stole it back. He called, panicking and begging for a ride home. He lied to his date about having a sports car. I guess his BMW wasn’t good enough,” Mom said.
For two hours, I had my family back. Khaira finally woke from her nap and played in her highchair. With Mom and Jhae laughing, it felt as if it was old times. We were back a family again until the doorbell rang.
“Hey, everybody,” Toni said, and I sighed.
Mom hugged Toni and Jhae, but Erin just waved. Afterward, she found my eyes. When my phone vibrated, I knew it was her.
Weirdo
Baby, tell me what to do. Are we leaving or staying?
Me
After you finish whatever, you’re cooking, we leaving.
Weirdo
Okay.
My entire demeanor changed as my body stiffened.
“Hi, everybody,” Toni said as she stepped into the living room.
