The room went quiet for a few seconds, then a couple glasses tipped. Danae raised her glass slowly and took a sip but didn’t look in my direction. That confused me a little, coupled with the look Toni was giving me.
“What?” I asked, wondering why she was staring me down.
“Oh, nothing, boo. I just figured since you’re dating En…”
“If you don’t move around wit’ that messy ass shit, Toni,” Kyiris cut in sharply, shooting her a deadly look that made her go quiet.
The tension heightened when I saw Amil give her the same look and shake her head slowly. I was even more confused then.
“Gimme a sec. I gotta step outside,” Kyiris announced before standing. “Don’t ask shit else, Toni.”
The looks lingered once Kyiris left the room, and I still didn’t know what the hell was going on that had the room so tense.
“So, yeah,” Shawna spoke up, cutting the silence. “I made dessert. Come to the kitchen to taste, heffas.”
Everyone got up from their seats, including Danae, but I pulled her back down.
“What the hell was that about?”
“Shit, beats me.” She shrugged. “Let’s go get dessert. Shawna bakes her ass off.” She pulled me up from the couch, and I decided to let the awkward moment pass for now.
As we made our way over to the kitchen, Kyiris returned, and this time, she had Enzo, Aura, and EJ with her. Both Enzo and Aura had gifts, and she had EJ in her arms.
“I found two hobos and a baby out front. Do they belong to either of y’all?” She smiled, and Enzo mushed the back of her head. “Keep your hands to yourself, nigga.” She swatted him.
“Oh, I most definitely know the baby,” I said, walking over with my hands out for EJ. His head popped up when he heard my voice. He almost leaped out of Kyiris’ arms to get to me.
“Tyriiii!” he exclaimed.
“Hi, my baby.” I took him from her and kissed all under his neck, making him laugh, and everyone let out synchronized awws.
I could see Aura making his way over to Danae, who stood over to the side with a wide grin.
“Can I get some of that love?” Enzo asked once he was in front of me.
“Is that stuff mine?” I pointed to the roses wrapped in Dior paper and the Edible Arrangements bag.
“It is.”
“Then this love is also yours. Put your neck up please.”
He laughed and leaned in to kiss me. “Girl, please.”
I kissed his lips a few times before EJ decided that was enough PDA.
“What y’all doing here?” Amil asked.
“We’re here to ask these two beautiful ladies a question,” Aura said, holding Danae by her waist and staring into her eyes like it was just the two of them in the room.
“Don’t call my woman beautiful, my nigga,” Enzo let out, making Aura laugh.
“No disrespect.”
I smiled, lifting EJ up on my hip. “What is it you wanted to ask me?” I questioned, redirecting his attention.
“Will you be my Valentine?”
I answered without hesitation. “I sure will.” I took the flowers from him and handed EJ over.
