Page 137 of Smoke

“Where are Juri and Renay?” I asked, cutting into the pancake.

“Senior wanted to see his grandbaby, so he came to get her. Renay next door with Shar and Salima.”

I gave a half smile. Salima once told me how Senior would randomly pop up to get her daughter. She said her baby loved that man about as much as she loved her daddy.

“I guess they are enjoying the compound,” I said. “It’s peaceful here.”

“It better be. My husband sacrificed dearly to buy this plot of land for his family. We had no idea it would grow into what it is, but this is home. Ain’t nothing but love here.”

“I feel that.” I paused in eating my food to look at her. “Can I ask you something?”

“Anything, baby.”

“Were you ever… you know, afraid of being with him knowing what he did for a living?”

She chuckled. “No, chile. I grew up in poverty in the hood. I’ve seen a little bit of everything and done some of it too. This quiet life became mine only after we had children. I traded in my guns for bibs and bottles, but make no mistake. I can still get down with the best of them.”

I giggled. “Here I thought you were innocent.”

“Don’t let the sweet, cookie baking grandmother fool you. I’ve lived the life of a savage in these streets, right by my husband’s side. We built this shit together. Anything he got out the mud, I was right there hustling with him. Honestly, I’m glad Senior decided to go another route with his kids. I mean, they are no less savages, but they do it for the right reasons.”

“I was afraid to tell Devin too much because I didn’t want him getting in trouble on my behalf, but I’ve come to realize that heisthe trouble and people should be afraid of him.”

“Areyouafraid of him?”

I shook my head. “No, ma’am. I feel safe with him. While people may try to get to me in other ways, I know they can’t physically touch me because of him. I know me and my babies are forever protected because of that man.”

She smiled. “I’m glad you know that. We protect our own. You and those sweet babies are family now. We’re all just waiting on Smoke to make things permanent.”

“You think he’d marry me?”

She waved me off. “Chile, please. I’d bet money he’s already picked out a ring for your pretty self. It’s only a matter of time.”

I blushed. “You think I would make him happy?”

She cupped my face. “Baby… that man loves you and those girls. He’s happiest when he’s with you. I know that because Smoke Dillinger doesn’t stay away from home weeks at a time. I used to see that hungry ass boy almost every day for a meal. Now I have to throw his plate away. That says a lot.”

I laughed. “He can definitely eat.”

“Chile, all of them can. I’ve never met anybody that eats the way these boys do. You would think they were starved their whole lives.”

We shared a laugh. We continued to talk while I ate. Granny Dillinger told me many stories of her upbringing and life with her husband and children. I laughed at stories about Devin as a kid. My man had apparently always been a little bit of a menace.

As I swallowed the last of my juice, the front door opened. A few seconds later, Devin strolled into the kitchen. He went straight to his grandmother for a hug and kiss before coming to me. He squatted next to me and cupped my chin.

“I see Grams got you to eat.”

“She did.”

“How are you feeling?”

“I’m tired, but I’ll be okay.” I leaned in and kissed his hips. “I never said it, but thank you for bringing us here.”

“My home is your home. Now, where is my baby?”

“With your father.”

He chuckled. “Yeah, we aren’t getting her back today. She’s as good as spoiled by now. Come with me. I wanna show you something.”

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