“Mama, we got monies!” Harlee picked up the bills and waved them around.
Crew was immediately smitten, and Maisie read it on his face. Harlee was going to have him wrapped around her little finger. He wanted babies, but Maisie never did. Now, she was in her forties and couldn’t imagine bringing a baby into the mix this late in the game.
“Here, take all that shit.” Crew tossed the wad on the table.
“Crew, they do not need all this,” Giselle argued.
“Shit, it’s two of ’em,” he countered. “Oh, Oz, Solo, this is my people, Giselle. Giselle, these the homies from around the way. They just in town visiting.”
“We hungry,” Solo announced, rubbing his stomach under his shirt.
“Of course you are.” Remi shook her head. “Y’all have a seat. I’m feeding these babies first.”
Oz and Solo didn’t have to be told twice. Pulling out chairs across from the twins, they both settled in. Crew grabbed Maisie’s hand, pulling her from the chair so he could sit down, and she could take up the space on his lap.
"I’m viewing a house over on Danner Street. I talked to the owner?—”
“Danner Street? That must be Petal’s place.” Remi grabbed a few paper plates and made one for each twin before moving on to the adults.
“You’re not staying here?” Maisie perked up.
“No. It’s not just me anymore, Mais.” Giselle cut her eyes at her babies as they each grabbed their forks and dug into the broccoli and cheese first.
“There’s enough room for y’all here. Lou and Gem got their own place off campus,” Maisie informed her.
“I just think it’s best that we have our own place. I didn’t come here to be anybody’s burden. I have enough money saved for a few months’ rent, and I have my car. I just need to find a job, and I’ll be fine.”
“So, where that fuck nigga ass husband?” Crew asked, taking a chicken drum off the plate Remi served him.
“You said two bad words,” Harlee said between chews.
“I don’t know where he is,” Giselle answered, using her fork to play with her mashed potatoes. “He cleaned out our accounts and took everything, including my business. I also had to sell the house, which was in his name. So, I have what I set aside for myself and the kids, but I know it’s not nearly enough to survive on.”
“Are you serious?” Maisie whispered.
Oz and Solo remained quiet, but both wore faces of empathy listening to Giselle’s story.
“This bitch ass nigga married you, stole everything, and then left you with two kids?” Maisie listed, pressing her fingers into the table with each point.
“Sounds like a nigga that needs a hollow one,” Oz muttered, leaning back as Remi served him and Solo plates suited for a king.
His partner practically salivated at the meal as he rubbed his hands together. Saying a quick prayer, he picked up his forkand dug into the potatoes then picked up a piece of chicken and slowly sank his teeth into it.
“Man… Ms. Remi, you offering cooking lessons? I know a few shorties that could use some tips,” Solo kidded.
Keys rattled in the back door, and Lou walked through with Gem laughing behind her. The two paused when they found Giselle and the twins seated at the table with everyone else.
“Giselle! Oh, my God!” Lou rushed inside.
She wrapped her arms around her so tight it took the wind right out of her. Gem closed the door, but she didn’t seem necessarily happy as she strolled over to the table.
“Hey, Lou.”
“What are you doing here? And… are these your kids?” Shock flitted over Lou’s face when the twins looked in her direction. “How freaking adorable are they! Hi, babies! I’m your cousin Lou! Look at you!” She kissed both of their little fat cheeks, and they continued to stuff their faces. “You had twins!” Lou squealed.
“Hey, Gem.” Giselle greeted her standoffish sister and tossed her napkin on the table.
Over the years, she’d reached out to her and tried to keep up to date with how she was doing. She made sure to set up her trust fund for her as promised. She got money for tuition and would receive one lump sum when she turned twenty-five in a few years. There had been a disconnect since she left, though, and Giselle knew she was the reason why. Gem was used to being abandoned, and she was just one more name to add to the list.
