Pulling my phone from my pocket, I looked down at the screen, and there was a message from Cortez.
Tez: Unc, you busy right now? I need a huge favor.
Shaking my head, I texted back.
Me: I’m too busy for bullshit so think about your favor before you ask it.
Three dots appeared on the screen, then another text came through.
Tez: My assistant principal ‘bout to call you. I need you to agree to pick me up. I’ll tell you everything once you get here.
My expression shifted, and I knew immediately that Cortez had gotten himself into some bullshit that he didn’t want his mother to know about. My cousin, Diane, didn’t fuck around. After Cortez’s father decided early on that parenthood wasn’t a hood he wanted to reside in, she became both mother and father to a four-year-old. And though she had a gang of male cousins, uncles, and a brother that aided in raising him, she still ran a tight ship. Tez knew that, which was why it was my line he hit.
“What happened?” Aura asked, reading my facial expression.
I held my phone up for him to read the message, and he shook his head. There had been plenty of times where we had to pull Tez’s collar about how he moved. We’d always cover forhim though if we got to him before Diane. It was guy code. We stepped in, got him straight, and sent him back to her once his mind was right.
“That lil’ nigga be in more shit than a little bit. Goddamn.” Aura huffed.
“Who?” Amil asked.
“None of your business. Nosey ass,” Aura responded.
Chuckling, I replied to Cortez, letting him know that I’d be on my way to get him.
“I wasn’t even talkin’ to you, nigga. Everything straight, E?”
I nodded. “I’m sure it will be. I’ma head out. Love y’all.”
“Love you too. And take him witchu.” She pointed at Aura, mushing his head.
“Keep yo’ hands to yoself before I get my granny on the phone, and it be a problem.”
“Nigga, you act like you her only grandchild,” she argued.
“I’m her favorite. You know if I call her, she’ll get on yo’ ass. And I’m chilling here for the day.” He walked around her desk and sat in her chair. “Pull the cameras up so I can see my baby.”
“That nigga crazy.” I laughed, kissing Amil’s cheek. “I’ma holla at y’all.”
I made my way back out front, waving to Danae as I exited. Hopping in my car, my phone rang. I didn’t recognize the number but answered anyway, figuring it was the school.
“Hello?”
A woman’s voice came through clearly.“Hi, is this Enzo Sullivan?”
“It is.”
“Good morning, sir. My name is Crystal Brown. I’m calling from Millenium Prep High School regarding Cortez Sullivan. I’ve tried contacting his mother, but I’ve been unsuccessful. Are you a family member?”
“Yes. He’s my nephew.”Calling Tez my little cousin always seemed weird to me.
“Okay. Well, there’s been a situation at the school, and we’re requesting a parent or guardian to come in, so we can get things sorted out.”
“I can do that. You mind telling me what the situation is? Is he hurt?”
“Oh, no. Of course not. If you don’t mind, we’d like to discuss the situation in person rather than on the phone.”
“No problem. I’ll be there shortly.”
