Page 72 of Halo: Tales Of A Hitman

It was a losing battle, so I shook my head and let it go.

“It’s nice to meet you, Story.” His auntie hugged me and spoke when we arrived at her house.

It was an elegant house, big and the outside complimented it just the same. This family was not hurting for money at all. When me and Halo got here, his brothers were already there. They were in the den with their uncle Thaddeus.

When I met him, he was very stern looking. Like it would hurt him to smile but in a few seconds of meeting him I saw on my own that it wasn’t true. He was nice and welcoming. Halo walked me to the kitchen where his auntie was.

“It’s nice to meet you too. I brought you a red velvet cake, Halo said you and your husband like the one from Bebe’s Bakery.” I handed her the cake. I was buttering up because I missed their party.

“Aww that is so sweet, thank you. I’m about to put the food out now.”

“Want me to help?” I asked her.

“Of course! See, I like her Halo.”

He smiled, gave me a kiss, and left us alone. Imani cooked grits with fried catfish, French toast, spicy sausages, and churros with melted chocolate sauce. The food looked like it was catered.

“Everything smells so good.” I pointed out the obvious.

“Thank Greek for that, he taught me a few things to perfect this. He got that cooking gene from my sister.”

“I’ve had his cooking a few times, he is truly gifted.”

“Yes, he is. Love my three troublemakers.” She spoke proudly about her nephews. “So, tell me Story. How did you bring my shy little Halo out of his shell?”

I put the plates out while she did the silverware.

Her question made me giggle. “I have no idea. He came into my shop to get his hair done. My sister normally does it, but she wasn’t there. He did not want to sit in my chair at first, but I won him over.

After, he scheduled his next appointment, and we left it at that. But my friend Siren invited me to Blake’s party and Halo was there. I remember seeing you and Thaddeus, but it was for a second before y’all left. Anyway, we just clicked and next thing I knew, he was my boyfriend.”

Imani was beaming as I told her the story of us.

“Sounds like God had plans for the both of you. Halo was complicated when he was younger. I remember my sister used to call me and express concerns about how he changed when he was ten years old. I advised her that he was getting older and was trying to find his way.

When they died and we took them in, I think he became worse. He just had no interest in making friends, dating or anything outside of watching movies and being with us. Me and Thaddeus did not know what to do so we just made sure that he knew we supported him.” She whispered and continued.

“Between me and you, Thaddeus and I assumed Halo was gay and he was battling with coming out. Regardless, we would have accepted it. But I guess we were wrong, still, you make him happy. He is so easy-going with you, even when you’re not around. My little Halo’s personality shines now. Thank you for that.” When she hugged me, I almost cried.

“You’re welcome, I love him a lot.” I let her know.

The table was set and it was time to eat. The guys came in and everyone sat down.

“You put your whole foot in this catfish darling.” Thaddeus told his wife.

She thanked him and everyone else agreed with him including me. I talked some when I needed to. But I liked seeing how Halo interacted with his family. They were all funny, Greek even made me laugh when he made a joke.

I saw how Imani loved her nephews, but Halo was her baby. I could just tell and it was sweet. I liked how there was a picture of the brother’s parents on the wall next to the mirror. It was a beautiful photo.

I had seen them many times in Halo’s apartment. He had a few up and I liked it when he’d tell me stories of them even if I heard them before. We were done eating and on to the churros, the chocolate sauce was rich and smooth.

I enjoyed myself a lot with them and I made sure to let Imani and Thaddeus know that before we left. Me, Halo, and Greek were outside of the house. Golden said he had to go to the bathroom.

As soon as we stepped out of the central air the heat made me want to run back inside. Luckily, their auntie and uncle had a long car port on the side of their home, so the cars were in the shade.

“What y’all about to get into?” Greek asked Halo.

“I’m about to take Story to run a few errands. First stop is the strip mall in Allen Park. It’s got a bunch of stores there to hit up. I got some to run too then we are goin’ back to my spot. Our next job isn’t until Sunday, right?” He leaned against the passenger door of his can and pulled me in front of him with my back to his chest.