Page 24 of Maceo

I blushed. “I’m going to finish cooking. I’ll leave you two to get to know each other.”

I’d gone back to the kitchen to finish our dinner. As they sparked their blunts, it didn’t take long for them to get comfortable with each other. They were in there laughing and talking all loud and shit. I’d FaceTimed my mama so she could see how her husband was acting. All she could do was laugh.

Since then, he and Maceo had become the best of friends, and I equally loved and hated that shit. My mama loved him, and so did my little brothers. I think they loved him because he broke them off for birthdays, holidays, or whenever he saw them. Kilow and Damaris couldn’t wait to run his pockets.

“You know you have that man spoiled, right?” I asked.

“I gotta get in good with my future in-laws,” he said, chuckling. “Nah, but for real. I love your people. They blessed me with you, so they can get whatever out of me.”

“Baby!” I poked my lip out. “That’s sweet. I love you.”

“I love you too. Listen, I gotta get back to business, but I’ll hit you later, okay?”

“Okay. Be safe.”

“Always.”

We disconnected the call, and I tossed back the covers, then got out of bed. After making it up, I stripped and headed into the bathroom to shower. With the sounds of my girl Glorilla blasting through the bathroom, I gave my body a full, deep cleanse and washed my hair. When I got out, I did my facial routine and moisturized my skin before blow-drying my hair.

I had an appointment to get it braided later this week, so I’d be rocking a blowout for a few days. After pulling my tresses into a messy bun, I left the bathroom and went into my huge walk-in closet in search of something to wear. I absolutely loved that when Papa Dillinger had this house built, he built it with a family in mind for each of his children.

I’d never pictured living on a family compound, mostly because my family was the type to be in my face every day if this was our living arrangement. Granted, the Dillingers made themselves at home at everybody’s house. I didn’t mind, though. They were like every other family… minus the illegal activities and vigilante organization.

I decided on a cute yet simple outfit of a white crop top, a black tennis skirt, and a black pair of Doc Martens. I accessorized the outfit with gold jewelry and did a light beat of makeup on my face. Deciding I looked good, I dumped my essentials into my crossbody and headed downstairs. After grabbing Maceo’s gifts for my dad, I left the house and took the short drive down to Deuce and Salima’s.

I didn’t bother to knock before I entered their front door.

“Hello, hello!” I sang, strutting in.

Deuce peeked his head from around the corner in the kitchen. “You know that’s how niggas get shot, just walking in people’s houses.”

“Remember that when you meet Bertha the next time you walk in mine.”

“The fuck that lil’ bitty gun gon’ do to me?”

“My bitch may be small, but she has a big bite.”

He grinned as he shook his head. “Good morning, Sharina.”

“Good morning. Where is my wifey?”

“Getting Darlyn ready. She’ll be down in a second.”

I headed into the kitchen to see what he was cooking. I loved that he made breakfast for my girls every morning. To knowDeuce was to know he wasn’t a soft nigga. He didn’t care about much besides his business, his money, and his family. But for Salima and Darlyn… the man simped hard as hell.

“Are you gonna fix me a plate?” I asked.

“Yo’ hands don’t work?”

“I’m a guest.”

“Guest my ass. Did you not just walk into my house like you live here? Either fix your plate or starve, sis.”

I scoffed. “How rude. You just do me any kind of way.”

“Nah, that’s Maceo’s job.”

I playfully smacked the back of his head before grabbing myself a plate to make me something to eat. Just as I sat at the table, Salima came strolling in with Darlyn on her hip. She smiled as she came over to greet me.

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