“Trust me. If I wasn’t madly in love with my wife and you didn’t look like family then we could arrange something.”
“My nipples don’t get hard for family,” I told him, “You’re about twelve times removed, anyway. Not exactl–”
“Royce,” Milo called out.
“Baisleigh gon’ grill your ass like cheese if you keep fucking around.”
“She doesn’t have to worry,” I assured Lawe, “He’s safe.”
“Am I,cousin?”
I tossed a middle finger and turned toward Milo.
“How’s Nature? And, the babies?”
“Everybody’s good.”
“Fuck you headed looking like you have a seat at the Golden Globe?”
I rolled my eyes. Lawe couldn’t help himself. The insults were inevitable.
“And, you look like you’re headed to a funeral.”
“Never know when I might have to send a nigga to meet the Lord, so I’m always dressed for the occasion.”
“Headed out?” Milo questioned.
“I am, actually. Date night.”
“With that nigga you been all over the news with?” Lawe peered at me with curious eyes. Red surrounded the dark brown circles.
I nodded.
“Ishmael.”
Milo said nothing. He stood, waiting for the unknown.
“What?” I sniggered.
“Nothing. You look happy. I’m just here to make sure it’s not a facade.”
I shook my head. “It’s not a facade, Milo.”
“Then we won’t hold you.”
The three of them inched toward the door. They were prepared to leave as quickly as they’d come.
“Tell Malachi and Makai I said–”
“Tell ‘em yourself, Royce,” Milo yelled over his shoulder. “You’re welcomed to our cribs anytime.”
“I know.”
“Then act like it,” Lawe added.
“Why’d you have to bring him?” I laughed.
“He begs to come everywhere like motherfuckers actually want to be around him.”
