“Thanks for everything, Petal.”
“Don’t you worry about it. Don’t worry about paying any rent either, because I won’t take your money. Goodnight, beauties.”
“Goodnight, Petal!” Gem, Lou, and Maisie sang after her.
“Giselle, you got kids. Two of them!” Maisie teased. “I can’t believe it. I want to strangle you for allowing us to miss you pregnant and giving birth, but I’m so glad they’re here.”
“Not so much me, though, right?” Giselle guzzled the last of her wine.
“I’m mad at you. Hell yeah,” Maisie admitted.
“Thanks, Mais. Can always count on you to keep it real.”
“Nope, you don’t get to come in here with these two little angels and expect anybody to forgive you. I love you, but wrong is wrong… and youma cherie, are dead wrong in this.” Maisie motioned with her fingers as the front door slammed shut and footsteps followed.
“Mais, I got some shit to handle. We ’bout to roll,” Crew announced with Heavy at his side.
He briefly glanced at Giselle before taking in Heir and Harlee on the floor, entertaining themselves with their toys. Leaning against the doorway, hooded eyes glistening, it was hard to believe he had a hand in them being here. For hours, all he could think about was the time he missed, which made him angry and aching in an unfamiliar way.
“Mmm, okay. Drop me at the club. I need to be there tonight.” Maisie hopped up and grabbed her Dior clutch from beside her.
“We’re heading to this mixer at the frat house.” Gem brought herself to her feet. “I’ll see you two tomorrow, okay?”
“Victory Park, Giselle. This Saturday. So, make sure y’all are ready to go by eleven.” Lou went to give her a quick hug because she looked like she needed it. “Goodnight, babies!” She gushed, waving to them on her way out with Gem.
“I’ll let you know how shit is moving when we’re done,” Crew said, turning to Heavy.
“No doubt. Be careful.” The two dapped each other up before Crew rushed to the twins.
“Aight now, y’all make sure to drive your mama crazy all night. Tell her Saturday nights are reserved for Uncle Crew and Auntie Maisie, though.”
“Do you have a puppy?” Harlee questioned, her big brown eyes searching him.
“No, but if you want one, we can get one,” he promised.
“Bye, Crew!” Giselle pointed to the door.
“How I’m supposed to say no to that face, G? She can have a whole litter if she wants one.” Crew leaned in and blew a strawberry kiss against Harlee’s cheek, which made her fall over giggling.
“Aye, get off my sister.” Heir nudged him back, and Crew mushed his forehead.
“You ain’t tough.”
“I fight you for her.” Heir nodded to Harlee.
“You know what? I ain’t even mad at that, homie. You sleeping on the porch when you come over, though,” Crew stood, laughing and shaking his head on the way out.
Heir played with his cars, moving away from where Harlee sat with her stuffed animals, having tea. He pushed the little Corvette across the hardwood floors until he was at Heavy’s feet.
“You want to play cars with me?” Heir questioned, resting on his knees and peering up at him.
Heavy crouched in front of him, picking up the car and examining it. It was a ’67 red Corvette. He remembered his grandpa refurbishing one back in the day.
“You like cars?” Heavy asked.
“He loves them.” Giselle cleared her throat. “Huey, why don’t you go get your bag with all the cars and show Heavy?”
The name struck something in Heavy’s chest.
