Page 34 of Tell Me I'm Not Dreaming
“And why were you at Cal Tech? You work in security.” Lyric folds her arms across her chest.
The two of them have always been more like siblings than cousins. She’s the bratty little sister, and he’s the overprotective, pain-in-the-ass big brother.
Since Big Head has a thing for Suchi’s Aunt Shereeta, he always finds a way to “run into her.” Not that she doesn’t like it.
“I know what my job is, Lyric.” He ruffles her hair.
“Stop! Leave my hair alone.” Lyric pushes him away.
“Please. That’s some Korean lady’s hair,” Big Head roasts Lyric.
“Nigga, you know I don’t wear a weave.” Lyric throws a piece of corn bread at him.
Big Head catches it, takes a bite and mocks her, “with your no throwing ass.”
Lyric notices Ranson chuckling.
“I know you’re not laughing at me, Mr. Hamilton,” Lyric says.
“What? No! Of course not.” Ranson tries and fails to stop laughing.
“Hello, everyone!” Lyric’s cousin Jamar enters holding hands with his latest girlfriend.
“Hey look, this guy’s here!” Ranson tries to steer Lyric’s attention to Jamar.
“Nice try.” Lyric pokes Ranson in the middle of his forehead.
Ranson takes out his phone and sends a message.
Lyric’s phone buzzes. She checks it then looks up at him.
“Negro, did you just send me $10,000 to get out of trouble?”
“Yes, and I will keep sending you that same amount until your house and student loans are paid off. And I’ll even pay off your girls loans too.”
She stares at him in shock.
“Nice move, money bags. You actually got Lyric to be quiet.” Big Head says.
Lyric squints her eyes at Big Head making him laugh.
“You’re offering to pay off her house and her college loans?” Lyric’s father asks.
“Yes, sir. I am.” Ranson nods.
“Welcome to the family, son!” Eckhart hugs Ranson. He hugs him back.
The family laughs.
“I know that’s one hell of an act to follow, but everyone, this is Melanie.” Jamar gestures toward his date.
The family says hi, mustering as much hospitality as possible. It’s nothing against Melanie, but every time they have a family gathering, Jamar brings a new girl. It’s so frequent that there’s no point in even remembering her name. She’ll be replaced with another girl by the time they all get together again for the Fourth of July.
“Hello, Melanie,” Cerese says. “I hope you brought your appetite because we plan to feed you around here.”
“Oh, I don’t eat anything fried, and I don’t eat meat,” Melanie shares.
Why the fuck did Jamar bring this girl here?
