Page 23 of Smoke

“You too busy to come through in a little bit? I could use a little tune-up.”

I chuckled. “You couldn’t wait for our session this week?”

“LJ isn’t feeling good, so I’m working from home this week.”

“You want me to come over while that lil’ nigga is sick?”

“He’s knocked out from the cold medicine, and I need you and that dope dick to come put me to bed.”

I smirked. “I got you. I’m leaving here in a few.”

“I’ll be waiting. Bye, baby.”

“Bye.”

I disconnected the call and finished adjusting the inventory. Twenty minutes later, I was walking out of the warehouse and headed to my car. Inside, I cranked up my playlist and pulled out of the parking lot. It was nearing nine, still pretty early. Peach didn’t live too far away, so it would take me no time to get there. With time to spare, I took a detour and drove past Romi’s.

Unbeknownst to her, I’d driven through her neighborhood a few times since she told me her story to check on her. It didn’t sit right with me that she was in that house alone with everything going on. Add the fact that she was pregnant… yeah. I didn’t like that shit.

I turned into the neighborhood and reduced my speed to a slow roll. As I neared Romi’s house, I could see her rolling her trash can to the end of the road. The closer I got, the slower her strides became. I’d just reached the driveway when she took off running.

“This girl is gon’ break her damn neck,” I mumbled, throwing the car in park. I swung the door open and hopped out. “Ro! It’s just me.”

She stopped and turned around, squinting. “Devin?”

“Yeah.”

“What the fuck are you doing driving by here so goddamn slow! You scared me!”

“My bad, love. I was just driving by to make sure you were good.”

She crossed her arms under her breasts as she frowned. She was out here in some little ass shorts, a T-shirt, and some fuzzy slippers with a bonnet on her head.

“Well, don’t just stand there. Park and come inside.”

She stormed back into the house, leaving me outside my car. I chuckled as I climbed back inside and pulled into the driveway. After ensuring the car was locked, I headed up the front steps, where she was waiting at the door. She opened it wider to allow me in. The moment I was on the other side, she shoved me.

“Don’t do that again.”

I raised my hands in mock surrender. “Don’t hurt me, now.”

She rolled her eyes. Her face softened as she looked up at me. “This isn’t the first time, is it?”

“Nah. I drive by when you cross my mind. If I don’t see anything, I keep it pushing.”

“That’s… nice of you.”

“A nigga can be nice sometimes.”

“I bet. You want something to drink?”

“I’m good.”

She motioned to the couch. “Well, have a seat.”

She walked over and took a seat as she grabbed the remote. I copped a spot next to her.

“What were you in here doing?” I asked, stretching my legs out.

---