Other faces I recognized from back in the day. People who knew me before I left to go underground. Before I became what I became.
“This is some bullshit,” I muttered, but I could feel myself giving in.
The suite was decked out, leather couches in a U-shape, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city, ambient lighting that made everybody look good. Uncle Levi didn’t do nothing half-ass. There was even a cake on the bar, black and gold to match the balloons.
“It’s love, Prime. Let people show you love for once in your life. Especially on your birthday.”
“Show me love by mailing a card or some shit. I do not like surprises. Or parties.”
“I know. That’s why this was perfect.” She grinned up at me, all dimples and mischief. “Classic Scorpio—hates being the center of attention, hates surprises, probably hasn’t celebrateda birthday since he turned eight. But guess what? You’re thirty-two now, you’re home, and we’re doing this.”
I looked at her, then back at the room full of people waiting to see what I’d do.
I sighed.
“Aight. But next time? Just tell me.”
“Where’s the fun in that? Plus, you’d just disappear if we told you. Very Scorpio of you.”
“You gon’ keep bringing up my sign all night?”
“Absolutely.”
The room erupted in cheers and someone started singing “Happy Birthday” off-key. Somebody shoved a drink in my hand. Cannon dapped me up. Justice pulled me into one of them half-hugs that niggas do.
And for a second—just a second—I let myself feel like maybe coming home wasn’t the worst idea.
For over a decade, I’d been living my life underground, only popping in and out of town from time to time. For the most part I slept on the go. Wherever I was needed. I came back to check in with family, but now I was ready to settle. I’d recently bought a massive two-story penthouse and a beach house about an hour outside the city. I was ready to put down some roots.
Cannon walked over, glass already in his hand, that easy smile on his face. “Happy birthday, man. Good seeing you. Feel like we only got to chop it up for a minute at Queen’s BnB opening.”
“Yeah, that was quick,” I said, accepting the drink he passed me. Banks Reserve cognac. The good shit, twenty-five year, limited release. My brothers didn’t play when it came to the family product.
“When Q hit me up about tonight, timing was perfect. I was already in the area.” He took a sip. “Me and Queen are in talkswith Justice and Quest about opening a hotel to go with the new casino on the waterfront.”
The Banks’ new casino. My brothers had been working on that project for years, and it was finally about to break ground. Big money to add to their liquor money.
“That’s a good look for y’all,” I said, dapping him up again. “The Banks and the Kings doing business together. That’s some royal shit.”
Cannon laughed. “Right? But what about you? You don’t want in on the empire? You a free agent now…”
Before I could answer, Quest appeared at my shoulder like he had radar for when somebody was trying to recruit me into the family business.
“Yeah, we gonna get him in,” Quest said, that determined look on his face.
“Nah, I’m good on my own.”
“No.” Quest’s voice was firm. “You family, and you gettin’ a piece of this pie. We know you got money, but it’s time to make a legitimate name for yourself.”
I felt my jaw tighten. Here we go.
“Anyways…” I turned back to Cannon, deliberately changing the subject. “Where’s Queen? She didn’t come?”
“She took Zaza back to New York for an Alvin Ailey show. They’ll be here Monday.”
“Don’t let him do that,” Quest cut in, shaking his head but smiling like this was all a game. “He just trying to avoid his destiny.”
“Destiny,” I repeated, taking a drink. “That’s a strong word.”
