Page 76 of Deuce

I giggled. “What? Your mama can’t have a man?”

“Them niggas have to go through me and my brothers to get to her. She had a little coffee date last night and I need to get to the bottom of that cause she ain’t given up the details.”

“Let that woman live.”

“Yeah, a’ight.”

He got out of the G-Wagon and came around to open my door. Grabbing my hand, he helped me out of the truck and led me up to the front door where his mother stood. She smiled as she pulled him in for a hug.

“Hey, baby.” She cupped his face and kissed his cheek.

“Hey, Ma. This is Salima. Salima this is my mama.”

“It’s so nice to meet you!” she said, beaming with excitement. “You are so beautiful!”

“You think I’d bring you a boogerwolf, Ma?” Deuce asked.

She playfully slapped his arm. “Shut up, Stanley.”

I smirked at her calling him by his government name. He didn’t even complain. Much to my surprise, his mother pulled me in for a hug as well. It was the epitome of one of those mama bear hugs and I loved it.

“It’s nice to meet you too, Ms. Larkins. Stanley didn’t tell me this is where we would be eating breakfast until we were on the way over.”

“Stanley Jordan Dillinger!” she exclaimed. “How could you ambush her like that! I’m so sorry, Salima. I hope my breakfast makes up for my son’s inconsiderate ass. Please, come inside and let me feed you.”

She glared at Deuce, who stood there grinning. She grabbed my hand and led me into her home. I could already tell that I was going to like her. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad after all.

I stoodat the stove fixing my plate and watching my mama with Salima. My black ass had become nonexistent just that quick. They’d made their plates and sat down to eat. My mother was currently asking Salima about what products she used on her hair to keep it long and healthy.

After years of rocking a short cut, she’d been trying to grow it out. Salima had gone into a whole spiel about how she made her own hair growth oil. She promised my mother that she would send some back by me and that was the beginning of their friendship.

I finished filling my plate and went to take a seat with them. As I sat eating, my eyes passed back and forth between them. It was almost like they were old friends the way they were just chit chatting it up. I knew my mother was ready for me to settle down and she was anxious to meet Salima, but I didn’t think she would take to her this quick.

“Y’all wanna go shopping by yourselves?” I asked, finally breaking into the conversation.

My mother looked back at me. “Of course not, baby. Somebody has to carry the bags and swipe the card.”

She pinched my cheek and laughed at her own silliness.

Salima joined her. “Awww, Deucy! You feel left out, baby?”

I frowned and pointed my fork at her. “I told you about that Deucy shit.”

“It’s cute,” my mother defended.

“No the hell it ain’t, Ma. I’m a grown ass man.”

“You’re still my baby.” She cupped my chin and kissed my cheek. “Even if you are a heathen, you’remyheathen.”

Salima smiled. “That’s so sweet.”

“Don’t let her fool you,” I said, smirking. “She be giving me hell.”

My mother rolled her eyes. “I’m sure Salima’s mama gives her hell when she needs to as well. That’s what mamas are for. Nobody loves you like we do.”

“I know you love me, lady.”

She turned her attention back to Salima. “Are you close with your mother?”

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