Page 90 of Deuce

“Why are you smiling so damn hard?”

“Because… you found someone. And she accepts you just the way you are. You having to sneak to help her tells me she doesn’t want your money. I don’t know… it gives me hope.”

“You still on that internet dating shit?”

She hung her head. “Don’t worry. I haven’t had any luck.”

“You don’t need luck, Jae. You’re a beautiful girl and smart as fuck. Any nigga would be lucky to call you his. You need a nigga that’s gonna treat you like a queen and still fuck up the world about you. That online dating ain’t gonna cut it. If anything, it’s gonna get you caught up.”

“I’m careful, Deuce.”

“Yeah, a’ight. Stop that shit. I’m not asking you to... I’m telling you.”

She rolled her eyes. “Fine, Deuce. Can I go eat now since you think you’re my damn daddy?”

“Go on.”

She stomped off to get in line. I shook my head. As the oldest, my job was never done.

I rolledover in my bed and immediately, I missed Deuce’s warm body next to me. The time I spent with him and his family this past weekend had been everything. It surprised me that he showered me with attention and affection, especially in front of them.

The Dillingers were… well they were quite a particular clan. I could tell they were close and would die about each other. They were hilarious, especially Deuce’s siblings and their father.

Rolling out of bed, I went into my bathroom to void my bladder and take a shower. I was still a little sore from all the sexcapades the weekend had brought, but it was worth it.

I’d just rinsed off when I heard my mama frantically shouting my name.

“Salima!”

I hurried to turn off the shower, damn near breaking my ass as I got out. With water still dripping from my body, I threw onmy robe and slippers and ran into the living room. I found her standing at the screen door, looking outside.

“What’s wrong! Did something happen?”

“Whose car is this?”

“What? What car? Mama, you scared me half to death!”

I made my way over to the door to see the sexiest, most beautiful black on black Infiniti sitting in our driveway, but my car was nowhere in sight.

“What the hell?” I mumbled.

Looking up, I noticed Deuce’s Hellcat across the street. As soon as my mother and I stepped outside, the door opened, and my man stepped out. I stopped in my tracks as he emerged dressed in an all-black suit and shades. His jewels glistened in the morning sun as he strutted across the street.

“Damn,” I whispered.

He approached us with a smile.

“Good morning, ladies. Mrs. Navarro, it’s nice to see you again.”

My mother looked him up and down. “Did you do this?”

“I couldn’t have my baby riding around in a car that kept putting her down. I know I overstepped, but you have enough on your plate without adding having to constantly fix that piece of sh— a busted car.”

I felt the tears rushing to my eyes.

“Stanley… what did you do?”

He reached into his pocket and produced a set of keys with a cute, pink butterfly keychain, then handed them to me.

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