London and Cain's eyes followed them all the way back to Swift's truck. He was so attentive, too, that it warmed London's heart as her eyes welled up with tears.
"It's happening, Cain."
Cain sighed, hoping his son was up for a storm. Love came with many challenges, and although the risk was worth it, Starlah was grieving and probably wouldn't know what love looked like if he served it to her on a platter.
Swift sat in one of the chairs in the last row as Starlah stood next to both caskets. They were gold and white, a combination of Lucky and Creed's favorite colors. He wasn't sure how she was able to do it without falling apart as he watched her slowly slide her gloved hand over Lucky's casket. His chest constricted, not knowing what he'd do if that were his mother or father. She then moved to Creed's, and he heard her whispering.
It was then that he realized how much he missed Gianna. They were close, but he never thought about living in a world where Gianna didn't exist. He pulled out his cellphone and sent her a text message.
Swift:
You know I kind of miss your big, bald-headed ass. Are you ready for us to come home?
GiGi:
Nigga, please. The only thing big about me is my bank account. And trust, this little hair on my head doesn't stop shit.
Swift laughed and shook his head. If nothing else, his baby sister's confidence was out of this world. Just as he had his pick when it came to women, Gianna's roster was saturated. She liked Trey, but Swift also felt that Trey reminded him too much of himself. He was popular, had a great head on his shoulders, was rich, and, not to mention, a bitch magnet.
Swift:
I guess that means you'll be fine if I don't head back with Moms. I need to hang back for a bit. Are you cool with that? You know I check on Moms like every other day.
GiGi:
I have to be, but not too much longer. I sorta miss your cocky ass, and I haven't gotten flowers or food DoorDashed to me since you left. You're slipping. I have to keep these men on their toes when my brother spoils me.
Swift:
Noted, Gee. Your big brother loves you. I got you. Be on the lookout.
Swift quickly opened his location app and saw that Gianna was surprisingly at their parents' home. He didn't know how long she'd be there, so he placed a DoorDash order and sent her one of her favorites — salmon pasta with garlic bread, broccoli, and cheddar soup. He then found a florist and ordered a bouquet of assorted-colored roses to be sent to her office on Monday, bright and early.
GiGi:
Awww, you really do love me.
Swift:
With all my fucking heart, Gee. Take care of yourself.
GiGi:
Long as you do the same. Love you, Swift.
When he looked up, there was Starlah. Her eyes were puffy, her nose swollen, but she still looked beautiful. Hell, to Swift, Starlah was the most beautiful girl he'd ever laid his eyes on, and that said a lot because he fucked with the baddest bitches.
"Sit." He took her hand, sliding his fingers through hers. "Been a long day."
"Long week or two." She sighed, then sat back, looking around. "Haven't been here in years."
Star was ashamed to admit that it was Creed or Lucky who came to the cemetery every other month or so to clean off her mother's headstone. She wanted to remember her the way she was, and even then, her memories were murky, considering how young she was.
"Oh yeah. Who's out here?"
She gave him her eyes and tucked her lips.
"My mama." Star's revelation hit him in the chest, forgetting her mother had been gone for some time. "Cancer."
