“That’s what I like to hear.” She clamped her hands together. “Let’s move this along. I loved the idea of adding an extra flare to the dessert bar, so I had our in-house chef help out. I hope they taste as good as they look.”
As she had done before, Minnie gave us time to enjoy our food alone. Since Loso wasn’t a fan ofreindeer games, I was shocked to see him grab a plate of gumballs, candy, and a can of whipped cream.
“Don’t sit there staring at me. Grab some candy. I don’t want you crying when my shit is playa, and yours is plain.”
“Be quiet unless you want to make this a competition.”
“Come on, baby. I just got you. I don’t want to kick your ass already.”
I laughed louder than I intended. “Oh. Don’t spare me. I’m not scared of a friendly wager. Let’s go!”
Any reluctance I may have had about crossing the line with Loso got mixed in sugar cookie dust. We morphed into exterior decorators as we worked on our gingerbread houses. A few times, I peeked over and saw Loso gnawing on his bottom lip as he focused. As skilled as he was with cars, his steady hands were a given. Still, I appreciated how much care he put intothe project despite having little interest. Maybe presumptuous of me, but the mechanic’s openness made me believe he would make bigger sacrifices.
“Loso!” I squealed. “Did you make an elf dressed like a young nigga? Why does your gingerbread house look like a trap house?”
“The same reason your spot looks prissy. I hustle for the bread, and you sit pretty. They’re perfect.” He became motionless for a second. “As much as I hate the holidays, you got me out here decorating a gingerbread house. That’s crazy.”
“No. That’s Christmas, baby.”
Chapter 6
Loso
Golf and the conservative scene weren’t really my vibe, but I was happy to put on some fly shit and spend the day giving back with my folks. The Silks Hills Country Club was black-owned and had always welcomed the Sons of Eshu into their establishment when other organizations shunned us because of our past.
After I checked my appearance in my rearview mirror, I handed my keys to the valet, then followed the candy cane stickers pressed into the ground. Even without the pathway, the sound of Christmas music and laughter led me to the courtyard of the country club. Every corner was filled with people or a holiday trinket. The area looked like a candy cane had babies, and they were set free on the country club grounds. Makeshift snow nearly covered the grass, and props as tall as me probably made the kids feel like they were in a fantasy land. Some people I recognized at first glance while others I had never seen before. Most of the kids ran around or played carnival like games while the adults sat at one of the many tables enjoying a meal. Just like Stevie said, big name sponsors showed up, giving away free gear and samples. I surveyed the yard from near the entryway untilI spotted Shiloh standing in the middle of the field in an ugly sweater and a Santa hat.
“What’s good, brodie?” I dapped him up then pulled at his sweater. “I see you followed the theme to a fucking T.”
“And I see you don’t know how to follow directions.”
I stroked the collar of my polo. “You know me well. I’m not buying something ugly on purpose. Bad enough Stevie started the giveaway so damn early.”
“My baby made a strategic move. We’re catering to a lot of people, so she scheduled the families to pick up their money and gifts at different times.”
The admiration in Shiloh’s voice when he spoke about his wife couldn’t be missed. Anytime he talked about Stevie, he sounded honored to be her husband.
“Look at you. Cheesin’ and shit,” I kidded.
“I can’t help it. You see how my baby put this shit together.”
“Yeah. Stevie said she wanted to give back, and she didn’t cut corners. I see she got Nike to come out here.” I bumped his shoulder. “You should be proud.”
“That ain’t the word. I watch Blue work on projects she doesn’t make a dime from. She got a nigga with money, and instead of spending it all on Gucci and gold, she pours into those in need. Proud ain’t the word.” He pointed toward the booths lining the grass area. “You decided which station you’re going to handle?”
“Nah, but I’ll take whichever requires the least interaction with kids,” I half-joked.
As we eyed Stevie in action, Essen came into view. Her afro of curls was pressed into sleek tresses that hung down her back. The warm smile I was used to seeing on her face was nowhere in sight.
“What’s wrong with the princess?”
Shiloh smacked his lips. “Ain’t no telling. She’s been in a shitty mood lately, but she won’t tell me why. I think she’s fucking with somebody and doesn’t want to tell me.”
“She’s your baby sister, but she’s a grown woman. She has the right to keep some shit close.”
His abrupt silence made my focus swing in Shiloh’s direction. I stepped back with a smile when I saw he was staring at me.
“What, nigga?” I laughed.
