While he waited for her, Boogie checked in on the blocks to make sure at least five niggas were on them at all times. While Denzel took on more of an executive role in the family business, Boogie still liked hitting the streets and getting his hands dirty, so the blocks were his responsibility.
After twenty minutes, Sweetie stepped out of the connecting bathroom looking fresh and in her new clothes. She wore a pair of leggings and an oversized green sweater with some slouchy socks. His mom handled her clothes, and Boogie thought she looked cute.
“Ready,” she said nervously.
Boogie lazily got off the bed and swaggered over to her. With his hand, he lifted her chin and kissed her deeply. “You know how sexy you are?”
She blushed. “Thank you.”
“I know shit feels like it went left, but I need you to not worry. Ya man got you, okay?”
“My man. I love the sound of that.”
He was happy to hear that because the way things were going, he was terrified she would be scared off.
He kissed her one more time in response before they walked out of the room.
Downstairs, they went into the sunroom where her mother and father sat with a breakfast spread on the table. They had already started eating, and Boogie was happy to see that. Thelast thing he wanted was to sit through another failed formal meal. Something more casual today felt comfortable to him.
“Good morning,” Sweetie said. Her tone held a shy note, and Boogie thought it was cute.
“Good morning, honey. I hope you slept well,” Tandy said as they sat down.
“I did, thank you,” Sweetie replied.
“Zel and Chloe aren’t up yet?” Boogie asked as he grabbed a bagel and broke it apart. He gave one half to Sweetie and pushed the cream cheese toward her, prompting her to eat.
“Why you worried about me?” Denzel said as he walked into the room with Chloe on his heels.
Boogie waved him off. “Definitely not worried, my nigga.”
“Act like you got some home training, please,” Tandy scolded.
Chloe gave Sweetie a quick hug before she took her seat next to Denzel.
“Look, I wanted to have a quick meeting and fill you guys in on some shit, but first, I want to ask y’all something.” Zander looked at Boogie and Sweetie.
“Ask,” Boogie said with a nod. He knew this conversation would come.
“Y’all are serious about your relationship?” Zander asked.
Sweetie shifted uncomfortably. Boogie sighed and put his fork down. He was actually hungry because he never got to eat the night before, but his eggs would have to wait.
“This is all so new, but I’m serious as hell. Sweetie ain’t just a jump-off bitch.” He flinched when his mother tossed her napkin at him. “Sorry, Mama. I’m just sayin’, Sweetie has always been different. She’s gon’ be around for a while, even though she’s still getting used to that idea.”
He squeezed Sweetie’s hand under the table to offer some encouragement. He loved her, and he wanted her to feel it every moment of the day.
Zander nodded as if that was what he expected his son to say. He looked at Sweetie. “You agree with what my son just said?”
Sweetie squirmed in her seat, but she looked his father in his eyes. “I do, sir. I know you and my dad have bad history, but me and Boogie don’t. Our history is . . . beautiful. It’s everything to me. We haven’t seen each other in a very long time, but there was never any love lost. I want to stick around and explore this as an adult.” She glanced at Boogie. “But not if it means people will get hurt. I don’t want that. I just want a normal life. Peace . . .”
Boogie leaned over and kissed her cheek. He was proud of her for speaking her mind and standing in her truth. It made him love her even more, but she was going to get it through her mind that nothing would keep them apart. He didn’t care if heads had to roll.
Zander allowed her words to sink in before he spoke again. “I think it’s time everyone knows the history between Vernon and I. Tandy knows, of course, but none of you kids know.”
Boogie sat up straighter and leaned in. He always wondered what the beef was. Sweetie sat up straighter too. He knew she was just as curious.
“It’s more to it than beef territory?” Denzel asked.
