Page 55 of Maceo

“You know she probably already had that one picked out before you took her to the store. Women love to act like they don’t know what they want until you open your wallet.”

“That’s why I just give Shar cash or my card. My baby can run up a check.”

“Please. You and Deuce love tricking on her and Salima.”

I couldn’t even lie about that. It was nothing to spend racks on Shar. It was funny coming from my pops, but he always told us,“When you love a woman, she should never have to ask you for shit. It’s your job as a man to know what she needs. If you don’t know what she needs, give her the means to get it herself.”

In other words, I didn’t have to be a mind reader, but I needed to be a provider.

I chopped it up with my brother for a little while longer, while Deja and the sales lady narrowed down her dress options. Once she finally settled on the peach one, she had to find shoes. That took another thirty minutes because she had to try them on with the dress. I was over it by the time we made it to the counter.

She stood next to me, grinning at her phone while I made the purchase.

“Who’s that?” I asked as we walked out of the store.

She huffed. “My friend, Maceo.”

“What is this friend’s name?”

“I don’t wanna tell you.”

“Why not?”

“Because you and Devin are gonna make a big deal over it. Then you’ll tell Shar, and she’ll make a big deal too.”

“What does Shar have to do with—” I paused, grinning at her. “Is it Kilow?”

She looked away. “Yes.”

“Damn. I didn’t think the lil’ nigga had it in him to finally ask you out. He’s always stuttering around you.”

“I asked him.”

I frowned. “I don’t like that.”

“Maceo, we don’t go to the same school. It would have been weird for him to ask to take me. Chill out.”

I guess she had a point. “Fine. But he better be a gentleman,” I said, opening the car door for her.

She laughed as she climbed in. I rounded the driver’s side and got in myself, and the conversation picked back up.

“Kilow is sweet.” She blushed as she said that. “I know he likes me, and I like him too.”

“Y’all are gonna give me a headache. Please don’t make me have to fuck either one of y’all up. Ain’t no kissing on the lips, no touching other than holding hands, and if he tries to cop a feel, you better box him. And absolutely no sex.”

She rolled her eyes. “I’m not you. Mommy told me how you and Devin used to try to sneak girls in the house. Nasty.”

“We ain’t talking about me or Smoke. We’re talking about you. You’re a good girl, Dej. I don’t want you to feel pressured into doing something you aren’t ready for. Even if you think you’re ready physically, mentally, you aren’t there yet. It’s a lot of emotions that come with having sex.”

“I know, I know. Trust me, I’m not ready for that. I do want to kiss him, though.”

“Lord, take me now,” I mumbled. “Just… promise you’ll keep it to a three second maximum.”

“Three seconds!”

“Take it or leave it.”

She crossed her arms and pouted. “Fine.” She was quiet for a moment before looking over at me. “Maceo?” she said sweetly.

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