“He’s the second oldest of six boys and lives with his siblings. Half of them are underage so he kind of stepped into the parent role and… he’s good at it.” I smiled. “His family is important to him.”
“They both treat you well?”
“Yeah. They treat me well. They're a little protective but I like it honestly.”
He nodded.
“I want to meet him and I, uh, want to have a real conversation with Kiano too. If he’s dating you, I want to get to know him. I love you and I may not get it, but if they’re going to be around long term, I owe that shit to you at least, to give them a chance.”
I smiled.
“I can arrange that. Just let me know when you’re interested.”
“Whenever we can get our schedules to align.”
“Do you have anything else going on tonight?”
Rene looked at me for a while then tilted his head back and finished his beer before shaking his head.
“Nah. If you can get them to circle back around, we can do it now.”
“Okay.” I set my beer bottle on the counter and pulled my phone out of my pocket.
If I could get them to circle back around? Please. My babies would walk through fire if I asked them nicely enough but I didn’t say that. Instead I just dialed Stone since Kiano had been driving.
He answered on the second ring. “What’s up, baby?”
“My brother was hoping he could meet up with you guys if you have some time tonight. He’s going to be in town for a few more hours.”
“Any specific time?”
“Nope, just whenever you get a chance.”
“A’ight. Come to the door then.”
I looked at the door for a second before moving toward it and opening it slowly. Stone and Kiano both leaned against the wall across from my door. I looked between the two of them then laughed.
“What the fuck?” I hung up and walked out to hug both at the same time. “Y’all were just standing outside of my door?”
“Yeah. We wanted to be here in case shit went left.”
“Rene wasn’t going to hurt me.”
“Physically,” Kiano clarified. “But if you ended up needing a shoulder or four to cry on…” He shrugged.
I kissed both of their cheeks.
“I appreciate it, y’all.”
“Of course.”
“He in his feelings?” Stone checked.
“Somewhat but the fact that he’s the one who suggested meeting you guys is an improvement already. He’s willing to extend an olive branch and I’m proud of him for the growth.”
“Yeah. A’ight.”
Stone didn’t sound impressed. I looked up at him and crossed my arms over my chest.