Page 109 of Finessed By A Hood White Boy

“Yes, how are you?” His mother smiled with a wave.

“I’m doing alright. How about you?” I returned the energy.

“I’m doing well, breaking a sweat in this kitchen. Are y’all staying long enough to eat?” she asked.

I wasn’t sure what to say because it wasn’t in the plans to stop by.

“Yeah, we staying.” Ace gave me a look behind his mom’s back.

I just nodded my head.

“Yayy!” I heard a little voice and the sound of feet running toward me.

As always, Savannah wrapped her little arms around my legs with a tight hug.

“What’s going on, little mama?” I scooped her up.

Even without too many words, I knew she was excited to see me because she held on tightly, hugging me around my neck.

“That’s messed up, Vannah. I know you see me standing here too.” Ace faked an attitude.

“That’s interesting. Savannah doesn’t take to too many people. Especially strangers.” Ava’s mom watched us in confusion.

“That nigga ain’t a stranger.” Ace laughed with food in his mouth. “Him and Ava have been kickin’ it for a little minute now. I forgot to tell you, ma, your daughter got jungle fever.”

“Watch it, Ace.” She pointed her finger.

Just as she was about to speak again, Ava came around the corner. At first, she had a look of surprise upon seeing me standing in the middle of her mother’s kitchen. Then, just as quickly, her expression changed.

“Ava, why didn’t you tell me you were dating again?” Her mother looked at her.

“Um… I don’t know.” She shrugged, taking Savannah from my arms.

Our eyes connected for a moment before she turned her back on me to put Savannah down. Waving at me with a smile, little mama ran off to go play in another room.

“Do you need help with anything?” she asked her mother.

“No, baby, everything is almost done.”

Hell, I didn’t think she was going to speak to me until her mother left the room, and she finally turned her attention to me.

“How are you?”

“I’m alright.” I shrugged.

“I texted you. I also came by the house to make sure you were okay. I’m sorry to hear about your mom.”

I exhaled deeply, my eyes observing her face.

“’Preciate it, but I’m good. How are you?” I asked.

There was something different about her, and it wasn’t sitting right with me. She looked as if she wasn’t getting much rest. Maybe she’d been crying a lot. I didn’t know.

“I’m good.” She nodded.

“Are you sure?” My eyes searched hers, and I knew she was lying.

“Yeah, I’m good,” she repeated.