Page 175 of Sweet Dominion

“Alright. We don’t need that.” Moni laughed as Chen pointed to a cloud and began mumbling to himself. “But in the meantime, I’m getting a freaking gummy from Jo. I didn’t know she had any.”

I nodded. “Get me one too. We should all relax today.”

Moni turned to her sister and began whispering.

Jo loudly laughed and checked Chen, then laughed some more. “Eh. Don’t trip on me. I told Goose to only do half, man.”

Moni hit her arm. “His name is Duck, not Goose.”

“But they’re both birds.”

“Girl, give me two of those gummies. One for me and one for Lei.”

“Naw, sis. I’m telling you that you only needhalf. They’re strong as hell. Split it with Lei.”

“Cool.”

Jo must have given it to her because a minute later, Moni placed half of a lime green gummy in my hand. And in that moment, I no longer felt like the Mountain Master. I more felt like a kid at school having a naughty good time.

God. . .this cookout was a great idea.

I popped the gummy in my mouth and my taste buds exploded with a burst of fruity sweetness.

To my surprise, Jo leaned over and pointed at me. “Now just be cool and keep drinking water and get a little food in your stomach.”

“Okay.”

“And then let it do what it do.”

I smiled. “Thank you.”

“If there’s any problems, come to me.” Jo touched her chest. “I’m good at getting people down from a bad trip.”

I blinked. “Thank you again. I will come to you if I need to.”

Jo winked, leaned back in her chair and returned to talking to Moni.

She likes me now?

I tried not to get too excited.

“Alright, alright!” DJ Hendrix's voice boomed over the speakers, “How’s everyone feeling today?! We got the Grill Off about to start soon, but first, let’s keep this vibe going!”

I turned his way.

DJ Hendrix stood tall behind his equipment with his hands moving in fluid motion as he mixed and scratched records. “This next one is for all my 80s babies out there! We’re my 80s babies at?”

A couple of people clapped, but I couldn’t tell who.

Then, the DJ smoothly mixed in an R&B song that I didn’t recognize.

But Moni was rocking to the song and singing some of the lyrics.

I leaned her way. “What’s this?”

“Anita Baker’s ‘Sweet Love.’” She then proceeded to grab my shoulder and have us both rocking as she sung more of the lyrics.

I laughed at her enthusiasm and let myself get lost in the rhythm.

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