“Lordy,” she shook her head, taking a seat on the purple cushions on her patio set that overlooked her enclosed pool that had a few leaves find their way inside. I claimed the seat next to her, and she scooted closer to me while finishing her statement. “Quincy was on top of his shit in high school too. He always knew what he wanted and was determined to get it too. It was Lil Q who was always in some mess. Thankfully, we left the teenage drama behind when we moved to Tampa because people don’t know who Lil Q is here. It’s almost like he had a fresh start, and he is doing well with it.”
“Ion think he feeling me showing his mama attention. I been respectful all fucking day, knowing I been dying to taste your lips since I saw you sitting in the bleachers,” I professed, my eyes tracing the curves of her lips.
Her clear gloss made her plump lips look like a full course meal. She glanced at the sliding glass doors before leaning in and pecking my lips. I licked her gloss off while my eyes were trained on her, then pulled it into my mouth, letting it sit on my tongue for a second. “Your lip gloss tastes like grapes. Sweet, sticky, and way too easy to get addicted to.” I leaned in, voice dropping low. “Just like the rest of you.”
Marissa visibly shuddered and I relaxed back in the seat. Watching her pretty face until her eyes popped back open. The sliding glass door came open and Jury poked her head out.
“Lil Q is ready to go,” she notified us.
Marissa popped up from her seat and I followed her lead. We went into the living room where everybody was posted up taking pictures. I stood back, realizing Amill was nowhere in sight. My eyes landed on her standing near the entrance with Quincy showing all of her fucking teeth. Amill pulled her phone out and passed it to Quincy. Marching over in their direction, I inserted myself in their conversation.
“Wassup? The jokes for everybody or just Amill?” I asked, sliding between them, gently pulling Amill’s phone from his hand. “You know she’s my daughter and still in high school.”
“Oh, my bad, I didn’t know who she was,” Quincy raised his hands in surrender.
“Dad,” Amill groaned.
Marissa came over to grab Quincy. “Come take a picture with your brother before he leaves,” she bubbled.
“Marissa, I’m so glad you came over here. Quincy was just telling me that you bought him and Lil Q their first cars at sixteen when they got their license,” Amill stated, then shot me a look. “I’m on the Dean’s list. I’ve had my license for a year now, and I still don’t have a car. I can’t even drive unless he’s in the car with me. Maybe you can rub some of your parenting style off on him. I can’t even have a conversation with Quincy before he is all up in the mix.”
“Amill, these are family matters that we can discuss later.”
“Okay,” she sassed, folding her arms across her chest and leaning against the wall with an attitude.
Marissa squeezed Amill’s shoulder to soothe her, and they walked back over to take pictures with Lil Q. I walked over to stand next to Amill, but she peeled her back off the wall and stormed off. “I’m ready to go.”
I didn’t want our bullshit to ruin their day so we could make our exits. “Go sit in the car. I’m going to be out there after I tell Marissa bye.”
She went to find Wayne so she could pout in the car. I remained in my spot, patiently watching Marissa in her element with her family. After they were done taking individual pictures, Marissa looked around and waved me over from my spot near the living room entrance.
“Can you take a picture of all of us?”
“Anything for you,” I smiled, accepting the phone and camera in her hand.
I snapped a few additional pictures on both devices before they all dispersed throughout the house. Marissa walked Lil Q outside, and I claimed a seat on the couch. After a few minutes she returned with a smile on her face. I stood, stepping in her direction.
“I’m going to head out and let you enjoy your time with your family,” I notified her.
“You’re leaving?” She blurted, disappointment lacing her tone.
“Yeah, once Amill catches an attitude, it takes her a minute to get over it. I don’t want to fuck up the vibes. Plus, this is a family event that I probably shouldn’t have inserted myself in.”
“You didn’t insert yourself. I invited you because I want you here,” she commented.
I smiled, showing all of my teeth. “You ready to let a nigga in, huh?”
“I’m ready,” she nodded, then exhaled deeply. “I understand though. At least let me make you a plate before you leave.”
“I’ll take that.”
She turned, strutting into the kitchen where the catering pans were lined, and turned on the water in the kitchen sink to wash her hands. I stood behind her, waiting for my turn while I admired her kitchen. “I haven’t been in the mood to cook in a while, so I had them cater the soul food basics, plus fried chicken and grouper.”
“I’ll take a little of everything,” I requested, washing my hands.
“I don’t know if Amill ate or not, but I’m going to make a plate for her too. Is there anything I should leave off her plate?” Marissa questioned as she pulled two styrofoam cartons off the stack.
“She isn’t picky at all. Will eat me out of house and home if I let her,” I laughed.
