Page 97 of Smoke

“’Preciate it.” He grabbed our hands and led us over to the group of women. “This is Romi, Renay, and Korri. Baby, this isMama Stephanie and Ms. Karen, Deuce and Salima’s mamas. These are my aunts, April and Denise. That’s Mia’s mama, Maddie. That’s Mama Tavia, Jaeda and Kerrion’s mama. And this beautiful young woman is the birthday girl.”

He went to his grandmother and kissed her cheek, causing her to blush.

“This is my grams, Rebecca Dillinger.”

His grandmother stepped forward and pulled me into a hug.

“It’s so nice to meet you, baby!”

“It’s nice to meet you too.”

She leaned down to Korri and pinched her cheek.

“Aren’t you the cutest little thing! You like sweets?”

Korri’s eyes widened as she nodded. “Yes, ma’am!”

“I have some cookies in the oven. I’ll make sure you go home with a batch just for you.”

Korri gasped. “Thank you!”

“You’re welcome. Now, you might have to fight my other grandsons for them. They have a big sweet tooth.”

“Don’t worry, KoKo,” Devin said. “I’ll beat them up if they mess with you. I got your back.”

Korri giggled as the back sliding door opened and Kerrion stepped in.

“Grams—”

“I told you to leave me alone about these cookies, Kerrion!” she snapped. She turned to us. “See what I mean?”

Kerrion kissed his teeth as he came over. “Grams, don’t be acting funny in front of Smoke’s lil’ girlfriend.” He playfully mushed my head.

“You better put some respect on my sister’s name,” Renay said, mushing him back. “Me and my niece will jump you.”

He grinned as he stooped down to Korri.

“You gonna let your auntie jump me, lil’ bit?” he asked, flicking her nose.

She blushed. “No, Mr. Kerrion.”

“That’s my girl.” He scooped her up and placed her on his hip. “See, my niece said you ain’t touching me.”

Renay scoffed. “Korri!”

She tried to take her from Kerrion, but he turned away.

“Aht, aht! Leave us alone!” he said, mushing Renay’s head.

We laughed at the playful exchange. While I thought they might have made a cute couple, he wasn’t dark enough for Renay, and she wasn’t thick enough for him, seeing as he loved BBWs. It came up in conversation at my baby shower when Shar attempted to hook them up. They respectfully declined, but I could see them having that annoying little brother and sister relationship.

My grandmother shook her head. “Y’all go on outside with the rest of the family. Your daddy and uncles are on the grills. It was nice to meet you all. Feel free to come chat with an old woman once Smoke introduces you to everyone.”

I nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”

Devin frowned. “So they are welcomed in the ki?—”

“Boy, all you do is steal food. That’s why I put you and Kerrion out. Goodbye!”

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