“How so?” I was curious about all of it. He seemed so comfortable with Devin.
“That ass fatter in person.”
“Hey man. What the fuck I tell you about cursing?” He was worried about the wrong thing. Why was the lil nigga looking at my back side?
“My bad. Your butt looks bigger in person.” Devin reached over and dapped him up like it was cool.
“That mufucka is hanging ain’t it?”
“Okay, can we change the subject? Where are we going?” I really wanted to ask was the mannish lil boy going with us, but I wasn’t trying to come off like I didn’t want him around.
“To dinner.” Was all he said before he started back typing on his phone.
“Excuse him, he’s nervous. He wants everything to be perfect. I told him you don’t deserve all of that from the wayyou’ve been dogging him out. If it was me I would have gotten you a sub from Publix, but I digress.” I looked at him and scoffed.
“You sure do have a lot of opinions on a matter that is supposed to be secret.” Landon shrugged his shoulders.
“We don’t keep secrets from each other. I’m guessing you’re more comfortable with lying and talking shit about him. It’s easier that way, huh?” Oh, this lil boy was trying to read me for filth. That told me this wasn’t just some mentorship, they genuinely cared about each other. Knowing that, I chose my words carefully.
“Sometimes, how you know someone is not the next person’s experience. Their view of them may vary depending on the dynamic of the relationship. You’re like a brother to him, so you will only see the good sides.” I gave a cute lil smile, but he wasn’t having it.
“Or it could be your lack of effort on getting to know the real him. It’s easier to jump on a bandwagon and prejudge what you don’t know. Well, in your case, you’re the one leading the masses.” I could admit that he was right because I didn’t try to get to know more about Devin, but I wasn’t.
“I guess we’re going to have to agree to disagree.”
“I guess so.” I was dismissed by him after that, and I was grateful he began scrolling his phone. I looked to Devin hoping he would say something to defend me, but he didn’t look up until we were pulling into a winding driveway. Once we got to the end, I was in awe. The mansion was gorgeous. I loved brick homes, and this one was a newer model.
“Is this your house?” Landon scoffed under his breath letting me know I was wrong again.
“Naw,” was the only thing he offered before climbing out. I was starting to think this was a bad idea. Between Landon giving me his ass to kiss in defense of his brother, and Devin acting asif I didn’t exist, I was ready to go back to the airport. The driver opened my door, and I climbed out unsure and annoyed.
I was surprised when Devin walked to me and placed his arm around my waist. When he led me to the door, my nerves kicked in. If this was his house, he would have more than likely just entered with me following behind him. However, the way his arm went around me in a protective stance let me know we were at someone else’s house.
When we got inside, I looked around for any telltale signs to let me know where we were, but there were none. I could smell the food before I saw the set up. The patio door was open, and tables were set up outside. As soon as we stepped outside, my mouth dropped open. A woman in a wheelchair was smiling from ear to ear, and she was a splitting image of Devin.
“Twinnnn, why you out here in this heat?” He yelled as he let me go to hug her.
“Who sits in the house during a bbq? Hey Jr, give your nana some love before I knock your ass out. My right still got some strength in it.” Landon ran over to her and gave her a hug. His demeanor was now gentle, and I was beginning to feel like an unwanted outsider. Her eyes met mine and I knew I was about to get cursed out.
“Hello, Ms. Mercer. I’m Brianna.” I reached out my hand, but she just stared at me for a while.
“It’s Brooklyn. Mercer is his father. You can call me Adrianne though.” I smiled, but she continued to stare at me as if she was trying to decide if she liked me or not.
“Well, it’s nice to meet you, Adrianne.” Her eyes landed back on Devin as if she was dismissing me.
“That has yet to be decided. Devin, why didn’t you tell me you were bringing company?” Yeah, I was about to take my ass home.
“Twin don’t do that. Landon already gave her hell on the ride here, and he was cursing.”
“Oh, you flaw ass jit,” Landon tried to whisper to Devin, but I’m assuming me and Adrianne heard him from the way she cut her eyes at him.
“I can just leave, and we can link up later. It’s no problem.” Adrianne rolled her eyes my way and I wanted to shrink in the corner.
“Girl, stop being dramatic. You been dragging my son since he’s been in the league. You can take us dragging you for a few minutes. Your edges look strong. Good healthy hair.” Landon laughed causing the two to high five.
“Aight, yall got it out your system, so leave my shorty ma alone. Yall trying to run her off and I ain’t even got her yet.” He walked over and put his arm around me as if he really just defended me. I understood where they were coming from, so I brushed it off.
“Can we eat? I’m starving.” Adrianne’s eyes lit up then.
