Page 43 of Cause When You Love Someone
I rubbed my back teeth together to keep from swiping everything off the table.
“The rent is only four hundred and fifty dollars, and every month she has a problem paying it, even when she gets a checkfrom the county.” Isabella sulked. “As much as I don’t want to leave, I may take you up on that offer.”
With every word she spoke, I could see the weight of our mother’s reckless behavior constrict her shoulders. Isabella was too young to be stressed, and Mariah was too old to have the same struggle after so many years.
“Instead of worrying about rent, how about you hang out with me and Clarke?”
Her lips twisted to the side. “Clarke. That’s what you call her?”
“That’s her name,” I proposed, though I knew what she was getting at. “I’m going to ask Stony to send over a few pieces from her studio. I’ll make sure they add a few moo-moos in the mix for you.”
“I would rather wear a trash bag!” She rolled her eyes. “Is Clarke your girlfriend?”
“Not yet, but soon.”
She giggled. “Cocky much.”
“I’m confident, baby. Not cocky.”
“This place is beautiful!”Isabella swirled around in a circle after we stepped through a set of patio doors that led to a grand staircase.
Most times, the Sons of Eshu held special events at the local country club, but Blaze reserved an estate in Slyde City. The location was forty minutes from Silk Hills and known for being a millionaire’s playground. Many people liked to compare the area to Key West, but with all the black homeowners, I would say it was much more valuable.
In the center of the yard sat two long tables, each adorned with vases and chairs laced with pastel-colored flowers. To the far right, there was a dessert table, juice bar, and a bunch of oversized table games.
Clarke pointed out the setup on the opposite side of the kids’ fantasy land. “The juice bar is cute, but the tequila station looks better.”
“You’re going to love it. Blaze hired a bartender to teach mixology.”
“Is this their home?” she asked. “As beautiful as it is, I could never buy a house this big. The yard stretches back far enough to reach the next neighborhood. I would get lost on my own property.”
“Love, your condo has four bedrooms.”
“True.” Her voice dragged. “But lately, I’ve started to pay attention to what I need and not just what I want. I may not be there much longer.”
I wanted to ask her to elaborate, but I decided to save the conversation for another time.
With Clarke’s hand in mine and Izzy at my side, I escorted my ladies through the yard. We didn’t make it far before Durk and Clover cut off our stride.
“Check out the newlyweds!” Durk stretched his arms wide.
“Ha! The ugliest nigga in the group always has to be the funniest,” I countered as I embraced Clover, Durk’s better half.
When she stepped back, she glanced at Clarke. “Please ignore them. As much as they argue, you wouldn’t believe the trouble they get into together.”
The ladies exchanged a few more words before I jumped in to ask, “Where’s my baby?”
“Baby?” Clarke quizzed in a sharp voice.
“Yeah.” Clover grinned. “Durk is a grouch about these things, so we haven’t made it official, but Ishmael is our daughter’s godfather.”
Durk sucked his teeth. “And he’s a fucking deadbeat.”
“Why are you lying? I see Lucky often, and my girl gets a gift at least once a month.”
“I’m happy you brought that up.” Durk snarled. “Stop sending my baby those corny ass gifts. You send her another life-size plushie because of some dumb ass national holiday, and we gon’ have a problem.”
I lifted my shirt to display the gun in my waistband. “Good thing I keep a problem solver.”
