“What happened to your face?” another kid asked, scratching Lucy’s nose.
“Oh, um…” I straightened. I hadn’t thought of a good story yet. Shit, I should have thought of something before coming out here.
“Now, now, Malik, don’t be asking such personal questions, especially if you weren’t polite enough to ask for her name yet,” she said in an accusatory yet playful tone.
I looked up, a beautiful dark-skinned woman, about my mom’s age, walking up to me, a drink in either hand. “It’s okay,” I assured her.
She handed me a glass, a knowing look in her beautiful brown eyes. “Now, I know that look. You haven’t come up with a story yet, have you?”
My cheeks warmed. “Um…no,” I said on a breath. “No, I’m sorry, I should have covered it up.”
“Don’t be apologizing now, sweet girl. I’ve seen you going in and out of that house. So much make up on, I was shocked the day you came out without it. Confidence takes a lot to build, but it is well-earned. You should be proud.”
My brows furrowed, caught off-guard at her admission. “You’ve been watching me?”
“Ms. Berry,” she beamed. “It’s nice to finally meet you.”
Ms. Berry. “Oh, how is your cat doing?” I asked her, turning to face her head on.
She chuckled. “Now I know you heard that from dear Mr.Wade. He’s a gossiper. Ruben is doing just fine, thank you. Never getting into my dolls again, I’ll tell you what.”
I laughed lightly. “Yeah, Lucy liked to chew up socks too when she was a pup. Better now,” I nodded, turning back to my dog, who was currently on her back, her belly exposed, her tongue out as an entire group of kids took advantage.
“I can see that,” she chuckled. “Now, what was your name again? I fear my memory isn’t as good as yours.”
“Olivia,” I greeted, taking her hand. “Olivia Rose.”
“Ms. Olivia,” she said, causing my heart to flutter in joy. “What a beautiful name. Come, there is more than enough food on this block for everyone. Let me introduce you to the rest of my kids and grandkids, there is a lot of them,” she chuckled.
I felt my smile widen. “I would…I would absolutely love that, thank you.”
~~~
I laughed, the joke Colten telling everyone making the entire block erupt.
This was fun.
More than fun, Ireallyenjoyed this. Spending time with these people, just a normal, regular time. No Steven begging silently to go home, no people with guns or dead bodies falling or gunshots in the distance.
Nobody hunting me or being my shadow, although I did wish Everett and Evelyn were here. I had my doubts that they would enjoy it, but it would have been nice.
“Alright everyone,” Wade said, appearing behind me. “Fireworks are starting in just a few minutes!”
Everyone clapped their hands and started pushing up from the table, abandoning their plates and drinks to head for the spot in the street that had been cleared for the regular fireworks, theconversations hardly slowing.
I slowly followed the crowd, Lucy finally joining my side after spending the last two hours with the kids. She had on a little party hat now, and a red, white, and blue scarf tied around her neck.
I couldn’t help but laugh as I scratched behind her ear. “Don’t you look festive,” I hummed.
She looked happier than I had ever seen her. She really did love kids, and all I could think about was what Everett had said just a few days before when he had me pinned to his wall like his own personal trophy.
I slid my hand over my stomach, a flutter erupting in my chest. A kid? Me? Could I really be a good mom? The right mom for Evertt’s child?
I knew Lucy would be overjoyed, and that little boy or girl would never be more protected, but even so, that wasn’t a good reason to have a child. What if I turned out like my mom? What if I ruined her like mom tried to ruin me?
“Hey, Liv,” Wade smiled, joining my side. “How are you enjoying your night so far?”
I smiled, dropping my hand. “Good. Ms. Berry is going to teach me her berry cobbler recipe,” I bragged. I had never gotten into cooking, but it was about time I started learning how to do it on my own. Maybe I could impress Everett with my cooking skills.
