And, he let me.
CHAPTER 66
Zay
“We Not Kids No More”
Dinner was over. Plates were cleared. The faint smell of fried food still lingered in the air. Emily and Yuna had already disappeared down the hall, laughing about something and talking about getting in the jacuzzi.
Lil Zay was knocked out on the couch in the den.
They turned the whole space into his. Toys lined up, little blankets, cartoons playing 24/7. He was stretched out like he paid bills in here.
I glanced at him once on my way past.
Made sure he was straight, and then kept moving.
I walked into the kitchen.
Ares was already there with the lights low, leaning back against the counter, rolling up like he had been waiting for me.
He looked up when I walked in.
Gave me that slight nod.
“You good?” he asked.
I shrugged, adjusting my sling a little. “I’m better.”
That was enough for him.
He sparked the blunt, took a pull, then handed it to me.
I took it, inhaled slowly, letting it sit in my chest before letting it go.
Silence sat between us for a second.
Not awkward.
Just… understood.
He tapped the counter lightly.
“Proud of you, my nigga.”
I looked over at him. “For what?”
“Locking it in.”
His tone was calm.
Real.
“Emily deserved that.”
I nodded once. “She did.”
Took another pull.
