Page 64 of Mia

“You want it?”

She frowned. “What is it?”

“Come see.” I pulled her toward the truck.

“Titan, this better not be no bullshit.”

“It’s not, woman. Bring your ass.”

She kissed her teeth and followed behind me to the passenger side of the truck. Before I could even open the door, Bleu popped her head up to look around.

“Titan!” Mia screamed. “Where the fuck did you get a damn dog!”

“Mom and Pops,” I said, opening the door. Bleu immediately jumped into my arms. “Say hey to your mommy, Bleu.”

Bleu stared at Mia and Mia stared at her. Bleu started whining and trying to get to her. Mia was hesitant to take her, but the moment she did, Bleu climbed up on her chest and rested her head on her shoulder.

“Why would you do that?” Mia whined, stroking her back. “Now how am I gonna tell him to take you the fuck back?”

I chuckled. “Yo ain’t supposed to.”

“What the fuck are we gonna do with a dog?”

“We?”

“Um, yes. You can’t bring this cute little bitch home and think you aren’t gonna take care of her. You wanna be a deadbeat?”

I had to laugh because she was so serious.

“I got you.”

“We have to go get her some shit.”

“I got it covered.”

I opened the back door to reveal the shit load of bags from the pet store.

“Now you know that’s a damn shame,” Mia said, shaking her head. “I hope you know you’re putting all this shit together. You really went overboard.”

“When don’t I go overboard? You know I go big or go home.”

She sighed. “Well, bring it inside. Come on, Bleuy Girl. Let’s go see your new house while Daddy carries the bags.”

She switched off toward the front door while I grabbed Bleu’s things. It took me two trips. When I finally had everything, I found Mia inside, sitting on the couch on the family group chat FaceTime, showing off Bleu. I took a seat beside her and kissed her cheek.

“Nigga, I know you didn’t go get a damn dog,” Deuce said.

“Baby, I really wouldn’t mind a dog,” Salima said in the background. “She’s so cute! They could have a little play date with Bleu.”

“See what you done started!” Deuce yelled at me.

“Pipe that shit down,” I said.

“Nah. You might be new to being around here full time, but let me put you up on game. When one of them wants or gets something, they all want or need it. We don’t need a damn dog.”

Salima scoffed. “Are you telling me no, Deucy?”

He looked off to the side where she was. “Baby. You can’t be for real.”