Page 29 of The Wright Man

I did.

Tina's voice chimed in like backup vocals with a switchblade. "Nah, hold up—before I even say hi, I just need to know: was it personal, or are you just as dumb as I remember?"

Riq clutched his chest like he'd been shot. Sticks snickered. My smile widened.

"Hey Tee—"

"AHT AHT! I don't want to hear it. I didn't get a call or a text either. The nerve of the boy who used to need me to cut the crusts off of his sandwiches!"

Riq was doubled over on the weight bench, wheezing. Sticks just sipped his protein shake with the tiniest smirk, eyes locked on me like I was prime time TV.

I rubbed a hand over my beard, trying not to laugh. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry. Damn. Y'all jumping me together now?"

"Yes." they said in unison. I shook my head.

"We're planning for Daddy's birthday party," Bella said. "Which you better bring your black ass to, if you want even a sliver of forgiveness. You're coming, right?"

I exhaled through my nose, quiet for a beat.

I didn't have to ask if Angelica would be there. She was his daughter. Of course she would.

And they didn't dance around it.

"And before you ask," Tina said. "Yes. She's coming. And yes. So might that goofy-ass husband of hers."

I didn't say anything. Riq's eyebrows touched his hairline.

"We know it's weird right now," Bella added, a little softer. "But it'll be good for y'all to see each other. Even if it's just to be civil."

"For Daddy," Tina said.

Bella snorted. "And if not for Daddy—"

"Then because we told you to."

I chuckled low. "Y'all rehearsed this little monologue?"

"We're naturals," Bella said. "Now answer the question."

I didn't say anything for a second too long.

"You still there, Leek?" Bella asked, her voice a little gentler.

"I'm here."

"So you coming?"

I glanced over at Riq and Sticks. They weren't laughing anymore. Just watching me, quiet, waiting.

I closed my eyes for a second, then opened them.

"I'll be there."

Bella exhaled, pleased. "Good. It's next Sunday. Bring some ice or something."

I stayed on the line with them for another five minutes—mostly just to talk shit like we used to.

Bella called me dusty. I called her short. Tina threatened violence. I threatened to give it back. Then they both softened, just a little, asking if I was eating enough, if I needed anything. If I'd bring Mama's potato salad to the party or "just my crusty vibes."