Page 68 of Anything Necessary for Her
As Anastazia went on her way, I scoped the whole park, spotting the rest of my sisters-in-law helping or sitting in their husband’s lap. Finally, my eyes landed on Low and mainly because he was already watching me. I simpered, admiring his tall, stocky tattooed frame in the red basketball shorts, wife beater, socks, and Gucci slides. His chain and watch were a beautiful gold color, complementing his brown, syrupy complexion.
I wanted to rush him and kiss him, but I would save that for later when I could sneak and do it. Tomorrow, since everyone was in town, we would be telling my brothers about us, and I was anxious as hell.
“Oooooh!” Kailey said, making me nudge her.
“Shut up.” I grinned, but it soon faded as a light-skinned chick with finger waves and a tube dress on, blocked the view of my man.
“Hey, I’m Gaia.” She beamed, making Kailey’s lip curl instantly.
“Hi, Gaia. Do I know you?” I questioned. It wasn’t often that random women introduced themselves to me, so I was already on alert, just as Kailey was.
“I’m close with Willow.” She shrugged one shoulder, batting her lashes and beaming brighter than the sun above us. “I noticed y’all making eyes across this big ass park, so I thought I should introduce myself.”
“Hmm.” I bobbed my head, grasping exactly what she was doing. She’d used his full name to indirectly tell me they were very close. “I have never heard your name come from his mouth or even his peoples’ mouths.”
Her face fell slightly as Kailey instigated with sounds beside me.
“Maybe he didn’t want you to be bothered by it. But I am not a threat, girl. I think y’all are so cute.” She stared into my eyes, and I stared right back into hers, hoping she knew I had caught onto her little childish game of ‘let me make the man I like’s bitch aware of me.’ “Oh, and”—she scooted closer and lowered her voice—“I won’t say anything.”
“Say anything?”
“To Sif. I know how protective he is of you, and he made it clear you were off limits to Low and anybody else in our circle.”
Our circle.I was sure she was in no circle of Asif St. Thomas.
I chuckled, giving Kailey a look before sarcastically saying, “Thanks, girl.”
Gaia bobbed her head with a closemouthed smile before turning away and switching off. She went right over to where Low, Free, and Taye were sipping out of red Solo cups and stood beside Low. Free’s lips moved, most likely saying something funny, and Gaia’s hand landed on Low’s tatted bicep, to which he absentmindedly moved. I didn’t know if he did it for my benefit or not, but it seemed natural like he did it anytime she touched him.
“Who the fuck is she?” Kailey read my mind.
“I’ll find out,” I assured.
It was time for Kailey and me to split up so she could take over for Scotland and Presley, to serve food alongside Harmony and Couture.
“Aye, who is that?” Wyatt asked me, making me look to where his attention was focused.
Chuckling, I said, “That’s my niece Harmony.”
“Damn.” Wyatt’s eyes stared a hole in my niece, who was newly fourteen and very pretty, with her father’s eyes and long but wild, curly hair.
“Fuck is you looking at?” Khari appeared out of nowhere as I smothered my laugh to start rearranging the toys people had already dropped off.
“No-nothing, sir. Uncut—sir.” Wyatt was trembling like a leaf on a tree, and it was hard not to snicker.
“She ain’t happening, aight?” Khari let him know, and Wyatt nodded profusely. “How fucking old is you anyway? You look twenty-five.” Khari closed the gap between them, making Wyatt stumble back.
“He’s sixteen, Khari. Relax.” I defended Wyatt, tugging him by the wrist to help me after relieving Analicia.
Khari stared at him for a beat, then swaggered off, going to stand between his wife and daughter, eyes still on Wyatt.
“Guess I can come help.” A deep, familiar voice caused my stomach to backflip and do several grand jetés.
“Yes, that would be nice,” I told Low as he set his cup down, allowing me to instruct him and Wyatt. Once I noticed the latter was out of earshot, taking down names and accepting toys some ways in front of us, I asked, “Who is Gaia?”
I watched Low freeze for a moment with the doctor Barbie box in his hand as if he’d lost power before he got back to sorting.
“She do some work for me. Why?” His forehead creased.
