Page 87 of The Mob: Shio Cuppacio
My mother, as always, was ravishing in a long, black gown that covered the So Kate’s I knew she was wearing. Shannon could give Zendaya a run for her money because that was always her shoe of choice. She had a pair in every color and stood proudly next to her husband in a pair every Sunday. She was a sanctified woman, but she cherished her designer brands and labels just as much as she did her Lord and Savior.
“You’re breathtaking, Mama. But you knew that.”
Letting Solana’s arm go, I pulled my mother into an embrace, planting a kiss on her head. Bella and the girls must have influenced her, because her shoulder-length roller set she got every week at the salon had been replaced with what looked like a wig frontal. It looked good and age-appropriate, but I wasn’t used to seeing her in such a modern hairstyle.Still, the black loose curls framed her face, and did little to hide her Somalian traits bleeding through. Her milk chocolate skin was flawless even under the light makeup. Her scent was one I loved since I was a kid, currently at war with my Xerjoff Alexandria II unisex parfum. Pulling her back, only then did she move her eyes to me, and as always, her eyes grew wet. She blinked away the emotion before showing it like she had always done.
Our moment lasted just a second before she was back on Solana. “You’re gorgeous.”
Solana lowered her head to hide her cheeks, but lifted them immediately, looking at me briefly as if she were remembering her newest lesson.
Good girl.
“Thank you. So are you. I love your dress.”
My mother pressed a hand to her chest, broadcasting the shiny ring my stepfather had placed on her finger. “Ohh, and you’re a Latina?”
“Yes, I’m Afro-Mexican. My father is Hispanic, and my mother was African American.”
“Is,” my mother corrected.
“Hmm?”
“Your motherisAfrican American. Even if she is no longer among the living, she is still present in the presence of the Lord.”
Solana nodded in understanding.
“Ahhh, hell nah!”
Renello, Metavello, and Ezio now stood before us. Nel was nursing a bottle of Ace like there weren't flutes and glasses all around this place to drink out of. As if we were in a section at the club, he drank straight from the bottle. Ezio had a smirk on his face while chewing on a toothpick, and Vello broke out in a full grin before hawking into the spit cup. I would be happy as hell when Discover had their babies.
“I know you not cursing like that in front of me!” my mama scolded Nel.
She was forever getting on everyone about their profanity usage. The weed smoke she didn’t mind, and she even overlooked the dice games, but cursing in her face was where she drew the line.
“Auntie! My bad. This nig—I mean, this fool just full of cap.” Nel shook his head.
All of the men had their eyes on Solana. She was all fidgety and shit, but these niggas didn’t seem to care. Mocha and Scarlett walked up, arm in arm, both in black dresses that showed no signs of childbirth. They were prim and prepped as they always were. I gave a one-arm hug to Mocha and then planted a kiss on Scarlett’s head. I still couldn't believe Benzino’s daughter had grown into the woman she was, like we weren’t near in age.
“Hey, boo. Who you?”
“Hi. I’m Solana.” Her accent was heavy, and I could see the shock on the girls’ faces when they heard her speak.
“You’re pretty…”
“Too pretty,” Mocha cosigned.
“I now see why the guys were in a rush to leave. You stealing our glam team, Shio?” Mocha dramatically blinked her thick lashes.
I shot her a grin before gazing at Solana, admiring her done up as I had been since she walked out of the house.
“Come.” Scarlett held her free arm out.
Solana looked at me for a nod of approval, and when I gave it to her, she went in stride with the girls. Hopefully, they could get her to loosen up and enjoy herself. Food and liquor were plentiful, and the DJ was playing straight hits so far. As elegant as this space was, the music was straight trap. When I saw that she was being introduced to the rest of the women, I focused back on the people around me. Everyone was staring at me, including my mama.
“You dirty little liar.” Vello joked, sounding like a bitch.
Sighing, I placed my hands in my pockets. “What I lie about, Vello?”
“Oh, you knowexactlywhat you lied about.I mean… she straight. Ain't that what you said?” Nel egged on.
