Page 124 of Crossing Lines

She pats my back lovingly. “Oh, my sweet joy. Happy birthday.”

I sniffle and ease back to look at her. Her face has healed. “Thank you for coming.”

She smiles brightly. “I’m fighting to stay clean. I’m doing so much better.”

I nod in relief. “That’s good, Mama. Keep fighting.”

“I will, son.” She cradles my face, wiping my tears. “For the both of us.”

I embrace her again, then look at everyone watching us. Davia comes over with Mama G.

“Thank you for this.” I hug her tightly and kiss her cheek.

“Ms. Mashonda said it was okay with the program,” she explains. “I’d mentioned it to Mama G.”

“You’re not mad?” I ask Mama G.

She clicks her tongue. “Boy, of course not. I’m happy your mother is doing well. And glad she could come out to celebrate your birthday.”

I sniffle and reach for her warm hand.

“Now, let’s keep celebrating,” she urges, patting my arm. “Come on. You too, Mashonda.”

We continue partying until Iree brings out my birthday cake. She gives my arm a loving squeeze and moves to Cairo’s side.

After a glance at Davia, I close my eyes, make a wish, and blow out the candles.

Everyone cheers.

“There’s another cake for serving, right?” Falcon questions playfully. “Cause, I mean, he blew on that.”

“If you don’t hush,” Mama G scolds him amid the laughter.

Troy cuts the music back in, and an employee serves another cake.

In the late hours, the elders call it a night, and I embrace my mama again before a car takes her back.

Troy switches to more raunchy hip-hop tracks, and we party in between doing shots. Moya twerks on Preston like no one’s around, and Cairo seems more into Shanae now after all the liquor. I notice Iree and Colin vibing comfortably. Maybe there’ll be something in the future.

Davia and I dance, kiss like there’s no tomorrow, and dance until everyone clears out. After piling my gifts into her car, we thank the hotel staff, and she drives to my condo. I still can’t believe she booked that nice space to host my birthday celebration.

As we walk into my spot, I pull down the zipper of her floral jumpsuit. “Thank you for today. But it’s time for me to shower you with attention again.”

“Mmm,” she moans as I kiss her neck. “I was going to fill the tub for you.”

“Uh-huh. We’ll soak together in a bit. Right now, let me pleasure your body.”

I turn her and capture her mouth for a hungry kiss. She gasps as I lift her from the floor, carrying her into the bedroom. I remove her bra and panties and sit her on the side of the bed.

“You’re an incredible woman,” I praise while stripping. “It’s an honor to worship your body. Tell me where you want me to start.”

“Eat my pussy, please,” she urges and bites her lip.

I smirk. “Yes, my queen.”

Her hungry eyes watch me lower to my knees, quivering as I push her legs apart. “I won’t stop eating until you tap out.”

“Uhh!” she cries as I dive into my sweet honey pot.

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