Page 113 of Deuce

“Don’t you look fly, old woman?” I said to my grandmother.

She playfully mushed my head as I pulled her to her feet.

“You are gonna get enough of calling me old,” she sassed as she cupped my face. She kissed my cheek and then did the same to Maceo. “My boys look so handsome!”

She peeked around us at the girls, and her smile widened.

“Salima… you look beautiful, baby. You would have given me a run for my money in my younger days.”

Salima blushed as she moved to hug Grams. “Thank you, Mrs. Dillinger. You looked quite stunning yourself.”

“Thank you, darling.” Her eyes moved to Shar. “Now who is this pretty young thing?”

“This is Sharina Gladden,” Maceo answered, grabbing her hand. “She’s Salima’s best friend.”

“Oooh! So, you’re the one my grandson is dating, but not dating?” Grams asked with a smirk.

Maceo kissed his teeth. “Come on, Grandma.”

Shar laughed. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Dillinger. Maceo talks about you all the time.”

“All good things, I hope.”

“Mostly about your cooking.” She gently patted Mace’s stomach. “Your baby sure can put it away.”

“He sure can,” came from several people at the table.

He rolled his eyes as he pulled Shar toward some open seating. I went moved to greet my mama and her little boyfriend. They were seated next to my father and Maddie, and that man did not look happy that she was here with this guy.

“How you doing, beautiful?” I asked, pulling her to her feet.

“I’m good, baby. You look so handsome.”

“‘Preciate it.”

“Salima. Honey, you look flawless.”

“Thank you, Ms. Stephanie. You are working that dress, girl!”

My mama did a little twirl, and I frowned when I saw that her entire back was out.

“Ma, where is the rest of you dress?”

“With the seamstress. Don’t start your shit, Stanley.”

I kissed my teeth as she reached for that nigga’s hand and pulled him to his feet.

“Stanley. Salima… this is my boyfriend, Aaron Michaels. Baby, this is my son and his girlfriend.”

Aaron smiled and extended his hand. I was hesitant to shake it until Salima elbowed me.

“It’s very nice to meet you both. Your mother has told me alot about you.”

“Has she? Has she told you I ain’t too happy knowing she’s been dating you for this long and I haven’t met you?”

Salima pinched my arm. “Stanley.”

Aaron chuckled. “She has. I wanted to meet you sooner, but I respected her wishes to keep our relationship private until she was more secure in us.”

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