Page 21 of Smoke

“Hey, lil’ bit. What’s your name?”

“Korri.”

“It’s very nice to meet you, Korri.” He extended his hand to her. “You can call me Devin.”

“Okay, Mr. Devin. How do you know my mommy?”

“She’s taking a class I teach.”

“You’re a teacher?”

“Kind of.”

She looked over at me. “He’s so tall, Mommy.” She tried to flex a muscle. “And big.”

“Korri!” I scolded. “That’s not nice.”

“But his musclesarebig, Mommy. He could pick you up, right, Mr. Devin?”

He chuckled. “I could, but I don’t think Mommy would like that.

If only you knew,I thought to myself.

“What are you doing here?” I asked.

“My little sister insisted on a photo shoot for her birthday, so she and my mama are about to do the most. I’m just here to pay for it.”

I giggled. “How old is she? I thought I met all of your siblings at the wedding.”

“Sixteen today. And you met my pop’s kids. Deja is my sister on my mom’s side. She was the one all hugged up with Shar’s little brother.”

“Awww! It’s cute that they are dating.”

“Nah, it’s a headache. They think they are in love and wanna go on dates. I don’t know if I trust them just yet.”

My father chuckled. “Been there.”

I scoffed. “Daddy!”

“I’m just saying.”

I rolled my eyes. “Devin, I hope your sister has a great photo shoot and birthday.”

“She’s spending my money, so she’ll have the best day. I’m not gonna hold y’all up, though. I just wanted to speak. It was nice to meet you, Mr. Mitchell. Korri, it was an honor to meet you, beautiful.”

Korri giggled and blushed. “It was nice to meet you, too.”

Devin smiled. “Can I speak to you in private for a second before I go?” he asked.

“Um, sure.”

He reached for my hand and helped me to my feet. He led me a little ways away from my father and Korri.

“You good?” he asked.

“I’m… okay.”

“You lying to me?”

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