Page 127 of Meraux Mafia: No Ordinary Love

“What’s that?”

“Don’t shut him out, Lo. It’s not good for anybody if he’s distracted. He can handle whatever you throw at him, trust me. It’s not knowing that Gi can’t handle.”

“I won’t, but promise me you won’t let anything happen to him.”

“You do your part, and I’ll do mine.”

“Deal.”

“Now, let’s eat. I’m hungry.” I signaled the waiter over to take our order finally.

It was our first time hanging out, but you would’ve thought I’d known Lo just as long as Gi. Once you got to know her, Lo was cool. She just didn’t trust anybody in our family to see that side of her but me.

After we finished our lunch date, I dropped Hailo off at home with strict orders to make sure Sky got whatever she wanted on their upcoming shopping adventure. The gala was nearing, and they planned to go shopping soon. As a single parent, her needs often came second but not this time.

After driving to my parent’s house, I shifted my car into park, and Sky’s name flashed across the screen. We had kept in touch since our run-in. She tried to get out of being my date, but I wasn’t letting her off the hook.

“Wassup Sky,” I answered, climbing out of the car.

“Are you busy?”

“Nah, wassup? You good?”

“I’m fine,” Was all she said, but I knew more was on her mind.

“You missed me that much, that you had to hear my voice?”

“No,” she giggled.

“That’s fucked up because I miss you.” I could hear her blushing through the phone at my compliment. “Since you don’t miss me, what did you call about?”

“Cam asked if you could come over for dinner. I know it’s short notice, but she refused to stop asking.”

“Please, Mack!” Cam’s high-pitched voice sang in the distance.

“It’s short notice, so if you’re busy, I understand.”

“It’s cool. What time is dinner?”

“Six.”

“Tell my homie I’ll be there.”

“Okay,” Sky hung up, and I could hear Cam cheering in the background as I made my way inside.

“Hey, baby. I didn’t know you were coming.” My mother greeted me with a hug as I entered the kitchen.

“Pops called. Where is he?”

“In the basement. So I hear you have a date for the gala, and I’m on babysitting duty.”

“You didn’t hear anything. Lo told you.” My mother volunteered to babysit Serenity while Hailo accompanied Gi. She wasn’t a fan of these events and would take any opportunity to get out of going.

“Why didn’t you ask me yourself?”

“Lo said she would handle it, so I let her,” I replied, sneaking a piece of food off the plate.

“Macklen, I’ve known you longer than you’ve known yourself.” I could never get over on Mia. She knew when I was holding back because, personality wise, I was just like her. Most people assumed I took after my father, but I was a carbon copy of Mia Meraux.

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