Page 53 of Maceo

“Hmm.” She leaned forward. “Does she always get that jealous?”

“Shar isn’t jealous at all. She knows I’m hers.”

“Are you now? You’ve never been tempted to test the waters? Not even once?”

“Hell no.”

“Again… she’s a lucky girl. She should be careful, though.”

I stood to my feet and leaned over the desk. “Excuse you?”

She peered up at me with a smile and chuckled as she stood too. “I’m just saying. A lesser bitch would make it her mission to fuck you after being disrespected the way I was.” She gave my beard a gentle stroke before dropping her hand. “She should count her blessings. See you around, Mr. Dillinger.”

She headed for the door.

“Charity,” I said firmly.

She turned back with an innocent look. “Yes?”

“Make that the last time you fucking touch me.”

She smirked. “Duly noted.”

She left the office, and I reclaimed my seat, expelling a deep breath. That bitch might just be a ho.

“Deja, hurry up, man!”

Somehow, I’d gotten roped into going dress shopping with my little sister. She’d called me to pick her up after school because she had a dance on Friday and needed something to wear. I asked her why she didn’t just ask our mother to take her,and her exact words were, “Mama ain’t dropping a bag like you do.”

She had me there. Even though she had it, my mama didn’t believe in spending unnecessary money on things that wouldn’t be used or only used a few times. I, on the other hand, wasn’t as frugal with my money. That was why Deja always came to me or Smoke when she wanted money. What we thought of handing her a stack was nothing.

“Don’t rush me!” she snapped, sounding like our mother.

“I know you better watch your tone, lil’ girl.”

She huffed. I rolled my eyes as I pulled out my phone to call my brother.

“What up, nigga?” Smoke answered, sounding high as hell.

“What you getting into?”

“Cleaning inventory. I have a weapon’s class in an hour.”

“How are you gonna teach high?”

“Mind your business. This is a private lesson.”

I knew what that meant. He was gonna give a lesson and then go for the extra credit.

“Ho ass.”

“It ain’t hoing if I’m single. Ain’t that what you used to say? You got yourself a lady and forgot your roots.”

I laughed. “Shut your ass up, man. I love my lady. That’s all the woman I need.”

“Yeah, you and Deuce are definitely in love. What are you doing?”

“Your sister dragged me dress shopping for this damn dance on Friday.”

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