Page 98 of Deuce

“No, I’m good. I think I’m gonna visit your dad’s grave today. He’s been on my mind heavily lately.”

I stooped to hug her. I knew she missed my father. She hadn’t been open to dating, not even to having a “little friend” since his passing.

“Mom… aren’t you lonely?”

She sighed. “Sometimes. But I get over it. I had a great love story with your father. He’s forever present in my heart. I don’t know, Salima. I guess, I’m used to you being here and I shouldn’t get comfortable with that. You’ll be leaving me soon. Maybe that will be the push I need to get back out there.”

“Who said I was leaving soon?”

She gave me a look. “You moved back to help me out. With the house and my medical bills taken care of, I can handle everything else. I figured you’d be trying to get your own space soon. I know you need privacy to do what you and Stanley do.”

I blushed. “Mama.”

“Chile, don’t be coy with me. It’s written all over your face. Plus, I went in your room to borrow some perfume and found a condom wrapper, so yeah. It’s probably time.”

My eyes widened, causing her to laugh.

“Don’t be embarrassed now. I’m just glad I wasn’t here.”

“Bye, Mama.”

I kissed her cheek and stood from the couch.

“Drive safe. That man already told you to drive like you have some sense.”

I giggled. “I will.”

I left the house and climbed into my car. I still couldn’t get over how sexy it was. I’d never owned anything so expensive. Every time I looked at it, I got excited all over again. I made my way out of the neighborhood and headed for the mall. Maybe alittle shopping would lift my spirits. The drive was only about twenty minutes. The parking lot wasn’t overly packed. Climbing out of my car, I made my way inside, preparing to shop until I dropped.

About two hours had passed, and I was getting hungry. With a hand full of shopping bags, I headed for the food court. They had some of the best Chinese food, and they always gave a hefty serving. After getting my plate, I sat at one of the tables and visit myself with eating and scrolling through my phone. I was so engrossed that I didn’t see the tall figure standing over me until they sat in the empty chair across from me.

I looked up to see the man that Deuce got into it with when I went to lunch with him and his mother. He offered me a smile as he clasped his hands in front of him. I looked around and then back at him, because he clearly had me mistaken for someone who invited him to sit down.

“Can I help you?” I asked, giving attitude.

“How are you this morning, beautiful?”

“We’re not going to do that. State your purpose.”

He chuckled. “I see Deuce likes them feisty.”

“If I go in my purse, you’re gonna see how feisty I can get.”

He raised his hands in mock surrender. “I don’t want any smoke from you, baby girl. I’m just trying to talk to you.”

“Sir, what do you want?”

“My name is Mirron Hayes.”

“I know who you are. My man has told me about you.”

He chuckled. “Your man. What’s a pretty young thing like you doing getting involved with the likes of a Dillinger.”

“You’re in my business. Don’t do that.”

“Let me cut to the chase. Your man has something I want. It would do you best to convince him to sell.”

“I can’t help you with that. Deuce is preserving staples in our community and protecting the people you want to displace. Why would I ever go against him on that front?”

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