Page 35 of The Price of My Sins

“My baby,” Grandma cried. “My baby’s home.”

That’s when the rest of the family caught on. Cheers went up. Some clapped. Some cried. Kids ran past with sticky fingers and paper plates, but all I could see was my mother standing in the middle of it all, soaking it in like she couldn’t believe it was real.

“Come on in here and let me feed my baby. I see jail was feeding you okay. Look at you… all thick.”

Grandma pulled my mama into the house while I stayed back, still processing everything. Just as I pulled out my cigar, Deuce came walking out of the house and over to where I was leaning up against the car.

“You good?” He placed his hand on my shoulder.

“Yeah. I’m just taking it all in. Thanks again, man. I owe you and Boston for this.” I gave Deuce a pound.

“No thanks needed. You are family.”

The sun had started to set, and my grandmother’s backyard was filled with family and some people from the neighborhood. Music was bumping, and the grills were still smoking ribs, chicken, and hot dogs.

I sat back in a folding chair, legs stretched out, a cold drink sweating in my hand. The bass from Frankie Beverly & Maze thumped low through the Bluetooth speaker somebody had set up by the porch. A couple of my cousins were dancing like foolsnear the fire pit, and one of the uncles was arguing about spades like money was on the line.

Then I spotted my mama who was sitting at the long table under the big oak tree. Denim and Lexi had her surrounded, fussing over her like she was royalty, and honestly, she deserved it. She was glowing in the golden light, smiling that tired but grateful kind of smile—like the world was still spinning, but for once, it was spinning in her favor.

“Hey, handsome.” Olivia came over and parked it on my lap. “You look happy!” She pecked my lips.

“I am. Are you good?”

“Yes. Your mom is so beautiful and sweet.”

“Yeah. I’m glad to have her out of that hellhole.”

“I know, baby.” She smiled that gorgeous smile I loved before continuing, “Did I tell you how fine you look today?” She captured my lips, quickly slipping her tongue into my mouth before ending the kiss, leaving me craving more.

“You better stop that before I take you inside and dig in them guts, Cin.” I gently bit down on her neck, making her body shiver.

She giggled like a schoolgirl. “Don’t threaten me with a good time, Big Bo.”

Just then, the DJ switched the vibe, and that unmistakable beat dropped. Juvenile’s “Back That Azz Up.” As soon as that “Cash Money Records takin’ over” line hit the speakers, the backyard erupted.

“Ayyyeee!” Lexi hollered, already on her feet.

“Oh shoot! This is my song! Let me go and show them how it’s done!” Olivia hopped off my lap and went to join the ladies.

Like clockwork, all the women stood up like they’d just heard the national anthem. Plates were tossed to the side, drinks raised, and hips started moving before anyone even made it to the center of the yard.

Olivia, Lexi, and Denim made a beeline for my mama, who was mid-laugh with Aunt Fee. I saw the exact second she tried to protest, shaking her head and waving her hands. But they weren’t having it.

“Nah, Miss Zora! Get up!” Olivia grinned, grabbing her hand.

Deuce laughed as Lexi hyped it up.

Olivia, already halfway bent over, added, “We outside, baby! Let’s go!”

Next thing I knew, my mama was up, hesitant at first, then loosening up as the crowd around them started cheering. She threw her hands in the air, laughing with that same spark I hadn’t seen in her since I was a kid.

And then she called herself dropping it low. I had to look away, chuckling to myself and shaking my head. “Man, come on,” I muttered, sipping my drink and shielding my eyes. “I do not need to see my mama backin’ it up.”

Uncle Junior passed by cackling. “She still got it, nephew! And I see your woman got it too. You sure you can handle all that, nephew?” Unc stated looking at Olivia, and I wanted to slap his ass.

“Unc, don’t make me fuck your drunk ass up,” I warned, my tone low but sharp as a blade. “Keep your eyes off my woman.”

Uncle Junior raised his hands in mock surrender, the half-empty red cup in his grip sloshing a little. “My bad, nephew. Damn! I ain’t mean no disrespect. I’m just sayin’… she fine, boy. Got that snapback on her. Remind me of when your Aunt KeKe had it like that back in the day. Now, she one chicken bone away from?—”

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