“I should be asking you the same question. It’s barely ten, and you’re already fully dressed with your jewelry on. What hoe are you going to see?” I smirked when I saw the cocky expression on my brother’s face.
“I don’t know why you keep coming at me like that. I’ve been chillin’ since I’ve been home. The only women I’m concernedabout are the ones in my family. Speaking of which, what is my niece doing?”
“She’s at Ess—I mean, East’s auntie’s house.”
“Damn, her little butt is busier than me. Every time I turn around, she’s with someone else.”
“It’s called having a village. I love my baby, but I’m grateful to East’s family for the way they love my baby girl. She is spoiled rotten, and I wouldn’t change a thing. She called me this morning to show me her new braids and her new purse. Her collection is almost as big as mine.” I giggled, thinking about my little twin and her bags. She was truly my mini-me in every sense of the word. My girl didn’t like to leave the house without her hair done and a purse on her arm.
“That’s what’s up. I’m happy you’ve had people in your corner while I was gone. I tried to give East some money for his granny, but he turned me down.”
I bit my lip to hide the smile on my face. Essex didn’t play that shit at all. As far as he was concerned, we were his family, and no one else needed to look out for us.
“He takes care of her on my behalf, so that’s probably why. Honestly, she loves Noodle and me, so she doesn’t mind being there for us.”
“That’s what’s up. Anyway, you never answered my question. I see you have makeup on and a fresh outfit. Where are you headed?”
“I’m going to brunch with my girls, and then I’m gonna pick up Noodle and go get our nails done. We have a monthly mommy-daughter pamper day. I need a pedicure badly since I chipped the paint on my big toe.”
Keynauri chuckled as I frowned at my toenail. I hated when my nails or toes weren’t all uniform. If I broke a nail, I took my ass right to the shop to get it fixed. It might have been petty, but it was a pet peeve for me.
“Sounds good. My schedule is jam-packed the next few days, but I want to see y’all. Why don’t you and Noodle come spend the night over here?” he asked.
Internally, I groaned, knowing East would have a fit when I told him. He was adamant about telling my brother the truth, while I was still ducking and dodging the subject. While I loved sucking dick, my jaw was sore from me using head as a distraction whenever he brought the conversation up. The truth was, I just wasn’t ready.
“Sounds like a plan. Let me know when you wrap up and are headed home. I’ll pick up some food from that Haitian spot on Arnold Rd. I haven’t had it since you got locked up because it made me feel guilty. Now that you’re home, I need some griot with some rice and plantain real bad.”
“Hell yeah. I don’t know how to work all this new shit. Logic tried to help me set up this banking shit on my phone, but I haven’t gotten the hang of it yet. I can send you the address to the studio if you want to slide by and grab this money for the food.”
“I keep forgetting how much has changed for you. I’ll show you how to work everything when I come over. I’m good, though. Dinner is on me tonight.”
“Yeah. A lot has changed since I’ve been gone. It’s crazy as hell to witness how much more advanced the world is now. Got me over here feeling like somebody’s old-ass uncle trying to figure out the world.”
“Keynauri, please get off my phone. I’m actually surprised to see you on FaceTime.”
“You can thank your daughter for teaching me. She had me on YouTube looking up all kinds of shit just so I could help her.” The distressed look on his face caused me to giggle.
“These new-age kids are advanced. These kids know how to work electronics better than most adults.” I snickered.
Keynauri and I sat on the phone joking and talking about everything and nothing while I got ready for brunch with my girls. My heart felt at peace knowing I could talk to him and see him living the life he always deserved. Life was finally falling into place, and I wanted it to stay this way.
“Damn, I’m gonna be gassy as hell, but these deviled eggs are bussin!” Summyah exclaimed.
We were at this new brunch spot called Toast Elite, and the food was top tier. The four of us ordered a little bit of everything to sample, and I hadn’t been disappointed yet. My appetite had grown recently, and it seemed like I could never get full.
“I feel the same way about this catfish and grits. I’ve been eating my grits wrong for years. I lowkey want to order some to go, but I’m gonna be eating dinner with Nauri tonight.”
“I know you hate it when we speak on your brother, but baby, that mothafucka is fine as fuck. I didn’t think it was possible for him to get finer, but damn.” Kiara fanned herself while I rolled my eyes.
“Eww, please spare me.” I pretended to gag.
“She ain’t lying, friend. If I didn’t have a man, I would have offered him some welcome home pussy. I knew he was fine by his pictures, but damn. I couldn’t date a nigga like him, because he’s too fuckin’ pretty. I just know I would be beating bitches off of him daily. Hoes already can’t stand me; they would be ready to take me out.” Summyah chimed in.
“I shouldn’t be shocked because I’ve been hearing this since I was a kid. Bitches used to go crazy over him, and they stilldo. Keynauri is a good dude, so I wouldn’t necessarily have an issue with any of y’all fucking with him. The problem is that I don’t play about my brother, so the minute you try to put your hands on him or do him dirty, I’ma fuck you up, and then our friendship would be over.” I shrugged, taking a sip of my orange juice. I was sad I couldn’t have a mimosa like everyone else, but I would have to get used to it.
“Damn, it’s like that? You would dog walk me over your brother?” Kiara held her chest as if she was in shock.
“Straight drag your ass, friend. We would never be able to recover.”