After leaving Ciara, I went back inside to check if the workers needed any more approvals before we returned to the condo for now. After Crew went to jail, he insisted we stay somewhere else besides his place just to be cautious with him gone. We moved into a nice Brooklyn building with a doorman and garage security. Hov checked in often, always bringing his uncle's baby donuts—Amira’s weakness. His mom and sister, Jas, visited a lot, too. Honestly, Amira was the only thing keeping Ms. Debbie sane after what Gio did. She blamed herself at first, feeling she should’ve let Gio die that day instead of saving him. We all knew Crew was wrong for shooting Gio, yet he was justified—especially now. Part of me can’t wait to hear that someone else shot Gio again, since he put Crew behind bars.
Once we settled in at the condo, I called my mom to babysit Amira because I didn’t want to disturb Ms. Debbie tonight, even though I knew she would’ve jumped up the second I called her.Once my mom showed up, she greeted Amira the same way she always did, kissing her on the cheeks and across her forehead, as she always did to say hello. I got dressed in peace since Amira wasn’t crying and wanting to be on my hip, and took my time straightening out my hair and putting on makeup, which I rarely wear these days.
Once I was done, I stepped out of the restroom fully dressed and feeling good.
“Okay, Mama, she ate like two hours ago, so don’t let her convince you that she's hungry again because her little greedy self just lies sometimes. The most she can have is a snack, and I mean fruit snacks. No chips.”
“Why can’t my baby have chips?” she joked.
“Because that’s all she wants to eat, just like her damn daddy.”
“But grandma loves how chunky these legs are. Princeton has been calling her piglet. He loves this baby.”
I laughed at his dumb ass nickname.
“Honestly, if he didn’t have a nickname for her, I would be concerned. I have been chicken head for years. Where is he at tonight?”
“Took his little girlfriend to the movie’s child. He’s been spending every weekend with her.”
“That’s cute, I just hope he’s not working on any babies.”
“You and me both. I only have enough room for one grand love right now.” My mama started tickling in Amira’s stomach.
As evening set in, Ciara called and said that she was outside, so I kissed Amira on her lips and walked out of the condo, locking the door behind me.
“Ooouu, girlfriend, you look amazing.” Ciara was hyping me up out of the window.
“Thank you, friend. I do feel kind of cute today.” I strolled up to the passenger door.
“Hold on, P, can I ask you something?” She asked once I climbed in the car.
“Of course, what’s up?”
“Do you mind driving so I can get a little nap in on the way?”
“See, Ciara. That is exactly why I told you not to come. I would’ve been fine at home, and you need your rest.”
She started to laugh so hard before waving her hand.
“It’s a joke, it’s a joke.”
“Stop playing with me about my niece, you tramp.”
“I’m sorry. She pinched my cheeks.”
“Now let’s roll, friend. Time to paint the city red.”
“Okay, let’s do it.” I snapped my fingers, turning up the song playing on the radio.
After we finished getting ready, Ciara and I left for what I thought would be dinner, but when we pulled into a parking spot, I looked around, confused because I didn’t see a restaurant anywhere around.
“Ciara, where are we at, and why are we here?”
“Because I wanted to take pictures before we go eat.”
“Pictures? Couldn’t we have taken pictures at the restaurant?”
“Yes, but it wouldn’t have been as pretty as here. This is the Botanical Garden, and it’s so beautiful in there. We already dressed up, so we might as well go get a good few flicks.”
