Page 36 of Jaeda

My mother rolled her eyes. “Flattery might work on those young girls, but I’ve been around long enough to know bullshit when I smell it.”

“I guess I should take my gift back then.”

“Don’t play in my face, Titan DeLuca.”

He laughed as he handed her the large gift bag. “Here you go, woman.”

“Thank you kindly.” I handed her mine, and she looked around me like she was looking for someone. “Where is she?”

“Who?” I asked.

“The young lady you took on a date. My potential future daughter in-law.”

“You’re doing too much, Ma.”

“Whatever. Where is she?”

“At home, I assume.”

“Well, why didn’t you bring her?”

“We aren’t there yet, Mama.”

Titan kissed his teeth. “Don’t let him fool you, Ma. Your boy is in love already.”

I shoved him. “I am not. I do really like her, Ma. You’ll meet her eventually.”

“Well, I can’t wait. Come on in here. The food is ready, and there are plenty of drinks.”

Titan rubbed his hands together. “You ain’t said nothing but a word.”

“Don’t get in here and get drunk,” Mama warned him.

“I hold my liquor very well, thank you. Make sure you save me a birthday dance.”

My mama rolled her eyes as she walked off. We ventured deeper into the yard to speak to my people. After making our rounds, we headed to the buffet style setup to make a plate. Pops was just pulling some ribs off the grill, and I had to get me one.

“How you doing, old man?” I asked, dapping him.

“Same shit, different day, son. Trying to keep your mama from drinking too many of those damn wine coolers.”

I chuckled. “You know that lady is hardheaded.”

“She is, but she’s mine.” He turned to Titan and dapped him up. “How you doing, son?”

“I’m straight, Mr. M. Trying to get my hands on one of them ribs. You got me over here salivating.”

Pops chuckled as he picked up a hefty rib with the tongs and placed it on Titan’s plate.

“’Preciate it.”

“Where’s your lady friend?” Pops asked.

Titan laughed. “That’s such an old people thing to say.”

“You’re lucky if you live to get old, young buck. Remember that.”

“I hear you, Mr. M.”

---