“You guys are welcome. Please, please, stay out of trouble.”
“You ain’t gotta tell me twice, cuz. I already got my jet booked to hit Cancun now that damn monitor is off my leg.”
“Well, have fun and enjoy.”
Emil and Ellis walked off after saying their goodbyes, and Emery pulled me into his arms.
“Ditch ya people and come to my parents’ crib. They’re cooking up a feast since these niggas are free.”
I giggled. “Raincheck, babe. I’ve been dissing Carmen lately, and she’s upset with me. I promise we can chill with your family tomorrow.”
“Fine. I want you home at a decent hour, and don’t get too lit. You still gotta drive back home.”
“I got you, big poppa. And since I’ve unofficially moved into your home?—”
“Our home,” he corrected.
I rolled my eyes playfully. “Our home, I need to go back to my place and get my things.” I could see his eyes light up at the very mention of my moving in officially.
“We can do it this weekend.”
I laughed. “I love you.” I kissed his lips just as Jeremiah walked up.
“Congratulations, Yumi. I knew you’d win.”
I smiled. “Wewon, so congrats to you too.”
He smiled at me. “Thanks.”
“You a rude ass nigga,” Emery said, glaring at Jeremiah.
“Emmy, please,” I pleaded.
Jeremiah frowned in confusion. “Pardon?”
“You see me standing here and don’t even acknowledge the nigga that just put bread in your pocket.”
“I-I’m sorry?—”
“And get them fucking hearts out ya eyes when you look at my woman, or yo’ ho ass gon’ be seeing stars. She’s taken, and it’s going to remain that way until I get old and croak the fuck over. Even then, she ain’t gon’ be available to yo’ sucka ass.”
“Emery Aldana!” I reprimanded. “Let’s go now, sir!” I pulled him away while mouthing sorry to Jeremiah. I probably shouldn’t have done that because I didn’t want to make it seem as if he had a chance. Emery would kill this man, and I knew I had to make sure I put a pin in his growing attraction for me. When we reached my car, I hit the locks, and Emery placed my satchel in the backseat.
“You really have to calm down, babe. Jeremiah is harmless.”
“Yeah, harmless enough to be kissing you in fucking parking garages?” My mouth opened and closed in shock. “Yeah, you didn’t think I knew, did you? You forgot I had security following you, Yummy?”
Shit. I did forget.
“That was?—”
“I don’t care what it was. The only reason I ain’t snap that nigga’s neck was that he was beneficial to my brother and cousin’s case. Now that that shit is over, I’d whack his stupid ass.” I was about to say something, but he cut me off. “Get yourpretty ass in the car. I’ll see you at home later.” A kiss to my lips and a swat on my ass made me hop in my truck and not say shit else. I waved at him, then pulled from the curb, calling Carmen to confirm our dinner date at Ruth’s Chris.
Today was successful yet exhausting. I was just happy to be free until my next caseload, and I was going to celebrate my win with a nice, big drink.
Stepping inside the restaurant,I looked around until I found Chanel and Carmen and headed in their direction. Carmen spotted me first and stood to hug me, prompting Chanel to do the same.
“Hey, Mimi. I feel like I haven’t seen you in a while,” Chanel said once we all took our seats.
