Page 52 of Dr. Bell

His response was to sip his drink with an unbothered grin. “You doin’ too much,” he stated. “Mind you, we been through a lot of shit together. You really ‘bout to let a simple comment come between family.” Disappointed, he shook his head. “Every family should be built on loyalty. Since I can’t speak on every family, I’ma speak on this one.Thisfamily is built on loyalty. Never thought I’d see the day that you questioned mine.”

DJ walked away and surprisingly, I felt like shit for taking it too far.

“You cool, Pops?”

Peace appeared in front of me. His gaze bounced between me and DJ.

“Yeah, I’m good, son. Everything good with Quilo?” I had to change the subject or else Peace would’ve thought something was up. The last thing I wanted was for my boys to think that there was trouble amongst the family. Even though they were old enough to understand people sometimes had differences, I would never raise them to go against the family.

You just threatened to kill ya own cousin.

“Everything’s good,” he assured me. “As long as Humble don’t put his hands on him, I consider that a win.”

I mushed my son upside his head and joined him in laughter.

“I like this side of you, Pops,” he stated. “Mama Pretty did you some good.”

This time I snatched him up and put him in a headlock. “You callin’ me soft?” I teased.

He died laughing and maneuvered out of my hold. “Strong ass,” he mumbled comically. “I’m ‘bout to go tell Mama Pretty you put ya hands on me.” I jumped at him, causing him to hurry off. His ass went straight to the table where Pretty was. He said something to her, and her eyes zoned in on me. She glared playfully and wagged her finger at me. I shrugged and went back to the grill.

If my boys could see how happy I was with Pretty, then so could everyone else. My eyes scanned the backyard until they landed on DJ. He was sitting with his sister, Heir, and their mama, Maddie. Aunt Maddie laid her head on her son’s shoulder, and he kissed the top of her head. Yeah, maybe I flew off the rails with that nigga. Pulling that comment stunt wasn’t a big deal, but his ass had better tread lightly when it came to Pretty Bell.

When the food was finally done, I made myself and my lady a plate, then joined her at the picnic table.

“Taste this,” I said, offering her a piece of my rib since she requested chicken. She took the tender meat from my fingers and licked the barbecue from my fingers.

“Mm, mmm.” Bianca’s nose turned up, causing Pretty to cackle. “Don’t nobody wanna see all that.”

“See all what?”

Bianca’s back stiffened at the sound of Antonias’s voice. He made himself comfortable next to her with his plate piled to the brim.

“Can you scoot over?” she requested with an attitude.

“Nah, I can’t,” he replied and started digging into his food.

I laughed because his ass was good and stupid.

“Adir… Get yo’ friend,” Bianca said. It sounded like she wanted to whine.

Pretty’s hand covered my lips as she giggled. “Eat, baby.”

“See, I knew I liked you, Pretty,” Antonias chimed in and said.

“Wait. I thought we were cool, Pretty.” Bianca eyed my wife like she was offended that she didn’t have her back.

“We are cool, sis. That’s why I’m trying to help you.” Pretty pointedly looked at Antonias, who was shoveling his food down like it would run from him.

Bianca’s face balled up. “Girl, I do not want this man.”

Antonias chuckled. “She lyin’ on a Sunday. Damn shame, BeBe.”

“First of all, I done told yo’ ass to quit calling me that,” Bianca hissed. “Second of all, Idon’twant you.”

Antonias grinned in her face. “You gon’ fight it ‘til we’re walkin’ down the aisle, or what?”

Bianca’s mouth parted in shock. She stared at Antonias, unblinking and mute. He leaned over and kissed her lips.

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