Page 18 of Deuce

She giggled. “It is. Ain’t he fine though, girl? Ain’t nothing like a fine, tatted ass thug nigga. That man walks like he slings dick for days.”

I rolled my eyes. “He’s okay.”

“Now I know you lying. Your lil’ pussy probably got wet just looking at him. You know you haven’t had dick in a minute.”

“See how you come over here trying to play me? I’m taking a break from niggas, thank you very much.”

“I know you’re wearing that damn rose out.”

“Fuck you, Shar!”

“I mean, I do have a harness. You sitting here with your ass hanging out is turning me on a little bit.”

She reached over and slapped my thigh. I slapped her hand away.

“I’m not about to play with you.”

We shared a laugh. It was all in fun. Shar had been my bitch since birth. Aunt Cicely was her mother and my mama’s bestfriend. We were the sisters each other never had, and I loved her dearly.

“Where is Auntie Karen?”

“At lunch with your mama and Aunt Sarah.”

“Oh God. My mama is about to be white girl wasted on mimosas before five. You know how they get when they get together.”

“I know girl.”

“Well, I’m hungry. You worked up my appetite. Put on some clothes. I feel like I want a fried fish sandwich.”

My stomach growled, reminding me that I hadn’t eaten since yesterday afternoon.

“Give me a few minutes,” I said standing.

As I walked past Shar, she slapped my ass like she always did.

“Hurry up!”

“Don’t rush me, ho!”

I disappeared into my bedroom and slipped into a pair yoga pants, a crop top, and my favorite fuzzy slides. Pulling off my bonnet, I fluffed out my curls and added a little gloss to my lips. Grabbing my purse, I headed back out front to find Shar chomping on a bag of chips like we weren’t going to get food.

“Don’t start,” she said, pointing a chip at me.

I grinned as I raised my palms.

“I ain’t said nothing, girl. We need to stop by the bank so I can deposit this money.”

“So this means you’re treating right.”

I rolled my eyes. “Yeah, bitch. I got you.”

She randomly bent over and twerked her ass on me, something she did on the regular. I gave it a couple smacks, then pushed her toward the door.

So much for sleep.

Fifteen minutes later, we were sitting outside of Mr. Luckey’s, a spot in the hood that served the best fried fish sandwiches. We already placed our orders and were waiting at one of the picnic tables. It was a sunny Saturday, and everybody was outside soaking up the sun. Kids were playing in the water from the fire hydrant. The local fire department sometimes opened them to flush out the pipes, and the kids loved it.

I could smell grilled food from somebody’s barbecue nearby. The corner boys were posted up looking to make a sale. Somewhere in the distance, I could hear music blaring through somebody’s speakers. This had been my element for the last twenty-five years. It was home.

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