“Yeah.”
“So you know I saw the two of you together.”
I shrugged. “And?”
“And I saw how close y’all were,” she said. “That wasn’t just you looking out for somebody.”
“Mama,you’re reading too much into it.”
“I’m not,” she replied calmly, turning back to her plants. “But okay. I know she’s the reason your little lying tail’s been spending so much time in Bigg City.”
“I’m just keeping an eye on my club like always.”
“Boy, please.” She laughed. “Tell that to someone who didn’t push you out and raise you.”
My phone rang.
“Excuse me, Mama,” I said, standing. “I gotta take this.”
“Go ahead.”
I stepped into the kitchen. “What’s up, Trace?Everything good with Shade?”
“Shade’s cool,” he said calmly. “But your girl…that’s a different story.”
My chest tightened. “What you mean?Where’s Skye?”
“In the backseat going off like a damn psycho.”
“What the hell happened?”
“I don’t know. But it looks like she crossed paths with that chick that works for you,” he said.
“Who? Melina?”
“Hell if I know,” he shot back. “All I know is the girl’s face is fucked up, and she’s probably going to need a few days off to heal.”
“Shit. And Skye?”
“She’s straight.Not a scratch on her.”
I pressed my hand against my face.
This wasn’t the call I expected today. And I couldn’t help wonderingwhat the hell Melina had said to Skye.
“Let me talk to Skye.”
“Call her.”
“Nigga—”
The line went dead.
I shook my head.Trace worked my fucking nerves. Just like a brother would.
When I called Skye, she didn’t answer,which only made my nerves spike higher.
I called again.
