“The fair, bitch.”
“The faaair? The fuck you goin’ to the fair fo’? Who you goin’ to the fair fo’?”
“That ain’t none of your business lil’ bro. Focus on lettin’ some water and soap hit yo’ ass. You smell like a fuckin’ dumpster,” I said, glancing at him briefly before putting my eyes back on the road.
He waved me off, saying, “Whatever, nigga. I appreciate you.”
I nodded. “Just stay out of the way, Leek. Let me handle the shit.”
Zyleek snorted obnoxiously. “Yeah, okay. You ain’t doin’ shit without me, Ro.”
I stopped at a red light and looked over at my brother. His light-skinned ass now had his eyes closed, probably getting the rest he couldn’t get in jail. Leek was what you called a pretty boy. Short curly hair that was tapered at the sides. We were both six feet even, getting our height from our Pops.
“And whatever female you takin’ to the fair, I need to meet ‘cause I know it ain’t Leesa’s stank ass.”
5
ERISS JACKSON
I’ve been in a horrible mood ever since I talked to Zyro. I had to break down and call my dad because even though I was grown, I had no clue about trading in vehicles. He was there when I got my first car.
When I sat in Mahlia’s car after work, my mood hadn’t changed.
“Hey, bookie,” she sang out as I put my seatbelt on.
“Hey, girl,” I replied in a dry tone.
“Nuh uh, what’s wrong?” Mahlia pulled out of the lot and into traffic.
“My car is a bust.”
“But we already knew that. It’s time for something new, E. You’ve been holding onto that raggedy thing.” I cut my eyes over at her. “What?” she laughed. “Anyway, I heard you and my nephew are going to the fair tonight.”
I reared my head back. I had pushed Zyro’s talk about the fair to the back of my mind hours ago.
“I never agreed, plus, I don’t even know that man. Did his brother get out?”
“Don’t try to change the damn subject, Eriss. Yes, Leek is out, but that man you don’t know got you and your son safely homeyesterday. Drove from one city to another and didn’t even get any pussy, so please don’t act like he ain’t a good guy. I would have never called Zyro to help you if I didn’t think he was a good guy.”
“He told you he was taking us to the fair?”
“Not really, Leek messy ass did. He called me to gossip.” Mahlia chortled. “He said he knew that I knew what female had Zyro’s nose wide open. His words, not mine. I didn’t tell Leek shit, though. He has other shit to worry about. I think you should go and spend my cousin’s money. It’ll take your mind off your car for a while,” she suggested.
“You are a mess. Did you just tell me to spendyourcousin’s money?” I giggled.
“I did. Zyro can afford to trick,” Mahlia snickered.
“I can’t wait to tell him that,” I let slip.
“Oh, so you’re planning on going to the fair then? I love to hear it.”
“That’s not what I said, but if it’ll make Ermias happy, I guess. Why don’t you come, too?”
“Because my cousin didn’t invite me.” I watched Mahlia squint. “Why didn’t he invite me? I’m like his favorite person in this world.”
Chuckling, I said, “Sounds like you have questions that need answers.”
“Nope.” Mahlia smiled at me, then turned into the parking lot of Heartville Kiddies, Ermias’s daycare.” If Zyro has to replace me with someone, I would rather it be?—”
