Page 49 of Smoke

Standing to my feet, I stepped closer and leaned over to kiss her cheek. Being the asshole she was, Roux turned her head so my lips would land on hers. She giggled as she pulled away.

“Good night, Devin.”

“Good night, Roux.”

I pulledup to my mama’s house for Sunday dinner.

Most times, I ate dinner with my pops’ side of the family on Sundays, but since it was my mama and Alec’s anniversary, and they were going to be away for a whole week, I came to eat with them. Shutting off my car, I climbed out and headed inside.

When I walked into the house, I could smell my mama’s curry chicken. My nose led me into the kitchen where she stood over the stove. Walking up to her, I scooped her up in a hug.

“Devin!” she fussed, swatting my arms. “Put me down!”

“Why do you act like that every time I try to give you some love, woman?”

“Because you don’t know your own strength. You damn near squeeze me to death, son.”

I placed her on her feet and loosened my grip. She relaxed and gave me the hug I was seeking.

“Better?” I asked.

“Much better.” Cupping my face, she kissed my cheek. “I missed you. You’ve been too busy for your mama lately.”

“I missed you too, Ma. Don’t start the dramatics and guilt tripping.”

She rolled her eyes. “Whatever. It’s good to see you.”

“You ready for this trip?” I asked, leaning against the counter and crossing my arms. I’d gifted them a stay in Fiji along with twenty thousand to blow.

She beamed with excitement. “Yes! I just have a few more things to pack. Thank you again for this, baby. Alec and I haven’t had a vacation in a while. We need this time together.”

I frowned. “Something wrong?”

“No. We just need some alone time. No work. No responsibilities. No kids,” she added, playfully nudging me.

“We ain’t that bad. At least me and Maceo are out of the house. Deja’s lil fast ass is the one you have to worry about.”

“My baby is not fast.”

“Where is she staying?”

“Tavia said she could stay with them since her and Kailia go to the same school.”

“Those two are about to be up all damn night gossiping and shit. You know Kalia has a crush on Damaris.”

“That boy is too old for her.”

“Right. Where is the brat and her daddy?”

“Alec went to pick up some wine to go with dinner. Deja went with him, I’m sure to convince him to buy her something. You know, you and Maceo really have that damn girl spoiled. I wish you would stick to trickin’ on these females only.”

I laughed. “Why can’t I spend money on my baby? That’s why she has brothers. And wait a minute. How can you say you want me to stick to trickin’ on females when you want grandbabies?”

“You’re your daddy’s son. I’ve accepted that.”

My hand flew to my heart dramatically. “Wow, Mama. You think so little of me.”

“Shut up, boy. You know you aren’t committing to shit.” She eyed me curiously. “Unless…”

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