Page 56 of Next Level
Not wanting to fight with her, I give in, admitting defeat to myself, and say, “You’re right. I’m sorry.”
Instantly, she’s appeased with my apology and looks around. “Okay, where’s my grandbaby?”
Shit!
“Ma, she’s with Brooke. I dropped her off withhermother.”
Ma’s head tilts to the side, glaring at me crazily. She snaps, “What?”
I rub my face. “Ma—”
Ma interrupts me. “Don’t you Ma me. I amyourmomma, and she ismygrandbaby.”
“Exactly, Ma. You aremymom. Sammie is withhermom. She’ll be here this weekend.”
“Vicki, sit down. Sammie’s home, for God’s sake. Give the boy a break. Christ, woman!” Lazy yells from the bar, using my ma’s real name.
Lazy’s an old fart, and he doesn’t take any shit, even from my ma.
Ma snaps her attention to Lazy. “Boy, you best—”
I grab her into a hug, whispering into her ear, “Chill out, Ma. Everything’s okay. We’re both home safe. Now, can we eat dinner?”
She relaxes into my hold, squeezing me back.
“Okay, baby. Okay,” she says softly.
THE STORY
Sitting out on my porch, I let the early morning sun hit my face while I drink my coffee.
The quiet sound of birds chirping is calming to me.
After dinner last night, I called it a night. Dawg wanted details on Cherry, but I told everyone I was exhausted and went up to the house to crash. Being home, knowing Sammie’s safe, and having a quiet house, it just hit me, and I was out like a light. I didn’t even make it to the shower. I texted Cherry to let her know I was exhausted and asked if we could have a rain check on our FaceTime fucking. She replied saying she was with her parents, so it all worked out.
I slept like a rock and feel great today. Now, I need to handle business.
“Morning,” Dawg says, yawning.
I see my best friend coming out the front door with his own cup of coffee.
“Morning,” I reply, taking a sip of coffee.
“You sleep well?” he asks, sitting in the lounger next to me.
“Hell yeah. Missed my Blossom sprawled out over me, but otherwise, I slept like a rock.”
He stares at me. “Yourblossom. Seriously?” he drawls.
I chuckle.
Dawg continues, “Damn, brother. You got it bad for this chick.”
“I think so.”
He leans his head back, letting the sunshine hit his face. “Well fuck. I can’t wait to meet her. When’s she coming?”
I place my head back and close my eyes as well, allowing the sun to warm me up. “Friday.”
