Page 34 of Smoke

I grinned as I opened the door and got out. I tried to pull her into a hug, but she shoved me.

“So you can’t give your baby boy a hug, Allison?”

She pointed a finger at me. “I’ma beat your big ass if you call me by my name again. Come here.”

She always caved. I stooped and hugged her. Even at my big age, I loved hugs from my mama. That was my dawg. She kissed my cheek as she pulled away.

“What brings you by?”

“I need to holla at Alec.”

“About?”

“You nosy.”

“You came to talk to my man, and I can’t ask you what it’s about?”

“Ain’t that my stepdaddy? Why do you need to know?”

“Keep getting smart with me, Devin.”

“I’m playing, Ma. For real, I need to talk to him about something, man to man.”

She raised her hands in mock surrender. “Fine. I won’t pry. He’s out back, grilling up some steaks for dinner.”

I rubbed my hands together. “I’m right on time, then.”

“Fat ass.”

We shared a laugh as we headed into the house. Deja sat on the couch on FaceTime with Kilow, just skinning and grinning. At this point, they had been together for almost about ten months. Her ass was in love, and so was he. Every time I saw her, she was talking to him, or they were together. It was worse now since I’d bought her a car for her birthday.

I walked up behind her and put her in a headlock while kissing her cheek.

“Devin, stop!” she shrieked. “Oh my God! Mama, please get your spawn!”

“I’m not in it!” Mama called from the kitchen.

I released her and mushed her head. “I missed you, Dey Dey.”

“Well, I didn’t miss you.”

“Remember that when you want some money.”

“I have another brother. Plus, Uncle Deuce and Uncle Steel will give me money. You ain’t the only option.”

“Watch me have everybody cut you off with ya smart ass mouth.”

“Don’t worry, bae, I got you,” Kilow said.

I snatched the phone. “Nigga, what money do you have?”

He grinned. “I have a job now, man.”

“Where you working?”

“Maceo hooked me up with a job at one of his gas stations.”

“That’s what’s up, lil’ nigga. I’m proud of you.”

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