“To my crib for the night,” I answered her. “Just to be sure there won’t be any pop-ups tonight. I just want y’all safe.” Her brows furrowed for a moment, then softened when I added, “Mahlia is staying the night, too.”
“Oh…okay. I guess that’s fine, but I don’t have our things.”
“Anything you need, I can get. You have medicine for your eye in you purse?” I quizzed, turning left onto the dirt road that led to my place.
“Yeah, I do. How am I getting home in the morning to get him to daycare and myself to work?”
“Mahlia is going back home in the morning, and she’ll take you. I’m also having security installed at your house tomorrow, is that alright?”
Eriss’ head tilted slightly to the side. “Thank you.”
I nodded.
I veered into my driveway, pulling into the garage.
“Yeeeees!” Ermias cheered loudly, causing Eriss to cover his mouth. When she dropped her hand, he said, “I love it here! The house is big!”
I winked at Eriss. “Stay as long as you want, homeboy.”
Eriss laughed and shook her head from side to side. “Don’t tell him that. He’ll want to stay forever.”
“And y’all can,” I found myself saying. Eriss blushed, then began fidgeting with unbuckling herself and Ermias.
I exited the truck and helped them out. I couldn’t wait to shower, eat, and take a nap.
I grabbed the snacks we’d picked up earlier, then rounded the truck to Eriss’ side. She had just unbuckled Ermias, who was practically bouncing in the seat, eyes wide as he looked around.
“I want to play basketball!” he announced, pointing at the goal.
“It’s too wet today, homie. Maybe another day,” I chuckled. Eriss climbed out, avoiding my stare. When she moved out of the way, I helped Ermias out. “We can order pizza instead, how about that?”
“Yeeeees! Pepperoni!” he shouted. Ermias stomped toward my front door. Luckily, there were no puddles.
“Remove your shoes before going inside, Ermias,” Eriss told him. “We’re going to respect Mr. Zyro’s house.”
I snickered. “Mr. Zyro is wild,” I mumbled.
I kicked off my shoes after unlocking the door. Eriss and Ermias did the same before we entered the main part of the house.
“Your home is so beautiful,” she gushed. “So, so beautiful.”
“‘Preciate it,” I replied, placing the bag down. “I’ll grab you some clothes if you want to get out of the wet ones. Mahlia is going by your house to pick up whatever you and Ermias will need for the night.”
She stood there, clearly feeling out of place.
“I am so thankful for you both,” she finally said.
I shrugged it off. “It’s no big deal. Make yourself at home. If you want to shower first, I’ll watch your son for you.”
Eriss glanced around my living room. “Yes, please. I’ll hate to sit on your furniture without one.” Her eyes looked up at the high ceilings, the massive chocolate sectional, and the framed photos of my family on the wall.
I nodded and pointed down the hallway. There is a bedroom where Mahlia keeps some of her things when she’s in Love Grove. It’s the third door on the right. Help yourself.” My eyes glided down her frame.
She giggled. “I’m a lil’ thicker than Mahlia, but we’ll see.”
Licking my lips, I had to agree. “You ain’t lyin’.” Our eyes met, but of course, she looked away quickly and headed down the hallway, but not before warning Ermias to behave.
I picked his backpack off the floor and found some clean clothes for him. I had three bathrooms in this house. I’d throw him in one while Eriss handled her business to help her out.
