“Not much. I got an A on a test yesterday.”
Block’s brows hiked from surprise. Not because he felt his brother was dumb but because it was rare that Mario applied himself. “Word? That’s what’s up. I’m proud of you.” Block’s words were sincere. He really was proud of his brother. “You need to keep that up. It’s a good look.”
Mario could tell that his brother was genuinely proud of him, and it made him feel good. The way his mother’s eyes lit up when he showed her the grade made him realize that he liked being praised way more than he liked being chastised.
“Shit. Get another A on another test, and I’ll give you $500.”
Mario’s eyes widened. “For real?”
“Yeap. Matter fact when you get your report card, I’ll give you $500 for every A, $400 for every B, and $100 for every C.”
That promise overwhelmed Mario. He knew he could apply himself and make a few good grades, but he doubted he’d be making the Principal’s list or even the honor roll. The money sounded good though, so it was something to think about. Thedays that his brother was mad at him bothered him, so Mario was making the effort to be on his best behavior.
“What’s up with you and that kid, Mason?” Block asked.
Mario’s shoulder hiked. “Nothing really. I don’t say anything to him, and he doesn’t say anything to me.”
“Keep it like that. His mom’s passed away, so I don’t want to hear about any jokes. You got that?”
Mario nodded. His mother worked his nerves, but he couldn’t imagine her dying. “What we getting into tonight?”
Mario’s question made his brother chuckle. “What you trying to get into?”
“I want to go to the mall for one.”
“You got mall money?”
Mario grinned. “Belvin came by and gave me $300. The new J’s dropped today, and I want them before they sell out.” Belvin was one of his father’s friends that looked out for Mario at least once a month. He was one of the real ones that had been looking out for them during Tech’s entire bid regardless of how much money Block, Brazil, and Lethal had.
“You ‘bout to spend that whole three hundred on the shoes.”
“I mean I already have a lot of clothes.”
“Keep your money. I’ll buy you the shoes since you got an A on your test. Come on. You can start the car. Give me five minutes.”
Mario walked out to the car, and Block eased his phone from his pocket. After tapping Symphony’s contact, he listened as the line trilled.
“Hello?”
“Hey. You need anything?”
“A hug would be nice, but I’m not at home, so I can wait until later.”
“I got you tonight. I’m about to take Mario to the mall, so let me know if you need anything.”
“I’m pretty sure I won’t need anything, but if I do, I’ll let you know.”
“You want me to suck on that pussy tonight?” he asked in a low rumble. He hadn’t been trying to have sex with her because he knew she was sad, but if she didn’t want to have sex, he could at least eat her pussy. That was when he knew he had it bad for her because he’d never in life eaten a woman’s pussy without expecting anything in return.
Symphony chuckled. “Not sure who would say no to that.”
“Aight. I got you.”
They ended the call, and Block stared at the phone. Whether Symphony was in his life or not, becoming addicted to pills would have been the dumbest shit he could have done. He didn’t just quit for her. He quit for himself. But still, he had to admit that he’d never had a woman make him want to change for her. Most women didn’t give a damn what he did or said. They wanted him flaws and all and were willing to accept him, however. He liked the fact that Symphony wouldn’t just go for anything. He didn’t even want to risk anything he was involved in hurting her career. She was too smart and had too much going for herself to let a man be her downfall.
Block walked out to the car and headed to take his brother to the mall. One of the reasons he felt so drawn to Symphony was because they had a lot in common. His brother and her nephew being one of those things. He hoped her nephew wouldn’t get worse since his mom’s death, but there really was no telling. Mario got on his nerves enough, but before he let Symphony become too stressed, he’d step in and try to talk to her nephew, if she would let him. Block wasn’t trying to cross boundaries or be anybody’s father. He didn’t have any kids. He could be a good role model, however. He had inadvertently shown his brother the glitz and the glamour that came with drug dealing. Now, heplanned to show him how to start a business and get money the legal way.
“Brazil told me he’s about to buy a house,” Mario interrupted the silence.
