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i love fics that feel so... grown. fics about adults that were written by adults who have years of life experience under their belts who pour that into their writing. fics where you can tell this is a person who has lived through a marriage or a divorce or a child or children or parent death or any number of Huge Life Events because the way they write with an emphasis on the highs and lows of the human experience rather than an emphasis on tropes (not throwing shade) is just so. oh man, it's just so fucking good. if my blorbos are grown men, grown women, grown people, i love it when they feel like grown people, not just extensions of the (young) author's imagination. (still not throwing shade). you know?
Annie, an 18-year-old from New Orleans, moves to Clarksdale with dreams of building a life all her own. There she meets Smoke, a 21-year-old war veteran with a dangerous reputation. What grows between them is sweet, sticky, and Southernâ a smoldering love set against a world of bootlegging, Hoodoo, and blues.
Chapter 10
The house was quiet after the rumble of Smokeâs truck faded into the night, the scent of Annieâs perfume oil and Smokeâs frustration all that was left behind.
Outside, a strong wind swept through the land turning dead leaves into little cyclones. It rattled the bones of the house, making the porch floorboards groan even though no living soul dared to darken their front porch this time of night. The soothing song of crickets rubbing their wings together layered over the quiet of the woods and the sudden, sharp whistle that pierced the night air whenever a train passed by in the distance.
Stack was used to that. A solitude that never felt quiet or empty. Because his twin was always somewhere orbiting him in some way.
He set the book that he never meant to read in the first place down on the coffee table and sighed.
He was happy for Smoke.
Heâd seen him with plenty women before. Women he brought back to the house, women he took on dates, good women, beautiful women.Â
But heâd never seen him look at them the way he looked at Annie.Â
And Annie looked at Smoke the way nobody ever had. Like she believed there was something there worth saving.
He watched them watch each other through the mirror with something in their eyes that lived there like it was second nature. They held whole conversations with just looks and facial expressions. Stack would catch them at it, his eyes flicking curiously between the two.Â
That made him chuckle to himself.Â
He liked Annie for his brother. She was a good girl. From a good family in New Orleans from what heâd heard from her great-aunt Della.Â
Between feelings of genuine happiness and a twinge of protectiveness, something cold and unfamiliar made his gut twist. Something he didnât want to admit out loud.Â
It was something that he hadn't experienced since his father first put his hands on him as a child.
Smoke was a killer. They both were. Sure, most of it was deserved. Between the war and niggas who would have killed them if they didnât shoot first. But they had innocent blood on their hands too. Ancestral blood.Â
Stack stood from the couch and walked towards the back door, deciding to check on the still to keep his mind on things that mattered right now. He passed by their military trunk and paused. He took two steps back and looked over at the trunk that sat untouched for years in their home. Then he turned to crouch in front of it.
The faded blue wooden trunk had years of history soaked into its grain. The top opened with a loud groan of metal creaking on the hinges.
At the top were basic things. Two helmets, two army blankets, bayonets, French guns, knives, binoculars, and ammunition they carried back from the war.Â
A tin nestled beneath the blankets caught the light of the candle still burning in the room. He moved the contents of the trunk around carefully and pulled it out, dusting the top of it off with his hands.
It was small, bronze, its edges worn to a muted black, with raised decorative script and decals all over. The bottom of the tin read Christmas 1914. Two large Mâs on either side of a female figurehead sat in the center. He liked to think the M stood for Moore, one for each of them.Â
Stack took a deep breath then opened the tin. A small oval locket sat inside, right on top of a few crumpled papers, its delicate chain wrapped around the golden pendant like a spiral. His thumb brushed the top before he opened it.
Heâd seen the picture a million times but his breath got stuck in his throat every time he laid his eyes on it.
âMama,â he whispered. It wasnât the word that hit deep but the intention behind it. He called Miss CecilyâMaryâs mamaââmamaâ plenty of times to the point that it was almost second nature to him after twenty-some odd-years. But here, looking at the black-and-white photo of the women who lended him his first breath, the word slipping from his lips felt different. Like a spell or an invocation. Like if he said it soft enough sheâd appear out of thin air as alive as the eyes staring back at him felt.
She looked happy and her radiance shined through the picture. Stack couldnât help but grin. She was beautiful. The thing he liked the most about the picture was that she felt alive. He could almost feel her gaze on him through the picture. He had her nose and her smile that spread across her face like a sunrise and lit up her big, round eyes.
He thumbed the lock of her hair that sat to the side of the locket. It was soft, a beautiful texture of kinks and coils that looked dark, like a midnight blue-black, braided into a thick plait.Â
Stackâs jaw worked.Â
Heâd heard stories from people who knew her. What she was like, how she couldnât wait to meet her children. Miss Cecilyâs whole face would light up when she told stories about their friendship and time together. It made him ache for her. And the contents of the tin were the only thing he and Smoke had.
What did she smell like? What did her hugs feel like? What did her voice sound like?Â
Would she be proud of them?
It made him wonder about their daddy too. What was he like before the blood and the death and the liquor that hollowed him out?
He pulled out one of the papers decorated with his motherâs writing.Â
E.M.
Emmaline Moore.
Her initials were written in cursive on top of the folded squares.Â
He didnât unfold them. He couldnât.Â
Since Miss Cecily handed over the bundle of their motherâs poems, neither he nor Smoke dared to actually read them. They sat in that tin as a testament to her life but something too sacred to actually unfold.
Stack shook his head. He sniffled once, grunting to clear the tears that threatened his throat. He tucked the locket and poem back into the tin and put it back into the trunk underneath the army blankets. He closed the top of the trunk that felt like a door to the past where the memories felt too alive and stung like the back of his fatherâs hand.
âFuck,â he sighed, running a hand down his jaw. He stood up and swiftly walked to the kitchen to fill a tin mug with two fingers of moonshine.Â
He and his brother had business to attend. Real business. With Clay down here and Duke in Memphis and niggas up North. Talks of carving a life elsewhere clouded his restless thoughts. It wouldnât be the first time, but their first time didnât last that long.Â
Harlem.Â
The war.Â
They could have stayed. Started over. But they came right back to the blistering heat and familiar hunger of the Mississippi Delta. To the ghosts that lived under the floorboards and the very faint scent of lavender that lived inside that bronze holiday tin.Â
Clarksdale was the devil they knew.Â
Taking a chug of moonshine, he let the sting settle in his chest. It helped distract his mindâŠfor now.
Stack was already in his room when the front door swung open and Smoke walked in. His footsteps, heavy and grounding, cut through the darkness that sat over the front room like a veil. He dropped his keys by the door, hung up his jacket, and silently walked the few paces to his bedroom.Â
His door shut behind him with a soft click. He knew he needed to wash up before bed but he didnât want to. The scent of Annie still clung to his skin and he wasnât ready to get rid of it yet.
But he went anyway.
He left his room, trudging to the wash basin outside of their house. It was hidden inside a shed in their backyard near their outhouse; the small space smelled like quicklime, damp soil, and lye soap.Â
The water was cold but it was refreshing as he reflected on the night he spent with Annie.
He was starting to feel something for her.Â
And although he couldnât name it yet, he couldnât deny it. Couldnât deny the ache he felt when he was away from her either.
Smoke stripped down, the cool air calming the fire in his blood.Â
The soapy rag went across his broad shoulders, down the span of his chest and groin, water dripping down his length that was already starting to react to the thought of her.
When she rolled her hips, grinding herself back on him...Â
She only did it once, but what it made him feelâ
Like a fiend needing a fix. He wanted more.
He groaned, the sound swallowed by the night around him.
That damn woman.Â
All soft-tempered and honey-tongued. Her sweetness made his teeth ache. The worst part was she didnât even know how much those big eyes and pouty lips made him weak for her. Her curious little gestures being so innocent in intent drove him crazy.Â
Heâd never tell her either.Â
Once he was done, he dumped the water and carried in a bucket of fresh water from the creek for the morning. Then he made his way back into the house.Â
The pathway was dark. Pitch black. But Smoke knew the shape of it by heart. He secured the back door and checked the front and the windows without a light to guide him before settling into his bedroom and securing the latch.Â
None of that settled his earlier thoughts. Smoke laid back in his bed, one hand resting behind his head. His manhood was still half-hard. He ran the other hand over his chest, his fingertips brushing over the coarse patch of hair scattered there. He didnât touch it yet. His palm hovered over his crotch so he could feel it twitch under the covers.Â
âDamn,â he whispered.
He gave in. To the heat, the thoughts, the wanting. He slipped his hand underneath his drawers and let his restraint lay at his bedside, forgotten just for a moment.
He grabbed hold of it, stroking the shaft lazily as it came to life in his palm. His fingers twisted underneath his sensitive head while his other hand came down to squeeze his balls. His breath hitched. He was already slick with want before heâd truly begun.Â
He closed his eyes and thought about Annie lying in front of him on the couch earlier. His arms had been wrapped tightly around her. Her backside that fit in his lap like a puzzle piece. His head buried in the crook of her neck, so close he could feel her pulse fluttering nervously against his lips.
âDamn, Annie,â he choked out behind gritted teeth. âFuck,â he hissed as his legs started to twitch.
It didnât take long. He gasped as his release shot out in thick, hot ropes across his chiseled stomach. He tried to catch his breath, smothering his panting in the crook of his arm.
Once his breathing slowed he cleaned himself up, making the decision to sleep naked regardless of the cool draft that crept through the cracks of the house.Â
As he drifted off he thought about Annie. Her touch, her skin, her warmth.Â
He couldnât wait to see her again.Â
But until then heâd settle for a dream.Â
Saturday, December 13, 1919 - The Harvest Party
The gentle drone of hooded dryers softened the laughter and low conversations flowing through the salon, where secrets and sisterhood were shared in equal measure.Â
Women occupied nearly every chair and the narrow spaces between them at Ritzyâs on Issaquena, passing combs, hairpins, bottles, and gossip over one anotherâs heads. Some waited with capes draped around their shoulders while others sat with heads tilted back over washbasins. Hot combs rested over blue flames near the stove, their metal teeth heating to a glow. The smell singed the air, mingling with pomade, perfume, and the sharp sweetness of corn liquor being passed around discreetly.
Nellie and Gigi traded casual conversation between each other.
Verity sat on the waiting bench near the window fanning herself with a folded newspaper. Her friend sat quietly next to her.
âGirl, you gonâ burn every strand off that poor girlâs head foolinâ with that hooch,â Verity said as she watched a hairdresser take a healthy swig from a flask before picking up a hot comb.
âI ainât had but two swallows,â she replied. âPlus she got enough hair for three women...donât you girl?â
The girl in her chair smiled sheepishly.Â
Annie walked in the salon, shutting the door quickly before the crisp winter air could sneak in behind her. She loosened her coat as warmth settled over her skin.
âFinally!â Nellie called out.
âThere she go,â Gigi greeted. âHeyyy Louisiana!âÂ
She sat near the front window with her hair pressed into glossy waves, silver clips fastened neatly along her temples. Nellie sat in the chair next to her, a towel wrapped around her shoulders while another hairdresser parted and oiled her scalp.
Annie raised an eyebrow as she hung her coat up on the rack. âI ainât late.â
âYou ainât early neither,â Nellie replied.
âLeave her be,â Gigi waved a hand. âYou know she got a lot on her mind.â
Nellie hummed knowingly.
Annie walked to the waiting bench and took a seat next to Verity and her friend after greeting them both before turning toward Nellie and Gigi.
âAnd what you mean by that?â
Gigiâs mouth spread into a sly grin. âGirl, you know what I mean.â
âI surely do not.â
âMhmm.â
Annie looked across the salon, searching for a familiar face before she could stop herself.Â
âShe really ainât coming, huh?â Annie said to herself. Her eyes widened. She didnât mean to say that out loud and she definitely didnât mean for Gigi or Nellie to hear it.
Too late.
Nellie was already sucking her teeth dramatically.Â
ââCourse she ainât. You already know how her husband be. Lock and key.âÂ
Verity clicked her tongue, a quiet-ish warning aimed at her sister, but Nellie ignored her and rolled her eyes.
It was a reflex to expect to see Pearline across the room, so the absence felt strange. There was no familiar voice joining Gigiâs laughter, no careful smile, no nervous glance toward the door like her husband might appear out of thin air.
One of the hairdressers gestured for Annie to come sit in her chair. She crossed the room and lowered herself in front of the mirror, untying the scarf from around her head while the hairdresser began undoing the straight backs beneath it.
Annie relaxed as the womanâs fingers moved through her hair. Conversation layered over conversation around her. Food, weather, liquor, clothes, shoesâall smalltalk at first. Then the topic of men came up. Which men would come alone, which men would come at all. Who theyâd show up withâŠor without.
Annie casually glanced over at Gigi who was taking a gulp of something in a small brown bottle.
âHere,â she held it out to her. âFor your nerves.â
Annie looked at the bottle. âI ainât nervous,â she mumbled.
Gigi tilted her head. âThen why your knee bouncinâ?â
Annie looked down. Her right leg moved steadily beneath the cape tied around her neck. She stopped it instantly.
âSee?â Gigi laughed. âHere.â She encouraged her again to take the bottle.
Annie waved her off. âUh-uh, Iâm just ready for tonight.âÂ
âMore for me,â Gigi shrugged, taking another swig.
âReady for the party,â Nellie asked, âor ready for Smoke?â
Annie felt warmth rise from her chest to her cheeks.
Her hairdresser met her gaze through the mirror. âKeep your head still, girl.â
âSorry.â
Her hairdresser just grinned.
âWell?â Nellie probed.
Annie sighed. âIâm ready for the party.â
âMhmm.â
Annie sucked her teeth. âYâall actinâ like he never seen me befoâ.â
âNot like he gonâ see you tonight,â Nellie shot back.
Annie pressed her lips together to keep from smiling.
âThis the first time everybody gonâ see yâall together since you agreed to let him court you proper.â
âSo?â Annie questioned, almost bashfully. âThat donât mean nothinâ.âÂ
âGirl please,â Nellie said, almost brazingly so. âIt means everything.â
âI guess.â
âMhmm,â Gigi agreed. âAnd tonight you gonâ see it for yourself. Everybody gonâ be lookinâ at the woman who got Smoke Moore to call on her proper.â
âI hope he ainât got a weak heart,â Verity remarked, proud, from across the room. Her friendâs lips pulled tight, her fingers tensing on the hem of her blouse.
âOkay?â Nellie chimed in. ââCuz from what Pea said about your dress, it ainât for the faint of heart.â
Annie chuckled to herself, her cheeks warming.
Her hairdresser removed a hot comb from the flame. She tested it against a square of paper towel and watched a faint brown line appear before crossing back over to Annie.Â
âHold still.â
Annie sat up straight, hands gripping the arms of the chair as the metal comb passed close to her scalp, the hot fumes pressing sharply against the delicate skin there.Â
âWhew!âÂ
She exhaled as the comb moved further down her strands, smoothing them as the teeth raked through her thick hair. It was a nice, albeit fleeting distraction from the conversations that went on around her, but Gigiâs words replayed in her mind.Â
Smoke had walked beside her before. Heâd been seen with her all around town and walked close enough for people to whisper. But tonight would be different.
Annie would go to the party with her friends and Smoke would show upâŠwhenever he decided to show up.Â
That meant sheâd be waiting on him. Which left her with nothing but time. Time to be anxious. Time to wonder when heâd finally get there. Time to feel the room shift when he did. The thought made something flutter beneath her ribs.
Would he find her immediately, his eyes dark and unreadable beneath the brim of his hat watching her from across the room?
Would he come straight to her, or would he make her wait while he greeted everyone else?
And more importantly, what would she do when he was standing in front of her?
Stand quietly and let him take her hand?
Smile like he hadnât been occupying her thoughts all day?
Annieâs knee began bouncing again.
Her hairdresser paused, hot comb inches from her scalp. âAnnie-girl.â
Annie immediately stilled her leg. âSorryâIâm sorry.â She bit her lip.
âTold you,â Gigi smirked. âNerves.â
Annie just sat quiet looking at herself in the mirror. Half her hair had been smoothed and shaped while the other half remained thick, free and wild around her face. She looked like she was caught between two versions of herself.
The version of herself who first arrived in Clarksdale and the one staring back at her in the mirror.Â
Before, people looked at her because she was new. But nowâŠnow theyâd be watching her because she got chose.
And not just by anyone.
By one-half of a pair of twins so infamous, the townâno, the countyâcalled them the SmokeStack twins.
Smoke was a man who wore silence like clothing. A man whose hand covered hers when she touched his heart. A man who looked at her like she was the only person in the room.
Theyâd see him walk towards her. Theyâd watch how close he stood, where he put his hands, whether his expression softened when she spoke. Every dance would be evidence. Every glance would be collected and carried home as gossip.Â
And theyâd watch Annie too. To see whether she welcomed his attention. Whether she leaned into him. Whether she acted differently now that Elijah Moore had chosen to court her.
The flutter beneath her ribs increased almost violently.
Maybe she wasnât nervous about being seen with him.
Maybe she was just nervous about how much she wanted to be.
âYou smilinâ,â Gigiâs voice went sideways, pulling her out of her thoughts.
âAm not.â
âAre too.â
âShe been smilinâ since you said Smokeâs name,â Nellie said with a grin.
âYâall worry too much about what Iâm doinâ.â
Annie held her hand out for the bottle, which Gigi happily obliged. She uncapped it, sniffing it before taking a small swallow. She grimaced as the liquor burned across her tongue. âLord, I do not know how yâall drink this stuff straight.âÂ
ââCourse we do,â Nellie blurted incredulously with bugged out eyes, âweâre your friends!âÂ
The three women laughed.
Annie glanced around at the crowded salon. The shop bell rang constantlyâif one woman was stepping out, another was stepping in. Face powder dusted the countertops, stockings draped over chair backs, purses lay open, revealing lipstick and tiny bottles of perfume. Gigi was laughing so hard she had to hold her stomach. Nellie bickered with her hairdresser about which direction she wanted her curls turned. Even the salon owner, Lottie Mae, wasnât above taking a discreet sip from the mysterious brown bottle making its rounds.Â
When she first arrived all those months ago she imagined finding something like thisâa community of women who teased her, made room for her, watched her, and cared enough to ask her if she was nervous.Â
Pearlineâs absence was still noticeable, a quiet ache beneath all the noise.
But even more noticeable was Annieâs place among them. And sitting in this salon chair, laughter, heat and chaos all around her, she felt perfectly held.
Smoke leaned back in a barberâs chair, striped plastic cape draped across his shoulders and a hot towel sitting over his beard. A slew of grooming tools plus a shaving mug and brush sat on a small metal table off to the side of his chair.Â
Brownâs Barbershop was lively, low conversations carried over the sound of soft music drifting from the corner. The smell of hair tonic, aftershave, and a hint of cigar smoke clung stubbornly to tobacco-stained plaster walls.Â
âHow much we takinâ off today, Smoke?â Roy, the barber, asked as he removed the towel from Smokeâs face.
Smoke looked at his beard in the mirror. âJust trim the sides a little,â he replied, âand clean up the edges.âÂ
âGotchu,â Roy said with a nod.
âHe could stand to lose a few inches from the top too.â A voice rose over the hum of the shop, commanding with a teasing edge. âAnd use some of that pomade in there too so he donât look like a field nigga on a hot day.â
Smoke rolled his eyes. âIgnore him.âÂ
Roy just chuckled, shook his head and picked up his shears.
Stack sat in the open backroom of the shop slapping cards down on a table, eyes full of mirth. Judging by the annoyed groans and curses coming from his opponents at the table, heâd just played somebody out of their money. He gathered his winnings and pushed up from his seat, the legs of the chair scraping against the wooden floors. The mirrors on the wall watched him stalk towards Smokeâs chair by the window.
âBig brotha gotta look extra nice tonight,â Stack said teasingly. âAinât that right?âÂ
Roy grunted as he trimmed the sides of Smokeâs beard. âOh yeah? Why is that?âÂ
Smoke ground his teeth. âStack.âÂ
Stack tilted his head. âSmoke.â
âWe goinâ to that party tonight over at Messengerâs,â he said to Roy.
âI ainât think yâall went to those,â Roy muttered in concentration.
âWe donât,â he shrugged,âwe makinâ an exception this year.â He smirked, his smile spreading slowly as he stared at Smoke in the mirror. Smoke glared back, his own expression void of warmth.Â
âThe only thing yâall make exceptions for are dollars.âÂ
That pulled a low chuckle out of Smoke.
âAnd beautiful women,â Stack added.Â
Roy waited for Stack to explain because beautiful women were nothing the twins were ever short on. And never, as long as heâd known them, were they ever a reason for them to go to a party at a juke. He looked up from his tools, eyes darting between Smokeâs unreadable face and Stackâs daring gaze staring back at his twin.
âOhâŠhe ainât tell you?â Stack said, low enough so his voice only reached the three of them.
Roy blinked, eyebrows raised.
âSmoke got a special lady he goinâ to see tonight,â he said, holding his suspenders with his thumbs, bouncing lightly on the balls of his feet.
Roy started trimming the top of Smokeâs hair now. âThis somebody gotta name?â
âAnnie,â Smoke finally spoke.
âAnnie,â Roy echoed as he circled the chair to get another angle. âAnd she special, huh? How special?â
âSheâs my woman,â Smoke said with finality. âAnd Iâm only goinâ âcause she gonâ be there.â
âCanât say I know that name,â Roy voiced, âbut if she got you cominâ out the house more, I like her already.â
Smoke chuckled low.Â
âMe too,â Stack started, his eyes darting around. âYeah, she real nice. Beautiful. Tall. Voice real softâŠlike a blanket. Like somethinâ that makes you wannaâ-â
âStack,â Smoke hissed.
Stack just grinned wider.Â
Roy shook his head and twenty minutes later, both Smoke and Stack were leaving the barbershop smelling of hair tonic and Hoytâs just as the sun was starting to retreat behind the buildings.Â
They walked past the cobbler, past the tailor shop, past the flower girl posted at the corner, her knitted white shawl barely shielding her thin frame from the bitter air, and hopped into their Dodge Brothers Model 30 parked just outside the general store.Â
Smoke started the engine as Stack spread out casually in the front seat.
âCouple niggas in there turned they heads.â
âWho?â
âOne nigga damn near choked on his drink.â Stack laughed to himself.Â
âWho else?â
âFew niggas from Maybell. One of them friends with Terry. You know he used to stay over at Dellaâs?â
Smoke shook his head. âVultures.â
Stack barked out a laugh. âRelax big bro, you knew this was gonâ happen.â He looked out the window as town buildings turned into flat countryside. âYou know these niggas sniff out innocence like a sacrificial lamb. Shit.â
âStackâŠ,â Smoke said, his voice held an edge to it that made Stackâs parted lips snap shut. Something possessive in Smoke sparked hot, much hotter than it did in the barbershop where he knew Stackâs words were bait. âWatch your mouth.âÂ
Stack held both hands up in defense. âYou right, my bad.â He looked over at his brother. âMy fault.â
âYou good,â his jaw worked, âjust donât be gettinâ carried away talkinâ âbout whatâs mine.â
Stack smoothly changed the subject to something lighter and less personalâclothing. That was his lane. Clothes, shoes, hair, hatsâyou name it, he knew where to get it, and he was good at it too.Â
Smoke liked his clothes to fit looser, more relaxed. Stack had taken it upon himself to pick out his outfit for tonight and something in him didnât feel like fighting him on it.Â
A cream long-sleeved collared shirt, a pair of charcoal-colored trousers with a clean crease down the front, and a bow tie were hanging up for Smoke when he got back from his bath.
âI ainât wearinâ no bow tie, nigga,â he said, voice flat.
Stack stopped what he was doing and turned slowly. âYou canât not wear a bowtie.â
âI ainât wearinâ no fuckinâ bow tie.âÂ
Stack just shook his head and pulled a pair of suspenders with black leather tabs from his wardrobe. He tossed them to Smoke who caught them with one hand.
âThought you wanted to look sharp.â
âI ainât say all that.â
âYou ainât have to.â
He stepped into the trousers and suspenders first before shrugging on the shirt, the collar concealing the aluminum dog tags hanging around his neck. He fastened a dark-colored waistcoat over the shirt and stepped into a pair of polished black leather boots before sticking a pistol in the back of his trousersâ waistband. A black knee-length wool overcoat completed the look.
He kept his accessories simple, his Elgin watch with a steel case and a brown leather wrist strap, a pair of leather gloves that he put in the pocket of his overcoat, and nothing more but the clean line of his clothes and the smell of his cologne.
Stack looked him over as he set the iron on the stove for his own clothes. High-waisted trousers in a rich, warm tobacco brown with a matching waistcoat. Light collared shirt with a burgundy tie, gold tie and double-ridged collar bars. Cap-toe oxford shoes and a burgundy fedora with a narrow black grosgrain.Â
âYou still need a bow tie.â
Smoke sucked his teeth, pulling at his collar.
âA bow tieâŠa tieâŠsomethinâ....your neck look too empty.â
âManâŠâ
âTrust meâŠyou gonâ thank me later,â he said with a knowing grin. âI know you tryna impress her.â
Maybe his brother was right. He wanted to impress her. Wanted to see her big, brown eyes grow even wider when she saw him across the room.Â
He didnât know if he was ready to see her in a short dress that showed any kind of thigh. He just might lose it if somebody stared at her too long. But he wasnât about to sit at home while it happened. So heâd let Stack dress him. As long as Annieâs face lit upâŠ.shit.
He was doing it again; his thoughts just drifting off to her like theyâd been doing more often lately.
As long as her face lit up, heâd swallow his pride tonight.Â
Aunt Dellaâs boarding house was thrumming with life as usual, lodgers spread throughout the first level. But tonight it held the life of a particular young woman who felt like she stood at the threshold of something bigger than herself.
The women sat around Annieâs room laughing, gossiping, and trying not to mess up their new hairdos. Annie kept one leg tucked under her while Gigi sat cross-legged on the floor and Nellie sat next to Annie on the bed with her back on the wall.
Golden hour poured into the room through the lace curtains like honey over toast, slow and warm.
Della stepped into her doorway and couldnât help but grin at the scene in front of her. Her eyes flicked from Nellie listening intently while Gigi narrated a story excitedly with her hands. Then her eyes moved to Annie and she saw the three generations that dwelled inside of her.Â
Annie had her motherâs eyes, big, brown pools of warmth that freckled in the sunlight.
Her grandmotherâs grace. Like a river, smooth, solemn, calm.
She had the caul that covered her great-grandmother over her spirit like a veil.
And something else.
Her hand dropped to the pocket of her apron where a small pouch sat.Â
A few days agoâŠ
Della sat tall in her front room chair and let the steady tick of the grandfather clock punctuate her thoughts while the house slept. She liked it that way. Running a boarding house rarely gave her room to sit alone with her thoughts. The only time she could spare was when the world was dreaming.Â
A thick wax candle burned low on the coffee table. The scent of her chewing clove filled the air along with the heady fragrance from her tea, its steam curling around the smoke from the candle like two ghosts doing a dance. Her knitting lay in her lap, half done, half discarded, fingers still holding the needle.Â
Annie had walked in a few hours ago, face so bright it looked like she swallowed the sun. But as the house quieted down, something tugged at her spirit.
It wasnât a warning. Not exactly.
But the longer she sat there, the harder it pulled, like a physical tugging of her ribs. The slow, methodical drip of the yard pump felt like it was getting closer. The sound of the low crackle of embers from the woodstove seemed louder.
âAlright,â she said to herself. She pushed off the chair, left her knitting on the cushion, and blew candles out one-by-one as she walked through the house. The smoke curled around her like spirits guiding her forward.
The underground chamber was so quiet, it felt like the room was holding its breath. That wasnât unusual. But the silence was disturbed by the constant drip of water from one particular spot in the ceiling. Della huffed under her breath and slid a bucket underneath it. She passed the heavy oak door with two padlocks and stood in front of the door to a smaller room, more narrow on the inside, darker. No locks on the door.Â
She gathered what she needed. A tiny cloth bag. Horseshoe nail. Lodestone. Strands of hair. Then incense smoke clouded the small room. She tied the bag with a millerâs knot then closed her eyes and set her intentions. The whiskey touched the pouch three times. Just enough to feed it, not enough to flood it.
âYou okay, auntie?â Annie asked, looking towards the doorway.
Aunt Della blinked once and smiled warmly. She palmed the mojo bag in her apron pocket. âJust thinkinâ about how much you look like your mama.â
Annie fiddled with the edge of her robe.
âYâall want some drinks?â
Gigi hopped up. âYes, please!â She hustled to the doorway. âI can help!â
Aunt Della shook her head and they walked out the door towards the staircase. Their voices faded as they walked downstairs. Nellie hugged her knees and tilted her head towards Annie.
âYou excited?â
âNervous,â Annie chuckled.Â
âNervous? Foâ what?â
Annie hummed. âI dunno, I justâŠgot butterflies.â
âMhmm,â Nellie said sarcastically. âYou nervous about beinâ in a dark room with a lilâ liquor in your system and that man.â
Annie giggled.
âAll that temptation,â she teased.
Annie thought about sweat and perfume and sweet whiskey and blues weaving through the juke slowly, wrapping around bodies and curling into every corner like smoke puffing out a locomotive stack. She felt a tingle run up her skin just thinking about it. Nellie looked at her with a knowing smirk and Annie rolled her eyes.Â
âWell letâs get you dressed, girl.â
Luella padded up the steps of the boarding house with her assistant who carefully held a dark green garment bag in her hands. A canvas drawstring bag with Annieâs shoes, accessories, and some finishing pins hung off Luellaâs shoulder. They walked right in, the front door already cracked open by the lodgers that crowded the front room and spilled onto the porch partaking in their Saturday shenanigans. The whole house smelled like moonshine, sweet perfume, and anticipation.
Della appeared from the kitchen with Gigi behind her holding a tray of drinks. A fizzy, deep violet colored potion with swirls of ruby red in the liquid. She greeted Luella and her assistant warmly.
âI knew youâd be right on time.â
âI wouldnât miss it for the world.â
âAnd I canât wait to see it. Ladies, follow me.â
The four women walked up the stairs slowly, mindful of the delicate things they held in their hands. Annie was fastening the clasp on the back of Nellieâs dress when they all walked in. They all gasped at the sight of her pretty onyx colored dress with hints of silver that made it look like moonlight reflecting off water.Â
âDonât she look good?â Annie said.
Nellie spun around. âYâall like it?âÂ
âYou look good, girl,â Gigi said. âLet me see it from the side.âÂ
Nellie obliged, posing to the side.
âYessss, okay body. Okay, hips.â
Nellie snapped and pursed her lips playfully. âYes maâam.âÂ
âCome on,â Aunt Della said. âYâall can get dressed properly in my room.â
Aunt Dellaâs room was larger than the average lodger room. The windows were wide, sunlight filtering through yellowed lace curtains that made the light look embroidered. The smell of laundry starch, Florida water, and pine lived deep in the walls. Underneath it all, the scent of pipe smoke and cedarâher late husbandâs familiar smellâstill lingered like a ghost between the wood and fabric.
Gigi got dressed next. She disappeared behind the folding screen and came out in a teal number with golden beads stitched in patterns, the dress more flirty than seductive. It flowed around her frame, cinching gently at her waist and stopping a bit lower than mid-thigh. A simple necklace hung around her neck and a flower hair comb was tucked gracefully on the side of her chignon. The look was paired with beige t-strap heels laced delicately around her ankles.
The women drank a little and twirled around the room as they played with perfume and pearls and flung stockings at each other. Aunt Della even turned on her phonograph to set the mood with some music.Â
âAlright, Annie,â she said over the music, âItâs âbout that time.â
Annie stood and slipped behind the folding screen to undress.Â
She looked at herself in the mirror as Luellaâs assistant unzipped the garment bag holding her dress. She stood in just her underwear. Her rich, dark skin was shiny from the oil sheâd put on, making it look lush and inviting like a softness that whispered warmth.Â
She stepped into her tights first.Â
The tight fabric smoothed over her legs like silk.Â
Luellaâs assistant helped her position and attach the bra which pushed her breasts up to the heavens, making them look like bountiful, chocolate mounds. They were naturally perky, so she didnât notice that much of a difference in how high they sat on her chest, but she admired how they looked pushed together forming a delicate slope.Â
Annie took a moment to apply drops of fragrant oil to her neck, behind her ears, across her wrists, and down the center of her cleavage. The intoxicating scent wafted up through her nostrils, making her feel transformed and a little moreâŠdaring.Â
Luellaâs assistant helped her step into her dress with a carefulness that bordered on sacredness.Â
The dress skimmed over her thick thighs. Just imagining Smokeâs burning glance on them made anticipation hum beneath her skin. It hugged the curve of her hips and the lushness of her backside, curving over the softness of her stomach before settling perfectly on her shoulders.Â
The assistant zipped it up in the back and watched it tighten and mold perfectly to her body.Â
Annie looked at herself in the mirror, her gaze drifting over her generous curves. She smiled. Not just because of how she looked in the dress, but because of everything it represented. She had friends. A growing community. Money being saved for her shop. A budding relationship. Somewhere along the way, Clarksdale had stopped feeling like a place she was visiting and started feeling like home.Â
âAlright now,â Luellaâs assistant said low with a wink. âI donât even think you need a necklace. These girls gonâ steal the show.âÂ
âI reckon you right,â Annie said with a chuckle.
Annie stepped out from behind the partition into a room of women absorbed in their own conversations. The liquor had loosened tongues, and the easy hum of voices filled the room. When she cleared her throat, heads turned towards her. Mouths fell open. A few soft gasps escaped before a hush swept through the room. The silence felt like a blanket, thick and warm and reverentâ like a holy kind of quiet.
Annie was a vision. A wonder carved from a dream. A marvel in motion that held a quiet radiance like the sun rising slowly at dawn.Â
The neckline plunged deep and accentuated the fullness of her breasts, framing her bust in mesh fabric and silver beadwork in a scalloped pattern, and surrounding it with fan and feather appliques studded with rhinestones and beads.Â
The dark green velvet bodice had a straight drop-waisted silhouette, leading to a large butterfly motif centered just below her hips, that transformed into a short silver fringe that hit her mid-thigh and shimmered in the light, whispering against her thighs with every step.Â
Gigi rose slowly, eyes widening. âMy word,â she gasped. âPea said it was beautifulâŠbut I ainât think itâd be like this.â
Luella looked on with pride. Her assistant stood behind Annie making sure no last minute adjustments were needed.
âShe donât even need no pinninâ, Miss Luella,â she said.
âItâs perfect,â Luella replied.
âYou look just darlinâ, Annie,â Aunt Della remarked.Â
âAnd dangerous,â Nellie added. âA man could get lost in them curves and never find his way back home.âÂ
The room laughed and Annie smiled along with them.Â
âYâall really like it?â she asked, smoothing down the sides with her palms.
âLike it? I love it!âÂ
The praise made Annieâs cheeks warm with embarrassment and nervous energy. The bedframe squeaked as she sat to buckle her shoes. Her footwork was simple, just some t-strap heels. Nothing too high. Functional enough to dance in.Â
The full-length mirror threw the setting sun back into the room in faded flashes. Dust and powder floated in the air and every time somebody moved. The light caught little particles of it like specks of gold that blinked when the sun touched them.
âYâallâŠwe better go before this liquor take hold of my good senses,â Gigi said, twirling with a half-finished drink in her hand.
âWho said you got any sense at all?â Nellie said, sipping her own drink.
Annie giggled. âYeah, we better go yâall. I donât wanna walk there in the dark.â
âBut it gets dark out early.â
Annie looked at the pocket watch on Aunt Dellaâs bedside table. âButââ
âRelax. Itâs only a few blocks Annie,â Aunt Della said. âPlus yâall gonâ get bored after âbout an hour or two.â
âI sure hope not,â Annie said quickly with a concerned face.
âThereâs only so much dancinâ and drinkinâ you can do before your hair sweat out and your dress start clinginâ to you. Youâll be ready to peel off that dress.â
Annie crossed her arms. âFine then,â she said, âsomebody pour me another drink.â
When the sun descended a little lower, they decided to head out. The sky was deepening fast, sunset sweeping hurriedly across the horizon. Gigi, Nellie, and Annie gathered downstairs, outfits, shoes, accessories and coats fully on, fussing over last minute details.
Aunt Della adjusted the fur collar of Annieâs overcoat and looked at her with gentle eyes. She reached into her apron pocket and pulled the mojo bag out, dropping it into Annieâs coinpurse. It was a small black velvet pouch with a drawstring closure that hung off a thick braided cord that was doubled to make a wrist strap. It was meticulously adorned with small silver details that made it twinkle like a constellation.
âKeep this close,â she insisted. âI made it just for you.â
Annie nodded once. âOkay.â
Della took a final look at her then let her go. The women stepped outside one by one, greeted by hoots, hollers, and whistles from the lodgers occupying space on the front porch.
A sudden gust of wind rattled through the windchime and swept through the front door, strong enough to make Della grip her shawl tighter.Â
âMind yâall curfew!â She yelled after them.
Annie turned back, giving her great-aunt a reassuring smile. âWe will!âÂ
They stepped down the porch and onto the street, their heels clicking down the sidewalk like the tempered beat of a metronome. The evening sky bloomed with shades of pink, red, and purple that bled across the horizon. Annie took a deep breath and linked arms with Nellie and Gigi as they made their way to Fourth Street.
-
-
Sooo what y'all think is gonna happen at the party? Any predictions? đThe next two chapters will be the actual party and the aftermath!đ€
Also y'all know I love putting actual details from the movie in this story. Smoke and Stack actually did keep a locket with a picture of their mother in their military trunk. đ„č
If anything, heâd probably drive straight to Hickman Mills tomorrow, find Ryan before school started, and finish what heâd already warned him about.
The image alone makes Annie wince.
She didnât want Elijah getting arrestedâŠ
She falls back onto her pillow with a frustrated groan, staring at the ceiling.
âI donât know what to doâŠâ
Tell the man she was falling forâŠ
Or keep this to herself, quietly pay to have the number changed, and hope Ryan eventually got bored?
Neither choice felt right.
For the first time since meeting Elijah, Annie finds herself seriously considering keeping something from himânot because she doesnât trust him, but because sheâs afraid of what heâll do for her if he finds out.
Annie is in her bedroom putting the finishing touches on her outfit when the house phone rings.
She drops onto the edge of her bed and reaches for the corded phone. âHello?â
âWhen you gonâ head this way?â
Rhondaâs voice comes through the receiver.
Annie glances toward her bedroom door. âMy dad gettinâ ready to bring me over there now.â
âAight. Hurry up.â
Annie laughs. âGirl, Iâm coming.â
âIâm just sayinâ. Devin already called twice. She more excited than anybody. You know she tryna see Stack.â
Annie shakes her head, smiling.
âIâll be there in a minute.â
âAight.â
They hang up.
Annie takes one last look at herself in the mirror, smooths down her clothes, grabs her purse, then heads downstairs.
Ten minutes later, sheâs in the passenger seat of her dadâs car.
Warm afternoon sunlight pours through the windshield as they pull away from the house. The air conditioner blows softly against Annieâs face while an old school R&B station plays low through the speakers.
She looks over at her father. âThank you for takinâ me to Rhondaâs house.â
âNo problem.â He keeps his eyes on the road. âWhat yâall got planned?â
Annie shifts slightly in her seat. âNothinâ much. Just gonâ watch movies and chill.â
Her dad hums.
Annie glances out the window as they pass rows of houses and corner stores. Then she looks back at him. âDadâŠâ
âHmm?â
âI really wanna learn how to drive.â
He briefly glances over at her.
âSince Iâm eighteen now, I wanna get my license so I can eventually buy my own car.â
Her father lets out a long breath. âI figured that was cominâ.â
Annie folds her hands in her lap. âIâm serious.â
âI know you are.â He adjusts his grip on the steering wheel. âI just gotta find the time. Your brothers been askinâ too.â
âI know.â Annie looks back out the window. âWe hate dependinâ on everybody else to take us places.â
âI bet.â He nods slowly. âIâm just gonna have to start takinâ yâall out on a few weekends.â
Annie nods. âOkay.â But inside, she thinks, I wonât hold my breath.
Her father always means well when he makes promises like that. But between work, the house, the kids and everything else constantly demanding his attention, weeks could easily turn into months.
At this rate, Annie feels like sheâs going to have to teach herself how to drive.
A few minutes later, they pull up in front of Rhondaâs house. Annie unbuckles her seat belt, then leans over and kisses her fatherâs cheek. âI already got a ride home.â
He looks at her. âWith who?â
âDevin.â
He nods, seemingly satisfied. âOkay. Have fun.â
âI will.â Annie climbs out and closes the door behind her.
Rhonda is already standing at the front door waiting. The second Annie reaches the porch, Rhonda grabs her arm and pulls her inside. They both squeal.
âYou look cute!â Rhonda says.
âSo do you!â
Annie laughs as Rhonda spins around to show off her outfit. âYou think Tobias gonâ like this?â
âGirl, yes.â Annie looks her up and down. âYou knew that before you asked me.â
Rhonda grins. âI just needed confirmation.â
Fifteen minutes later, a horn sounds outside. Beep! Beep!
Rhonda runs toward the window. âThey here.â
Annie grabs her purse, and the two of them hurry outside.
Devin is behind the wheel of her mamaâs car with Ebony sitting in the passenger seat.
The windows are down, and music spills out into the quiet neighborhood.
Rhonda climbs into the backseat first.
Annie slides in beside her and shuts the door.
Devin turns around immediately. âAbout damn time.â
Rhonda rolls her eyes. âGirl, you just got here.â
âI been ready all day.â Devin pulls away from the curb.
Ebony glances into the backseat âEverybody look cute.â
âYou too,â Annie says.
The car smells like perfume, lip gloss, and the strawberry air freshener hanging from the rearview mirror.
A burned CD plays through the speakers as Devin turns onto the main road.
Rhonda leans between the front seats. âSo what yâall think they already there?â
Devin smiles. âStack better be.â
Ebony laughs. âYou act like that nigga asked you to marry him.â
âGirl, please.â Devin checks herself in the rearview mirror. âI ainât tryna marry him. Iâm just tryna look at him.â
The girls laugh.
Rhonda sits back. âYou been talkinâ to him?â
âEvery day.â Devin grins proudly. âHe called me last night.â
âEverything.â Devin shrugs. âHe funny as hell. And cocky.â
âVery cocky,â Ebony adds.
Devin laughs. âI like it.â
Rhonda looks at Annie. âWhat about you and Smoke?â
Annie already knew the question was coming, but her cheeks warm anyway. âWhat about us?â
âDid he call you last night?â
âMhm. Actually I called him.â
Devin glances at her through the mirror. âAnd?â
Annie smiles a little. âHe told me he wasnât gonna be able to sleep, âcause he couldnât wait to see me today.â
The car goes quiet for half a second.
Then Rhonda and Ebony both melt at the same time.
âAwwww!â Rhonda squeals.
Devin grins wide. âSee? Thatâs what Iâm talkinâ about!â
Ebony laughs. âNot him sayinâ he couldnât sleep over you!â
Annie covers her face, laughing now too. âHe really said he was gonna be up all night just thinkinâ about cominâ out here.â
âAww, Annie!â Rhonda teases, nudging her shoulder.
Devin shakes her head. âThat man gone.â
Annie laughs harder, shaking her head. âYâall are annoying.â
But she canât stop smiling.
Devin turns the music up as they continue toward Swope Park. The city moves past the windowsâbrick storefronts, busy intersections, buses pulling away from stops, and families enjoying the warm Sunday afternoon.
Rhonda starts dancing in the backseat. âWatch Tobias not even be there yet.â
âHe better be,â Devin says. âMatter fact, all they asses better be there.â
Annie glances out the window, trying to hide the anticipation growing in her stomach.
They finally pull into Swope Park, and Annieâs eyes widen.
Itâs a beautiful fall afternoon.
The sun hangs warm and golden in the clear sky while a light breeze moves through the trees, rustling leaves that are just beginning to turn shades of red, orange, and yellow.
The park is already packed.
One long road stretches through the middle, with wide fields of grass spreading out on both sides. Cars line the edgesâold-school Chevys sitting low on shiny rims, freshly painted Cutlasses, box Chevys, Caprices, and newer cars polished so clean the sunlight bounces off their hoods.
People stroll along both sides of the road, laughing and talking while they admire the cars. Some sit on blankets in the grass with coolers beside them. Smoke rises from portable grills, carrying the smell of charcoal, hot dogs, hamburgers, and barbecue through the air. Children race around the fields, throwing footballs and chasing one another between the trees. Under the nearby shelter, families crowd around picnic tables while little kids run between the benches.
Music blasts from every direction. Bass rattles windows and shakes trunks as cars compete to see who has the loudest sound system. One car plays Ja Rule and R.Kelly Wonderful while another farther down blasts Twista and R. Kelly So Sexy, the songs crashing into each other until they become one loud, chaotic soundtrack.
Girls dance beside their cars, showing off their outfits while groups of men stand nearby watching, laughing, and calling out to them.
Devin slowly drives along the road, looking from one side to the other. âDamnnnn,â she says, dragging the word out. âAll the fine niggas out here.â
Rhonda leans forward between the seats, taking in the rows of cars. âHell yeah. And they got some nice-ass cars too.â
Annie stays quiet, staring through the window. Her parents had never allowed her to come to Swope Park on Sundays.
They always said it was too dangerous. Too many people. Too much drinking. Too many fights that sometimes turned into shootings.
To them, Sundays at Swope meant trouble.
But as Annie watches everyone laughing, dancing, grilling, and proudly showing off their cars, she doesnât see danger.
She sees people enjoying themselves.
She sees music, community, and freedom.
For once, it feels good to be somewhere her parents would never approve of.
Devin eases her mamaâs car onto the grass on the left side of the road, not too far from the shelter. The tires crunch over dry leaves before she pulls into an open spot and puts the car in park.
The girls climb out one by one.
The breeze immediately brushes against Annieâs skin, carrying a mixture of perfume, smoke, grass, barbecue, and car exhaust. She adjusts her purse on her shoulder and looks around, trying to take everything in at once.
Devin pulls out her Nokia phone âIâm finna call Stack.â She presses the phone to her ear while the other girls stand beside the car. âAye,â she says when he answers. âWhere yâall at?â She pauses, turning in a slow circle as if she might spot them.âOkay⊠yeah, I see where you talkinâ about.â
She hangs up the phone. âHe said they parked farther down. We gotta walk a little bit.â
Rhonda shrugs. âCool.â
They lock the doors and start walking along the grassy edge of the road.
Almost immediately, heads begin to turn.
Men leaning against their cars stop talking to watch the girls pass. Some stare openly. Others nudge their friends and whisper. A few call out from across the road.
âDamn, where yâall headed?â
âAye, chocolate!â
âYâall need some company?â
A sharp whistle cuts through the noise.
Devin grins like she expected nothing less.
Rhonda laughs, tossing her head back toward them as she keeps walking.
Ebony pretends not to hear them, but the small smile on her face gives her away.
Annie keeps her eyes forward, though she can feel every stare following them.
The attention makes her nervous, but thereâs also something exciting about walking through the crowded park with her friends, all of them dressed up and looking good. She glances farther down the road, searching through the groups of people gathered around cars.
Her heart begins to beat faster.
Somewhere in all of thisâŠSmoke is waiting for her.
Smoke and Tobias are posted up beside Smokeâs car, talking to a few dudes they know from around the city. Every few seconds somebody walks by and throws up a dap.
âAye Smoke.â
âWhatâs good, bro?â
âMan, where you been at?â
Smoke daps a couple more hands while Tobias laughs at something one of the guys says.
A few feet away, Stack and Ramon are sitting on the hood of Stackâs car, passing jokes and blunts back and forth while people continuously stop to speak.
Smokeâs passenger door is swung wide open so everybody can see the custom system in the truck. The bass from his speakers rolls across the grass, vibrating through the ground every time the beat drops.
A small crowd nearby nods their heads to the music while another group debates whose sound system is louder.
Just thenâŠThe girls come walking down the road.
At that exact moment, the song in Smokeâs truck changes.
Jaheim â Could It Be.
đ” On the cross-town with the top downâŠ
Sounds banginâ out the backseats
Me and shorty two deepâŠ
Sheâs flashinâ me thighs, wind blowinâ through her hairâŠ
Baby we can take it there⊠đ”
Smoke glances toward the road.
The second he sees AnnieâŠ
Everything else disappears.
The conversation around him fades into nothing more than muffled noise.
The laughter. The music. The cars.
The people. Gone.
His heart damn near stops.
Their eyes lock from halfway across the field.
Neither one of them looks away.
đ” Could it be my chromed out rims?
Break your neck when you see a nigga dipâŠOr could it be the ice you see?
But you tell me that youâre really feelinâ me⊠đ”
A slow smirk pulls across Smokeâs face.
Without realizing it, he completely tunes out the dudes standing beside him.
One of them is still talking.
Smoke doesnât hear a damn word.
His eyes slowly travel over Annie.
Annie is wearing a red Baby Phat velour tracksuit that hugs her body in all the right places. A pair of crisp white Chuck Taylors completes the look. Her hair is pulled into a sleek side-part ponytail that cascades down her back. Glossy lips catch the light every time she smiles. Her nails are freshly done, and silver hoop earrings frame her face. Matching silver bracelets jingle softly around her wrist, while a herringbone chain rests against her collarbone, adding the perfect finishing touch.
Smokeâs chest tightens.
GoddamnâŠ
Every single time he sees herâŠ
She somehow gets prettier.
The breeze catches the end of her ponytail, making it sway gently behind her as she walks.
She looks up again. Still staring at him.
Still smiling.
đ”Could it be the word on the block?
I know they told you that a nigga got it locked (so tight, so tight) Tell me why you just can't stop (can't stop, can't stop)
I'm thinking that it's all about me (all about me) What could it be? đ”
Meanwhile, Annieâs feet almost stop moving. She canât help herself.
Her eyes drift over him just as slowly.
Smoke has on a crisp white Vokal button-up with oversized navy and silver embroidery sweeping across the chest and one sleeve. The shirt hangs loose, untucked over a pair of dark wash Vokal baggy jeans. A white wife beater peeks out beneath the open collar. On his feet are fresh white Air Force 1s, spotless as always. A navy fifty nine fifty Kansas City Royals fitted cap sits loose over his white durag, matching the accents on his shirt. Around his neck hangs a simple silver Herringbone, with a matching silver Rolex catching the light every time he moves.
Annie swallows. Hard.
LordâŠ
He looked good every time she saw him.
But today⊠today he looked unfair.
The sunlight catches the silver around his neck before glinting off his watch. Even the breeze seems to move around him instead of through him.
She catches a faint whiff of his cologne before sheâs even close enough to touch him. Her stomach instantly fills with butterflies.
Smoke notices the way sheâs looking at him. That same wide eyed expression. The same one that always makes him feel ten feet tall. He bites the inside of his cheek to keep from grinning too hard.
The girls finally make their way over.
Stack is the first one to notice Devin. His eyebrows shoot up. âGot damn, shorty.â
Devin immediately starts laughing. âBoy, shut up.â Her eyes drift past him to the car. It steals her attention instantly. Itâs a candy-painted red Bubble Chevy Caprice sitting low on gleaming gold rims that sparkle every time the sun hits them. The five-percent tint makes the windows look almost black. Through the open driverâs door she can see the custom red and black leather interior with matching stitching, polished woodgrain accents, and chrome shining across the dash.
She whistles low. âDamn⊠this yo ride?â
Stack deadpans. âNah. Iâm just sittinâ on somebody elseâs shit.â
The girls bust out laughing.
Devin shakes her head. âYou an asshole.â
âSo?â Stack teases with a grin full of platinum. âYou like that shit.â
She rolls her eyes. ââŠMaybe.â
âI know.â He jerks his head toward the passenger side. âCome sit in the car wit meâ
Devin smirks and walks over. Stack slides behind the steering wheel while she climbs into the passenger seat, already running her fingers across the custom leather.
MeanwhileâŠRhonda walks over to Tobias.
His eyes slowly travel over her outfit before meeting hers again. âYeah⊠I see you.â He nods approvingly. âI like the fit.â
Rhonda smiles so wide her cheeks hurt. âThank you.â
âYou welcome.â
Not far away, Ramonâs still sitting on the hood of the Caprice.
Ebony joins him, and the two quickly fall into easy conversation.
That leavesâŠSmoke And Annie.
Without saying a word, Smoke excuses himself from the guys and walks toward his truck where Annie is leaning against the front bumper.
She hears his footsteps before she sees him.
Then his cologne wraps around her.
Warm. Clean. Familiar.
He leans in just enough for his voice to brush against her ear. âSup, pretty eyes?â
A smile instantly tugs at Annieâs lips.
âHey, big head.â
Smoke grins. âYou gonâ look at me?â
Annie bites the inside of her lip.
Then⊠slowlyâŠShe turns her head.
Their eyes meet.
Smokeâs chest tightens. âThere you go.â His voice drops lower. âYou look real good today.â
Annie kisses her teeth. âThatâs everyday.â
Smoke chuckles. âMy bad.â He slowly looks her over again. âYou damn sure right⊠but itâs like every time I see you⊠it just keep gettinâ better and better.â
Annie tries to fight the smile threatening to spread across her face.
âI guess I can say the same.â
Smoke shakes his head. âNah. Iâm aight. I ainât got shit on you though.â
âOh whatever, Elijah.â
For a long momentâŠNeither one of them speaks.
They simply stand there.
Looking. Studying.
Trying to memorize another piece of the other.
The sounds of Swope Park melt into the background. The music. The laughter. The engines revving.
It all fades beneath the weight of their eye contact.
Annieâs pulse climbs.
She tries. She really does.
But after a few secondsâŠHer eyes fall.
Smoke sighs with a grin. âDonât start that, Annika. You was doinâ so good too.â
Annie laughs softly.
Before she can answerâŠTwo girls walk over.
âHey Smoke⊠hey Tobias.â
Smoke and Tobias both glance over.
âSup,â Tobias answers.
Smoke simply nods.
Annie shifts her weight onto her other foot.
A strange heaviness settles in her chest.
She suddenly feelsâŠOut of place.
She catches Rhondaâs eye from the side of the truck.
Rhonda immediately reads her expression.
One quick look says everything. You okay?
Annie gives the slightest nod. Iâm fine.
One of the girls looks around. âWhere Stack at?â
Tobias points toward the Caprice. âHe in the car talkinâ to somebody.â
âOh.â The girls nod. âWell⊠weâll see yâall later.â
âSee you,â Tobias replies.
Smoke simply lifts his chin.
As soon as they walk awayâŠ
Smoke looks back at Annie. âYou good?â
She glances at him. âYeah. Why wouldnât I be?â
Smoke shrugs. âJust checkinâ.â
Before either of them can say anything else⊠Another dude walks up. âWhatâs up wit it?â
âWhatâs good, bro?â Smoke answers.
âShit. Tryna find somebody choosinâ.â He laughsâŠThen his eyes land on Annie. And stay there. He looks her up and down slowly. Like heâs debating whether or not to shoot his shot.
Smoke notices every second of it. His jaw tightens. The familiar feeling returns. That ugly, unfamiliar pressure sitting heavy in his chest. Why the fuck everybody keep lookinâ at her?
The dude glances back at Smoke.
Almost like heâs trying to figure outâŠ
Is she yours?
Before he can askâŠSomeone calls his name.
He looks back. âHere I come!â He nods toward Smoke. âAight, my nigga. Iâll catch you.â
âYep.â Smoke watches him leave.
Not even five seconds laterâŠAnother group of dudes strolls past. Every last one of them looks Annie over. None of them stop. But they all look.
Smoke hates it.
He knows he has absolutely no claim over Annie. She isnât his girl. She isnât his woman. HellâŠThey havenât even gone on their first date. So why does every pair of eyes on her make something ugly twist inside him?
He doesnât know. He just knowsâŠHe wants everybody to know sheâs with him. More than thatâŠHe just wants to touch her. Heâs been fighting the urge ever since she walked up.
FinallyâŠHe gives in. SlowlyâŠHe slides his left arm around Annieâs waist.
âCome here.â His voice is barely above a whisper.
He gently pulls her over until sheâs standing directly in front of him. Then both of his arms wrap comfortably around her waist while he leans back against his truck.
Annieâs breath catches.
Here he go againâŠ
InsideâŠSheâs screaming.
OutsideâŠShe tries to stay cool. But her heart is beating so hard sheâs convinced he can feel it through her back.
Rhonda looks over. The second she sees themâŠA huge grin spreads across her face.
She nudges Tobias with her elbow. Tobias chuckles
Even Ebony looks over and smiles.
Smoke exhales quietly. Holding Annie like this settles something inside him. The jealousy⊠The irritationâŠIt eases. Not completely. But enough.
She fits against him so naturally that it almost scares him. Like sheâd always belonged there. He canât believe heâs doing this because heâs never held any woman in public. Sheâs got him folding again in front of the whole city.
He puts his mouth near her ear. âYou got all the eyes on you today.â His deep voice vibrates gently through her back.
Annie giggles. âNah. That would be youâŠYou the celebrity.â
Smoke kisses his teeth. âNah. Thatâs you.â He glances around. âGonâ end up havinâ me checkinâ one of these niggas before the day over.â
Annie fights another smile. âOh yeah? Why?â
Smoke smiles against her ear. âYou know why.â
She laughs. âOkay, Elijah.â
He buries his face briefly near her neck and breathes her in. âDamnâŠYou smell good as hell.â
Heat rushes into Annieâs cheeks. âThank youâŠSo do you.â
Another group of girls walks by.
Every last one of them mugs Annie.
Annie notices.
She sighs. âSee what I mean, Smoke?â
Smoke barely spares them a glance.
âI ainât payinâ no attention to them chicken heads. All Iâm focused onâŠâ He squeezes her waist just a little. ââŠis you. And how good it feel to finally hold you.â
Annieâs stomach flips again. She tries not to smile. Fails.
Smoke smiles too. Then whispersâŠâYou fit perfectly in my arms.â
Annieâs heart melts.
âLike you belong here.â
She swallows. âIs that right?â
âHell yeah.â He chuckles. âLike a puzzle pieceâŠYou justâŠfit.â
Annie laughs softly. âStop⊠Elijah.
My jaws hurt from smiling too much.â
âGood.â He smiles against her cheek âThatâs my job. Iâm supposed to make you smileâŠSo get used to it.â
Just thenâŠAnother guy walks over. âWhatâs poppinâ, Smoke?â
Smoke reaches one arm around Annie and daps him up without letting her go.
The guy looks toward Annie expectantly.
Smoke doesnât hesitate. âThis Annie.â
Annie gives a small wave. âHi.â
âAnnie⊠this Arion.â
âSup?â
âHey.â
The two men start talking about cars.
Horsepower. Paint jobs. Suspension.
Annie mostly listens while Smoke absentmindedly keeps his hands resting against her waist the entire conversation.
A few minutes later Arion heads off.
Smoke says to Annie. âCome take a walk wit me.â
She nods. âOkay.â
They push away from the truck.
Without even thinkingâŠSmoke reaches his hand behind him.
Waiting.
Annie smiles to herself. Then slips her hand into his.
Their fingers lace together naturally.
She glances back toward Rhonda.
Rhonda catches her eyeâŠThen immediately starts doing a little dance, teasing her.
Annie busts out laughing.
Smoke looks over. âWhatâs funny?â
Annie shakes her head, smiling to herself. âNothing.â
They walk in comfortable silence for a minute. Their fingers remain intertwined, gently swinging between them with each step. The sounds of Swope Park surround themâmusic thumping from passing cars, children laughing in the distance, grills sizzling somewhere nearby, and leaves rustling overhead as the breeze drifts through the trees.
Smoke breaks the silence first. âSo⊠why I ainât never seen you down here before?â
Annie glances over at him. ââCause my parents hate this place on Sundays. They feel like itâs too dangerous.â
Smoke nods slowly. âI get that.â
He looks around at the crowd. âIt ainât always like that⊠but it can most definitely get rowdy.â
âYeah,â Annie says quietly. âI heard.â
Before either of them can say anything else⊠Three girls walk past.
One smiles brightly. âHeyyy, Smoke.â
Another follows with a grin. âHi, Smoke.â
The third doesnât acknowledge him at all.
She simply looks Annie up and down with an obvious attitude before continuing to walk.
Annie feels her stomach sink.
Smoke barely reacts.
He simply lifts his chin in greeting and keeps walking beside Annie without slowing his pace.
A few more steps pass.
Annie finally asks, âHow often do you come here?â
Smoke shrugs. âWe used to come every Sunday.â He looks over at her. âWhy?â
She lets out a small laugh. âBecause the whole city seem to know you.â
Smoke chuckles. âIt ainât the whole city.â
Annie side eyes him. âI canât tell.â
He smiles. âA lot of these people from my neighborhood, Annie. I grew up around âem.â
He gives her hand a gentle squeeze. âSoon they gonâ know you too.â
Annie raises an eyebrow. âIs that so?â
âOf course. I told youâŠI wanna take you around.â
The moment those words leave his mouthâŠAnnie goes quiet.
Smoke notices immediately.
He sighs dramatically. âOh shitâŠHere we go.â
Annie looks over. âWhat, Smoke?â
âYou gettinâ quiet on me again.â He studies her face. âEvery time I mention spendinâ time wit you.â He shakes his head. âTalk to me. âCause at this point⊠it gotta be deeper than the way I look.â
He waits. Patiently.
Annie chews the inside of her cheek.
Part of her wants to brush it off.
Another partâŠKnows he deserves the truth.
Smoke notices the wheels turning in her head.
His voice softens. âCome on, Annika. You can talk to me.â
Annie lets out a slow breath. âIâm scared, Elijah.â
He doesnât interrupt.
She continues. âIâm scared of goinâ all in.â She looks away toward the road where another group of people walks past laughing. âToday kinda made me realize⊠beinâ with you and beinâ seen with you ainât easy.â
She laughs nervously. âIâm gettinâ dirty looks. Girls tryna holla at you right in front of me.â
She shrugs helplessly. âItâs⊠a lot.â
Her voice grows quieter. âAnd after everything Ryan put me throughâŠâ
She swallows. âIâm scared to give somebody my whole heart again. My time. What if it happen all over?â
Smoke stops walking.
Their joined hands come to a stop between them.
He turns until heâs standing directly in front of her.
Annie instinctively lowers her eyes.
Smoke slowly reaches up and hooks a finger beneath her chin.
His touch is gentle. âLook me in my eyes.â
Annie hesitates.
Then finallyâŠShe does.
Smoke holds her gaze. âI donât know what else I can do to convince youâŠThat I donât give a fuck about no other girls.â
His voice is calm. Certain.
âIâm focused on you. Iâm focused on buildinâ whatever this is between us. I ainât got no reason to play wit yo emotions, baby.â
The word baby sends warmth spreading through Annieâs chest.
Smoke keeps going. âI know what that nigga did to you. And Iâd never do no shit like that. I couldnât even bring myself to hurt you.â
He shakes his head. âTruthfullyâŠIt ainât really fair, Annika. You punishinâ meâŠAnd keepinâ me at armâs lengthâŠFor what another nigga did.â
His jaw tightens. âI keep showinâ up. I keep callinâ. I keep tellinâ you exactly where I stand. I keep tryinâ to prove to you that Iâm here. That I got yo back. And that I ainât goinâ nowhere.â
He glances toward the crowd before looking back at her. âAnd you talkinâ about females lookinââŠI understand. I really do. But truthfullyâŠWe dealinâ wit the same shit.â He laughs softly without humor. âYou know how many niggas done eyed you since we been out here? Huh? My own nigga was gettinâ ready to try and holla at you if somebody hadnât called him away.â
His jaw flexes again at the memory.
âI had to stand there watchinâ another nigga look at you like he wanted you and I couldnât even do shit about it. You think that shit ainât bother me?â
He exhales through his nose.
âHell yeah. It did.â His eyes stay locked on hers. âBut guess what? I understand thatâs part of beinâ seen wit somebody as beautiful as you. I ainât gonâ spend my time worryinâ about every nigga that look or want you. Just like I donât want you worryinâ about every female that look at me.â
He smiles. âThere a million of them.â
His thumb lightly brushes her hand.
âBut itâs only one of you.â
Annie feels herself melting.
Before she realizes itâŠSheâs smiling.
Smoke notices instantly.
âThere it is.â He smiles back. âMy favorite thing.â
Annie laughs quietly. Then sighs. âIâm sorry, Smoke⊠Iââ
âElijah.â He cuts in with a grin.
Annie giggles. âElijahâŠYou right.â She nods slowly. âI do need to stop punishinâ you. I ainât look at it like that.â
He gently bumps her shoulder with his. âYou see what beinâ face to face do?â
Annie laughs. âYes. I do.â
âGood.â He gives her hand another squeeze. âNow come on.â
Together, they continue walking until they reach the swings.
The old chains creak softly as they each sit down.
Smoke pushes off first.
Annie follows a second later.
They swing slowly side by side, their shoes brushing through the fallen leaves beneath them.
The breeze carries the sound of distant music across the park while the late afternoon sun filters through the trees.
Neither one says anything for a while.
They donât have to.
Finally, they slow to a stop.
The swings sway gently beneath them before settling.
Annie stands first, stretching her arms over her head. The cool autumn breeze brushes against her cheeks, lifting the loose strands of hair around her face.
Smoke stays seated, rocking lazily back and forth on the swing.
Annie smiles down at him. âYou not gonna get up?â
Smoke shakes his head. âNah⊠I ainât ready yet.â
His eyes never leave her.
For the first time since heâd met her, there wasnât a kitchen full of cooks yelling ticket times.
No servers rushing past.
No friends teasing.
No siblings interrupting.
No music loud enough to drown out their thoughts.
Just them.
Smoke lets himself really look at her.
His gaze moves over her slowly, unhurried.
He notices the way the late afternoon sun kisses her skin, making it glow against the red velour tracksuit. The breeze catches her sleek ponytail, making it sway softly behind her.
He looks at the thickness of her thighs. The softness of her belly, the way her chest sits heavy.
Her silver hoops glimmer every time she moves.
Her glossy lips catch the light.
Then his eyes settle where they always seem toâŠHer eyesâŠ.Her deep set almond shaped eyes.
Big. Warm. Honest. Beautiful.
They were the kind of eyes you could get lost in if you werenât careful.
Heâd been losing that battle since the day they met.
Annie shifts beneath his stare. âWhat?â
Smoke slowly shakes his head. âIâm justâŠâ He exhales. ââŠin awe.â
His voice is barely above a whisper.
âYou so damn gorgeous.â A slow smile tugs at one corner of his mouth. âIâm just admirinâ you.â He tilts his head. âCan I do that?â
Heat immediately rushes to Annieâs face.
Her heart pounds against her ribs.
Nobody had ever looked at her like this. Like she was something precious.
Like he couldnât believe she was real.
She lowers her eyes with a shy smile.
ââŠYes, Elijah.â
Smoke reaches his hand toward her.
âCome here.â
She raises an eyebrow. âWhat?â
He wiggles his fingers. âCome here.â
Annie laughs under her breath before stepping closer.
She slides her hand into his.
The moment their palms touch, another wave of butterflies erupts inside her.
Smoke gives her hand the gentlest tug. âSit down.â He gestures toward his lap.
Annieâs eyes widen. âElijahâŠâ
She glances at the swing. âYou sure we not gonâ break this thing?â
Smoke laughs. âWe not gonâ break it.â
He pats the chain. âItâs metal.â
She laughs softly, still hesitant.
SlowlyâŠVery slowlyâŠShe lowers herself onto his left leg, turning sideways so she can still look at him.
The swing rocks beneath their combined weight.
Smoke steadies it with one foot before naturally wrapping both arms around her waist.
Like theyâd been doing this forever.
The feeling hits him instantly.
Contentment.
A strange, unfamiliar peace settles over him.
Holding her like thisâŠIt didnât excite him the way heâd expected.
It calmed him.
Like his body had been looking for this feeling without him realizing it.
Heâd never done no shit like this before.
Never imagined himself sitting on a playground swingâŠHolding a womanâŠWith all his niggas somewhere around him.
Normally heâd have cared.
TodayâŠHe couldnât bring himself to.
Because right hereâŠFelt exactly where he wanted to be.
Annie, meanwhile, is convinced sheâs going to pass out.
She canât believe sheâs sitting in this fine ass niggas lapâŠwith his arms around herâŠIn broad daylight.
In front of his friends. In front of half the East Side. In front of every girl whoâd been staring at him all afternoon. Her pulse is so loud sheâs sure he can hear it.
Smoke breaks the silence. âSoâŠYou on the newspaper at school?â
Annie blinks. âI never told you that.â
Smoke smiles. âYou didâ
She laughs. âI didnât.â
âYou did.â
âNo, Elijah. I donât remember tellinâ you that.â
Smoke scratches the back of his neck.âAightâŠâHe laughs. âYou got me.â
She grins triumphantly. âI knew it.â
He chuckles. âI overheard you on the phone one day.â
âWhen?â
âI came lookinâ for you.â
Her eyebrows shoot up. âYou came lookinâ for me?âŠWhen?â
âThe week after I gave you my number. I was gonâ ask why you hadnât called.â
Annie bites back a smile. âOhâŠSo you was waitinâ on me to call?â
Smoke huffs dramatically. âHell yeah. I ainât write my number on the back of that money for nothinâ.â
Annie laughs. âMy bad. I ainât know you was that serious.â
Smoke sucks his teeth. âOh wow. Thatâs fucked up.â He shakes his head while smiling. âHell yeah I was serious. You thought I was playinâ?â
Annie shrugs sheepishly. âI donât knowâŠI thought maybeâŠYou was runninâ game.â
Smoke laughs. âI donât need no game, Annie. Iâm a grown ass man. I know what I want.â
She tilts her head. âOh yeah?âŠAnd What do you want, Elijah?â
The world seems to pause.
Even the breeze feels quieter.
Smoke doesnât hesitate. âI want you.â
Annieâs breath catches.
There he goes again.
Talking like he walked straight out of one of the romance movies they spent hours discussing on the phone.
Nobody talked like this anymore.
Nobody meant what they said with eyes like that.
She laughs softly, mostly because she doesnât know what else to do. âElijahâŠYou straight out of a romance movie.â
Smoke laughs with her. âIâll take that. But truthfullyâŠIâm just sayinâ how I feel.â He studies her face. âYou got me sayinâ shit I ainât never said. And doinâ shit I ainât never done.â
Annie smiles. âI like it.â
His eyebrows lift. âYou do?â
She nods. âOf course. Itâs not often you meet a fine ass nigga who ainât arrogant. You one of a kind.â
Smoke chuckles. âThe same can be said for you.â
âWhat you mean?â
He smiles warmly. âYou beautifulâŠ
But thatâs not the only thing that got me. You shy. You kind. You humble. You donât expect nobody to hand you nothinâ just cause you beautiful. As a matter of factâŠâ He laughs. âYou make a nigga beg to do somethinâ for you. Thatâs sexy as hell to me.â
He shakes his head. âA lotta beautiful women spend all day wantinâ everybody to notice âem. You donât. You donât care about what anybody else got goinâ on. You justâŠexist. In yo own lil world. You care about yo people. You care about yo family. You care about yo dreams. And somehowâŠâ He smiles. ââŠthat make me wanna be a part of it.â
Annie looks at him. âA part of what?â
He exhales. âYo world, Annika.â
She smiles so softly it nearly undoes him. âI meanâŠYou are.â
Smoke grins. âNah. Not like how I wanna be.â He chuckles. âRight now I got one toe in.â
Annie busts into laughter at the visual.
âElijahâŠWhat is wrong with you?â
He laughs too. âNothinâ. Iâm just beinâ real. I canât wait âtil you let me all the way in. ButâŠâ He brushes a thumb lightly across the side of her waist.
âIâm patient. âCause I know when you doâŠitâll be worth every second I waited.â
A Tahoe sitting on chrome rims a few yards away suddenly rumbles to life.
The bass rolls across the park, vibrating softly beneath the swings.
A second later, Tevin Campbellâs âAlone With Youâ pours through the speakers, warm and smooth, drifting through the crisp fall air.
Annieâs face immediately brightens.
She smiles to herself and begins nodding her head to the rhythm. âI love this song.â
Smoke looks up at her, the corner of his mouth lifting. âMe too.â
đ” We were holding hands in the parkâŠ
We had to hurry home before itâs dark⊠I can't wait to see your smile again. And I love the time we spend
I waited for the break of day to come
So I could see your smile in the sun đ”
The lyrics settle over them like they were written for this exact moment.
Annie looks down at him, her smile turning softer. âI do want you in my world, Elijah.â
She hesitates before adding quietly,
âIâm just being cautious.â
Smokeâs expression immediately softens. He reaches up, his fingers brushing gently beneath her chin before lifting it just enough for her eyes to meet his again. âYou have every right to be.â His thumb strokes lightly along her jaw. âIâm hereâŠAnd Iâll wait however long you need me to.â
đ” Girl, donât leave me, donât leave meâŠOoh, the way you receive meâŠ
Donât take this as an aggressionâŠ
Girl, Iâve learned my lesson⊠đ”
Neither of them says another word.
They simply look at one another.
The laughter echoing across the parkâŠThe musicâŠThe breeze stirring the trees overheadâŠ
Everything around them slowly fades into the background.
For a few quiet secondsâŠ
It feels like the song is saying everything neither of them quite knows how to put into words.
đ” I just wanna be alone with youâŠ
And thereâs nothing else Iâd rather doâŠI just want the chance I had againâŠJust us two âtil the end⊠đ”
Annie feels her throat tighten. âThank you for being patient with me.â
Smoke slowly shakes his head. âYou ainât gotta thank me.â His voice is steady, gentle, but unwavering.
âAnything worth having is worth waiting for.â He pauses, making sure she hears every word. âI donât want you to think that just âcause I talk about us in the future that Iâm rushing you⊠âcause Iâm not. I just always wanna be clear about my intentions. When a nigga know what he wantsâŠHe says it. He donât leave room for guessinââ
A breeze lifts a few loose strands of Annieâs hair from her ponytail between them.
Smoke smiles faintly. âIâm simply lettinâ you know that I see you in my future. And when youâd shut down on meâŠâ
He exhales. âIt started feelinâ like maybe you ainât see me in yours.â
Annieâs heart twists.
âIf thereâs ever anything you wantâŠOr you feel a wayâŠâ He gently squeezes her waist. âTell me. The way you feel matters to me.â
Annie nods slowly. âI will.â
A warm smile spreads across Smokeâs face. âGood.â
Silence settles over them again.
Not awkward. Comfortable.
The kind of silence that only happens when two people genuinely enjoy simply being near each other.
Smoke studies her face again.
The afternoon sun catches the gloss on her lips.
The breeze makes the silver hoops in her ears sway ever so slightly.
He smiles to himself. âEvery time you look at meâŠI feel weak.â His voice is barely above a whisper now. âThese eyes got a hold on me.â
He lets out a quiet breath. âItâs like you hold all the secrets of the world in âem. Each day it gets harder to look away.â
Annieâs chest tightens.
No one had ever spoken to her like this.
Not with this kind of sincerity.
Not like he truly meant every word.
Smokeâs gaze slowly drifts down to her mouth.
His thumb gently brushes across her bottom lip. The touch is featherlight.
Tender. Almost reverent. âThese lipsâŠâ
He smiles. âThey soft and pretty too.â
His eyes lift back to hers. âYou perfect. You know that?â
Annieâs breath catches.
Everything inside her seems to stop.
Her pulse pounds in her ears.
She wants to answer.
She wants to say something.
Anything.
But every thought leaves her mind the moment he looks at her like that.
Without thinkingâŠ
They both lean forward ever so slightly.
The space between them grows smaller. Smaller.
Untilâ âAye, Smoke!â
Both of their heads snap toward the sound.
Rhonda and Tobias are walking over with Arion and another guy.
Rhonda catches one look at them and immediately exchanges a knowing smile with Tobias.
They both start laughing.
Rhonda looks over at Annie with the biggest grin on her face. She whips out another disposable camera and hurries up and snaps a picture.
Annie shakes her head but canât help but to smile back, even as her heart continues pounding inside her chest.
Arion walks up. âAye SmokeâŠYou got some on you? My cuzz need some.â
Smoke lets out the smallest sigh, still smiling to himself before looking over.
âYeah. Itâs in my truck.â
Annie slowly stands.
Smoke follows a second later.
If they were both honestâŠ
Neither one wanted that moment to end.
Smoke reaches for Annieâs hand again.
Without saying a word, he threads his fingers through hers.
Their hands fit together naturally now.
No hesitation. No nervousness.
Just warmth.
The late afternoon sun is beginning to sink lower in the sky, washing Swope Park in shades of gold and amber. Long shadows stretch across the grass while music from dozens of cars blends together in the distance. The smell of charcoal, lighter fluid, and barbecue hangs in the cool autumn air.
Ahead of them, Tobias has his arm draped comfortably around Rhondaâs shoulders. The two of them laugh about something Arion says as they stroll a few steps in front.
Someone calls out. âAye, Smoke!â
Smoke turns toward the voice.
Leaning against a candy-painted Monte Carlo sits one of his homies, Jarrell.
Smoke nods toward him and changes direction, never letting go of Annieâs hand.
She follows beside him.
Jarrell grins the second they get close. âWhat it is?â
âSup, bro,â Smoke replies, giving him a quick dap.
Jarrellâs eyes drift down to their intertwined hands.
Then to Annie.
He points at her before lifting an eyebrow at Smoke.
This you?
He never says the words.
He doesnât have to.
Smoke glances over at Annie.
A slow grin spreads across his face.
Then he nods once.
Proudly. Without hesitation.
Annie feels another rush of butterflies flutter through her stomach.
Something about the way he acknowledged herâŠWithout embarrassment.
Without trying to play it cool.
Made her heart swell.
Jarrell laughs. âI see you, my nigga.â
Smoke chuckles. âYeah.â
He glances back toward Tobias and the others, who are still waiting a few yards away. âAight, cuzz. Iâll catch you.â
âBet.â
Smoke gives him one last dap before turning away.
Their fingers never separate.
As they continue walking, Smoke catches himself looking over at Annie again.
She notices. Their eyes meet.
She smiles.
One of those soft, shy smiles that always made something inside him melt.
Off to their leftâŠTamika stands with a group of her friends beside a pearl-white Tahoe, laughing while one of the girls tells a story.
Then her eyes land on Smoke.
Her laughter dies instantly.
Her stomach drops.
There he isâŠWalking through Swope Park. Hand in hand with another woman.
She blinks once, almost thinking sheâs seeing things.
Smoke? Holding hands? In public?
Everybody on the East Side knew Smoke.
Everybody also knew Smoke wasnât the type to cake up with women.
Hell, he barely showed affection in private.
So seeing him walking beside Annie like he didnât care who was watchingâŠActually holding her handâŠ
Looking at her with that soft expressionâŠ
It knocks the wind out of Tamika.
Her and Smoke had been done ever since she let her brothers get involved and they tried to shoot at him.
She knew sheâd crossed a line that couldnât be uncrossed.
StillâŠA small, stubborn part of her had kept holding onto hope.
Hope that enough time would pass.
Hope that eventually his anger would fade.
Hope that maybe one day heâd call again.
Or pull up like he used to.
Seeing him nowâŠLooking happier than sheâd ever seen himâŠ
Walking proudly beside another womanâŠ
That tiny piece of hope finally dies.
Her chest tightens.
SoâŠHe really was gone.
For good.
The hurt quickly curdles into jealousy.
Not because Annie had done anything wrongâŠ
But because Annie was getting the version of Smoke sheâd always wanted.
The version that held hands.
The version that smiled.
The version that wasnât afraid to be seen.
Tamikaâs jaw clenches.
Her eyes drift to Annie.
A slow glare settles across her face.
Annie just so happens to glance in Tamikaâs direction.
Their eyes meet.
Tamika doesnât even try to hide the glare she sends her.
It is sharp enough to make Annieâs stomach tighten. Her smile fades.
Smoke notices the change immediately.
He follows Annieâs line of sight.
The second he sees TamikaâŠ
His expression hardens.
His jaw flexes.
There isnât an ounce of longing in his eyes. Only annoyance. Disdain.
He stares directly back at Tamika long enough to make one thing perfectly clear. Leave it alone.
Tamika rolls her eyes dramatically, but she looks away first.
Smoke turns back toward Annie.
He notices the uncertainty on her face.
Without thinkingâŠHe leans in until his lips are just beside her ear.
His cologne wraps around her again, warm and familiar.
His deep voice rumbles softly. âDonât trip, baby.â
He gives her hand another reassuring squeeze.
âRemember what I told you earlier.â
The sound of him calling her baby againâŠThe confidence in his voiceâŠ
The certainty. It washes over Annie like warm sunlight.
The tightness in her chest slowly loosens. She smiles.
Not because Tamika disappearedâŠ
But because she believed him.
For the first timeâŠShe wasnât worried about another woman.
She believed Smoke when he said she was the only one he saw.
Tamika catches the whisper.
Then she watches Annie smile afterward.
Her stomach twists even tighter.
She knows exactly what just happened.
And somehowâŠThat hurts worse than if heâd ignored her altogether.
Smoke and Annie continue walking until they reach his truck
Ebony and Ramon are still sitting on the hood of Stacks car, deep in conversation, laughing every few seconds.
Stack and Devin are still inside.
Both windows are down.
Two dudes from the neighborhood lean against the driverâs side door, passing a blunt back and forth with Stack while music thumps from the speakers.
Smoke finally lets go of Annieâs hand long enough to reach inside his truck.
He retrieves what Arion came for.
Smoke finishes making the exchange with Arion and slips the cash into his pocket.
Just then, the loud growl of an engine cuts through the music.
Brrrrrraaaaap!
Everybody turns.
One of Smokeâs homies, Ira, rides up on a black Yamaha Raptor four-wheeler, fishtailing slightly before stopping in the grass.
âDamn!â Stack hollers. âNigga still showin off.â
Ira laughs, pulling off his helmet.
âWhat it do?â
Smoke grins. âLet me hit that real quick.â
Ira tosses him the keys without hesitation. âGo âhead. Donât tear my shit up.â
Smoke laughs. âNigga I ainât you.â
The fellas crack up.
Smoke swings one leg over the four-wheeler and settles onto the seat.
He looks over his shoulder. âAnnika.â
She looks up. âHmm?â
âCome here.â
Her brows pull together. âWhat?â
He pats the seat behind him. âGet on.â
Annieâs eyes get big. ââŠMe?â
Smoke chuckles. âNah⊠the ghost next to you.â
She rolls her eyes. âYou know what I meant.â
Rhonda starts laughing. âGirl get on!â
Stack joins in. âYeah, quit acting scary.â
Annie sucks her teeth. âI am not scary.â
Smoke smirks. âThen prove it.â
She huffs dramatically before walking over. âI swear if you throw me off this thingâŠâ
âI got you.â He reaches back, taking her hand to help her climb on.
The seat is smaller than she expected.
She settles carefully behind him, trying not to press against his back.
Smoke glances over his shoulder.
âYou gonâ have to get closer than that.â
âI am close.â
He laughs. âNo, you not.â
Without warningâŠHe lightly taps the gas.
The four-wheeler jerks forward.
âAhh!â Annie squeals.
Her arms instantly wrap around his waist.
Smoke throws his head back laughing. âThere she go.â
Annie smacks his stomach. âYou did that on purpose!â
âMaybe.â
âYou ainât shit, Elijah.â
âI know.â
He eases onto the throttle.
The engine roars louder as they take off across the wide stretch of grass.
Wind rushes against Annieâs face, tugging her sleek ponytail behind her.
People glance over as they ride past.
Smoke canât stop smiling.
Feeling Annie holding onto him this tightâŠHe ainât even thinking about nothing else.
She buries her face against his back every time he picks up speed.
âYou okay back there?â he calls over the engine.
âIâm surviving!â
Smoke laughs. âSound scared!.â
âI ainât scared!â
âBut you squeezinâ me!â
âBecause I donât wanna die!â
The words barely leave her mouth before Smoke cuts the handlebars sharply.
The four-wheeler slides sideways.
Dirt sprays from the tires.
Smoke spins them into a smooth donut.
The world becomes a blur of grass, trees, cars, and blue sky.
Annie screams. âELIJAHHH!â
Smoke laughs so hard his shoulders shake.
Again. He spins another donut.
This time Annie canât stop laughing.
She throws her head back, laughing so hard tears sting her eyes. âStop!â
âYou laughing though!â
âI know!â
âSo which one is it?â
âI DONâT KNOW!â
Smoke grins. âThatâs what I thought.â
He finally straightens the bike out and cruises through the park at an easier pace.
The breeze cools the warmth in their faces.
Annieâs laughter slowly fades into little giggles.
She realizesâŠSheâs still wrapped tight around him.
Her cheek resting against the back of his neck.
She loosens her grip a little.
Smoke notices immediately.
âYou can keep holding on.â
âIâm still holding on, just not tightâŠâ
He laughs. âAight.â
She pinches his side. âYouâre insane big head.â
âSo? You like it.â
They ride another lap around Swope.
Smoke points toward different parts of the park as they pass. âThatâs where everybody race they cars.â
He points farther down. âThey be hooping over there.â
Another pass. âOver there they throw the cookouts.â
Annie smiles, taking everything in.
She likes him showing her around already.
She can see it isnât just a park to him.
Itâs apart of him.
As they roll back toward the others, Smoke slows the four wheeler to a crawl.
He glances over his shoulder. âYou have fun?â
Annie doesnât answer right away.
She looks around at the musicâŠ
The peopleâŠThe carsâŠ
Then back at him.
A slow smile spreads across her face.
ââŠYeah.â
Smoke smiles too. âI knew you would.â
They pull back up beside the group.
Stack is already laughing. âI knew yo scary ass was gonâ be holding onto that nigga for dear life.â
Annie climbs off, smoothing down her velour jacket. âI hate yâall.â
Rhonda busts out laughing. âYou was screaming like somebody was chasing you!â
âI was not!â
Devin doubles over. âGirl, yes you was! Then five minutes later you was laughing harder than anybody.â
Smoke climbs off behind her, still grinning.
âAye get off her. She loosened up.â
Annie laughs and points a finger at him. âYou almost gave me a heart attack.â
Smoke leans in just enough for only her to hear. âBut you still trusted me.â
Her heart skips. âYeah.â
He smiles softly. âI know.â
Annie glances around and notices even more people have poured into the park.
The sun has now set. Crowds gather around customized cars with polished rims. Girls dance beside open trunks while guys laugh,and lean against their rides.
ThenâVoices rise.
âWhat the fuck you say?!â
Heads start turning.
Another voice yells back.
Smoke immediately looks toward Stack.
Stack looks right back at him.
Neither one has to say anything.
Theyâve been coming here long enough.
They already know what comes next.
Tobias exhales. ââŠYep.â
He claps his hands together once.
âLetâs head out, yâall.â
Rhonda looks around. âThey fightinâ?â
âProbably,â Tobias replies. âAnd once one fight start⊠everybody wanna join in. Then comes the gunshotsâ
Smoke nods in agreement before turning toward Annie. âWhere yâall park at?â
âUp a little farther,â Annie says, pointing toward the shelter. âCloser to the pavilion.â
âAight.â Smoke squeezes her hand. âWe gonâ walk yâall up there.â
Annie smiles. âOkay.â
The whole crew starts making their way through the crowd together.
Ramon and Ebony walk a few steps ahead, talking quietly every now and then, their conversation broken up by easy laughter.
Stack and Devin are⊠Stack and Devin.
âYou lucky you fine,â Devin says, bumping his shoulder.
Stack laughs. âNah, you lucky Iâm fine .â
âYou so damn arrogant.â
âAnd yetâŠâ He flashes his platinum grin. âYou still walking next to me.â
Devin rolls her eyes so dramatically everybody laughs. âYou so full of yourself.â
âYou like that shit.â
ââŠMaybe.â
Stack throws his head back laughing.
âAinât no maybe.â
A few feet ahead, Tobias has his arm draped comfortably across Rhondaâs shoulders while her arm rests around his waist. The two are so wrapped up in conversation theyâre barely paying attention to anybody else.
Behind themâŠSmoke and Annie trail the group, fingers intertwined once again.
Their hands swing gently between them as they walk.
Smoke glances over. âYou have a good time today?â
Annie looks over at him, smiling. âOf course I did.â
She bumps his shoulder lightly. âYou?â
Smoke doesnât even hesitate. âAbsolutely.â He smiles to himself. âIâm glad I got to see you todayâŠâ His eyes meet hers. ââŠBut Iâm even happier I got to hold you. Iâm gonâ sleep good tonight.â
Annie busts into laughter. âElijahâŠâ She shakes her head. âYou get on my nerves.â
Smoke chuckles, the sound low and warm. âYou so goofy, Annie.â
He laughs. âYo ass laugh at everything.â
âNah.â She points at him. âItâs you.â
She giggles again. âYou crazy.â
âIâll be that.â He shrugs. âAs long as I get to hear you laugh every day.â
Annie smiles so hard her cheeks begin to ache. âWellâŠâ She grins. âKeep it up.â
Smoke raises an eyebrow. âOh yeah?â
She nods. âLaughter is the key to my heart.â
Smoke whistles softly. âSay no more.â
She laughs but doesnât say anything else.
A few quiet steps pass.
Then Smoke looks over again. âWhat else?â
Annie gives him a puzzled look. âWhat else what?â
He smiles. âWhat else the key to yo heart?â
She thinks about it for a moment.
The sounds around them fade into the background.
FinallyâŠShe answers honestly. âHonesty.â
Smoke nods immediately. âI like that.â
His voice grows softer. âWell⊠thatâs who I am. So that one easy.â
Annie hums thoughtfully. âWeâll see.â
Smoke chuckles. âYou love sayinâ that shit, donât you?â
She giggles. âYeahâŠâ She shrugs. âIâm from the Show-Me State.â She smiles. âShow me.â
Smokeâs grin spreads ear to ear. âOhhh, nah.â He points at her. âNot you stealing my phrases.â
Annie laughs harder. âOh please, Elijah.âShe waves him off. âWe all say that.â
âNah.â Smoke shakes his head dramatically. âI donât hear nobody say that shit but me.â
She nudges him with her shoulder. âDonât be delusional.â
Smoke laughs. âYeah aight.â He gives her hand another squeeze. âWellâŠIâm gonâ put my money where my mouth is.â His eyes stay on hers. âIâma show you. I love provinâ myself.â
Annieâs smile softens. âI noticed.â
âGood.â His voice drops lower. âI was hoping you did.â
The butterflies return full force.
By the time they reach Devinâs car, neither one wants the walk to be over.
Everyone begins saying their goodbyes.
Rhonda turns toward Tobias.
Without saying a wordâŠ
He cups her face and kisses her softly.
When they pull apart theyâre both smiling.
Smoke and Annie glance at each other before looking away with matching grins.
Stack, on the other handâŠ
Hooks an arm around Devinâs waist.
Before she can reactâ
He throws her over his shoulder.
âStack!â
She squeals, beating on his back while laughing. âWhat is wrong with you?â
He spins her around once before setting her back on her feet. âYou too light.â
âIâm finna beat your ass.â
âNo, you not.â
Everybody laughs.
Ramon gives Ebony a nod. âIâll hit you up.â
She smiles. âAight.â
She climbs into the front seat.
One by oneâŠEveryone gets into the car.
Leaving Smoke and Annie standing beside the driver back seat door.
The sounds around them seem farther away now.
Smoke looks into her eyes. âSoâŠâ His voice turns quiet. âCan I hold you one last time tonight?â
Annieâs cheeks warm.
She nods. âSure.â
Smoke doesnât hesitate.
He steps forward and wraps his arms tightly around her waist.
So tightlyâŠHis forearms overlap behind her back.
Like heâs trying to memorize what she feels like.
Annie slides her arms around his neck. The familiar scent of his cologne surrounds her. Warm. Clean.
Smoke closes his eyes for a second.
ThisâŠThis was becoming his favorite place already.
He lowers his head, brushing two gentle kisses against the side of her neck.
Annie immediately giggles.
The vibration makes him smile against her skin. âWhy you laughinâ?â His voice is muffled against her neck.
ââCauseâŠâ She squirms. âIâm ticklish.â
Smoke chuckles. âHmmâŠâ He hugs her even tighter. âI donât wanna let you go.â
His voice is barely above a whisper now. âIâm gonâ miss you.â
Annie smiles into his shoulder. âIâm gonna see you tomorrow at work.â
âI know.â He sighs dramatically. âAnd Iâm still gonâ miss you.â
She laughs again. âYou so extra.â
âFor you?â He smiles. âEvery time.â
Annie murmurs âHonestly, Iâm gonna miss you too.â
Neither one moves for another few seconds.
Neither one is ready to end the day.
FinallyâŠSmoke forces himself to loosen his arms.
He brushes his thumb across the back of her hand before letting it go.
âText me when you make it home.â
He glances toward the darkened sky.
âI know itâs gettinâ late. So I ainât gonâ call.â
Annie nods. âOkay.â
He smiles softly. âGoodnight, Pretty Eyes.â
âGoodnightâŠâ She grins. âBig Head.â
She climbs into Devinâs car.
Before closing the door, she steals one last look at him.
Smoke is already watching her.
He gives her a small nod.
She smiles back before shutting the door.
The engine starts.
As the car slowly pulls away, Annie turns around in her seat and watches through the back window.
Smoke is still standing exactly where she left him.
Hands tucked into his pockets.
Watching until the car disappears around the bend.
Only then does he finally turn.
The guys fall into step beside him as they make their way back toward their cars, the sounds of Swope Park still buzzing around them.
Part 1
Annie has Smoke doing anything to make her laugh. đ€ I fear heâs down bad already. And donât get mad at Annie yâall, she tries to see the good in people. Sheâs lived a sheltered life. Disclaimer: Smoke has not been with all of those women. They are mad because Smoke has never given them the time of day. They want to know why Annie is so special that she could get Smoke and not only that but be affectionate with her in public. Smoke is selective and he did keep a few in rotation. I do not want people to think that Smoke was with half the city. That would be Stack. People not even mad that stack is a hoe cause they know what it is, but Smoke is the catch. These girls have wanted Smoke since childhood.
Monica is in her bedroom flipping through channels when she suddenly hears yelling coming from down the hall.
Korrie.
She immediately recognizes her voice.
âI heard you and Smoke was at the And1 game hugged up wit some bitches! Charity said she seen all yâall in a group with a bunch of bitches around yâall!â
Monica freezes.
Her stomach drops.
The And1 game too?
That means Shatara wasnât lying about Skateland.
Smoke really was out in public again.
With the same woman.
She quietly gets up and cracks her bedroom door.
Stackâs voice carries through the house.
He sucks his teeth. âMan, Charity lyinâ! She ainât seen us doinâ shit!â
Their two year old son, Jayvon, starts crying in the living room, startled by the yelling.
Neither one of them even notices.
Korrieâs voice gets louder. âWhat the hell she gonâ lie on you for?â
ââCause hoes be jealous!â Stack fires back. âThey just want what you got.â
âFuck that, Stack!â Korrie yells. âYou stay playinâ wit me! I canât wait to find out who the bitch is.â
Monica slowly closes her bedroom door.
For the first timeâŠShe and Korrie actually agree on something.
She walks over to her nightstand and grabs the cordless phone.
After a second, she punches in Candaceâs number.
Candace answers on the fourth ring.
âHello?â
âHey, girl.â
âWhat you been on?â
âNothinâ much.â
âWhat about you?â
Monica and Candace have always had an odd relationship.
Most people would think theyâd hate each other considering they both messed around with Smoke.
But there was never any reason to.
Smoke never lied.
Never pretended either one of them was his girlfriend.
Never promised exclusivity.
From the very beginning, heâd been honest about seeing other women.
Because of that, Monica and Candace knew about each otherâand eventually became cool.
Neither woman liked sharing him.
But they respected the truth more than a lie.
Monica sighs heavily. âGirlâŠIâm tryna figure some shit out.â
Candace laughs. âLike what?â
Monica starts pacing her room. âMan⊠Smoke ass been actinâ real different. When the last time you seen him?â
Candace thinks for a second. âI donât knowâŠItâs been a while.â
Monica stops pacing. âAnd you ainât mad about that shit?â
Candace shrugs, even though Monica canât see her. âI meanâŠNot really. Smoke is Smoke. Iâll see him when I see him.â
Monica rolls her eyes. âThatâs the problem. You ainât gonâ see him. He fuckinâ around wit some new bitch and now he done cut all us off.â
Candace is quiet for a second before answering. âGirlâŠWhy you mad? Smoke ainât never gonâ be tied down to nobody. We already knew that. Just âcause he been wit another girl donât mean he only messinâ wit her.â
Monicaâs jaw clenches. âUh-uh. You donât understand. Smoke ass been out in public wit this bitch. Kissinâ and shit. First SkatelandâŠAnd now the And1 game.â
Candace doesnât respond right away.
Monica keeps going. âHe ainât never took us nowhere. But now he out here in public. Hugged up. Smilinâ. Spendinâ money.â Her voice grows sharper with every word. âAnd you know what else?â
Candace sighs. âWhat?â
Monica shakes her head. âWhoever she isâŠShe gettinâ all of Smokeâs time. And all his money. You know damn well that money used to be gettinâ spent on us.â
Candace finally pauses. âI meanâŠWhen you put it like thatâŠâ
Monica nods to herself. âExactly.â
âThis ainât just another girl. This somethinâ different. I can feel it. He hidinâ her. He wonât even tell me who she is.â
Candace sits quietly, letting Monica vent.
The more Monica talksâŠ
The more obvious it becomes.
This isnât really about the money.
Or the dates. Or even the kissing.
Itâs the fact that Smokeâwho had always made it clear he wasnât committing to anyoneâsuddenly seems to be making room in his life for only one woman.
And that realization burns.
Monicaâs pride wonât let her accept it.
âSo what you sayinâ?â Candace finally asks. âWhat you tryna do?â
Monica doesnât hesitate. âWe need to find out who she is.â
Candace raises an eyebrow. ââŠThen what?â
Monica shrugs. âPop up on her. Let her know whatâs good.â
Candace lets out a long breath. âYou donât think thatâs gonâ piss Smoke off?â
Monica laughs without humor. âNah.I donât care.â
Candace isnât nearly as convinced. âI meanâŠWe can find out who she isâŠBut I already know Smoke gonâ flip his shit.â
Monica shakes her head . âHe can be mad later.â
The steady whirr⊠whirr⊠whirr of sewing machines fills the room while students work on hemming skirts and stitching practice pieces together.
The smell of fresh fabric, starch, and machine oil lingers in the air.
Annie and Rhonda sit side by side in the back of the classroom, guiding fabric beneath their sewing machine needles.
Rhonda suddenly smiles. âOh yeahâŠI got somethinâ for you.â
Annie looks over. âWhat?â
Rhonda reaches into her purse and pulls out a small manila envelope stuffed with freshly developed pictures from the And1 game. âI finally got âem.â
Annieâs face lights up. âFor real?â
Rhonda hands her the envelope. Itâs the pictures from the game.
Annie immediately starts flipping through the glossy prints.
She smiles wider with every picture.
Then she gets to the group photo.
âDamn, girl. You ainât waste no time gettinâ these developed.â
Rhonda grins proudly. âSure didnât.â
âI wanted to see âem too.â Annie studies the picture closely.
Everybody is smiling.
Tobias has his arm around Rhonda.
Ramon is kneeling in front of Ebony.
Stack is cheesing in front of Devin with his hand on her ass.
ThenâŠHer eyes land on herself and Smoke.
His hands are wrapped around her waist.
His head is resting near her shoulder.
A warm smile spreads across her face.
âAwwwâŠâ She laughs softly. âYou and Tobias look so cute.â
Rhonda peeks over. âI know, right? But girlâŠâ
She points at her and Smoke. âYou and Smoke look even better.â She nudges Annie with her elbow. âIâm still stuck on him holdinâ you from behind like that.â
Annie giggles, feeling her cheeks warm all over again. âI knowww. He took me by surprise. I wasnât expectinâ that.â
Rhonda laughs. âGirlâŠSmoke a man that know exactly what he want.â
Annie smiles but quickly shakes her head. âI meanâŠWhat do he want?â
Rhonda slowly turns and gives Annie the biggest side eye. âAnnika. Stop playinâ.â
Annie laughs. âIâm serious.â
Rhonda shakes her head. âYOU! Ray Charles can see that nigga got it bad for you. All he do is look at you.â She starts counting on her fingers. âHe followed you to the concession stand. He bought you food. He bought us food. He call you beautiful every chance he get. He done started callinâ you Pretty Eyes. He look at you like ainât nobody else in the room.â She laughs. âAnd donât even get me started on that hug.â
Annie tries to hide behind the picture.
Rhonda reaches over and pulls it back down. âGirlâŠI seen that.â
Annie starts laughing. âWhat?â
âHe ainât wanna let you go.â
Annie shakes her head. âStop.â
âI swear.â Rhonda nods dramatically. âIâm dead serious. I thought Stack was gonâ have to physically pry that man off you.â
Annie throws her head back laughing. âHe was not holdinâ me that long.â
âGirlâŠâ Rhonda smirks. âYou was holdinâ him too.â
Annie gasps. âI was not!â
âYou absolutely was. You looked so comfortable in his arms.â
Annie feels herself blushing all over again. âI hate you.â
âNo you donât.â Rhonda laughs. âYou liked every second of that hug.â
Annie bites her lip. ââŠMaybe a little.â
Rhonda points at her triumphantly. âI knew it!â
She laughs. âAnd another thingâŠYou cheesed the whole ride home.â
Annieâs eyes widen. âNo I didnât!â
âYes you did.â Rhonda imitates Annie staring out the window smiling to herself. âYou ainât say nothinâ for twenty minutes. You was just sittinâ thereâŠâ
She makes an exaggerated lovestruck face. ââŠsmilinâ.â
Annie laughs so hard she nearly misses her stitch. âI was not!â
âYou absolutely was.â Rhonda keeps laughing. âI almost asked Devin if we needed to take you to the hospital. âCause you looked out of it.â
The two girls laugh until their sewing teacher tells them to quiet down. âShhh!â
Rhonda lowers her voice. âSo anywayâŠTobias wanna meet up at Swope Park for Sunday Funday. You down?â
Annie nods. âLook at you. You really been havinâ me out and about.â
Rhonda grins. âI know. Thank God yo parents being a little more nicer. So?âŠYou cominâ?â
âYeah⊠I guess. But you know Iâm gonna have to lie and say Iâm just going over your house. You know my parents will never let me go to Swope. And you know they making me go to church.â
âThatâs cool. Itâll probably be around four anyway.â
âPerfect.â Annie slides the pictures back into the envelope. âSoâŠâ She smiles. âWhat you and Tobias be talkinâ about on the phone?â
Rhonda rolls her eyes dramatically. âGirlâŠNot much. He always on that damn game. Or out trappinâ. He be distracted half the damn time.â She points toward Annie. âWhat about you and Smoke?â
Annie smiles to herself. âWe talk about⊠everything.â
Rhonda raises an eyebrow. âOh? Like what?â
âHe ask me about my family. We talk about school. Sports. Food.â She laughs softly.
âHe mostly just like makinâ me laugh.â
Rhonda smiles. âI noticed.â She nudges Annie again. âYou still actinâ shy?â
Annie sighs. ââŠA little.â
Rhonda throws her hands up. âI donât know what Iâma do with you.â
Annie laughs. âWhat?â
âYou got one of the finest niggas in Kansas City callinâ you every damn nightâŠAnd you still over there acting shy.â
Annie smiles as she threads another piece of fabric through the machine. âI canât help it.â
Rhonda shakes her head with a grin. âNo⊠I really donât think you can.â
The two girls laugh as the sewing machines continue humming around them.
đđđđđđđđđđđđ
In the CityâŠ
Smoke pulls into Stackâs driveway a little before work.
The engine rumbles beneath him as he shifts into park.
Instead of getting out, he gives the horn two short taps.
Beep. Beep.
He has no intention of going inside.
Not if Monica is in there.
A few seconds later, the front door opens.
Stack steps out, closing it behind him before jogging over to the passenger side.
He climbs in, shutting the door with a thud. âWhatâs crackinâ?â
Smoke shrugs. âShit. âBout to head to work.â
Stack reaches behind his ear, pulls out a blunt, sparks it with his lighter, and takes a slow pull.
The inside of the truck fills with the familiar smell of weed. He passes it over.
Smoke takes it but lets it rest between his fingers for a second.
Stack looks around the truck. âItâs crazy we sittinâ in the driveway, my nigga. You know you can come in.â
Smoke shakes his head. âNah. Iâm good.â
Stack sighs. âShit, this my house too. And you my brother. We ainât gonâ keep doinâ this shit forever.â
Smoke just hums.
He doesnât want to argue.
He just doesnât feel like dealing with Monica.
Stack changes the subject. âOh yeahâŠCan you watch Jayvon for me Wednesday night? Me and Korrie goinâ to Eighteenth and Vine for Wine Down Wednesday. I gotta get her to chill out.â
Smoke raises an eyebrow. âWhat happened now?â
Stack rolls his eyes. âBro. She said somebody told her we was wit some bitches at the game.â
Smoke sucks his teeth. âDamn. Muthafuckas stay runninâ they mouth. They ainât got shit else better to do.â He finally takes a hit before passing the blunt back. âBut yeahâŠIâll watch him.â
âBet.â
Just thenâŠThe front door opens again.
Monica steps onto the porch.
Her eyes immediately land on Smoke.
She folds her arms across her chest. Rolls her eyes.
Then turns around and walks right back inside without saying a word.
Stack watches the whole thing.
The second the door shutsâŠ
He starts laughing so hard he chokes on his smoke. âCoughâdamn!â
He pounds his chest.
Smoke canât help but chuckle.
Stack finally catches his breath. âShe still in her feelings.â He points toward the house. âShe hurt, bro.â
Smoke lets out a long sigh. âBroâŠI donât know why.â
Stack looks at him like heâs crazy. ââCause you cut her off completely. You know she ainât never cared about the other bitches. It ainât even about that. Itâs the fact she ainât got access to you no more.â
Smokeâs expression hardens. âFuck all that. I ainât in no relationship. That mean if I wake up one day and donât wanna fuck wit somebody no moreâŠI donât have to.â
Stack nods slowly. âI get it.â
ThenâŠHe studies Smoke for a long moment. A grin slowly creeps across his face. âNiggaâŠI ainât never seen you like this.â
Smoke already knows where this conversation is headed. âWhat?â
âI watched you and that chickâŠAnnieâŠ.the other day.â Stack shakes his head. âYou was different. I meanâŠShe fine as hell and shitâŠBut to cut all yo hoes off?â He whistles. âThatâs unprecedented.â He smirks. âNiggaâŠWhatâs up?â
Smoke looks straight ahead through the windshield. He says nothing.
Stack waits. Still nothing. âSo you ainât gonâ answer?â
Smoke finally looks over. âWhat the fuck you want me to say, Stack?â
âNigga ANYTHING. Why her? Why you actinâ different already?â
Smoke stays quiet.
His silence says more than any explanation could.
Stack notices. He laughs under his breath. âAightâŠWell at least tell me what it is about her.â
Smoke leans back in his seat. He thinks for a long moment.
For the first timeâŠHis brother looks genuinely speechless.
After a few seconds he nods slowly.
âDamn.â He chuckles. âShitâŠIâm tryna see whatâs up wit her friend.â
Smoke immediately cuts his eyes at him. âDonât have that girl mixed all up in yo shit, Stack.â
Stack shrugs.
âDo she know you got a kid?âŠand a baby mama?â
Stack scratches his beard. âNot yet. But Iâma tell her.â
Smoke lets out a dry laugh. âYeahâŠNigga, aight.â
Stack grins. âHer and yo girl supposed to go to Swope Sunday. Tobias told âem to pull up.â
That catches Smokeâs attention immediately.
He raises an eyebrow. âOh yeah?â
âYep. You gonâ slide through?â
Smoke fights the smile trying to pull at his lips.
He shrugs casually. âMaybe.â
Stack stares at him for a long second.
He already knows his twin is full of shit.
Smoke notices him looking. âWhat, nigga?â
Stack starts laughing. âDonât even try it.â
He points at him. âTalkinâ âbout some maybe. You know damn well you gonâ be there.â
Smoke smirks. âI might.â
Stack shakes his head. âNah. Yo ass gone already.â
Smoke shakes his head and starts the truck. âWhatever, nigga.â
But deep downâŠThey both know Stack is right.
There wasnât a damn thing that was gonna keep Smoke away from Swope Park if Annie was
gonna be there.
đŠđŠđŠđŠđŠđŠđŠđŠđŠđŠđŠđŠ
Later that evening, Red Lobster is already buzzing.
Servers walk in and out of the dining room carrying trays . The clatter of dishes, the hiss from the grill, and the cooks calling out ticket times blend together into the familiar dinner rush soundtrack.
The smell of cheddar bay biscuits over powers the kitchen.
The back door swings open.
Annie walks in. Like alwaysâŠ
Smokeâs eyes find her before she even has a chance to hang up her jacket.
Itâs automatic now. Almost instinct.
Annie feels his eyes before she even looks up.
Their gazes lock across the kitchen.
This time⊠Smoke speaks first.
He mouths, âSup?â
A smile immediately tugs at Annieâs lips.
She mouths back, âHey.â
Smoke smirks.
His dimples flash for just a second.
Then Annie disappears through the swinging doors into the dining room.
A little while laterâŠ
Annie is in the galley making salads, carefully placing tomatoes around the rim of a bowl.
The cool smell of lettuce and ranch dressing surrounds her as she focuses on getting each order right.
Smoke decides he suddenly needs something to drink.
Not because heâs thirstyâŠBut because Annie is standing in the galley.
He casually walks that direction.
His footsteps are slow. Unhurried.
Annie doesnât turn around. She doesnât have to.
She can feel him coming. Her heart starts beating faster.
His cologne hits her first.
Just before he passes behind herâŠ
He leans in close enough for only her to hear. âSup, Pretty Eyes?â
His deep voice brushes against her ear. Warm. Low.
Annie smiles before she even realizes sheâs doing it.
She glances over her shoulder. âHey, Big Head.â
Smoke grins so hard his dimples sink into his cheeks. âThere she go.â
He keeps walking toward the drink station like nothing happened.
Melissa catches the entire exchange.
Her smile immediately disappears.
An hour laterâŠ
The dinner rush is in full swing.
Orders are flying across the line.
The printers wonât stop spitting out tickets.
Brandon is yelling times and food. âCajun pasta walking! Stuffed mushrooms. Need shrimp dropped!â
Annie carefully loads several plates onto a large serving tray.
Smoke stares at her from the line like he always does, but Annieâs too busy to notice.
He can barely concentrate on his tickets because he canât take his eyes off her.
Melissa is watching him at the end of the galley.
Annie takes a deep breath.
A few weeks ago she couldnât even balance a tray.
NowâŠSheâs finally getting good at carrying a full tray on her shoulder.
She smiles to herself.
Iâm getting it.
She bends her knees slightlyâŠ
LiftsâŠBalances the tray perfectly on her shoulderâŠAnd starts walking down the galley.
At that exact momentâMelissa walks past. BAM.
She slams her shoulder directly into Annieâs. Hard.
The tray flies sideways. CRASH!
Plates explode against the tile floor.
Food scatters everywhere.
The sound echoes through the kitchen.
For a secondâŠEverything goes quiet.
Annie stands frozen.
She canât believe what just happened.
Smoke sees every second of it from the line.
His jaw immediately tightens.
His eyes snap to Melissa.
She doesnât even look back.
She just keeps walking.
Like nothing happened.
Annie finally finds her voice. âWhat the hell is your problem?!â
Her hands shake as she gathers broken plates and scattered food.
Her vision blurs.
Tears spill onto her cheeks before she can stop them. Not because of the platesâŠ
But because sheâs embarrassed.
Frustrated. Now her table is going to be waiting. Theyâre going to be upset.
She worked hard to get that tray balancedâŠAnd it was gone in seconds.
Sheâs so mad that she wants to put her hands on Melissa but she knows that will end with her jobless.
Megan rushes over. âI got you.â
She kneels beside Annie and starts helping pick everything up.
Before Annie can grab another plateâŠ
Another pair of hands reaches down.
Smoke.
He walked away from the line without thinking.
Without asking. He simply came.
He picks up the larger pieces before looking over at Annie.
Thatâs when he notices the tears rolling down her face.
His chest tightens.
He hates seeing her cry.
More than he expected to.
He gently reaches toward her.
âCome here.â
His voice is soft. Only for her.
He holds his hand out.
Annie looks up at him through watery eyes.
Without hesitationâŠShe places her hand in his.
His fingers wrap around hers.
Warm. Steady.
He helps her to her feet.
Megan watches the exchange.
A small smile pulls at her lips.
She quietly goes back to cleaning up, giving them a little privacy.
Smoke guides Annie to the side of the line where the shelves block everyone elseâs view.
Away from the staring eyes. Away from the whispers.
He turns toward her.
Without saying a wordâŠHe gently wipes the tears from beneath her eyes with his thumb.
âDonât cry.â His voice is barely above a whisper. âDonât let nobody see you breakinâ down. Thatâs how they get you.â
Another tear slips free anyway. âI donât know what her damn problem is. I donât bother nobody.â Her voice cracks.
Smoke knows exactly what the issue is.
He shakes his head. âI know. But that ainât got nothinâ to do wit you. Thatâs jealousy. Thatâs a them problem.â He gently brushes another tear away. âYou hear me? You keep beinâ you. Cause you beautiful. You confident. You smart. And some people canât stand to see somebody shine. So they try to dull yo light.â He tilts her chin up just enough so sheâll look at him. âDonât let nobody tilt yo crown, Princess.â
Annieâs heart skips.
Princess.
Nobody has ever called her that before.
She stares into his hooded eyes.
He keeps wiping away the last of her tears.
His touch is unbelievably gentle.
âSo hereâs what we gonâ do. Iâma remake every last one of yoâ plates. As fast as I can. You tell yo table the kitchen backed up. Weâll take the blame.â
She shakes her head. âNoâŠI donât want yâall gettinâ in trouble because of me.â
Smoke smiles softly. âWeâll be aight. I got you.â
Annie finally lets out the breath sheâd been holding. âThank youâŠElijah.â
For a momentâŠNeither of them speaks.
Smoke simply looks into her eyes.
GodâŠTheyâre beautiful.
Even when red from crying.
He smiles. âNo problem. Iâd do anything for you.â His words come out fast before he can even stop them âI hate seeinâ you cry.â
Annieâs heart melts.
She searches his face.
Trying to figure out how someone sheâs only known a short time can make her feel this safe.
Smoke smiles again. âNowâŠâ He tilts his head playfully. âCan I see that beautiful smile?â
Annie just stares at him. Still overwhelmed.
Smoke smirks. âCome on, Pretty EyesâŠPlease?â
A tiny smile finally breaks through. Then it grows.
Smoke feels warmth spread through his chest.
âThere she go.â He nods proudly.
âThatâs myâ.â The words almost slip out. He catches himself just in time.
Instead he clears his throat. âCome on. I got food to cook.â
They walk back around the line together.
Melissa and Lindsey immediately look up.
Their expressions harden.
Smoke goes straight to the grill.
Without another wordâŠHe starts remaking Annieâs entire order himself.
Moving twice as fast as before.
Brandon notices but doesnât question it.
Within minutesâŠEvery plate is back in the window. Ready to go.
Annie looks over at him.
He gives her a small nod and smile.
She smiles back.
Across the galleyâŠMelissa and Lindsey watch the exchange in silence.
The jealousy burning in their eyes is impossible to miss.
Because what bothered them wasnât that Smoke remade the food.
It was the way he looked at Annie while he did it.
Like she was the only person in the kitchen.
đđđđđđđđđđ
Wednesday nightâŠ
Smoke and Annie have just gotten on the phone.
Smoke is standing in his kitchen with the cordless phone tucked between his shoulder and ear while he puts a burger on a bun with ketchup and the smell of fresh homemade fries hangs in the house.
Across the city, Annie sits in the Cove at Red Lobster, rolling silverware into crisp white napkins while waiting for the dinner rush to completely die down. The fluorescent lights hum overhead.
Smoke was off today.
Smoke smiles. âSo⊠what you doinâ?â
Annie finishes rolling another fork.
âNothinâ. Rolling silverware.â
Smoke hums in approval.
Before he can answerâ âI want food!â A little voice echoes through the kitchen.
Smoke glances toward the living room.
âIâm makinâ it now, lilâ man.â
Annie immediately sits up straighter.
Her eyes widen. ââŠWas that a kid I just heard?â
âYeah.â
Annieâs stomach instantly drops. âOh my GodâŠâ Thereâs a brief pause.
âElijahâŠDonât tell me you have kids.â
Smoke purposely lets the silence linger.
He bites the inside of his cheek, already smiling.
On the other end of the lineâŠ
Annieâs heart is pounding so loud she can hear it.
Please donât let this man have a childâŠ
A second laterâŠSmoke busts into laughter. Deep. Uncontrollable laughter. âNo, Annie!â
He laughs harder. âThatâs my nephew.â
Annie drops back against the chair with the biggest sigh of relief. âOh my GodâŠâ
Smoke is still cracking up.
She canât help laughing too.
âWhat?â She laughs. âWhatâs so funny, Smoke?â
âOhâŠYou mad.â He laughs again. âI could hear the panic in yoâ voice. There ainât no way you thought Iâd been hidinâ a kid from you.â
Annie groans dramatically. âShut up, Elijah. You just never know. I ainât know what to think.â
Smoke grins. âWellâŠNo. I donât have kids, Annika.â
She laughs again. âOkay, good.â Then something clicks. âHold onâŠNephew? Thatâs yoâ brotherâs son?â
âYeah. It is.â
âOh wowâŠâ She pauses. âDoes Devin know?â
Smoke shrugs even though she canât see him. âI donât know.â
âI really hope he told her. She too young to be a stepmama.â She starts laughing. Then another question pops into her head. âWaitâŠWhere his mama at?â
Smoke chuckles. âI see you full of questions tonight.â
âMhmm. So where is she?â
Smoke quietly rinses a plate in the sink. âIâd rather not discuss that.â
Annie blinks.
She wasnât expecting that answer. âOhâŠWow. Why not?â
Smoke dries his hands on a towel. ââCauseâŠIt ainât our business to discuss. Iâd rather talk about us.â His voice softens. âSoâŠHow was work?â
Annie sits there for a second.
She realizes he didnât snap at her.
He simply drew a boundary. And she actuallyâŠRespects it.
She thinks about Edward.
Sheâd do the exact same thing if somebody started asking questions about him.
Several quiet seconds pass.
Smoke smiles. âAnnikaâŠDonât be like that. I ainât mean nothinâ by it. I just wanna talk about you. Is that okay?â
Annie sighs. âYeahâŠ.Smoke.â
Smoke smiles immediately. âNah. You still mad.â
She laughs. âHow you figure?â
ââCause you said Smoke.â
Annie smiles. âOh, whatever. You donât know me.â
Smoke laughs. âActuallyâŠI know you better than you think. But Iâm tryna know you even more. Hence why I only wanna talk about you.â
Annie grins. âWell played, Elijah.â
She shakes her head. âAnywayâŠwork was okay.â
âNobody fucked wit you today, did they?â
âNo, they left me alone.â
Just thenâSmoke sets Jayvonâs plate on the table. âCome on. Sit down and eat.â
Jayvon climbs into the chair.
Annie smiles hearing it. âLook at you. I never took you for the babysittinâ type.â
Smoke raises an eyebrow. âAnd why not?â
âI donât know.â She laughs. âI meanâŠMost dudes yoâ age be out and about. AndâŠâ She hesitates. âI meanâŠLook at you.â
Smoke grins. âWhatâs that supposed to mean?â
Annie laughs harder. âNothinâ, Elijah.â
âNah.â He chuckles. âShare wit the class. Tell me.â
She groans. âForget about it. It donât mean nothinâ.â
Smoke smirks. âOhhhâŠSo you the type to judge me off my looks, huh?â
Annie laughs. âI meannnâŠKind of.â
Smoke pretends to sound offended. âDamn. Donât be judginâ me by how I look. A whole lotta things about meâll surprise you.â
Annie smiles. âOh yeah? Like what? Give me one random surprising fact.â
Smoke thinks. âHmmmmâŠI love romance movies.â
Annie gasps so loud Smoke has to pull the phone away from his ear.
âYou lyinâ!â
He laughs. âActuallyâŠIâm not.â
She sits up straighter. âSo you really watch romance movies? I took you for an action movie type.â
Smoke sucks his teeth. âI meanâŠThose cool too. But Iâd rather watch people fall in love.â
Annie busts into laughter. âNo way.â
Smoke chuckles. âShitâŠDonât laugh.â
âIâm already laughinâ.â
âI just like seeinâ people end up happy.â His voice grows quieter. âNiggas donât get enough of that in real life.â
Annieâs heart melts. Sheâs completely flabbergasted. She never took Smoke as the type of man who loved romance. Sure, he always knew the right things to say, but he was so tough on the outsideâquiet, guarded, a man who grew up in the hood and ran the streets. In her mind, men like that didnât really believe in love⊠let alone curl up and watch romance movies. Yet somehow, the thought of him secretly loving them makes her heart beat even faster.
âSoâŠWhatâs your favorite romantic movie?â
Smoke ponders for a second ,then finally answers. âYouâve Got Mail.â
She gasps again. âOh my God. No wayyy. I adore that movie! And I love Sleepless in Seattle.â
Smoke laughs. âWhat you know bout that?â
Annie grins. âElijahâŠThere is no way you know about Sleepless in Seattle.â
âI do.â He laughs. âWhy would I love Youâve Got Mail and not love Sleepless in Seattle? Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks got crazy chemistry.â
Annie swoons. âThey really do.I actually cried at the end of Youâve Got Mail. I loved the last line. When Joe says to KathleenâŠâDonât cry, ShopgirlâŠâ And Kathleen saysââ
Smoke cuts her off. âI wanted it to be you.â
Without thinkingâŠThey both say the next line together. âI wanted it to be you⊠so badly.â
Silence.
Then they both laugh.
âOh my God, Elijah. I cannot believe you like romance movies.â
âBelieve it. I like a lotta shit people wouldnât expect.â
Annie smiles. âHmph. What else you like?â
âShitâŠI love cartoons.â
She raises an eyebrow. âCartoons?â
âMhmm.â
âWhat kinda cartoons?â
âTruthfully? All of âem. But old school my favorite. Like PopeyeâŠBatmanâŠScooby-DooâŠThe JetsonsâŠThe FlintstonesâŠRoad RunnerâŠPink Panther.â
Annie smiles. âOh wow. So you really like the old ones.â
âHell yeah.â He laughs. âDonât get it twisted. I love the newer ones too. X-Men. Hey Arnold.â
Annie lights up. âI like those too! But Iâm a Disney girl. I still watch Disney.â
âOh yeah? What you be watchinâ?â
âEven Stevens. Lizzie McGuire. Thatâs So Raven.â She smiles. âAnd I just love me some Jett Jackson. I got a crush on him.â
Smoke laughs. âThatâs cute. Hold on for me. I gotta wash his hands.â
âOkay.â
She hears Jayvon giggling. âUntle Smoke! I wanna play!â
âNah, lilâ man. You been playinâ since you got here. Itâs bedtime. Come on.â
Annie cheeses on the other end of the phone.
Smoke takes his little hand. He walks him into the bedroom.
The glow from Cartoon Network fills the room.
Adult Swim is already on. Smoke laughs to himself. âNahâŠâ He switches it off and slides Finding Nemo into the DVD player instead.
The familiar Disney menu music fills the room.
He lifts Jayvon into bed. Pulls the blanket over him. Turns off the lamp. The room goes dim except for the television.
Then he picks the cordless phone back up. âYou still there?â
âMhmm.â Annie smiles softly. âI like hearinâ you be an uncle. Itâs really cute.â
Smoke grins. âYou cute.â
Annie blushes. âDonât start, Elijah.â
Smoke laughs. âItâs true. AnywayâŠLet me ask you somethinâ.â
âOkaayy?â
âWhy you never call me? I always gotta be the one callinâ.â
Annie grows quiet. âI donât know⊠I never know when you available. I donât wanna interrupt.â
Smoke frowns. âInterrupt? Interrupt what?â
âI meanâŠâ She shrugs. âI know you workâŠAnd be out in these streets.â
Smoke chuckles. âSo? I ainât never too busy for you. Even if Iâm workinââŠIf I donât answerâŠIâm definitely gonâ call you back.â
A smile spreads across Annieâs face. âYou sure?â
âHell yeah, Iâm sure.â He pauses. âDonât get me wrongâŠI love callinâ you. I donât mind. But sometimesâŠâ His voice softens. âI wanna know you be thinkinâ âbout me just as much as I be thinkinâ âbout you.â
Annie feels another wave of butterflies. ââŠOkay. But you know our minutes ainât free in the daytime.â
âI know. But donât worry about that. Iâll pay for the minutes.â
Annie immediately shakes her head. âNo, Elijah.â
âYes, Annie.â He smiles to himself. âI just wanna hear yoâ voice.â
Annie smiles so hard her cheeks hurt.
She still canât believe someone actually wants to hear from her this much.
She lets out a small sigh. âI donât even know what to say.â
Smoke chuckles. âSay youâll call me sometime.â
Annie smiles into the phone. ââŠOkay. I will.â
âGood.â Smoke smiles into the phone as he settles deeper against the pillows. âI be so ready to talk to you. You gonâ have me divinâ for my phone when I see yoâ name pop up.â
Annie laughs, lowering her voice so nobody walking by the Cove hears how flustered she is. âStopppp, Elijah. My head is gonna explode.â
âNah, Iâm never gonâ stop.â His voice drops into that calm, teasing tone that always makes her stomach flutter. âOnce I get you to start callinâ me, we can gradually move on to me takinâ you out.â
Annieâs fingers still around the napkin sheâs rolling.
Her heart gives one hard thump.
Then another.
She swallows, suddenly unable to think of anything to say.
The line goes quiet.
Smoke waits a few seconds before chuckling. âHere we go.â
Annie bites back a smile. âWhat?â
âYou still actinâ scared, I see.â
âIâm not.â
âYou are.â He laughs softly. âAnd itâs okay.â
Annie rolls her eyes even though he canât see her. âI said Iâm not.â
âYou gotta get over the way I look.â
Annieâs mouth falls open. âWhat?ââ
âYeah, I know you think Iâm fine and shit.â His smugness comes through the phone so clearly she can practically see the grin on his face.
âBut that shouldnât keep you away from me. I ainât gonâ bite.â
Annie smiles down at the silverware in her lap.
Smoke grows quieter. More serious. âEventually, I wanna be alone wit you.â
Her breath catches.
âThatâs the only way we can really get to know each other.â He pauses, making sure she hears the meaning behind his words. âI ainât tryna pressure you, Annie. But I wanna be around youâŠNot just when we at work or when we happen to end up at the same place.â His voice lowers. âI wanna sit close to you so I can look in yoâ eyes when we talk. I wanna learn youâŠâ
Annieâs heartbeat speeds up.
âLearn yoâ facial expressions. Yoâ body language. Learn what make you smile and what make you get quiet.â
Smoke stares at the ceiling for a moment. âAnd I know another reason why you nervous.â
Annieâs smile fades slightly.
She knows what he means.
âBut this ainât that, Annie.â His tone is steady. Certain. âI promise. If that was the only thing I wanted, I wouldnât be wastinâ my time callinâ you every night. I wouldnât care about yoâ school, yoâ family, or what kind of movies you like.â He smiles. âI wouldnât be sittinâ here tryna convince you to call me, Princess.â
He used the word Princess again, it sends warmth rushing straight through Annieâs chest.
She lowers her head, grinning at the floor. âI hear you.â Her voice comes out softer than she intended. âAnd Iâm doinâ my best not to be nervous.â She smiles. âBut you make it so hard, Elijah.â
Smokeâs brows lift. âHow?â He sits up slightly. âI been showinâ you Iâm a regular person like anybody else.â
Annie snorts. âYou are far from regular.â
Smoke laughs. âSee? There you go.â
âIâm serious.â
âSo am I.â
Annie traces the edge of the napkin with her thumb.
Smoke continues. âI see you and Iâm interested in youâŠOnly you.â
The words settle heavily between them. âI keep tellinâ you that you the shit.â He sighs. âYou gotta hype yoâself up sometimes, Annika.â
Annie smiles shyly.
He continues. âEverything about you got me intrigued. Yoâ mind. Yoâ smile. The way you be shy one minute, then say some slick shit the next.â
Annie laughs. âYou be payinâ too much attention.â
âI told you Iâm tryna learn you.â His voice softens again. âAnd I mean that shit. Donât second guess it.â He pauses. Then adds casually, âI guess I need to start wearinâ a ski mask around you so you can get comfortable.â
Annie busts into laughter at the visual.
Not a small giggle.
A full, breathless, belly laugh that makes her bend forward in her chair.
Smoke starts laughing too, mostly because he loves the sound of hers.
Annie finally catches her breath.
âWhyyy would you say something like that?â
ââCause that seem like the only way Iâm gonâ be able to take you on a date. You punishinâ me and shit for not beinâ ugly.â
She wipes beneath her eyes.
âWhatever, Big Head. Itâs not.â
âOkay.â Smoke smirks. âWeâll see.â
âWe will.â
âSo that mean you agreeinâ to a date?â
Annie immediately goes quiet again.
Smoke laughs. âDamn, I walked you right into that one.â
âYou did not.â
âI definitely did.â
Annie shakes her head, smiling. âI said weâll see.â
âNah, you said we will. That sound like a yes to me.â
âYou hear what you wanna hear.â
âWhen it come to you? Absolutely.â
Annieâs cheeks warm.
Smoke glances over at Jayvon, who is already asleep with one arm thrown above his head while Finding Nemo plays quietly in the background.
âAight, I ainât gonâ push you tonight.â
âThank you.â
âBut just know Iâm askinâ again.â
Annie laughs. âI figured.â
âAnd eventually, you gonâ say yes.â
âYou seem real sure of yourself.â
âIâm sure about you.â
That quiets her.
For a moment, the only sounds between them are the faint movie playing in Smokeâs room and the clinking of the silverware Annieâs rolling.
Then Annie smiles. âWellâŠâ
Smoke waits.
âI might say yes.â
His grin spreads instantly. âMight?â
âMhm.â
âShit, Iâll take that for now.â
Annie laughs.
Smoke checks the clock beside the bed. âYou still got a lot of silverware left?â
âNot really.â
âYou tired?â
âYeah. My hands hurt.â
âI wish I was there.â
âTo roll silverware?â
âNah.â He lowers his voice. âTo rub yoâ hands.â
Annieâs stomach flips again. âHere you go.â
âIâm just sayinâ.â
âWell, you ainât here.â
âNot tonight.â
The promise hidden in his tone makes Annie smile.
Meagan calls her name from the doorway.
âAnnie, we ready to finish closinâ!â
She looks up. âOkay!â
Then she brings the phone back to her ear. âI gotta go, Elijah.â
Smoke sighs dramatically. âDamn.â
âYou act like we ainât been talkinâ all night.â
âThat donât mean Iâm ready to get off the phone.â
Annie smiles. âIâll call you tomorrow.â
Smoke goes silent.
Annie laughs. âWhat?â
âNothinâ.â His voice fills with satisfaction. âI just wanted to hear you say it.â
She shakes her head. âGoodnight, Big Head.â
âGoodnight, Pretty Eyes.â
She hesitates before hanging up. âAnd Elijah?â
âYeah?â
âI do think about you as much as you think about me.â
Smokeâs smile slowly grows. âGood.â
Annie hangs up before he can say anything else.
Smoke stares at the cordless phone for a few seconds, grinning to himself.
Across the city, Annie presses the phone against her chest and takes a slow breath before returning to work.
The cafeteria is loud with the usual lunch-hour chaos.
Plastic trays slap against tables. Chairs scrape across the tile floor. Students yell over one another while the smell of greasy pizza, french fries, and reheated vegetables hangs heavy in the air.
Annie, Rhonda, and Devin are sitting at their usual table near the middle of the cafeteria.
Devin is picking the pepperoni off her pizza while Annie slowly dips fries into a puddle of ketchup. Rhonda and Annie sit across from her, facing the cafeteria entrance as she complains about the assignment they were given in English.
âIâm not writinâ no damn five page paper about The Scarlet Letter,â Rhonda says, stabbing her fork into a pile of mashed potatoes. âThat book boring as hell.â
Annie laughs. âYou say that about every book.â
âBecause every book they make us read is boring.â
Devin shakes her head. âYou just donât like reading.â
âI like reading shit I care about.â
Rhonda lifts her drink to her lips.
Then she stops.
Her eyes narrow toward the entrance.
Ebony has just walked into the cafeteria.
But she isnât alone. Ryan is beside her.
The two of them are deep in conversation, walking close enough that Ebony has to tilt her head toward him to hear whatever heâs saying over the noise.
Rhonda slowly lowers her drink.
As soon as they step fully inside, Ebony and Ryan split off in opposite directions like they donât want anybody noticing they came in together.
Rhondaâs face twists. âOh, hell nah.â
Annie and Devin both look up. âWhat?â they ask at the same time.
Rhonda keeps her eyes trained on Ebony as she makes her way toward their table. âThereâs some shady shit goinâ on.â
Annie turns slightly in her seat. âWhat you talkinâ about?â
âEbony just walked in here talkinâ to Ryan.â
Annie freezes with a french fry halfway to her mouth. âWhat?â
âYep.â
Rhonda leans back in her chair, folding her arms. âWalked right through them doors together, talkinâ like they best friends. Then soon as they got inside, they split up.â
A strange heaviness settles in Annieâs stomach.
Before she can respond, Ebony reaches the table and drops her tray down beside Devin. âWhatâs up?â
Rhonda doesnât waste a second. âWhy the hell you still talkinâ to Ryan?â
Ebony looks at her. âWhat?â
âYou heard me.â Rhonda points toward the cafeteria doors. âWe wrote his ass off.â
Ebony rolls her eyes and pulls out her chair. âOkay, and?â
âAnd why the fuck was you just walkinâ in here with him?â
Ebony sits down, her expression already defensive. âBecause heâs still my friend.â
Rhonda blinks. âYour friend?â
âYes, my friend.â Ebony unwraps her straw. âIâm not writinâ him off just because yâall did.â
Rhonda feels heat crawl up her neck.
Next to her, Annie slowly sets her fry down.
She doesnât want to tell Ebony who she can and canât speak to. That isnât her place.
Still, it feels strange.
Her and Ryan hadnât just broken up.
He cheated on her. Embarrassed her.
Then continued bothering her afterward.
Annie canât understand why Ebony would even want to remain close to somebody who had hurt her that badly.
Devin looks between them before speaking. âNow, you know you my best friend, Ebony.â
Her tone is calmer than Rhondaâs, but her expression is serious. âBut that shit do look weird.â
Ebony cuts her eyes toward her. âHow?â
âYou know what Ryan did to Annie.â
Ebony shrugs. âThat donât have shit to do with me.â
Rhondaâs chair squeaks loudly against the floor as she sits forward.
âYou a goofy bitch.â
Ebonyâs head snaps toward her. âWhat?!â
Several people at the tables around them glance over.
Rhonda doesnât care.ââI said you a goofy bitch.â She points across the table. âIâm not about to sit here and let you play with my best friend like that.â
Ebony pushes her tray away. âFirst of all, bitch, ainât nobody playinâ with Annie.â
âThen why the fuck you still buddy-buddy with the nigga who cheated on her?â
âBecause me and Ryan were friends before they even started dating!â
âSo the fuck what?â Rhondaâs voice rises. âHe hurt her!â
There had always been a natural divide within the four of them.
They were all close, but Rhonda and Annie had always gravitated toward each other. Rhonda understood Annie without needing much explanation. She was the first one ready to defend her, even when Annie didnât ask.
Ebony and Devin were the same way.
They had their own bondâcloser, louder, and sometimes impossible for anyone else to understand.
Normally, it balanced the group.
Today, it feels like a line drawn straight down the center of the table.
Annie reaches over and touches Rhondaâs arm. âRhonda, calm down.â
Rhonda looks at her. âNo, Annie. That shit ainât right.â
âI know.â Annie keeps her voice low, even though her chest aches. âBut itâs okay.â
She looks over at Ebony. âIâm not tryna control who nobody friends with.â
Ebony nods once, still irritated. âExactly.â
Rhonda cuts her eyes at her. âDonât âexactlyâ shit.â
âRhonda,â Annie warns.
Rhonda leans back, crossing her arms tightly over her chest.
She doesnât say anything else, but the anger is still written all over her face.
The table goes quiet.
Devin picks at her pizza, clearly uncomfortable.
Annie hates the heaviness settling over them, so she clears her throat and forces herself to change the subject.
She looks at Devin. âDid Stack tell you he got a kid?â
Devin nods without hesitation. âYeah. He told me.â
Annie studies her face. âOh, okay. I just wanted to make sure you knew.â
Devin laughs. âGirl, I know.â
Ebony turns toward her. âYou tryna be somebody stepmama?â Her face scrunches. âEww.â
Rhonda side eyes Ebony but stays silent.
Devin leans back in her chair. âGirl, I ainât tryna marry the man.â She picks up a fry. âIâm just tryna have fun. Iâm young.â She bites into it and shrugs. âIâm here for a good time, not a long time.â
Annie laughs despite herself.
Devin continues. âPlus, he got money, he fine as hell, and he got a car.â
She gestures toward Ebony with the fry. âSo donât worry about me.â
Then she raises an eyebrow. âWhatâs up with you and Ramon?â
Ebony kisses her teeth. âI ainât really talked to him. We had one conversation.â
Devin looks confused. âWhy? He was fine as hell too.â
âBecause I got other shit goinâ on.â
Rhonda cuts her eyes toward Ebony. âI bet you do.â
Ebony slowly turns toward her. âWhat the fuck that supposed to mean?â
Rhonda lifts one shoulder. âIt mean whatever you want it to mean.â
Ebonyâs eyes narrow.
Annie throws both hands up. âStop, yâall.â
Neither girl responds.
Annie sighs. âAnywayâŠâ She looks around the table. âWe all goinâ to Swope Park Sunday, right?â
Devin nods. âHell yeah.â
Rhonda answers next. âIâm goinâ.â
Ebony picks up her drink. âYeah.â
The tension loosens slightly, but it doesnât disappear.
Devin looks at Annie and grins. âSo Smoke gonâ be there?â
Annie feels her face warm. âI donât know.â
Rhonda snorts. âGirl, yes he is. You know damn well that man gonâ show up if he know you there.â
Annie rolls her eyes, but the corner of her mouth lifts. âWhatever.â
Devin studies her. âWhat happened when yâall talked last night?â
âNothing.â
All three girls stare at her.
Annie laughs nervously. âWhy yâall lookinâ at me like that?â
âBecause ânothingâ donât have you smiling like that,â Rhonda says.
âIâm not smiling.â
âYes, you are,â Devin and Rhonda say together.
Even Ebony cracks a small smile.
Annie looks down at her tray.
âHe said he eventually wanna take me out.â
The girls immediately perk up.
Rhonda leans closer to Annie âOn a date?â
Annie nods. âYeah.â
Devin slaps her palm against the table. âGirl!â
âKeep your voice down,â Annie whispers, laughing.
âWhen?â Ebony asks.
âHe didnât say exactly when.â Annie twists her straw wrapper around her finger. âHe just said once I get comfortable callinâ him, he wanna move on to takinâ me out.â
Rhondaâs face softens. âThatâs actually cute.â
Devin nods. âAnd he ainât rushinâ you.â
âNo.â Annie looks down. âHe keeps saying he wants us to spend time alone so he can really get to know me.â
Ebony arches an eyebrow. âAnd what did you say?â
âI said Iâd think about it.â
Rhonda groans. âAnnie.â
âWhat?â
âWhy are you still actinâ scared?â
âIâm not scared.â
All three girls give her the same look.
Annie sighs. âOkayâŠMaybe a little.â
Devin reaches across and squeezes her wrist. âGirl, ainât nothing wrong with beinâ nervous. Especially after Ryan.â
Her eyes briefly flick toward Ebony before returning to Annie. âBut Smoke been showinâ you he interested.â
Rhonda nods. âAnd he seems patient. He not pressuring you. He calls you every night. Bought you food. Defended you and comforted you. And he look at you like you the last woman on earth.â
Annie smiles despite herself.
Ebony takes a sip of her drink. âI meanâŠShe shrugs. âThey right.â
Annie looks at her.
Ebony continues. âYou donât gotta marry him. Just go somewhere with him and see how it feel. If you uncomfortable, leave.â
Devin nods. âExactly. You can even tell us where yâall goinâ.â
Rhonda points at Annie. âAnd call me when you get there and when you get home.â
Annie laughs. âYou sound like my mama.â
âGood.â Rhonda smiles. âSomebody gotta make sure you donât get kidnapped by them sleepy eyes and dimples.â
The girls laugh.
Annie shakes her head. âYâall are so annoying.â
âBut you gonâ go?â Devin asks.
Annie looks around at each of them.
The idea of being alone with Smoke makes her stomach twist with nerves.
But underneath the fear is excitement.
She wants to know what it would feel like to sit across from him without work, friends, or crowds surrounding them. She wants to see if their conversations feel just as natural face to face as they do over the phone.
Finally, she smiles. âIâll think about it.â
Rhonda points at her. âThat mean yes.â
âNo, it donât.â
âIt definitely do,â Devin says.
Annie laughs, reaching for another fry.
âWeâll see.â
The bell rings before anyone can argue with her.
All around them, students begin gathering trays and pushing back chairs.
As Annie stands, she glances across the cafeteria. Ryan is sitting several tables away. Heâs already looking at her.
Annie quickly looks away.
But as the girls leave the cafeteria, she canât stop thinking about Smoke asking to take her out.
And for the first timeâŠThe thought scares her a little less.
đđđđđđđđđđđđ
Later that night, Annie finishes helping one of the twins with their homework.
She lets out a tired sigh as she walks down the hallway and flops across her bed face first. The mattress bounces beneath her.
A smile slowly spreads across her lips.
Her heart starts racing.
She was really about to call Smoke.
She told him she would, and she wanted to keep her word.
She reaches over to her nightstand, picks up her corded house phone, and slowly dials his number.
A few miles away
Smoke is just finishing up at work.
The kitchen is nearly empty now. The dinner rush is long gone, and only the hum of the refrigerators, the clatter of dishes being washed, and Quiet Storm playing softly on the boombox fill the room.
His phone rings. He glances down.
Unknown number.
He stares at it for a second before answering. âSup? Who dis?â
Annie canât help but laugh at the hesitation in his voice.
The second Smoke hears her laughâŠ
He knows exactly who it is.
A grin immediately stretches across his face.
His entire tone softens. âPretty eyes? What number you callinâ me from?â
Annie smiles. âItâs me, big head.â
Smoke chuckles. âOh⊠so I must be special now.â
Annie kisses her teeth. âI guess.â
âYou guess?â he teases. âHold up⊠why you ainât never give me this number? Everybody in the house use this phone or somethinâ?â
âNah. I got my own line right before I started working. I got too many siblings to keep sharing a phone.â She laughs. âAnd they like listeninâ in on peopleâs conversations.â
Smoke laughs with her. âHmmâŠSo you had yo own landline this whole timeâŠBut told me you couldnât call âcause yo minutes wasnât free before nine.â
Annie hides her smile. âUh⊠yeah.â
She twirls the phone cord around her finger. âHonestly⊠I just wasnât ready to give out my landline yet. The last time I did thatâŠIt didnât end too well.â
Smokeâs smile fades. âWhat you mean?â
âRyan had it. He blew my line up so much I had to leave the phone off the hook almost every day.â
Smokeâs jaw tightens.
His grip on the phone hardens as he walks out into the cool evening air.
âDamnâŠI wouldnât do that to you.â
He unlocks his truck. âYou change the number?â
âNo. He stopped⊠for now.â
Smoke slides into his truck and starts the engine. âIf you think he might start againâŠIâll pay to have the number changed.â
Annie smiles to herself. âNo, itâs okay.â
She laughs softly. âElijahâŠWhy you always tryna spoil me?â
Smoke backs out of his parking spot. ââCause I want to. Thatâs just who I am. And truthfullyâŠI feel like you, outta everybody⊠deserve it.â
His voice grows quieter. âYou ainât ever been spoiled before?â
Annie shrugs even though he canât see her. âNot really. Thereâs too many of us. My parents couldnât. Itâs one of the reasons Iâm working. So I can buy my own stuff.â
Smoke nods to himself. âI hear you.â
A warm smile spreads across his face.
âWellâŠIâm here now. So let me do things for you. Thatâs what a real man do. I take care of the people in my life. And you in it.â
Annie lets out a dramatic sigh. âOkayyyyy⊠big head.â
Smoke grins. âThatâs more like it. Stubborn ass.â
Annie rolls her eyes. âWhatever, Elijah. What you doinâ?â
âJust left the job. Gettinâ ready to bust a few heads, then call it a night.â He laughs. âWhat you doinâ?
âJust got done helpinâ one of the twins with their homework.â
Smoke smiles to himself. âLook at you. I love hearinâ about you beinâ a big sister.â
Annie laughs. âAre you mockinâ me?â
âNah.â His voice is sincere. âNot at all. I just like hearinâ about you takinâ care of people. You always lookinâ out for somebody.â He smiles. âThat shit sexy, lilâ mama. We one and the same.â
Annieâs stomach flutters.
She quickly changes the subject before he can hear her smiling.
âSoooâŠYou goinâ to Swope Park Sunday?â
Smokeâs grin grows wider. âI donât knowâŠIs there a reason I should be goinâ?â
âOhâŠI thought Tobias asked you.â
âHe did. ButâŠI was waitinâ to see if the person I talk to every night was gonâ bring it up.â
Annie snickers. âWhat?â
âShitâŠYou knew about it before I did. And ainât even mention it.â
âOh please, Elijah. I just assumed he already told you.â
âHe did.â He smiles to himself. But the only reason Iâd wanna goâŠis to see yo pretty ass.â
Heat floods Annieâs cheeks. âThere you go makinâ my cheeks hurt.â
âGood.â A smile slips into his voice. âSoâŠYou goinâ?â
âMaybe I amâŠMaybe Iâm not.â She teases.
Smoke chuckles. âHmph. So what you sayinâ? You donât wanna see me?â
Annie kisses her teeth. âI ainât say all that now.â
Smokeâs voice drops into that smooth, deep tone that always made her stomach flip. âThen let me be the one to say itâŠI wanna see you, Annika. So you already knew the answer to the question you asked. If you gonâ be thereâŠIâm automatically there.â
His voice softens even more. âDonât you know that you a siren? âCause wherever you leadâŠI follow. Whenever and wherever you want me to beâŠIâll be.â
Annieâs heart damn near stops.
A huge smile spreads across her face.
This smooth mfâŠ
She thinks to herself.
Smoke smiles, imagining exactly what she looks like right now. âSo yeahâŠIâll be there. Patiently waitinâ on you.â A moment passes. âSo againâŠYou goinâ?â
Annieâs chest feels tight.
She slowly exhales. âOf course I am.â
Smoke smiles. âAnd who you goinâ there to see?â He pauses. âI wanna hear you say it.â
Annie freezes.
Her throat suddenly feels dry.
âIâŠâ She swallows. âIâm goinâ⊠to see youâŠâ A tiny smile forms. âElijah.â
Smoke closes his eyes for a second.
His chest tightens.
That was exactly what heâd wanted to hear.
The tension is so thick, Annie damn near chokes.
Before the silence grows too heavy, he clears his throat.
âSo tell me⊠Who got you into sports?â
Annie blinks at the sudden change.
âUmmâŠMy dad. Heâs the biggest Royals and Chiefs fan. He never misses a game. When I was little Iâd sit with him every Sunday. He even took me to a few Royals games.â
Smoke smiles as he pulls into a gas station to meet one of his clients.
âI like that. I love all sports too. Even though the Royals and Chiefs been pissinâ me off latelyâŠIâm still ridinâ wit the home team.â He laughs. âI ainât never seen a woman cheer the way you do.â
Annie laughs. âMy bad. I really be into it.â
âShit. Ainât nothinâ wrong wit that.â
Just then his client walks up.
He leans in the truck window and immediately grins.
âDamn, niggaâŠWho you cakinâ wit on the phone that got you smilinâ like that?â
Smoke shakes his head. âShut up, nigga. Ainât none of yo business.â
They make a quick exchange.
Smoke pulls back onto the road.
âSoâŠâ He smiles. âNow what was we talkinâ about?â
âSports.â
âOh yeah. Who yo favorite basketball team?â
âI like college basketball. MU my favorite.â
Smoke laughs. âDamn shortyâŠYou tryna be like me.â
âNah.â She laughs. âYou tryna be like me.â
They both laugh together.
A comfortable silence settles between them.
ThenâŠAnnie yawns.
Smoke smiles instantly. âUh-oh. You tired.â
âNoâŠIâm okay.â
âNah.â His voice softens. âItâs aight. I want you to get some sleep. Donât be stubborn.â
Annie sighs dramatically. âOkay.â
A small silence falls again.
Neither one really wants to end the call.
FinallyâŠSmoke speaks. ââŠThank you.â
Annie smiles. âFor what?â
âFor callinâ me.â His voice is almost shy now. âIt felt real good hearinâ yo laugh on the other end. I ainât gonâ lieâŠI smiled like a fool.â
Annie smiles so hard she covers her mouth. âYou donât have to thank me, Elijah.â
âI do. âCause you kept yo word. And that means somethinâ to me.â
Annie smiles warmly. âYouâre welcome.â
Another quiet moment passes.
Neither one hangs up.
âYou hang up first,â Annie says.
Smoke laughs. âNah. You called me. You hang up.â
Annie grins. âSee? You donât wanna get off either.â
âDamnâŠYou caught me.â
She giggles. âI knew it.â
Smoke smiles to himself as he drives beneath the glow of the streetlights.
âAightâŠIâll let you get some sleep before you start yawninâ every five seconds.â
âI only yawned once.â
âMhm. I heard enough.â
Annie laughs again.
âGoodnight, pretty eyes.â His voice is soft enough to almost melt into the receiver. âSweet dreams.â
Annie closes her eyes, smiling from ear to ear. âGoodnight, big head.â
They linger another secondâŠ
Neither one wanting to be the first to let go.
FinallyâŠThe line clicks.
Smoke stares at the phone for a moment before setting it on the passenger seat, still smiling to himself.
And Annie curls onto her side, hugging her pillow.
The soft glow of Annieâs bedside lamp illuminates her room as she lies across her bed on her stomach, absentmindedly twirling a pencil between her fingers while finishing her English homework. Her poetry notebook sits open beside her, along with her planner and a half empty bottle of Cherry Pepsi.
The phone on her nightstand catches her eye. It was almost nine.
She smiles to herself.
Maybe Elijah will got off early tonight.
Just as she reaches for her notebook againâRiiing⊠Riiing⊠Her heart skips.
She sits up with a grin and grabs the phone before it can ring a third time.
âHello?â
Silence.
She pulls the receiver away from her ear for a second to make sure the call hadnât dropped. ââŠHello?â Nothing.
ThenâŠA slow inhale. Another.
Someone was breathing.
Annieâs smile disappears.
Her fingers tighten around the phone. âWho is this?â
The breathing continues. Slow. Intentional.
Like whoever it was wanted her to know they were there.
A knot forms in her stomach. ââŠRyan?â
The breathing immediately stops.
Click. The line goes dead.
Annie slowly lowers the receiver from her ear, staring at it in disbelief before placing it back in its cradle.
She hugs herself.
For two weeksâŠNothing.
No blocked calls to her cell phone.
No messages. No begging. No disrespect.
Sheâd actually started believing Ryan had finally accepted that they were over.
Apparently sheâd been wrong.
She sits back down on the edge of her bed, her mind racing.
She couldnât even prove it was him.
He hadnât spoken a single word.
But who else would call her personal line just to breathe into the phone?
Her mind drifts back to the conversation she just had last night with Smoke.
She hears his voice in her head.
I can pay to change the number.
At the time sheâd thought maybe that would be a little much.
NowâŠMaybe it wasnât.
She sighs and rubs her forehead.
Changing her personal line wasnât impossible. The phone company charged a fee, but she could cover it herself, but she needed a ride to the phone company to do it and her parents would ask questions. Smoke would take her with no problem.
Then another thought settles in. Should I even tell Elijah? Her stomach knots.
If she told himâŠHeâd know exactly who she thought it was. And sheâd heard the irritation in his voice the last time Ryan came up. Smoke wasnât scared of confrontation.
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He rushes over to her. âOh shit⊠baby.â He gently cups her face. âCome on. We gotta get you to the hospital.â
Dajia shakes her head. âNo, Stack.â She takes a shaky breath. âCall my doula. Tell her to meet us at the house.â
Stack doesnât argue.
He nods immediately. âI got you.â
He steps away, already pulling his phone from his pocket.
Meanwhile, Annie and Dominique hurry to Dajiaâs side.
Both of them are visibly panicked.
Dominique grabs her arm. âAre you okay?â
Dajia looks at her like sheâs lost her mind. âNo, girl.â She lets out a nervous laugh that quickly turns into tears. âIâm not ready.â
Annie immediately takes her hand.
âItâs okay.â She gives it a reassuring squeeze. âWeâre here.â
Dajia nods, trying to steady her breathing.
Ms. Maingot is already moving.
âIâm going to get my car so we can get you home.â
âOkay,â Dajia says quietly.
A moment later, Stack walks back over. âSheâs on her way to the house now.â
âGood.â
Everyone begins filtering outside.
The excitement from the baby shower is gone.
Now every face is filled with concern.
As theyâre making their way across the parking lot, Preston spots the commotion.
His brows furrow. âWhatâs going on?â
Dajia looks at him. âMy water broke, Daddy.â
His eyes widen instantly. âWhat?â
He hurries over. âWe gotta get you to the hospital.â
Dajia shakes her head. âUh uh, Daddy.â
She winces. âIâm having him at home.â
âAt home?â Preston asks in disbelief. âWhat?â
âDaddyâŠâ she says through clenched teeth, ââŠnowâs not the time to argue.â
Before he can respond, Mrs. Maingot pulls her SUV around to the curb.
Stack quickly opens the back door. âCome on, baby.â
He helps Dajia inside before climbing âin beside her.
Ms. Maingot pulls away immediately.
The tires barely finish rolling beforeâ
âAhhh!â Dajia cries out. Her entire body tenses.
She doubles over in the seat.
Stackâs eyes grow wide. âWhatâs wrong?â
Another moan escapes her.
âYou havinâ a contraction?â
She nods rapidly, breathing hard.
âY-yesâŠâ
âBaby, gimme yo hand.â
She reaches for him without hesitation.
He laces his fingers through hers.
Her grip tightens instantly.
Ms. Maingot glances into the rearview mirror. âIâm timing your contractions.â
She keeps one eye on the road and another on the clock. âBreathe, baby. Nice and slow.â
Dajia nods, trying to focus.
She inhales through her nose. Then exhales slowly.
Stack rubs circles along her lower back with his free hand. âItâs okay, baby girl.â
He kisses the side of her head. âIâm right here.â
A few minutes laterâAnother contraction slams into her. âOhhh!â
She squeezes Stackâs hand so hard he feels his knuckles pop.
He doesnât flinch. He just holds on tighter.
Ms. Maingot checks the time again.
âTheyâre three minutes apart.â She looks at Dajia in the mirror.
âYouâre definitely in labor, baby.â
Dajia nods through another deep breath. âI knowâŠâ
Within minutes, they pull into the driveway.
Almost simultaneously, another vehicle pulls up behind them.
The doula.
She climbs out carrying several bags. âHow far apart?â
âThree minutes,â Ms. Maingot answers.
The doula nods immediately. âAlright. Letâs get her inside.â
Stack carefully helps Dajia out of the SUV.
She leans heavily against him as another contraction threatens to build.
âI got you,â he whispers. âI ainât lettinâ you fall.â
Together, with her parents and the doula close behind, they hurry into the house.
Just a few hours earlier, they had all been celebrating a baby shower.
NowâŠIt was finally time to meet Eli.
Once inside, the doula quickly gets to work.
She helps Dajia onto the bed long enough to check her cervix.
A smile spreads across her face. âYouâre already at eight centimeters.â
She looks up at everyone. âSheâs progressing quickly.â She stands. âCome on. Letâs get you in the tub.â
Within minutes, warm water fills the birthing tub.
Steam rises around the room.
Five minutes later, Dajia eases herself into the water with Stack climbing in behind her. He settles against the back of the tub and gently pulls her against his chest.
She leans into him, exhausted.
His arms wrap around her belly while one hand rubs slow circles across it.
The warmth of the water eases some of the pressure.
For a momentâŠShe relaxes.
Then another contraction crashes over her. âAhhhh!â
She pitches forward, gripping the sides of the tub. Her breathing becomes ragged.
Ms. Maingot kneels beside the tub and gently brushes damp locs away from Dajiaâs face. âBreathe, baby.â
âIâm trying, MaâŠâ Dajia cries. âI canât⊠it hurts too bad.â
âI know it does.â Her mother takes one of her hands.
âBut you gotta breathe through it. Donât fight your body. Let it do what it was made to do.â
Behind her, Stack kisses the side of her head. âYou doing so good, baby girl.â His own voice trembles. âHe will be here before you know itâ
Another wave rolls through.
Dajia squeezes both their hands until her knuckles turn white.
The doula quietly watches.
She waits for the contraction to pass before checking Dajia again.
A few seconds later, she smiles. âYouâre complete.â
Everyone looks at her.
She nods. âItâs time.â
Dajiaâs eyes widen. âAlready?â
The doula gently squeezes her shoulder. âItâs time to meet your son.â
Fresh tears fill Dajiaâs eyes.
She nods.
The next contraction builds.
âOkay, Dajia.â The doula positions herself.
âWhen it peaksâŠPush.â
Dajia takes a deep breath.
Then bears down with everything she has.
âThatâs it!â the doula encourages.
âBeautiful!â
Stack tightens his arms around her.
âCome on, baby girl. âYou got this.â
Ms. Maingot wipes tears from her own cheeks. âThatâs my girl.â
Another contraction. Another push.
Dajia cries out. âIâm tired!â
âI know,â Stack whispers into her ear.
âI know you are. But our son is almost here. You can do this.â
She nods, panting. Then pushes again.
Minutes seem to stretch forever.
Every contraction demands every ounce of strength she has left.
Stack keeps whispering words of encouragement into her ear.
He rubs her shoulders.
Kisses the top of her head.
Tells her over and over how proud he is.
InsideâŠHeâs terrified.
His heart is pounding so hard he swears everyone in the room can hear it.
But he refuses to let her see it.
She needs him steady.
So thatâs exactly what he gives her.
The doula suddenly smiles. âI see his head!â
Stackâs eyes get big âOh shit!âŠâ
Another push.
âThatâs it! Again, Dajia!â
She digs deep.
With one final cryâŠShe pushes as hard as she can.
And suddenlyâŠA tiny little body slips effortlessly into the warm water.
The room falls silent for one breathtaking second.
ThenâA loud newborn cry fills the bathroom.
Stack lets out a shaky laugh.
âOh⊠my God.â
The doula gently lifts the baby from the water and immediately places him on Dajiaâs chest. âThere he is. Your baby boy.â
Dajia wraps trembling arms around him.
The moment she looks into his little faceâŠShe breaks.
Tears stream down her cheeks.
âHi, baby.â
Her voice barely comes out above a whisper. âHi, Eli.â
Eli lets out another tiny cry before settling against her skin.
Stack stares at them in complete awe.
A grin slowly spreads across his face.
Then it grows wider. And wider.
Until every single one of his dimples shows.
He laughs through tears. âLook what we made.â
He reaches over, gently stroking Eliâs tiny cheek with one finger. âHe perfect.â
Mrs. Maingot quietly wipes her own eyes. âMy grandsonâŠâ
Preston stands in the doorway, overcome with emotion as he watches his daughter cradle her son for the very first time.
The doula smiles at the new family.
âCongratulations.â
âWelcome to the world, Eli Preston Maingot-Moore.â
The room fills with happy tears, relieved laughter, and grateful smiles.
Their little boy was finally here.
The doula gently takes Eli from Dajiaâs arms. âLet me get him cleaned up.â
She wraps him in a warm towel, carefully wiping away the remaining vernix before checking him over from head to toe.
She listens to his heartbeat.
Counts his tiny fingers. His tiny toes.
Checks his breathing. His reflexes.
Then she smiles. âHeâs perfect.â
Everyone in the room lets out the breath theyâd been holding.
She places him on the scale.
âHe looks to be right around six pounds.â
Dajia smiles through tired eyes.
âI knew you was in there eatinâ everything.â
The room fills with soft laughter.
A little while laterâŠ
The house has finally grown quiet.
The excitement has settled into peace.
Dajia rests comfortably in bed, propped against a pile of pillows.
Sheâs exhausted. But she canât stop smiling.
Across the room, Stack slowly walks laps with Eli cradled in his arm.
Eli is wide awake.
His dark little eyes stare up at his daddy as if heâs studying every feature on his face.
Stackâs heart completely melts.
He smiles down at him.
âWellâŠâ He chuckles softly.
âHello, son. Welcome to the world.â
Eli blinks up at him.
Stack gently brushes a finger across his tiny cheek. âLook at you. You look just like yoâ mama.â
Dajia grins. âGood.â
Stack looks over at her and laughs. âDonât do that.â
She shrugs innocently. âWhat? He do.â
âHe got my nose.â
âMmm⊠I donât know about that.â
Stack shakes his head. âYou already startinâ.â
Dajia laughs so hard her stomach hurts.
A soft knock sounds at the bedroom door before it slowly opens.
Ms. Maingot and Preston step inside.
The moment Ms. Maingot sees Eli, both hands fly to her chest. âOh my GodâŠâ
Fresh tears fill her eyes. âMy grandson.â
She walks over slowly âCan I hold him?â
Stack smiles. âOf course.â
He carefully transfers Eli into her waiting arms.
She looks down at him like heâs the most precious thing sheâs ever seen. âOhâŠâ
Her voice cracks. âHeâs beautiful.â
She smiles through tears.
âHe already looks like his mama.â
Dajia laughs. âMaâŠâ She points at her.
âDonât start. Cause then you gonâ make me cry.â
Ms. Maingot sniffles. âI canât help it.â
She kisses Eliâs forehead. âMy grandbaby is finally here.â
She rocks him gently for a moment before turning toward Preston. âYou wanna hold him?â
Preston hesitates. Just for a second.
Then he slowly reaches out.
She carefully places Eli into his arms.
The transformation is immediate.
The hard expression that rarely leaves Prestonâs face disappears.
Years in the military had taught him discipline. Control. To keep his emotions tucked away.
But none of that matters now.
A slow smile spreads across his face.
Then it grows wider.
His eyes never leave Eli. âHey there, little manâŠâ His voice is barely above a whisper.
Dajia watches from the bed. Her expression softens.
She canât remember the last time sheâd seen her father look so⊠gentle.
So unguarded. It makes her heart swell.
Stack notices too.
He quietly walks back over to the bed and sits beside her.
Without saying a word, he slips an arm around her shoulders.
Then kisses her forehead. âWe did it, baby girl.â
Dajia slowly turns to look at him.
A playful smile creeps onto her face. âWeâ did it?â
Stack busts into laughter. âI meanâŠâ He rubs the back of his neck. âYou did it. You definitely did the hard part.â
âMhm.â She gives him the side eye. âThatâs what I thought.â
Stack laughs harder. âI helped in spirit.â
âIn spirit?â she repeats. âYou squeezed my hand like you was the one havinâ contractions.â
âShit I was emotionally in labor.â
Dajia stares at him for a moment.
Then she busts out laughing. âSo now you done gave birth too?â
âI deserve a lil credit.â
She shakes her head, smiling. âYou lucky you fine.â
âI know.â
Their eyes meet.
Both of them begin laughing all over again.
Across the room, Preston looks over at them before glancing back down at Eli.
A small smile tugs at his lips.
His grandson had entered the world surrounded by love.
Later that night, Smoke and Annie are at home. They were watching a movie on Paramount, but of course, with them, it always ended with them conjoined.
Smoke is behind Annie on the couch, her face resting on the arm.
He smacks her ass. âWho fuckinâ you good like this?â
Annie groans. âYouuuu.â
âYou feel how deep I am. Iâm in this shit. Tryna touch the bottom of that pussy.â
âYesss, you too fuckinâ deep.â
âNah, Iâm not deep enough.â Smoke groans. âMmm, Daddy gonâ have to go without this pussy for six weeks. I donât know what Iâm gonâ do.â
He slides out slowly, then pushes back in hard.
Annie screams, âUghhh!â
âWhat you screaminâ for, Mama? You know how to take this dick.â
He smacks her ass again. âDaddy gonâ miss fuckinâ you all over this house.â
Annie groans. âOh. My. God.â
He hits her ass again. âGod ainât makinâ you feel like this. I am. Say my name, baby.â
âUghhhh, Daddy!â
Smoke shakes his head. âIâm telling you, Mama, soon as you have our babies, you better get on birth control. You know I canât stay out this pussy.â
âI knowww.â
Annieâs so wet, Smoke can barely take it.
He reaches under her arms,
Pulls her up toward him and makes her look in the mirror. âSay I deserve this dick.â
Annie doesnât hesitate. âI deserve this dick.â
âSay Iâm beautiful.â
Heâs giving her steady strokes.
âAhhh!!.â
He thrusts hard once. âSay it.â
âShitttt, Iâm beautiful.â
âThere you go, mama. Thatâs Daddyâs baby.â
He puts his mouth on her ear. âI love you more than life itself, and I canât wait until you have more of my babies. Iâm gonâ keep you filled witâ this nut. You hear me?â
Annie nods. âYes, Smoke.â
He thrusts harder. âYou gonâ be a Twinkie walkin around this bitch.â
Annie moans. âSmokeeeee.â
âYeah. I know what that mean. Come on, baby. Come on this dick.â
Annie doesnât even say anything. She just gushes all over him.
The next morning at Stack and Dajiaâs , sunlight spills through the bedroom curtains.
The house is quiet.
For the first time in what feels like foreverâŠ
There isnât a room full of people.
No contractions. No chaos. Just peace.
Eli sleeps soundly in the bassinet beside the bed, his tiny chest rising and falling beneath his swaddle.
Every now and then, he lets out a little sigh in his sleep.
Stack and Dajia lay facing each other.
Neither of them has gotten much sleep.
But neither of them minds.
Every few minutes one of them glances over at the bassinet just to make sure Eli is still there. Still real.
Dajia smiles. âI still canât believe we got a son.â
Stack follows her gaze. âI can.â
She looks back at him. âOh yeah?â
He grins. âYeah. âCause we make pretty babies.â
Dajia rolls her eyes. âYou so full of yourself.â
âI ainât lyinâ.â
She laughs quietly before the smile slowly fades from her face.
Stack notices immediately. âWhat?â
She lets out a long sigh. âIâm still upset.â
He already knows what sheâs talking about. âThe baby shower.â
She nods. âIt was supposed to be a happy day.â
âIt was.â
âUntil yâall started fighting.â
Stack drops his eyes. âIâm sorry.â
She studies him. âYou embarrassed me.â
âI know.â
âYou embarrassed yourself.â
âI know.â
âYou embarrassed Titus.â
Stack sighs. âI know.â
A long silence settles between them.
Finally, he speaks. âButâŠâ
She raises an eyebrow.
âI still feel like he crossed a boundary.â
Dajia closes her eyes for a second.
âStackâŠâ
âIâm serious. He had his arm around my wife.â
âHe was looking at pictures.â
âHe still had his arm around you.â
âI didnât even know it was there.â
âI know.â His voice softens. âI know you didnât. But he did. And I ainât like it.â
Dajia rubs her forehead. âI just wish you wouldâve pulled me to the side first.â
âI wasnât thinkinâ.â
âNo.âShe gives him a look. âYou definitely wasnât.â
He nods. âI know.â
She reaches over and intertwines their fingers. âIâm not saying Titus was completely innocent.â
Stack looks at her.
âBut the way everything happenedâŠâ She shakes her head. .âIt didnât have to happen like that.â
âI know.â
Another quiet moment passes.
Then Dajia lets out a frustrated sigh.
âWell⊠It donât even matter now.â
Stack furrows his brows. âWhat you mean?â
âTitus quit.â
His expression hardens. âHe what?â
âHe texted me last night.â She reaches over to the nightstand and picks up her phone. âHe said after everything that happened, he doesnât feel comfortable working wit me anymore.â
Stack doesnât say anything.
âHe apologized for the way things endedâŠâ She shrugs. âBut he quit.â
The room falls silent.
Dajia stares up at the ceiling. âNow I donât have anybody to run sessions while Iâm on maternity leave.â
Stack turns toward her. âYou still got other photographers.â
âTheyâre freelancers. They donât edit like Titus. They donât know my clients. They donât know my workflow.â She sighs again. âSo nowâŠâ She looks over at the bassinet. âIâm probably gonna have to go back to work early.â
The second the words leave her mouthâŠ
Stackâs face changes. âThe hell you are.â
She looks back at him. âWhat?â
âYou not goinâ back to work early.â
âI donât have a choice.â
âYou do.â
âNo, Stack.â
âI own a business. I have weddings booked. I have newborn sessions. I have contracts. If I donât show upâŠâ
She shrugs helplessly. ââŠI lose money.â
Stack sits up in bed. âNah. Iâm fixinâ it.â
She blinks. âFixinâ what?â
âThe whole situation.â
She folds her arms. âAnd exactly how you gonâ do that?â
âI donât know yet. But Iâm gonna figure it out.â
âStackâŠâ
âIâm serious.â
He looks over at Eli sleeping peacefully. âYou just had our son. You supposed to be home recovering. Bonding with him. Not stressing about photo shoots.â
She reaches over and touches his arm. âI appreciate that. But this happened because of you.â
He doesnât argue. âI know.â
She holds his gaze. âSo donât make promises you canât keep.â
Stack shakes his head. âI ainât making a promise I canât keep. Iâm making one I fully intend to keep.â
He leans over and kisses her forehead. âI caused this. So Iâm gonna fix it.â
The house is quiet in that soft, late-afternoon way.
Sunlight spills through the windows, warm and lazy, stretching across the hardwood floors. The TV is on lowâsome random show Annie isnât really watching. Sheâs curled up on the couch, one hand resting on her stomach, absentmindedly rubbing slow circles like sheâs soothing both herself and the babies.
From the kitchen, you can hear Smoke moving around, glass clinking, cabinet doors opening and closing. Heâs not doing anything important. Just⊠staying close.
ThenâDing-dong.
Annie doesnât move.
âSmokeââ she calls lazily, not even opening her eyes. âCan you get that?â
âI got it.â
His footsteps are steady, unhurried as he makes his way to the front door. He wipes his hands on a towel, unlocking it without thinking twice.
The door swings open. And he pauses.
Standing there is a woman.
Mid-twenties. Same complexion as Annie. Same kind of softness in her features,but her eyes⊠her eyes are searching. Nervous. Hopeful.
She studies him just as closely. ââŠHi,â she says carefully. âAre you Annieâs husband?â
Smokeâs brow furrows slightly at the question, but he nods anyway. âYeah.â
Her expression shifts, confusion flickers for just a second, like something in her head didnât match what she expected.
ââŠOkay,â she murmurs. Then, a little more certain: âIs she here?â
Smoke hesitates, something in his gut tightening.
But he answers anyway. âYeah.â
He glances back into the house, voice carrying just enough. âAnnieâcome here a second.â
From the living roomââWho is it?â she calls, already sounding mildly annoyed at being disturbed.
âNo idea,â he replies, eyes still on the woman. âShe askinâ for you.â
Thereâs a pause⊠then the sound of Annie shifting, pushing herself up off the couch.
Her footsteps are slower now, pregnancy making everything a little heavier, a little more deliberate.
She appears around the corner, one hand pressed to her lower back.
ââŠYes?â she says, already halfway over it.
Then she sees her.
And stops.
Thereâs a flicker of confusion immediately.
Because this womanâLooks like she could belong.
Annieâs brows pull together slightly as she steps closer, instinctively placing a hand over her stomach again.
ââŠHi,â Annie says cautiously. âCan I help you?â
The woman smiles. Not big. Not overly friendly. Just⊠emotional.
Like sheâs been waiting for this moment.
âMy name is Angeline Batiste,â she says gently. âBut⊠I go by Angie.â
The name lands.
And Annieâs confusion deepens instantly.
Batiste.
Her eyes narrow just slightly.
ââŠOkayâŠâ she says slowly. âAnd?â
Angie exhales softly, like sheâs steadying herself. âIâm⊠your sister.â
Silence.
It doesnât just fallâIt drops.
Heavy. Sharp.
Annie blinks. Once. Twice. ââŠNo,â she says immediately, shaking her head. âNo, thatâs notâno.â
Angie nods, like she expected that reaction. âOur father is James.â
That does it.
Annieâs stomach drops so fast it feels physical.
Her hand tightens over it. âThereâs no way,â she says, firmer now. âThatâs notâno. Thatâs not possible.â
Smokeâs posture shifts behind the door, subtle but protective now. His eyes move between them, watching Annie closely.
Angie keeps her voice calm. âMy mom didnât tell me about him until I got older,â she explains. âShe was embarrassed. She⊠she had an affair with him. She didnât want to tell me at first because he was married.â
Annieâs face hardens. âMarried to my mother,â she snaps. âSo whatever story you gotââ
âI know,â Angie says quickly, nodding. âI know. I found that out later too.â
Annie shakes her head again, backing up half a step like distance will make this make sense.
âNo. No, becauseââ she gestures, frustrated, overwhelmed ââhow old are you?â
âTwenty-four.â
That hits like a slap.
Same age. Same as Legacy.
Annieâs breath catches. ââŠNo,â she whispers, but itâs weaker now.
âMy mom said she didnât tell me because she didnât want to ruin his family,â Angie continues, her voice softer now. âBut when I got older⊠she told me his name. Told me I had two sisters.â
Annie just stares at her.
Processing. Failing to process.
Her world tilting in real time. ââŠNo,â she says again, but thereâs no fight behind it now. Just disbelief. âNo. You need to go.â
Angieâs face falls slightly, but she doesnât argue. âAnnieââ
âI said leave.â Her voice cracks on the last word.
Thatâs what gives her away.
She turns before anyone can say anything else.
And walks off. Fast.
One hand gripping her stomach, the other wiping at her face as she disappears down the hallway toward their bedroom.
The silence that follows is thick.
Heavy.
Smoke exhales slowly, running a hand over his jaw.
He looks back at Angie.
Sheâs standing there, holding herself together, but barely.
ââŠIâm sorry,â he says, voice low but respectful. âThis⊠ainât somethinâ she was ready for.â
Angie nods, swallowing. âI figured,â she admits quietly.
He steps out just a little, pulling the door in behind him.
âLook,â he says, softer now. âYou canât just drop somethinâ like that and expect her to take it right then.â
âI know,â she says again, eyes glossy now. âI just⊠I had to see her.â
He studies her for a second. Then nods. âGive her some time,â he says. âIâll talk to her.â
A small pause. ââŠCome back another day.â
Angie hesitates. Then nods. âOkay.â
Smoke watches her turn and walk away.
Then he closes the door.
And stands there for a second.
Thinking.
Before heading down the hallway after his wife.
Smoke closes the bedroom door quietly behind him.
The room is dim, the curtains still drawn from where Annie had been relaxing earlier.
She sits on the edge of the bed with her back to him, shoulders tense, one hand protectively wrapped around her belly. She doesnât turn around when she hears his footsteps.
Smoke walks over slowly.
He sits beside her, leaving just enough space so she doesnât feel crowded.
For a long moment, neither of them says anything.
Finally⊠âYou okay, mama?â
Annie wipes quickly at her face. âIâm fine.â
Smoke sighs softly. âNo, you ainât.â
âIâm fine, Smoke.â
Her voice is flat, almost rehearsed.
She doesnât want to talk.
He knows that tone.
Instead of pushing, he gently places a hand on her back, rubbing slow circles between her shoulder blades. âYou ainât gotta pretend wit me.â
âIâm not pretendinâ.â
âYou are.â
Silence.
Annie stares at the floor. âI just wanna lay down.â
Smoke nods. âOkay.â
He starts to stand, but before he canâŠ
âI was finally gettinâ better.â Her voice is barely above a whisper.
Smoke stops. He slowly sits back down.
âI was finallyâŠâ Annie swallows hard. ââŠstarting to heal.â The tears sheâd been fighting begin filling her eyes again. âIâve been doing so good.â
Her breathing starts to shake. âI stopped blaming myself for everything⊠I stopped replayinâ all the things my daddy did to my mama over and over in my head.â
She presses her palms against her eyes. âI finally started sleepinâ better.â
Smokeâs heart sinks.
âAnd nowâŠâ Her voice cracks. ââŠhere comes another reminder.â The tears spill over.
âAnother reminder of how horrible he was to her.â
She lets out a broken sob. âHe cheated on her⊠over and over.â
Another sob escapes. âHe embarrassed herâŠâ
She shakes her head. âAnd now I find out he had another child while he was married to my mama?â
She covers her face completely. âI hate him.â The words come out muffled behind her hands. âI hate him so much.â
Smokeâs chest tightens. Seeing Annie cry was already hard.
Seeing her cry while carrying their daughtersâŠIt scared him.
He immediately wraps both arms around her, carefully pulling her against his chest.
âHeyâŠâ His voice is gentle. âI got you.â
Annie doesnât fight him.
She completely falls apart.
Her sobs echo through the room as she buries her face into his shoulder.
Smoke holds her tighter, one hand cradling the back of her head while the other rubs slow circles over her back. âItâs okay, baby.â
She cries harder. âI donât wanna feel like this.â
âI know.â
âIâm tired of him hurtinâ me.â
âI know.â
âHe dead and heâs still hurtinâ me.â
Smoke closes his eyes for a second.
That sentence breaks something inside him.
He kisses the top of her head. âI understand yo pain.â
She sniffles against his shirt.
âI really do.â
She slowly looks up at him through tear filled eyes.
âI know what itâs like to have a parent leave scars that donât disappear just because time passes.â He gently wipes beneath her eyes. âI ainât never gonâ tell you how you supposed to feel about James.â He pauses. âBecause yo feelings are valid.â
Annie nods weakly.
âButâŠâ He hesitates, choosing every word carefully. âI donât want you to punish yo sister for somethinâ she ainât have no control over.â
Annie looks away.
Smoke continues softly. âShe didnât ask to be born.â
âNoâŠâ
âShe didnât ask for her mama to have an affair.â
âNoâŠâ
âAnd she didnât ask James to be her daddy.â
Annieâs lip trembles. âI know.â
Smoke brushes a thumb across her cheek. âFrom what I just sawâŠâ
He glances toward the bedroom door.
ââŠshe looked just as nervous as you were.â
Annie sighs shakily. âI justâŠâ She shakes her head. âI donât know if I can do it.â
âYou donât have to decide today.â
âI donât?â
âNo.â Smoke smiles gently. âYou just found out you got another sister less than ten minutes ago.â
Despite everything, Annie lets out the smallest, tearful laugh. âWhen you put it like thatâŠâ
He chuckles softly. âI mean⊠thatâs a lot for anybody baby.â
She leans her forehead against his shoulder again. âIâm scared.â
âOf what?â
She closes her eyes. âWhat if every time I look at herâŠall I see is what my daddy did to my mama?â
Smoke is quiet for a moment. Then he kisses her temple. âMaybe thatâs what youâll see today.â
She listens.
âAnd maybe next week too.â
Another kiss. âBut time has a funny way of changinâ what we see.â He gently rubs her belly. âOne day⊠you might stop seeing James. âHe looks down at her stomach before meeting her eyes again. âAnd start seeing a woman who lost out on havinâ sisters for twenty four years.â
Annie thinks about that. Really thinks. âI canât promise anything.â
âIâm not askinâ you to.â He smiles warmly. âIâm just askinâ you to take yo time.â
Annie nods slowly. âIâll try.â
âThatâs all I need.â He eases them both farther onto the bed until Annie is lying against his chest.
Smoke wraps both arms around her, one hand resting protectively over her belly.
His daughters kick beneath his palm.
A faint smile crosses his face. âThey tellinâ they mama to calm down.â
Annie sniffles out a tiny laugh. âYou think so?â
âI know so.â He kisses the side of her head. âThey need their mama. And I need you.â
Annie reaches for his hand and intertwines their fingers.
For the first time since Angie knocked on their doorâŠShe lets herself simply be held.
Fifteen minutes pass byâŠ
Annie remains curled against Smokeâs chest.
His arms are still wrapped around her while his fingers lazily rub slow circles across her back.
The room is quiet except for the occasional sniffle escaping Annie.
After several minutes, she finally sits up.
Smoke looks down at her. âYou aight?â
She shakes her head. âNo.â
She reaches over to her nightstand and grabs her phone. âI need to call Legacy.â
Smoke nods.âIâll give you some privacy.â
âYou donât have to leave.â
âI know.â He kisses her forehead.
âBut I think this a sister conversation.â
Annie gives him a small appreciative smile. âThank you.â
Smoke squeezes her hand before quietly leaving the room, pulling the door almost shut behind him.
Annie stares at Legacyâs contact for a long moment before pressing Call.
It rings once. Twice.
ThenââHey, Annie.â
The sound of her sisterâs voice nearly makes Annie cry all over again.
ââŠDid you know?â
Silence.
Legacy lets out a quiet sighâŠâYeah.â
Annieâs stomach twists.
âYou knew?â
âI did.â
âWhen?â
âA few days ago.â
Annie wipes another tear from her cheek. âA few days?â
âYeah.â Her voice is gentle. âShe came to see me first.â
Annie blinks. âWhat?â
Legacy nods even though Annie canât see her.
âShe showed up at my house.â
Annie shakes her head in disbelief. âSo⊠you met her?â
âI did.â
âAnd you didnât tell me?â
Legacy is quiet for a second. âIt wasnât my place.â
Annie frowns. âWhat do you mean it wasnât yo place?â
âI wanted to tell you.â
Legacy sighs. âI really did. But this wasnât my story to tell.â
Annie doesnât answer.
âI figured if she was really our sister⊠then she deserved the opportunity to introduce herself.â
Another tear slides down Annieâs face.
âIt wouldâve been easier if I knew.â
âI donât know, Annie.â Legacyâs voice softens. âI donât think anything about today was ever gonna be easy.â
Annie lowers her head. âSo⊠itâs true?â
âYeah.â
âYou believe her?â
âI do.â
âHow?â
âShe showed me pictures.â Legacy pauses. âPictures of James with her mama.â
The lunch crowd at Moore Life Lounge has just started to thin out.
The smell of smoked wings and fried catfish lingers in the air while soft R&B plays through the speakers.
Titus walks through the front doors with his hands shoved into his pockets.
He isnât exactly sure why he agreed to meet Stack.
All Stack told him over the phone wasâŠ
âI owe you an apology.â
Antonio points toward one of the back booths. âHe back there.â
Titus nods once.
As he walks toward the booth, he spots Stack already waiting.
Two glasses of sweet tea sit on the table.
Stack stands when he sees him âAppreciate you coming.â
Titus doesnât return the smile. âI almost didnât.â
âI know.â
They both sit.
Silence settles between them.
FinallyâŠStack exhales. âIâm sorry.â
Titus doesnât react.
Stack shakes his head. âNahâŠIâm really sorry. I handled that whole situation wrong.â
Titus leans back in the booth. âYou did.â
âI know.â
âYou embarrassed me.â
âI know.â
âIn front of damn near everybody.â
âI know.â
Titus studies him. âSo what changed?â
Stack looks down at his hands.
âMy wife.â
Titus raises an eyebrow.
âShe ainât let me off easy.â A small smile crosses Stackâs face.
âAnd she shouldnât have.â He looks back up âIâve had a few days to think. I was mad. I saw yo arm around my wifeâŠAnd I reacted.â
Titus folds his arms. âYou swung before you even asked what was going on.â
âI did. And that was wrong.â Stack leans forward. âButâŠI need you to understand somethinâ.â
Titus doesnât interrupt.
âIâm a husband before Iâm anything else. My mind didnât see a photographer. It didnât see yâall reviewing pictures. It saw another man touching my wife.â He pauses. âAnd I snapped.â
Titus nods slowly. âI get that.â
Stack continues. âIâm not saying it was right. ââCause it wasnât. But Iâm asking you to see it through my eyes.â
Titus sits quietly for a long moment.
FinallyâŠHe sighs. âI can.â
Stack looks up.
Titus shrugs. âIf somebody had they arm around my wifeâŠâ He shakes his head.
ââŠIâd probably have a problem too.â
Stack nods. âExactly.â
Another pause.
âButâŠâ Titus points at him. âYou still couldâve handled it differently.â
âI know. I shouldâve. I let my emotions get ahead of my common sense.â
Titus finally lets his shoulders relax.
âI wasnât trying to disrespect your marriage.â
âI know that now.â
âI honestly wasnât even thinking. We was looking at pictures. Dajia got excited. I threw my arm around her without even realizing I did it.â He shakes his head. âThat was my mistake. I shouldâve respected that boundary. I also apologize for calling you out your name.â
Stack nods. âI appreciate you sayinâ that.â
The tension between them begins to disappear.
Stack takes a deep breath. âSoâŠI got one more favor to ask.â
Titus already knows where this is going. âYou want me to come back.â
âI do.â
Titus looks away. âI already told Dajia I quit.â
âI know.â Stack nods. âBut she needs you. Sheâs supposed to be at home with Eli. Not worryinâ about editinâ weddings. Not stressinâ over clients. And thatâs on me.â
Titus stays quiet.
Stack leans forward. âIâll even pay you more.â
That gets Titusâ attention. âWhat?â
âIâm serious. Iâll cover the difference outta my own pocket if I have to. I donât care. I just need my wife to be able to stay home wit our son.â
Titus blinks. âYouâd do that?â
âWithout question.â Stackâs voice softens.
âAndâŠâ He rubs the back of his neck. âIâm working on me.â
Titus raises an eyebrow.
âMy insecurities. My temper. My reactions. I ainât perfect. But Iâm tryna be better. I owe my wife that. I owe my son that, and I owe myself that.â
Titus studies him for nearly a minute.
He can tell Stack means every word.
FinallyâŠHe lets out a slow breath. âAight.â
Stack sits up straighter. âYouâll come back?â
Titus nods. âIâll come back.â
Relief instantly washes across Stackâs face.
âButâŠâ He points a finger. âI got conditions.â
âName âem.â
âIâll never cross another boundary. No hugs. No touching. No nothing. Our relationship stays professional.â
Stack nods immediately. âRespect.â
âAndâŠâ Titus continues. âYou gotta trust your wife.â
Stack smiles. âI do. Iâm learning that trusting her also means trusting the boundaries she sets.â
Titus finally smiles for the first time all afternoon. âGood. âCause Dajia always made it clear where I stood. I shouldâve been more mindful too.â
Stack stands. âSoâŠWe good?â
Titus looks at him for a second before standing too. ââŠWe good.â
The two men shake hands.
Then, almost simultaneouslyâŠ
They pull each other into a quick one armed hug.
Antonio watches from behind the bar and grins.
âAbout damn time.â
Both men laugh.
As they pull apart, Stack shakes his head.
âI ainât never apologizing to yo ass again.â
Titus smirks. âYou probably will.â
âNah. You gonâ do somethinâ else.â
Titus laughs. âIâll try not to.â
Stack points at him. âYou better.â
For the first time since the baby showerâŠ
Everything between them felt settled.
And for the first time since Eli was bornâŠ
Stack knew Dajia could stay home exactly where she belongedâwith their sonâwithout worrying about the business sheâd worked so hard to build.
Smoke stops by Moore Life Lounge on his way back home from Zen.
The lunch rush is finally over.
Music hums softly through the speakers while employees wipe tables and restock the bar.
Smoke walks through the front doors looking more drained than usual.
Antonio looks up from his laptop.
âThere go the dad to be.â
Smoke forces a weak smirk. âWhat up.â
Stack glances over from where heâs going through invoices. âYou look like somebody stole yo bike.â
Smoke sighs. âManâŠâ
Stack immediately knows somethingâs wrong.
He tosses the paperwork onto the desk. âWhat happened?â
Smoke drops into one of the office chairs and leans back, rubbing both hands down his face.
âI donât even know where to start.â
Antonio closes his laptop. âStart at the beginning.â
Smoke stares at the ceiling for a second before speaking.
âThis morning⊠a woman knocks on our door.â
Both men listen quietly.
âSays her name is Angeline Batiste.â He shakes his head. âAsks if Iâm Annieâs husband.â
Stack frowns. âWho the hell is Angeline?â
Smoke looks at them. âApparently⊠Annieâs sister.â
Silence.
Both men blink.
ââŠWhat?â Antonio asks.
âJames has another daughter.â
Stack sits up straighter. âHold on.â
He holds up a finger. âThe same James that used to beat on Annieâs mama?â
Smoke nods once. âAnd cheated on her.â
Antonio lets out a long whistle. âDamn.â
âThatâs exactly what Annie says.â Smoke leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees.
âThe girl tells Annie sheâs twenty four.â
Stackâs eyes widen. âThe same age as Legacy?â
âYep.â
Stack slowly shakes his head. âSo James was just out here livinâ a whole double life.â
Smoke sighs. âBasically.â
Antonio rubs the back of his neck. âHow Annie take it?â
Smoke lets out a humorless laugh. âAbout how youâd expect.â He swallows. âShe told the girl to leave.â
Neither man judges her.
Smoke looks between them. âI ainât never seen her break down like that.â His voice grows quieter. âShe tells me sheâs finally startinâ to heal from everything James did to her mama.â He pauses. âAnd then this happens.â
The room falls silent.
Antonio looks down at the desk. âI hate that for her.â
âSo do I.â Smoke rubs at his beard. âShe cried so hard, man.â His voice catches. âI donât like seeinâ her like that.â
He exhales slowly. âShe pregnant wit my daughters and all I can think is⊠please donât let this stress her out.â
Stack nods knowingly. âI know.â
Smoke looks at him. âNahâŠâ He shakes his head. âYou donât.â
âI do.â
Stack leans forward. âWhen Dajia was pregnant wit Eli, every time she cried, I felt helpless.â
He chuckles without humor. âYou wanna fix it.â
Smoke nods immediately. âExactly.â
âYou wanna take whatever hurtinâ her and beat the hell out of it.â
Antonio laughs softly. âAinât nobody to beat up this time.â
âI know.â Smoke sighs again. âAnd thatâs what make it worse.â
He looks down at his hands. âI canât protect her from memories.â
Neither of them answers right away.
After a few moments, Antonio finally speaks. âYou know what I hear when you telling us all this?â
Smoke looks over. âYou never said Annie mad at Angie.â
Smoke furrows his brows. âWhat you mean?â
âYou say she hurt because of James.â
Antonio folds his hands together. âThose two different people.â
Smoke thinks about it.
Antonio continues. âRight now, Angie represents the affair.â
He taps the desk lightly. âBut that donât necessarily mean sheâll always represent the affair.â
Smoke nods slowly. âI hope not.â
âI do too.â Antonio smiles gently. âSometimes pain shows up before perspective does.â
Smoke sits quietly with those words.
Then Stack speaks. âI agree wit Antonio.â
Smoke looks over.
âBut I also think you handled it right.â
âI did?â
âYeah.â
âYou donât force Annie to sit there and talk.â
Smoke shakes his head. âHell no.â
âYou donât tell her she wrong.â
âNo.â
âAnd you donât slam the door in that girlâs face either.â
Smoke thinks back to the conversation. âI didnât I just told her to come back another time.â
âExactly.â Stack points at him.
âBecause both of them victims.â
Smokeâs eyebrows lift slightly.
Stack continues. âJames created this mess.â He leans back in his chair.
âNot Annie. Not Legacy. And damn sure not Angie.â
Antonio nods.
âHe gone.â Stack sighs. âBut unfortunatelyâŠhe left three daughters tryna make sense of choices they never made.â
Smoke sits there quietly.
That sentence settles deep.
âI told Annie not to punish her sister for somethinâ she ainât ask for.â
âAnd you right,â Antonio says. âBut make sure you donât rush her.â
Smoke nods. âI wonât.â
Stack smiles. âYou know Annie.â
Smoke chuckles. âStubborn as hell.â
âThere you go.â Stack grins. âThe more somebody tell her what she gotta do, the slower she gonâ do it.â
All three men laugh.
The heaviness in the room eases just enough for Smoke to finally breathe.
Antonio stands and claps him on the shoulder. âJust keep loving your wife.â
Stack nods. âAnd if Angie really came lookinâ for her after twenty four yearsâŠâ He shrugs. âSomethinâ tells me she ainât lookinâ for money.â
Smoke thinks back to the young womanâs face. âShe looked⊠scared.â
âExactly,â Stack says. âShe probably rehearsed that conversation a hundred times before she ever knocked on yâall door.â
Smoke nods.
For the first time since everything happened, he allows himself to think beyond Annieâs pain.
Angie looked terrified too.
Smoke stands and grabs his keys. âI appreciate yâall.â
Antonio smiles. âThatâs what brothers for.â
Stack pats him on the back. âNow go home.â
Smoke looks at him.
âYo wife need you more than this business do.â
Smoke nods once.
Without another word, he heads for the door, knowing exactly where he needs to be.
A sister her father kept hidden all these yearsâŠ
Has consumed Annieâs every thought.
Sheâs barely left the bed.
She hasnât picked up a book.
She hasnât played her saxophone.
She hasnât answered many phone calls.
She justâŠLays there.
Staring at the ceiling.
Her mind wonât stop replaying everything.
Not only did James abuse her motherâŠHe cheated on her too.
And fathered another child.
Another daughter.
One he kept a secret.
Annie squeezes her eyes shut.
Did Mama know?
The question haunts her.
If she didâŠHow much more heartbreak did she carry around before she died?
A lump forms in Annieâs throat.
Tears sting her eyes all over again.
Just then, she hears the front door open.
A few seconds later, Smoke walks into the bedroom carrying his keys.
He immediately notices sheâs still under the covers.
His smile fades. âHey, Mama.â
She hums quietly.
âYou still in bed?â
âMhm.â
Smoke frowns. He walks over and sits beside her, gently rubbing her leg through the blanket. âI need you to get up, baby.â
She doesnât move.
âLetâs go get somethinâ to eat.â
Annie slowly shakes her head. âNo, babe. I donât feel like it.â
âI know you donât.â He brushes a few pieces of hair away from her face. âBut youâve been in this bed for two days. You gotta get out this house. Clear yo head.â
She stares at him for a long moment. She doesnât have the energy to argue. With a defeated sigh, she nods. ââŠOkay, Smoke.â
A small smile crosses his face. âThatâs my girl.â
Annie slowly sits up on the edge of the bed.
Smoke kisses the top of her head. âIâma grab me somethinâ to drink. Iâll meet you in the kitchen.â
He disappears down the hallway.
Annie pushes herself to her feet.
The room immediately tilts.
She pauses. âWhatâŠâ
She blinks hard. Her vision blurs.
Dark spots begin dancing across her eyes.
She shakes her head, trying to clear it.
Instead⊠The dizziness gets worse.
âOhâŠâ Before she can reach the dresserâEverything goes black.
THUD!
Smoke freezes. His heart drops.
He takes off running. âANNIE!â
He rushes into the bedroom.
His breath catches.
Annie is lying on the floor.
Completely unconscious.
âBaby!â He drops to his knees beside her.
His hands tremble as he gently pats her cheek. âAnnie⊠Come on, Mama. Wake up. Please.â
A few terrifying seconds pass.
ThenâŠHer eyelids flutter.
She blinks up at him, confused.
ââŠWhat happened?â
Smoke lets out a shaky breath. âYou passed out.â He carefully helps her sit up. âYou scared the hell outta me.â
Annie rubs her forehead. âI think Iâm okay.â
âNo.â His voice is firm. âWe goinâ to the hospital.â
âSmokeââ
âNo.â He shakes his head. âWe ainât arguinâ. You carryinâ my daughters. And you just passed out. We goinââ
Annie looks into his worried eyes.
She can see the fear written all over his face.
She simply nods. ââŠOkay.â
A short time laterâŠ
Smoke practically runs through the hospital doors with Annie at his side.
Within minutes, sheâs in a labor and delivery room.
A nurse wraps a blood pressure cuff around her arm.
Smoke stands beside the bed, refusing to let go of her hand.
The machine beeps.
The nurseâs expression changes. âIâll be right back.â
She quickly steps out.
Annie looks over at Smoke. âWhatâs wrong?â
He tries to smile. âIâm sure itâs nothinâ.â
But he doesnât believe his own words.
A few moments later, Annieâs OB walks into the room carrying her chart.
She offers Annie a reassuring smile before pulling up a stool. âHi, Annie.â
Annie manages a nervous smile. âHi.â
The doctor sets the chart down.
âYour blood pressure is very high.â
Annieâs stomach sinks.
âWeâve been monitoring it for weeks, and after todayâs episode, Iâm concerned.â She pauses. âI donât think itâs safe for you to continue the pregnancy.â
Annieâs eyes widen. âWhat does that mean?â
The doctor gently places a hand on the bed. âIt meansâŠWeâre going to induce your labor today.â
Panic flashes across Annieâs face. âNoâŠâShe grips Smokeâs hand tighter. âIâm not ready.â Fresh tears spill down her cheeks. âIâm not at forty weeks.â
Smoke immediately moves closer. He cups her face. âHey. Look at me.â
Her eyes meet his.
âYou remember what the doctor been tellinâ us?â
She sniffles.
âTheyâre healthy.â Theyâre strong. And we almost made it.â
The doctor nods in agreement. âYour girls are in a great position. Youâre thirty eight weeks, you donât have to go the full forty weeks and at this point, your elevated blood pressure poses a bigger risk than delivering them.â
Annie takes a shaky breath. âSoâŠI can still have them vaginally?â
The doctor smiles. âYes. As long as both babies continue tolerating labor well and their heart rates stay reassuringâŠâ She nods. âThereâs no reason we canât attempt a vaginal delivery.â
Annie visibly relaxes. âSo no C-section?â
âOnly if it becomes medically necessary. If either babyâs heart rate begins to drop or labor stops progressing safely, weâll move quickly. But right nowâŠâ She smiles. âOur plan is exactly what you wanted for yourself at home, minus the tub.â
Smoke kisses Annieâs forehead. âYou hear that baby?â
She nods, wiping away another tear.
âOkayâŠâ
The doctor stands. âIâm going to have the nurses start Pitocin. It will help your body begin contracting.â
She gives Annieâs shoulder a reassuring squeeze. âThe next time we have this conversationâŠâ She smiles warmly. âYouâll be meeting your daughters.â
A few minutes later, a nurse hangs a bag of Pitocin on Annieâs IV pole.
The clear medication slowly begins dripping into the line.
Smoke pulls his chair closer to the bed.
Never letting go of Annieâs hand.
He kisses her knuckles. âYou ready to meet our girls?â
Annie looks down at her belly before placing her free hand over it.
A small smile breaks through her fear. âIâve been ready.â
NowâŠAll they had to do was wait for labor to begin.
Sometime later, the contractions settle into a steady rhythm.
Each one is a little stronger than the last.
Annie takes a slow breath before looking over at Smoke. âCall my dadâŠâ She pauses to breathe. ââŠand Legacy.â
Smoke nods. âOkay mama.â
He kisses her forehead before stepping into the corner of the room.
He dials Roland first. âPops?â A smile briefly crosses his face. âItâs timeâŠYes, sir.â
He hangs up and immediately calls Legacy.
She answers on the second ring.
âSmoke?â
Before he can respondââAhhhh!â
Annie lets out a loud cry from across the room.
Smoke instantly whips his head around.
âYeah, LegacyâŠâ he says quickly, his eyes never leaving Annie. âAnnieâs having the babies today.â A pause. âYeahâŠOkay. Weâll see you when you get here.â
He hangs up without another word and rushes back to the bedside. âYou okay, Mama?â
Annie shakes her head.
Before she can answer, another contraction crashes into her. âAhhh!â
She bends forward, gripping the bedrail.
Smokeâs eyes fill with concern.
âWhatâs wrong?â
âItâs⊠itâs a contraction.â
She breathes through clenched teeth.
âI gotta use the bathroom.â
She reaches toward him. âHelp me up.â
Smoke carefully wraps an arm around her waist. âI got you.â
Slowly, they make their way to the bathroom.
After a few minutes, Annie stands.
The second she doesâA warm gush rushes down her legs. She freezes.
Water splashes onto the tile floor.
Her eyes grow wide. âSmokeâŠâ
He immediately looks up.
âMy water just broke.â
Smoke rushes over.
His eyes dart from the puddle on the floorâŠ
Back to Annie. A slow smile spreads across his face. âOur girls are really coming.â
Another contraction slams into Annie before she can respond.
She doubles over. âOhhhh!â
Smoke places one hand against the wall to steady her while the other presses firmly against her lower back. âThere you go. Breathe. You donât have to fight it.â
Annie moans through the pain, her entire body trembling. Sheâs so close to folding and getting medicine.
Smoke keeps rubbing slow circles across her lower back until the contraction finally eases. âThere you go. It passed.â He kisses the side of her head. âLetâs get you back in bed baby.â
About an hour laterâŠ
A nurse walks back into the room. âLetâs see how youâre doing.â She checks Annieâs cervix. Then smiles. âYouâre five centimeters.â
Annieâs exhausted face falls. âThatâs it?â
The nurse gives her an encouraging smile.âFor a first labor with twins, youâre making good progress.â She removes her gloves.âWould you like an epidural to help with the pain?â
Annie shakes her head without hesitation.âNo. I want to try to do this naturally.â
âAre you sure?â
âYes.â
The nurse nods. âAlright. If you change your mind, let us know.â She smiles. âIâll come back and check you again later.â After she leaves, the room grows quiet again.
The hours creep by.
Annie tries to rest between contractions.
Whenever they slow down, she closes her eyes for a few precious minutes.
But the contractions become stronger.
Longer. Harder.
Eventually sleep becomes impossible.
Around one oâclock in the morning, Annie climbs onto her knees in the hospital bed. Sheâs so close to giving in and getting medicine.
She leans over the raised head of the bed and slowly rocks back and forth. Another contraction grips her. She cries out.
Smoke immediately moves behind her. He places both hands against her lower back and begins applying firm pressure. âYou doinâ good mama. Breathe for me.â
Annie sobs through another contraction. âI canâtâŠâ
âYes, you can.â He kisses her shoulder. You already came this far. You stronger than you think.â Smoke tries to sound confident. But insideâŠHeâs scared. Every cry that leaves Annieâs mouth feels like a punch to his chest. He wishes he could take the pain from her. InsteadâŠAll he can do is stay beside her.
Around two in the morning, another nurse comes in to check Annie. She performs another cervical exam âHmmâŠâ She looks at Annie sympathetically. âYouâre seven centimeters.â
Annie drops her forehead onto the pillow.âOnly seven?â
The nurse nods gently. âYouâve made progress, but labor has slowed.â She glances toward the monitor before looking back at Annie. âThe babies are tolerating labor well, which is good.â She pauses. âBut because this is a twin pregnancy and your labor has stalled, I do want to discuss the possibility of a cesarean delivery if things donât begin progressing.â
Annie immediately shakes her head. âNo.â
The nurse remains calm. âIâm not saying weâre doing one right now. I just want you to understand it may become necessary if labor doesnât continue safely.â
âI donât want a C-section.â Tears well in Annieâs eyes. I want more time.â
Smoke remembers the conversation they had weeks earlier.
Annie had told him one of her biggest fears. That too often Black women felt unheard during childbirth. That sometimes their concerns and wishes were dismissed.
He gently squeezes her hand before looking at the nurse. âHer doctor told us the plan was a vaginal delivery as long as the babies and Annie stayed stable.â
The nurse nods. âYes.â
Smoke continues calmly. âHow are the girls doing?â
âTheir heart rates look reassuring.â
âAnd Annie?â
âSheâs stable.â
Smoke nods once. âThen weâd like to keep trying for as long as we can.â He looks down at Annie. âThatâs what she wants.â
The nurse studies them both for a moment before offering a reassuring smile. âThatâs a reasonable request.â She places the chart back on the counter. âIâm comfortable giving labor more time since everyone is stable.â She looks at Annie. âBut weâll continue monitoring you and both babies closely. If anything changes, weâll talk through the options together before making any decisions whenever itâs medically appropriate.â
Annie releases a breath she didnât realize sheâd been holding. âThank you.â
The nurse gives her shoulder a gentle pat. âYouâre doing a really good job. Weâll check you again in a little while.â
After she leaves, the room falls quiet again.
Smoke brushes hair away from Annieâs forehead. âYou heard her.â He smiles softly. âOur girls still doinâ good.â
Annie nods, exhausted. âI just wanna meet them.â
âYou will.â He kisses her forehead. âAnd when they get hereâŠâ He smiles. âThey gonâ know just how hard their mama fought to bring âem into this world.â
By five oâclock that morning, Annie has lost all sense of time. The contractions come one after another. There is barely enough time to catch her breath before the next one crashes over her.
Sheâs walking slow laps around the labor room with Smoke close behind, one hand resting on her lower back.
Another contraction grips her.
She stops in her tracks. âOhhhâŠâ
Smoke immediately wraps his arms around her. âBreathe, baby. You got it.â
The contraction finally eases.
Just then, the nurse walks back into the room. Itâs time to check you.â
Annie nods weakly.
Smoke helps her back into the bed.
The nurse performs the cervical exam. A huge smile spreads across her face. âTen centimeters.â
Annie closes her eyes and lets out the deepest breath of relief sheâs taken all night. âFinally.â
The nurse removes her gloves. âIâll go get your doctor.â
As soon as she leaves, Annie turns toward Smoke. âGo get Legacy. Sheâs in the waiting room.â
Smoke nods. âIâll be right back.â
Within minutes, nurses begin filling the room.
Delivery trays are opened.
Warm blankets are stacked nearby.
The bassinet is rolled into place.
The room suddenly feels alive.
Smoke returns with Legacy.
Legacy rushes to Annieâs side and immediately grabs her hand. âYou got this, sis.â
Annie gives her a tired smile.
A moment later, her OB walks in.
âGood morning.â
She smiles warmly. âYou ready to meet your girls?â
Annie nods through another contraction. âAs ready as Iâm gonna be.â
The doctor takes her position. âAlright, Annie. With your next contractionâŠI want you to push.â
Smoke climbs onto the bed behind Annie.
She leans back against his chest.
He wraps his arms around her.
One hand grips hers.
The other brushes her hair away from her face. âYouâve been handlinâ this like a champ. You so strong mama. You got this.â
Another contraction builds.
âThere it is,â the doctor says. âBig breath. And push.â
Annie bears down with everything she has. âAhhhh!â Her entire body shakes with effort.
Smoke kisses the side of her head.
âThatâs it, baby. You doinâ so goodâŠI love you so much.â
The doctor smiles reassuringly. âThatâs exactly what it should feel like. Youâre doing beautifully.â
Smoke presses another kiss against her temple. âYou can do it baby. Our daughters are almost here. Come on, Mama. You got this.â
Another contraction.
Another push.
âThere you go beautiful. Look at you. You doinâ so good.â
The room fills with Annieâs cries.
Thenâ âI see her head!â
Smoke gasps, heart racing. âSee mama. One is almost out. Thatâs daddyâs baby. Good jobâ
The doctor smiles. âOne more big push!â
Annie screams as she bears down one final time. âAhhhh!!!â
SuddenlyâŠA tiny little body slips into the doctorâs waiting hands. âAnd Baby A is here!â
A loud cry immediately fills the room.
Smokeâs eyes begin to water âOh wowâŠâ He laughs through them. âYou did it beautiful! Look!âŠThere goes our baby!â He kisses all over Annieâs face and neck.
The doctor briefly lifts her. âItâs a beautiful little girl.â
She has a head full of hair and fat cheeks.
The nurses quickly carry her to the warmer to dry her off and assess her.
Annie barely has time to look.
Another contraction slams into her.
âOhhh!â
The doctor looks back. âAlright, Annie. Letâs have her sister.â
Annie pushes again.
Nothing. Again. Still nothing.
The doctor watches carefully. âThe babyâs not descending.â
Annie pants heavily. âIâŠâ She catches her breath. âI wanna push on all fours.â
The doctor nods. âOkay. Letâs help her turn.â
Smoke and Legacy carefully help Annie onto her hands and knees.
She leans forward, resting her forehead against Smokeâs chest.
She rocks back and forth instinctively.
Smoke rubs firm circles across her lower back. âThere you go baby. Listen to yo body.â
Another contraction.
âPush.â
Annie does.
The doctor watches intently. âI see the babyâŠâ She pauses. âSheâs crowning.â Then her expression changes slightly. âOkayâŠThe babyâs trying to come face-up.â
The room grows quiet.
The doctor looks at Annie. âIâm going to help her rotate. Youâll feel some pressure.â
Annie nods through tears.
The doctor carefully reaches in and gently rotates the baby. âThere she goes.â She smiles. âPerfect. Alright, Annie. One more big push. You can do this.â
Smoke kisses Annieâs cheek again.
âCome on, push one more time for daddy. You doin so good mama. Daddyâs so proud of you.â
Annie nods and lets out the loudest cry yet.
Every ounce of strength she has left pours into one final push.
Seconds laterâŠThe second little girl is born.
The room waits. Silence.
Annieâs smile disappears. ââŠWhy isnât she crying?â
The nurses immediately carry the baby to the warmer.
The doctor remains calm. âGive them a moment.â
Smoke watches anxiously.
His heart pounds so hard it hurts.
One nurse begins suctioning the babyâs mouth.
Another listens carefully to her lungs.
The doctor looks over. âShe swallowed some meconium. Weâre clearing her airway.â
Annieâs eyes immediately fill with tears. âSmokeâŠâ Her voice trembles. âWhy isnât she crying?â
Smoke gently cups her face.
âHey.â He forces a calm smile, even though fear twists in his own stomach.
âThey helpinâ her. She gonâ be aight.â He kisses her forehead. âYou hear me? They got her.â
Annie nods weakly.
But she canât stop crying.
The seconds feel like hours.
ThenâA tiny cough. Followed by another.
FinallyâŠA loud newborn cry fills the room.
Annie immediately breaks down.
âOh, thank GodâŠâ
Smoke closes his eyes in relief.
A shaky laugh escapes him.
âThere she go.â
The nurses smile as they finish drying her off. âSheâs doing great now.â
The nurse weighs them both. âBaby A is Seven pounds five ouncesâ. She weighs the other âBaby B is Seven pounds , Twelve ounces.â
The doctor smiles as both baby girls are finally cleaned.
She walks over to Annieâs bedside carrying one little girl while a nurse follows close behind with the other.
âMom and DadâŠâ She smiles. âMeet your daughters.â
Fresh tears spill down Annieâs cheeks as the doctor gently lays the first baby in her arms.
The nurse settles the second little girl beside her.
For a long momentâŠ
Neither Annie nor Smoke says a word.
They simply stare.
Smoke lets out a quiet laugh. âThey look exactly alike.â
Annie nods slowly. âOh my GodâŠThey really do.â
She looks from one tiny face to the other. Same little button nose. Same full cheeks. Same tiny lips. Even the same Dark wisps of dark hair.
Smoke scratches the back of his head. âWell this gonâ be a problem.â
Annie laughs through her tears. âWe ainât gonâ know whoâs who.â
The doctor chuckles. âThat happens more often than you think with twins.â
Annie studies the baby resting against her left arm.
âSoâŠâ She looks up at Smoke. âWhich one is Anijah?â
Smoke glances between both girls.
âI donât know.â
Annie smiles. âI thought you said you knew yo babies.â
âI do.â He leans closer, studying them with exaggerated seriousness. âIâm just⊠makinâ sure.â
Annie laughs. âYou are so full of it.â
The room fills with soft laughter.
Smokeâs eyes settle on the baby who had taken longer to deliver.
He smiles knowingly. âI think this oneâŠâ
He gently strokes her tiny hand. ââŠthis gotta be Aniyah.â
Annie raises an eyebrow. âWhy?â
ââCause she already hardheaded.â
The doctor laughs.
Smoke grins. âShe was rowdy the whole pregnancy. Then when it was finally time to come outâŠâ He shakes his head. âShe still ainât wanna cooperate.â
Annie laughs. âShe did give us a hard time. And she was always the one kickinâ me the hardest.â
Smoke points at the sleeping baby. âExactly. Thatâs Aniyah.â
Annie looks down at her for another moment before smiling. âYeahâŠI think youâre right.â
She kisses the babyâs forehead.
âWellâŠWelcome to the world, Aniyah.â
Then she looks at the other little girl curled peacefully against her chest.
âAnd that makes youâŠâ She smiles warmly. âAnijah.â
Smoke leans down and kisses Anijahâs tiny forehead. âMy calm baby.â
Annie laughs. âYou donât know if she calm yet.â
âI do.â
âYou just makinâ stuff up.â
Smoke shrugs. âIâm her daddy. I know.â
The doctor smiles at the new parents.
âIf youâd like, we can put identification wristbands on each baby.â
She holds up two tiny bands.
âWeâll label one âBaby A â Anijah Mooreâ and the other âBaby B â Aniyah Moore.â That way thereâs never any confusion while youâre here.â
Smoke nods immediately. âYeah. We definitely gonâ need those.â
Annie laughs. âPlease. âCause they look like they was copied and pasted.â
The nurse carefully secures the tiny bands around each babyâs wrist before checking them one last time.
âThere we go.â
She smiles. âNo mixing these two up.â
Smoke looks down at his daughters and grins.
âMy twin girls.â
Annie rests her head back against the pillow, smiling at the sight of their matching little faces. âThey may look exactly alikeâŠâ She looks down at them again ââŠbut I got a feeling they about to have two completely different personalities.â
The nurses grab the babies back to asses Annie and to swaddle the babies.
Ten minutes laterâŠ
The nurses finish Annieâs assessments before gently swaddling both baby girls.
One by one, they place them into Smokeâs waiting arms.
He hesitates for the briefest second.
Almost like heâs afraid heâll do something wrong.
The nurse smiles. âYou got them, Dad.â
Smoke nods once. âI got âem.â
She carefully settles Anijah into the crook of one arm.
Then Aniyah into the other.
Smoke instinctively adjusts them until both little girls are resting comfortably in both arms.
The room fades away.
Itâs just himâŠAnd his daughters.
His eyes move from one tiny face to the other.
Anijah peeks one eye open
Aniyah lets out a soft sigh in her sleep.
Smokeâs lips slowly part.
ââŠDamn.â
His voice barely rises above a whisper. âYâall really here.â
He studies every little feature.
Their tiny noses. Their full cheeks.
The wisps of dark hair peeking from beneath their hats.
He smiles to himself. âMy girls.â
His throat tightens. He swallows hard.
But it doesnât help.
Without saying another word, tears quietly spill down his cheeks.
He doesnât make a sound.
He simply stands thereâŠ
Holding the two greatest blessings heâd ever received.
Annie watches him from the bed.
Her heart swells.
She has seen Elijah angry.
She has seen him protective.
She has seen him determined.
Sheâs watched him build businesses from the ground up.
Sheâs watched him comfort her through grief.
But sheâd never seen him like this.
So completely undone.
She smiles through her own tears.
âI love you.â
Smoke looks up. His eyes are red and glassy. âI love you too.â
He glances back down at the girls.
âI ainât know I could love somebody this much.â
Annie laughs softly, wiping at her cheeks. âYou love three people that much now.â
Smoke chuckles through his tears. âYeahâŠI do.â
He walks over to the bed and carefully sits beside Annie.
She leans her head against his shoulder.
Together, they look down at their daughters.
Smoke kisses the top of Anijahâs tiny head. Then Aniyahâs.
âSoâŠâHe whispers. âWhich one of yâall gon be keepinâ us up all night?â
Annie laughs. âI think both of them.â
Smoke grins. âI believe it.â
The four of them sit together in comfortable silence.
No words are needed.
Everything they had prayed forâŠ
Everything they had fought throughâŠ
Was finally resting safely in Smokeâs arms.
Later that afternoon, another knock sounds at the hospital room door.
âCome in,â Annie calls softly.
The door swings open.
Stack walks in first carrying a large bouquet of pink flowers.
Right behind him are Dominique and Antonio.
Shaad and Legacy follow close behind.
The room immediately fills with smiles. âThere go my nieces,â Stack says with a grin.
Smoke laughs. âYou ainât even say hey.â
âI can speak to yâall later.â Stack waves him off. âI been waitinâ to meet these lil girls.â
Everyone chuckles.
Stack walks straight over to Annieâs bedside.
He looks down at the two bassinets sitting beside her bed.
His grin slowly fades into pure awe.
ââŠDamn.â He shakes his head. âThey really here.â
Annie smiles. âThey really are.â
Stack leans over the bassinets.
His eyes bounce back and forth between the babies.
Smoke notices. âWhat?â
Stack squints. âThey look exactly alike.â
âThey do.â
Stack folds his arms. âNah. Iâma figure this out.â
Smoke laughs. âFigure what out?â
âHow to tell âem apart.â
Annie raises an eyebrow. âThey got wristbands.â
âI ainât talkinâ about them. Iâm not gon use themâ
Stack points toward the girls. âIâm finna study they little faces.â
âThey twins.â
âSo?â
âIâm a twin.â
He shrugs proudly. âI know how this work.â
Smoke laughs harder. âYou donât know shit.â
âI know enough.â Stack leans down even closer. âThis oneâŠâ He points.
ââŠher left eyebrow look a little different.â
Smoke and Annie look where heâs pointing.
They donât see a thing.
Smoke shakes his head. âYou makinâ shit up.â
âI ainât.â
âYou are.â
âIâll have it figured out before yâall.â
Annie laughs. âWeâll see.â
Stack smiles. âWatch.â
He lightly rubs one tiny foot.
âUncle Stack gonâ always know who yâall are.â
Stack carefully slides his hands beneath one of the babies and lifts her into his arms.
She stays sound asleep, her tiny body completely relaxed against his chest.
He studies her little face.
Her nose. Her lips.
The way her tiny eyebrows sit.
After a long moment, he nods confidently. âThis gotta be Anijah.â
Annie raises an eyebrow. âOh yeah?â
âMhm.â He smiles down at her. âI can tell by how peaceful she sleepinâ.â
He kisses the top of her tiny head. âUncle Elias is here, baby girl.â
Smoke watches his brother quietly.
Something deep in his chest warms.
Growing up, Stack had always been loud. Flashy.
The life of every room he walked into.
Always cracking jokes.
Always putting on a show.
But standing hereâŠHolding his niece so carefullyâŠ
Speaking to her so softlyâŠ
It was like all of that melted away.
For these little girlsâŠHe wasnât trying to impress anybody.
He was justâŠUncle Elias.
Smoke smiles to himself.
He loves seeing this side of his brother.
Stack gently lifts Anijah closer to his face and takes a dramatic sniff.
He immediately starts laughing. âYou smell like baby lotion.â
The room fills with laughter.
Annie shakes her head. âYou are so silly.â
âI know.â He grins before looking back down at Anijah. âAnd I love it.â
Carefully, he settles her back into the bassinet before reaching for her sister.
He scoops up the second baby just as gently.
She stretches in her sleep before settling into his arms.
Stack squints at her face. âHmmâŠThis definitely Aniyah.â
Smoke folds his arms. âAnd how you figure that?â
Stack nods toward the sleeping baby. ââCause she got that little frown.â
He chuckles. âShe still mad we made her come out.â
Annie busts into laughter. âYou know whatâŠThat actually sound like her.â
Stack rocks her gently. âYou gave yoâ mama a hard time, didnât you?â
He smiles proudly. âBut thatâs aight. Uncle Elias gonâ learn every little thing about both of yâall.â
He looks between the twins and nods to himself.
âIâll have yâall figured out before anybody else.â
Smoke laughs. âWeâll see.â
Stack grins. âNah. Watch meâŠâ
Five minutes laterâŠ
âWhoâs next?â Annie asks.
Shaad immediately raises his hand.
âMe.â
Everyone laughs.
Smoke carefully lifts Anijah from the bassinet before placing her into Shaadâs arms.
Then he hands him Aniyah.
Shaad looks down at the two tiny girls resting against him.
His smile grows wider and wider.
ââŠLook at yâall.â His voice softens. âMy nieces.â
He gently rocks them. âI canât believe yâall really here.â
A lump forms in his throat. âIâm an uncle.â
Smoke grins. âYou been one.â
âNah.â Shaad shakes his head. âThis different.â
He looks down at the twins again.
âThey really here now. You and Stack got me out here in Unc status. Never thought Iâd see the day.â
Legacy quietly watches from beside him.
The smile on her face slowly softens.
Seeing Shaad hold the girls so naturallyâŠSo gentlyâŠMakes her heart flutter.
He looks so comfortable. So protective.
Without realizing itâŠShe catches herself smiling at him instead of the babies.
Shaad looks up. Their eyes meet.
She quickly looks away.
Trying not to get caught.
Shaad smiles to himself. He noticed.
Dominique steps forward next.
âI think itâs my turn.â
Shaad carefully hands both girls back to Smoke.
Smoke places them one at a time into Dominiqueâs arms.
The moment she looks downâŠ
She freezes.
Her eyes instantly fill with tears.
âOhâŠâ A shaky laugh escapes her. âOh my God.â
Smoke and Annie exchange a look.
Dominique begins crying. Not loud.
Just quiet tears rolling down her cheeks.
Annie immediately reaches for her arm. âDominoâŠâ
Dominique laughs through her tears. âIâm sorry.â
She shakes her head. âI justâŠâ
She looks back down at the twins. âIâve been with you through everything.â
She smiles sadly. âThe late-night study sessions.â
The first morning at home feels different. Quieter. Softer.
Sunlight pours through the bedroom curtains, bathing the room in a warm golden glow. The house smells faintly of baby lotion, fresh laundry, and the pancakes Smoke made earlier that morning.
For the first timeâŠTheyâre home.
Not in a hospital. Not surrounded by nurses.
Just the four of them.
Aniyah sleeps peacefully in the bassinet beside the bed. Every few seconds, her tiny lips twitch before she lets out a little squeak in her sleep.
Annie smiles every time she hears it.
Across the room, sheâs propped up in the recliner by the window with a soft blanket over her lap.
The rhythmic hum of her breast pump fills the room. Whirr⊠pause⊠whirr⊠pauseâŠ
She watches the bottles slowly begin to fill.
Meanwhile, Smoke sits on the edge of the bed with Anijah curled comfortably against his chest.
Sheâs wide awake.
Her tiny brown eyes are open staring across the room.
Smoke gently rubs the center of her back with one large hand.
Sheâs so little. So warm.
She smells like milk and baby powder.
He canât stop looking at her.
Or Annie.
His eyes drift back across the room.
He studies Annie quietly.
The loose pieces of hair framing her face.
The tiredness beneath her eyes.
The way motherhood somehow makes her even more beautiful than she already was.
He doesnât realize heâs staring untilâAnnie looks over.
She catches him smiling. âWhat?â
Smoke shakes his head slowly. âYou so beautiful, Mama.â
Annieâs cheeks immediately warm. âSmokeâŠâ
He smiles. âIâm serious. I canât believe you really had my daughters.â
His voice softens with every word. âI still be thinkinâ about everything you went through. The contractions. The pushinâ. The fear.â He shakes his head in amazement. âYou handled all of that so damn well. Iâve never been more proud of anybody.â His eyes never leave hers. âIâm obsessed wit you, baby.â
Annie bites back a smile. âYou are?â
âMhm. Hopelessly.â
She laughs softly, looking down to hide her blush. âYou so crazy.â
âNah.â He glances down at Anijah, whoâs still wide awake.
He gently kisses the top of her tiny head.
âOur babiesâŠâ He smiles. âLook at what we made. They so beautiful.â He looks back at Annie. âAnd they look just like you.â
Annie laughs. âThey do not.â
âThey absolutely do. I shouldâve known we was gonâ make some gorgeous babies. They got yo attitude already too.â
Annie rolls her eyes. âThey two days old.â
âThey still got attitudes. Especially Aniyah. She stubborn just like you.â
She laughs harder. âYou get on my nerves.â
Smoke shrugs. âIâm just callinâ it how I see it.â
Annie smiles as she watches him cradle their daughter so naturally.
Her heart feels impossibly full. âThank you.â
Smoke raises an eyebrow. âFor what?â
âI love watchinâ you be a dad already.â
She wipes a happy tear from the corner of her eye. âYou make it look so easy.â
Smoke looks down at Anijah.
She yawns and stretches. He rubs his fingers over her curls. He smiles.
âIâve been waitinâ on this for a long time.â
He looks back at Annie. âNowâŠI need you to promise me somethinâ.â
âWhat?â
âWhen we go to bed tonightâŠI want you sleepinâ.â
Annie gives him a confused look. âWhat you mean?â
âIâll get up.â He shrugs like itâs the simplest thing in the world. âIâll change diapers. Iâll warm bottles. Iâll feed âem. You just rest.â
Annie immediately shakes her head.
âNo, Smoke. We a team. If you gettinâ upâŠIâm gettinâ up too.â
He shakes his head. âNo. Baby, you just carried twins for nine months. You pushed both of âem out. You deserve to rest.â
Annie smiles lovingly at him. âI appreciate that. But Iâm their mama. And you their daddy. We gonâ do this together. We can take turns. You donât have to do it all by yourself.â
Smoke sighs. âI just want you to be okay.â
âI know.â She smiles. âAnd Iâll be okay. As long as we doinâ this together.â
Smoke looks at her for a long moment. Then slowly nods. âAight. Weâll take turns.â
Annie grins. âThere you go.â
He points at her. âYou won this one.â
âI know.â She giggles. âI usually do.â
Smoke laughs and shakes his head. âYou lucky I love you.â
She smiles. âI know.â
At that exact moment, Aniyah lets out a tiny cry from the bassinet.
Both Annie and Smoke immediately turn their heads.
Then they look at each other.
Without saying a wordâŠThey both laugh.
Smoke carefully stands with Anijah still tucked against his chest while Annie gets up and walks over to lift Anijah from the bassinet.
The room fills with the soft sounds of newborn fussing, the gentle hum of the breast pump winding down, and two exhausted parents quietly figuring out this new chapter together.
It isnât perfect. It isnât easy.
But as the morning sunlight wraps around their little familyâŠIt already feels like home.
She lets out a long breath. âIâm tired, Stack.â
He nods. âI know. We both are.â
She laughs. Except thereâs no humor in it.
âNo. We not.â
His brows knit together. âWhat you mean?â
âIâm tired.â
âYouâŠâ She points at him. ââŠsleep.â
Stack blinks. âWhat?â
âYou sleep through everything.â She throws both hands in the air. âEli cries⊠You sleep. I change his diaperâŠYou sleep. I make bottles⊠You sleep. I feed him⊠You still sleep.â
Stackâs smile completely disappears.
âDajiaââ
âNo.â Her voice rises. âIâm exhausted. I havenât slept more than an hour at a time since heâs been born. And every single time he criesâŠâ She points toward the bedroom.ââŠIâm the one getting up. Her eyes begin watering. âI feel like Iâm doinâ this by myself.â
The words hit Stack like a punch to the chest.
He just stands there. âI didnâtâŠâ He shakes his head. âI didnât know. You think I wouldâve let you keep getting up by yourself if I knew?â
Dajia wipes at her eyes. âI donât know. I honestly donât.â
Stack walks over and gently takes the coffee mug out of her hands before setting it on the counter.
Then he reaches for both of her hands. âDajia.â
She doesnât look at him.
He waits. FinallyâŠShe lifts her eyes.
âIâm sorry.â His voice is quiet. âI swear to youâŠI didnât realize. I sleep so damn hard, I donât hear him.â
âI thought we was takinâ turns.â She shakes her head. âAnd we havenât been. Youâve been takinâ all the turns sleepinââ
Stack closes his eyes. âDamn.â Guilt washes over him. He wraps his arms around her.
She melts into his chest. âI shouldâve told you.â
âYou shouldnât have had to.â He kisses the top of her head. âThatâs on me.â He gently rubs her back. âIâll do better.â
She sniffles. âYou promise?â
He nods without hesitation. âI promise. If I donât wake upâŠâ He thinks for a second. âShake me. I mean it. I donât care how hard. Throw a pillow. Push me. Kick me if you got to.â
A small laugh escapes Dajia.
âIâm serious. Iâm Eliâs parent too. I donât want you carryinâ all this by yourself.â
She finally smiles. âI know.â
He rests his forehead against hers. âWe a team. I ainât gonâ let you feel like you in this alone again.â
Dajia nods. âOkay.â
Right on cueâŠA tiny cry comes from the bedroom. Both of them pause.
Stack points toward the hallway.
âI got him.â
Dajia starts to follow.
Stack gently stops her. âNo.â He kisses her forehead. âYou sit down. Drink yo coffee while itâs still hot.â
She watches him jog toward the nursery.
A few seconds later, she hears his voice drifting down the hallway. âHey, lil man. Daddy finally made it.â
Dajia leans back in her chair. Takes a sip of coffee.
The room is dim, lit only by the soft amber glow of the nightlight sitting on the dresser.
For a moment, she isnât sure what woke her.
She instinctively reaches across the bed.
The sheets beside her are cool. Empty.
She blinks. âSmoke?â No answer.
Anijah is still asleep in her bassinet beside the bed, her tiny breaths coming in soft, steady little puffs.
Annie smiles. At least one of them was sleeping.
She carefully slips out of bed, wrapping her robe tighter around herself before trudging barefoot into the hallway.
The hardwood floor is cool beneath her feet.
The house is quiet. ThenâŠShe hears it.
A soft voice floating through the darkness.
Smoke. Heâs singing.
The melody is low and gentle, barely louder than a whisper.
The kind of singing someone does when they think no one is listening.
Annie follows the sound down the hallway.
As she reaches the living room, she stops in her tracks.
Moonlight spills through the front windows, casting silver ribbons across the floor.
Smoke is slowly pacing back and forth.
Aniyah is tucked against his chest, wrapped snugly in a pale yellow swaddle.
One of his large hands supports the back of her tiny head while the other gently pats her diapered bottom in a slow, rhythmic pattern.
His voice fills the room.
Soft. Warm. Safe.
He sways with her as he sings, never missing a beat.
Aniyahâs wide little eyes are wide open
She isnât crying anymore.
Sheâs simply listening.
Like the sound of his voice is enough.
Annieâs heart squeezes.
For a momentâŠShe forgets to breathe.
Sheâd always imagined Smoke being a good father.
But seeing itâŠ
Seeing this hard, intimidating man quietly walking laps around their living room at three in the morning, singing to one of their daughtersâŠ
It was more beautiful than anything sheâd imagined.
Her chest fills with so much love it almost hurts.
She leans against the hallway wall, smiling to herself.
God⊠I picked the right man.
Almost as if he feels her watching him, Smoke turns around.
His eyes immediately soften. âThere go my mama.â He smiles. âWhat you doinâ up?â
He glances toward the hallway behind her.
âI didnât hear Anijah cry.â
Annie shakes her head. âShe didnât.â
She walks over until sheâs standing beside him.
âI just woke up and you werenât next to me.â
She smiles. âSo I came lookinâ for you.â
Smoke nods toward the little girl resting against his chest.
âYeahâŠAniyah started whininâ a little. So I picked her up. ThenâŠâ He chuckles.
âShe decided she wanted the whole neighborhood to know she was awake.â
Annie laughs quietly.
âSo I changed her diaperâŠâ He continues pacing. âFed her. Burped her. And she still wouldnât stop hollerinâ.â
Annie looks down at Aniyah. âSoâŠâ She smiles knowingly. âIs that why you were singinâ?â
Smoke sighs dramatically. âYep. Itâs the only thing thatâll calm her down.â
He looks down at his daughter with a grin.
âShe got so used to hearinâ you sing while she was in yo belly.â
Annieâs eyes immediately soften. âReally?â
Smoke nods. âThe second I started singinââŠâ He shrugs. âShe settled right down.â
Annie giggles. âI guess you were right.â
Smoke raises an eyebrow. âAbout what?â
âShe is trouble.â
Smoke looks down at Aniyah before smiling proudly. âJust like her mama.â
Annie playfully rolls her eyes. âThere you go.â
âButâŠâ He kisses the top of Aniyahâs head. âI wouldnât have it any other way.â
Annie folds her arms. âYou say that now.â
Smoke doesnât hesitate. âIâm gonâ always say it.â He gently rocks Aniyah. âShe ainât trouble. Sheâs just a girl who know what she want.â
Annie laughs. âIf you say so.â She reaches her arms out. âCome on. Give her to me. You go get some sleep.â
Smoke immediately shakes his head. âNah, baby. I got her.â
âYou sure?â
âOf course.â He smiles at her. âYou carried them girls for nine months. Least I can do is carry one around the house.â
Annieâs heart melts all over again.
She reaches up and gently smooths the back of his T-shirt before leaning in to kiss his cheek. âI love you.â
âI love you too.â
Right on cue⊠A loud cry echoes from down the hall.
Both of them freeze. Then slowly turn toward the bedroom. Anijah. Smoke and Annie look back at each other. They bust into laughter.
Annie shakes her head. âWellâŠâ She smiles. âLooks like we gonâ be up together.â
Smoke grins. âI like that.â
Annie laughs. âYou like beinâ sleep deprived?â
âNah.â He wraps an arm around her waist as they start walking back toward the bedroom together. âI just like doinâ life wit you.â
Annie looks at him. The exhaustion was still there. The sleepless nights. The sore body.
The endless diapers and feedings.
But standing beside SmokeâŠListening to both of their daughters calling for themâŠShe realized something. This wasnât just exhaustion. It was the sound of the life theyâd dreamed about. And somehowâŠSheâd never slept better.
A week laterâŠ
The afternoon sun pours through the living room windows while Aniyah and Anijah sleep peacefully in their bassinets.
Smoke is stretched out on the couch watching football with the volume turned down low.
Annie sits on the floor beside the bassinets, smiling every time one of the girls makes a tiny sound.
Ding-dong.
Smoke glances toward the door. âI got it.â
He stands and opens the front door.
âWhatâs up, Pops?â
Roland smiles. âHey, son.â
Smoke steps aside. âCome on in.â
Legacy walks in behind Roland carrying a gift bag.
âHey.â Smoke returns the smile before glancing toward the living room âBabe⊠you got company.â
Annie looks up from the bassinets.
She smiles when she sees Roland. âHey, Dad.â
Roland walks over and kisses the top of her head. âHey, Pumpkin.â
Legacy follows, wrapping Annie in a careful hug. âHow my babies doinâ?â
âWeâre survivinâ,â Annie laughs. ThenâŠHer eyes land on Angie.
Her smile fades into surprise. She hadnât expected that.
Angie immediately notices the change in her expression. âI-Iâm sorry,â she says quickly. âLegacy invited me. If this isnât okay, I can leave.â
Legacy looks between them. âI hope you donât mind, Annie. I just⊠thought maybeâŠâShe doesnât finish.
The room grows quiet.
Smoke watches Annie carefully, letting her decide.
Annie looks at Angie.
She can see how uncomfortable she is. How sheâs standing near the door like sheâs already preparing to leave.
Then she remembers what Smoke told her. Donât punish your sister for something she ainât ask for.
She remembers Legacy saying almost the exact same thing.
Annie lets out a slow breath. âNoâŠâ
Everyone waits. âItâs okay.â
Angieâs shoulders visibly relax.
âYou can stay.â
A genuine smile spreads across her face. âThank you.â
Smoke catches Annieâs eye from across the room.
He doesnât say anything.
Just gives her the smallest nod.
She returns one of her own.
Roland claps his hands together.
âNowâŠâ He grins. âEnough of us standing around.â
âWhere my grandbabies?â
Annie laughs. âThey sleep.â
âThat ainât stopping me from looking.â
Everyone gathers around the bassinets.
Angie steps up slowly.
Her eyes immediately fill with tears.
âOhâŠâ She whispers. âTheyâre so beautiful.â
Smoke smiles proudly. âThey definitely take after they mama.â
Roland chuckles. âYou ainât lying.â
Legacy leans over the bassinets.
âMy nieces getting so big already.â
Aniyah stretches her tiny arms before settling back down.
Angie smiles so wide it almost hurts. âTheyâre identical.â
âThey sure are,â Annie says. âThe hospital gave us little bracelets so we could tell them apart.â
Everyone laughs.
After a few moments, Anijah begins to stir.
Smoke carefully lifts her from the bassinet. âThere she go.â
He rocks her gently until she settles against his chest.
Angie watches with admiration. âYou a natural.â
Smoke smiles. âIâm tryinâ.â He kisses the babyâs forehead.
Annie notices Angie staring.
Not in a strange way. In a longing way.
Like sheâs imagining something sheâs never had.
Angie hesitates before speaking. ââŠCanâŠâ She looks at Annie. ââŠCan I hold one?â
The room grows still. Nobody speaks.
Nobody pressures Annie.
Legacy looks down. Roland quietly waits. Even Smoke says nothing.
He simply looks at his wife. The decision is hers.
Annie studies Angie for a few seconds.
She sees the uncertainty. The hope. The fear of hearing no.
FinallyâŠAnnie nods. âYeah.â
Angieâs eyes widen. âReally?â
âYeah.â A smile slowly spreads across Annieâs face. âJust wash yo hands first.â
Everyone laughs softly.
âI already did before I came in,â Angie says quickly, holding them up. âIâve been nervous all day.â
That makes Annie smile a little bigger.
Smoke carefully walks over and gently places Anijah into Angieâs arms. âSupport her head.â
âI got her.â Angie cradles the tiny baby against her chest like sheâs holding something priceless. Her eyes immediately begin watering. âOh my goodnessâŠâ She whispers. âHey, sweet girl.â
Anijah yawns before nestling deeper into her arms. Angie laughs through her tears.
âShe likes you,â Smoke says.
âI hope so.â Angie gently rubs the babyâs tiny back. âI always wanted to be an auntie.â The words slip out before she can stop them.
The room falls quiet.
Angie looks up, embarrassed. âIâm sorry⊠I didnât meanââ
Angie swallows hard. âI used to imagine what itâd be like.â She looks back down at Anijah. âI just⊠didnât know I actually had nieces and a nephew.â
Annie feels something in her chest shift. Just a little. She watches Angie smile at the baby with nothing but genuine love on her face. No hidden agenda. No expectations. Just happiness.
Roland quietly wipes at the corner of his eye.
Legacy notices and smiles. âWhat?â
Roland chuckles. âIâm just looking at my girls.â He shakes his head. âLife sure got a funny way of bringing people together.â
Annie reaches over and picks up Aniyah.
She glances at Angie. Then at the tiny baby sleeping peacefully in her arms.
MaybeâŠJust maybeâŠSmoke was right.
And maybe Legacy was too.
This wasnât James standing in her living room. This was simply another daughter trying to find the family he never gave her.
After everyone spends a few more minutes admiring the twins, Legacy looks over at Roland and smiles. âYou been standinâ over there looking at them this whole time.â
Roland chuckles. âI know.â
âYou gonna hold yo grandbabies or what?â
Everyone laughs.
Roland rubs his palms together. âIâve been waiting on somebody to ask.â
Annie grins. âYou donât have to be invited, Dad.â
Rolandâs heart swells at the word. He steps closer to Annie, who carefully lifts Aniyah from her shoulder. âHere.â
Roland slides one arm beneath the tiny babyâs head and the other beneath her body, cradling her against his chest with practiced ease. The moment she settles into his armsâŠHis entire face softens.âThere she is.â His voice barely rises above a whisper. âHey, beautiful girl.â
Aniyah stretches her tiny fingers before wrapping them around one of Rolandâs.
He chuckles quietly. âOhâŠâ He looks over at everyone. âShe got a grip.â
Smoke laughs. âJust like her crazy mama.â
Annie playfully rolls her eyes. âI heard that.â
Roland smiles as he looks back down at Aniyah. âYou knowâŠâ He gently rocks her. âI used to dream about moments like this.â
The room grows quiet.
He looks over at Annie. âWhen your mama and yâall moved in with me⊠I remember thinking how much I wanted to be a father to you and Legacy.â He chuckles softly. âIt wasnât easy either.â
Legacy laughs. âNo, it wasnât.â
Annie smiles through watery eyes.
Roland nods. âYâall had been through so much that trusting another man wasnât exactly high on the list.â
Annie lowers her eyes. âI was scared.â
âI know you were.â He smiles warmly. âSo I never tried to force it. I just kept showing up.â He gently strokes Aniyahâs tiny hand. âLittle by little⊠you and Legacy let me in.â His voice catches with emotion. âThen one day, you looked at me and called me âDad.ââ
Annie smiles. âIâll never forget that day.â
âRoland shakes his head with a grin âNeither will I. Thatâs still one of the greatest gifts Iâve ever been given.â Roland glances over at the second bassinet where Anijah is now laying, asleep and grins. âSoâŠâ He looks at Annie. âI get a chance to hold my other granddaughter, or is she sleepinâ too good?â
Everyone laughs.
Annie smiles as she walks over to the bassinet. âI think sheâs fine, you can wake her up.â
She carefully scoops Anijah into her arms. The tiny baby lets out a little stretch before settling right back down.
Annie walks over to Roland. âHere.â
Roland shifts Aniyah into the crook of one arm while Annie gently transfers Anijah into the other.
âThere we go.â He looks down at the twins, one nestled in each arm.
His eyes immediately begin to water.
âWellâŠâ He chuckles through the emotion. âLook at this.â
Smoke smiles from across the room.
âNow thatâs a proud granddaddy.â
âThe proudest.â
Roland rocks them gently, looking from one little face to the other.
âThey look so much alike.â
âThey do,â Annie says with a laugh. âWeâre so thankful the hospital put bracelets on them because even we kept second-guessing ourselves.â
Roland leans in and studies them for another moment. âI think I got it.â
Everyone looks at him.
He points with his chin toward Aniyah.
âShe the one always lookinâ around.â
Then he looks down at Anijah.
âAnd this oneâŠâ He smiles.
ââŠshe look content just beinâ held.â
Smoke laughs. âThatâs about right.â
Annie nods. âSheâs definitely the calmer one.â
Roland kisses the top of Anijahâs head before doing the same to Aniyah.
âMy sweet girls.â His voice softens.
âIâve been blessed more than I deserve.â He looks over at Annie.
âI prayed that one day youâd have a man whoâd love you the way I love your mama and he delivered.â His eyes drift to Smoke.âAnd then God gave me not oneâŠâ He looks back down at the twins. ââŠbut two more little girls to love.â
Smoke smiles, his chest swelling with pride. âYou stuck wit us now, Pops.â
Roland laughs. âI wouldnât have it any other way.â
Part 1
This one is shorter guys. The next chapter will be longer. Postpartum depression comes into play next.
He rushes over to her. âOh shit⊠baby.â He gently cups her face. âCome on. We gotta get you to the hospital.â
Dajia shakes her head. âNo, Stack.â She takes a shaky breath. âCall my doula. Tell her to meet us at the house.â
Stack doesnât argue.
He nods immediately. âI got you.â
He steps away, already pulling his phone from his pocket.
Meanwhile, Annie and Dominique hurry to Dajiaâs side.
Both of them are visibly panicked.
Dominique grabs her arm. âAre you okay?â
Dajia looks at her like sheâs lost her mind. âNo, girl.â She lets out a nervous laugh that quickly turns into tears. âIâm not ready.â
Annie immediately takes her hand.
âItâs okay.â She gives it a reassuring squeeze. âWeâre here.â
Dajia nods, trying to steady her breathing.
Ms. Maingot is already moving.
âIâm going to get my car so we can get you home.â
âOkay,â Dajia says quietly.
A moment later, Stack walks back over. âSheâs on her way to the house now.â
âGood.â
Everyone begins filtering outside.
The excitement from the baby shower is gone.
Now every face is filled with concern.
As theyâre making their way across the parking lot, Preston spots the commotion.
His brows furrow. âWhatâs going on?â
Dajia looks at him. âMy water broke, Daddy.â
His eyes widen instantly. âWhat?â
He hurries over. âWe gotta get you to the hospital.â
Dajia shakes her head. âUh uh, Daddy.â
She winces. âIâm having him at home.â
âAt home?â Preston asks in disbelief. âWhat?â
âDaddyâŠâ she says through clenched teeth, ââŠnowâs not the time to argue.â
Before he can respond, Mrs. Maingot pulls her SUV around to the curb.
Stack quickly opens the back door. âCome on, baby.â
He helps Dajia inside before climbing âin beside her.
Ms. Maingot pulls away immediately.
The tires barely finish rolling beforeâ
âAhhh!â Dajia cries out. Her entire body tenses.
She doubles over in the seat.
Stackâs eyes grow wide. âWhatâs wrong?â
Another moan escapes her.
âYou havinâ a contraction?â
She nods rapidly, breathing hard.
âY-yesâŠâ
âBaby, gimme yo hand.â
She reaches for him without hesitation.
He laces his fingers through hers.
Her grip tightens instantly.
Ms. Maingot glances into the rearview mirror. âIâm timing your contractions.â
She keeps one eye on the road and another on the clock. âBreathe, baby. Nice and slow.â
Dajia nods, trying to focus.
She inhales through her nose. Then exhales slowly.
Stack rubs circles along her lower back with his free hand. âItâs okay, baby girl.â
He kisses the side of her head. âIâm right here.â
A few minutes laterâAnother contraction slams into her. âOhhh!â
She squeezes Stackâs hand so hard he feels his knuckles pop.
He doesnât flinch. He just holds on tighter.
Ms. Maingot checks the time again.
âTheyâre three minutes apart.â She looks at Dajia in the mirror.
âYouâre definitely in labor, baby.â
Dajia nods through another deep breath. âI knowâŠâ
Within minutes, they pull into the driveway.
Almost simultaneously, another vehicle pulls up behind them.
The doula.
She climbs out carrying several bags. âHow far apart?â
âThree minutes,â Ms. Maingot answers.
The doula nods immediately. âAlright. Letâs get her inside.â
Stack carefully helps Dajia out of the SUV.
She leans heavily against him as another contraction threatens to build.
âI got you,â he whispers. âI ainât lettinâ you fall.â
Together, with her parents and the doula close behind, they hurry into the house.
Just a few hours earlier, they had all been celebrating a baby shower.
NowâŠIt was finally time to meet Eli.
Once inside, the doula quickly gets to work.
She helps Dajia onto the bed long enough to check her cervix.
A smile spreads across her face. âYouâre already at eight centimeters.â
She looks up at everyone. âSheâs progressing quickly.â She stands. âCome on. Letâs get you in the tub.â
Within minutes, warm water fills the birthing tub.
Steam rises around the room.
Five minutes later, Dajia eases herself into the water with Stack climbing in behind her. He settles against the back of the tub and gently pulls her against his chest.
She leans into him, exhausted.
His arms wrap around her belly while one hand rubs slow circles across it.
The warmth of the water eases some of the pressure.
For a momentâŠShe relaxes.
Then another contraction crashes over her. âAhhhh!â
She pitches forward, gripping the sides of the tub. Her breathing becomes ragged.
Ms. Maingot kneels beside the tub and gently brushes damp locs away from Dajiaâs face. âBreathe, baby.â
âIâm trying, MaâŠâ Dajia cries. âI canât⊠it hurts too bad.â
âI know it does.â Her mother takes one of her hands.
âBut you gotta breathe through it. Donât fight your body. Let it do what it was made to do.â
Behind her, Stack kisses the side of her head. âYou doing so good, baby girl.â His own voice trembles. âHe will be here before you know itâ
Another wave rolls through.
Dajia squeezes both their hands until her knuckles turn white.
The doula quietly watches.
She waits for the contraction to pass before checking Dajia again.
A few seconds later, she smiles. âYouâre complete.â
Everyone looks at her.
She nods. âItâs time.â
Dajiaâs eyes widen. âAlready?â
The doula gently squeezes her shoulder. âItâs time to meet your son.â
Fresh tears fill Dajiaâs eyes.
She nods.
The next contraction builds.
âOkay, Dajia.â The doula positions herself.
âWhen it peaksâŠPush.â
Dajia takes a deep breath.
Then bears down with everything she has.
âThatâs it!â the doula encourages.
âBeautiful!â
Stack tightens his arms around her.
âCome on, baby girl. âYou got this.â
Ms. Maingot wipes tears from her own cheeks. âThatâs my girl.â
Another contraction. Another push.
Dajia cries out. âIâm tired!â
âI know,â Stack whispers into her ear.
âI know you are. But our son is almost here. You can do this.â
She nods, panting. Then pushes again.
Minutes seem to stretch forever.
Every contraction demands every ounce of strength she has left.
Stack keeps whispering words of encouragement into her ear.
He rubs her shoulders.
Kisses the top of her head.
Tells her over and over how proud he is.
InsideâŠHeâs terrified.
His heart is pounding so hard he swears everyone in the room can hear it.
But he refuses to let her see it.
She needs him steady.
So thatâs exactly what he gives her.
The doula suddenly smiles. âI see his head!â
Stackâs eyes get big âOh shit!âŠâ
Another push.
âThatâs it! Again, Dajia!â
She digs deep.
With one final cryâŠShe pushes as hard as she can.
And suddenlyâŠA tiny little body slips effortlessly into the warm water.
The room falls silent for one breathtaking second.
ThenâA loud newborn cry fills the bathroom.
Stack lets out a shaky laugh.
âOh⊠my God.â
The doula gently lifts the baby from the water and immediately places him on Dajiaâs chest. âThere he is. Your baby boy.â
Dajia wraps trembling arms around him.
The moment she looks into his little faceâŠShe breaks.
Tears stream down her cheeks.
âHi, baby.â
Her voice barely comes out above a whisper. âHi, Eli.â
Eli lets out another tiny cry before settling against her skin.
Stack stares at them in complete awe.
A grin slowly spreads across his face.
Then it grows wider. And wider.
Until every single one of his dimples shows.
He laughs through tears. âLook what we made.â
He reaches over, gently stroking Eliâs tiny cheek with one finger. âHe perfect.â
Mrs. Maingot quietly wipes her own eyes. âMy grandsonâŠâ
Preston stands in the doorway, overcome with emotion as he watches his daughter cradle her son for the very first time.
The doula smiles at the new family.
âCongratulations.â
âWelcome to the world, Eli Preston Maingot-Moore.â
The room fills with happy tears, relieved laughter, and grateful smiles.
Their little boy was finally here.
The doula gently takes Eli from Dajiaâs arms. âLet me get him cleaned up.â
She wraps him in a warm towel, carefully wiping away the remaining vernix before checking him over from head to toe.
She listens to his heartbeat.
Counts his tiny fingers. His tiny toes.
Checks his breathing. His reflexes.
Then she smiles. âHeâs perfect.â
Everyone in the room lets out the breath theyâd been holding.
She places him on the scale.
âHe looks to be right around six pounds.â
Dajia smiles through tired eyes.
âI knew you was in there eatinâ everything.â
The room fills with soft laughter.
A little while laterâŠ
The house has finally grown quiet.
The excitement has settled into peace.
Dajia rests comfortably in bed, propped against a pile of pillows.
Sheâs exhausted. But she canât stop smiling.
Across the room, Stack slowly walks laps with Eli cradled in his arm.
Eli is wide awake.
His dark little eyes stare up at his daddy as if heâs studying every feature on his face.
Stackâs heart completely melts.
He smiles down at him.
âWellâŠâ He chuckles softly.
âHello, son. Welcome to the world.â
Eli blinks up at him.
Stack gently brushes a finger across his tiny cheek. âLook at you. You look just like yoâ mama.â
Dajia grins. âGood.â
Stack looks over at her and laughs. âDonât do that.â
She shrugs innocently. âWhat? He do.â
âHe got my nose.â
âMmm⊠I donât know about that.â
Stack shakes his head. âYou already startinâ.â
Dajia laughs so hard her stomach hurts.
A soft knock sounds at the bedroom door before it slowly opens.
Ms. Maingot and Preston step inside.
The moment Ms. Maingot sees Eli, both hands fly to her chest. âOh my GodâŠâ
Fresh tears fill her eyes. âMy grandson.â
She walks over slowly âCan I hold him?â
Stack smiles. âOf course.â
He carefully transfers Eli into her waiting arms.
She looks down at him like heâs the most precious thing sheâs ever seen. âOhâŠâ
Her voice cracks. âHeâs beautiful.â
She smiles through tears.
âHe already looks like his mama.â
Dajia laughs. âMaâŠâ She points at her.
âDonât start. Cause then you gonâ make me cry.â
Ms. Maingot sniffles. âI canât help it.â
She kisses Eliâs forehead. âMy grandbaby is finally here.â
She rocks him gently for a moment before turning toward Preston. âYou wanna hold him?â
Preston hesitates. Just for a second.
Then he slowly reaches out.
She carefully places Eli into his arms.
The transformation is immediate.
The hard expression that rarely leaves Prestonâs face disappears.
Years in the military had taught him discipline. Control. To keep his emotions tucked away.
But none of that matters now.
A slow smile spreads across his face.
Then it grows wider.
His eyes never leave Eli. âHey there, little manâŠâ His voice is barely above a whisper.
Dajia watches from the bed. Her expression softens.
She canât remember the last time sheâd seen her father look so⊠gentle.
So unguarded. It makes her heart swell.
Stack notices too.
He quietly walks back over to the bed and sits beside her.
Without saying a word, he slips an arm around her shoulders.
Then kisses her forehead. âWe did it, baby girl.â
Dajia slowly turns to look at him.
A playful smile creeps onto her face. âWeâ did it?â
Stack busts into laughter. âI meanâŠâ He rubs the back of his neck. âYou did it. You definitely did the hard part.â
âMhm.â She gives him the side eye. âThatâs what I thought.â
Stack laughs harder. âI helped in spirit.â
âIn spirit?â she repeats. âYou squeezed my hand like you was the one havinâ contractions.â
âShit I was emotionally in labor.â
Dajia stares at him for a moment.
Then she busts out laughing. âSo now you done gave birth too?â
âI deserve a lil credit.â
She shakes her head, smiling. âYou lucky you fine.â
âI know.â
Their eyes meet.
Both of them begin laughing all over again.
Across the room, Preston looks over at them before glancing back down at Eli.
A small smile tugs at his lips.
His grandson had entered the world surrounded by love.
Later that night, Smoke and Annie are at home. They were watching a movie on Paramount, but of course, with them, it always ended with them conjoined.
Smoke is behind Annie on the couch, her face resting on the arm.
He smacks her ass. âWho fuckinâ you good like this?â
Annie groans. âYouuuu.â
âYou feel how deep I am. Iâm in this shit. Tryna touch the bottom of that pussy.â
âYesss, you too fuckinâ deep.â
âNah, Iâm not deep enough.â Smoke groans. âMmm, Daddy gonâ have to go without this pussy for six weeks. I donât know what Iâm gonâ do.â
He slides out slowly, then pushes back in hard.
Annie screams, âUghhh!â
âWhat you screaminâ for, Mama? You know how to take this dick.â
He smacks her ass again. âDaddy gonâ miss fuckinâ you all over this house.â
Annie groans. âOh. My. God.â
He hits her ass again. âGod ainât makinâ you feel like this. I am. Say my name, baby.â
âUghhhh, Daddy!â
Smoke shakes his head. âIâm telling you, Mama, soon as you have our babies, you better get on birth control. You know I canât stay out this pussy.â
âI knowww.â
Annieâs so wet, Smoke can barely take it.
He reaches under her arms,
Pulls her up toward him and makes her look in the mirror. âSay I deserve this dick.â
Annie doesnât hesitate. âI deserve this dick.â
âSay Iâm beautiful.â
Heâs giving her steady strokes.
âAhhh!!.â
He thrusts hard once. âSay it.â
âShitttt, Iâm beautiful.â
âThere you go, mama. Thatâs Daddyâs baby.â
He puts his mouth on her ear. âI love you more than life itself, and I canât wait until you have more of my babies. Iâm gonâ keep you filled witâ this nut. You hear me?â
Annie nods. âYes, Smoke.â
He thrusts harder. âYou gonâ be a Twinkie walkin around this bitch.â
Annie moans. âSmokeeeee.â
âYeah. I know what that mean. Come on, baby. Come on this dick.â
Annie doesnât even say anything. She just gushes all over him.
The next morning at Stack and Dajiaâs , sunlight spills through the bedroom curtains.
The house is quiet.
For the first time in what feels like foreverâŠ
There isnât a room full of people.
No contractions. No chaos. Just peace.
Eli sleeps soundly in the bassinet beside the bed, his tiny chest rising and falling beneath his swaddle.
Every now and then, he lets out a little sigh in his sleep.
Stack and Dajia lay facing each other.
Neither of them has gotten much sleep.
But neither of them minds.
Every few minutes one of them glances over at the bassinet just to make sure Eli is still there. Still real.
Dajia smiles. âI still canât believe we got a son.â
Stack follows her gaze. âI can.â
She looks back at him. âOh yeah?â
He grins. âYeah. âCause we make pretty babies.â
Dajia rolls her eyes. âYou so full of yourself.â
âI ainât lyinâ.â
She laughs quietly before the smile slowly fades from her face.
Stack notices immediately. âWhat?â
She lets out a long sigh. âIâm still upset.â
He already knows what sheâs talking about. âThe baby shower.â
She nods. âIt was supposed to be a happy day.â
âIt was.â
âUntil yâall started fighting.â
Stack drops his eyes. âIâm sorry.â
She studies him. âYou embarrassed me.â
âI know.â
âYou embarrassed yourself.â
âI know.â
âYou embarrassed Titus.â
Stack sighs. âI know.â
A long silence settles between them.
Finally, he speaks. âButâŠâ
She raises an eyebrow.
âI still feel like he crossed a boundary.â
Dajia closes her eyes for a second.
âStackâŠâ
âIâm serious. He had his arm around my wife.â
âHe was looking at pictures.â
âHe still had his arm around you.â
âI didnât even know it was there.â
âI know.â His voice softens. âI know you didnât. But he did. And I ainât like it.â
Dajia rubs her forehead. âI just wish you wouldâve pulled me to the side first.â
âI wasnât thinkinâ.â
âNo.âShe gives him a look. âYou definitely wasnât.â
He nods. âI know.â
She reaches over and intertwines their fingers. âIâm not saying Titus was completely innocent.â
Stack looks at her.
âBut the way everything happenedâŠâ She shakes her head. .âIt didnât have to happen like that.â
âI know.â
Another quiet moment passes.
Then Dajia lets out a frustrated sigh.
âWell⊠It donât even matter now.â
Stack furrows his brows. âWhat you mean?â
âTitus quit.â
His expression hardens. âHe what?â
âHe texted me last night.â She reaches over to the nightstand and picks up her phone. âHe said after everything that happened, he doesnât feel comfortable working wit me anymore.â
Stack doesnât say anything.
âHe apologized for the way things endedâŠâ She shrugs. âBut he quit.â
The room falls silent.
Dajia stares up at the ceiling. âNow I donât have anybody to run sessions while Iâm on maternity leave.â
Stack turns toward her. âYou still got other photographers.â
âTheyâre freelancers. They donât edit like Titus. They donât know my clients. They donât know my workflow.â She sighs again. âSo nowâŠâ She looks over at the bassinet. âIâm probably gonna have to go back to work early.â
The second the words leave her mouthâŠ
Stackâs face changes. âThe hell you are.â
She looks back at him. âWhat?â
âYou not goinâ back to work early.â
âI donât have a choice.â
âYou do.â
âNo, Stack.â
âI own a business. I have weddings booked. I have newborn sessions. I have contracts. If I donât show upâŠâ
She shrugs helplessly. ââŠI lose money.â
Stack sits up in bed. âNah. Iâm fixinâ it.â
She blinks. âFixinâ what?â
âThe whole situation.â
She folds her arms. âAnd exactly how you gonâ do that?â
âI donât know yet. But Iâm gonna figure it out.â
âStackâŠâ
âIâm serious.â
He looks over at Eli sleeping peacefully. âYou just had our son. You supposed to be home recovering. Bonding with him. Not stressing about photo shoots.â
She reaches over and touches his arm. âI appreciate that. But this happened because of you.â
He doesnât argue. âI know.â
She holds his gaze. âSo donât make promises you canât keep.â
Stack shakes his head. âI ainât making a promise I canât keep. Iâm making one I fully intend to keep.â
He leans over and kisses her forehead. âI caused this. So Iâm gonna fix it.â
The house is quiet in that soft, late-afternoon way.
Sunlight spills through the windows, warm and lazy, stretching across the hardwood floors. The TV is on lowâsome random show Annie isnât really watching. Sheâs curled up on the couch, one hand resting on her stomach, absentmindedly rubbing slow circles like sheâs soothing both herself and the babies.
From the kitchen, you can hear Smoke moving around, glass clinking, cabinet doors opening and closing. Heâs not doing anything important. Just⊠staying close.
ThenâDing-dong.
Annie doesnât move.
âSmokeââ she calls lazily, not even opening her eyes. âCan you get that?â
âI got it.â
His footsteps are steady, unhurried as he makes his way to the front door. He wipes his hands on a towel, unlocking it without thinking twice.
The door swings open. And he pauses.
Standing there is a woman.
Mid-twenties. Same complexion as Annie. Same kind of softness in her features,but her eyes⊠her eyes are searching. Nervous. Hopeful.
She studies him just as closely. ââŠHi,â she says carefully. âAre you Annieâs husband?â
Smokeâs brow furrows slightly at the question, but he nods anyway. âYeah.â
Her expression shifts, confusion flickers for just a second, like something in her head didnât match what she expected.
ââŠOkay,â she murmurs. Then, a little more certain: âIs she here?â
Smoke hesitates, something in his gut tightening.
But he answers anyway. âYeah.â
He glances back into the house, voice carrying just enough. âAnnieâcome here a second.â
From the living roomââWho is it?â she calls, already sounding mildly annoyed at being disturbed.
âNo idea,â he replies, eyes still on the woman. âShe askinâ for you.â
Thereâs a pause⊠then the sound of Annie shifting, pushing herself up off the couch.
Her footsteps are slower now, pregnancy making everything a little heavier, a little more deliberate.
She appears around the corner, one hand pressed to her lower back.
ââŠYes?â she says, already halfway over it.
Then she sees her.
And stops.
Thereâs a flicker of confusion immediately.
Because this womanâLooks like she could belong.
Annieâs brows pull together slightly as she steps closer, instinctively placing a hand over her stomach again.
ââŠHi,â Annie says cautiously. âCan I help you?â
The woman smiles. Not big. Not overly friendly. Just⊠emotional.
Like sheâs been waiting for this moment.
âMy name is Angeline Batiste,â she says gently. âBut⊠I go by Angie.â
The name lands.
And Annieâs confusion deepens instantly.
Batiste.
Her eyes narrow just slightly.
ââŠOkayâŠâ she says slowly. âAnd?â
Angie exhales softly, like sheâs steadying herself. âIâm⊠your sister.â
Silence.
It doesnât just fallâIt drops.
Heavy. Sharp.
Annie blinks. Once. Twice. ââŠNo,â she says immediately, shaking her head. âNo, thatâs notâno.â
Angie nods, like she expected that reaction. âOur father is James.â
That does it.
Annieâs stomach drops so fast it feels physical.
Her hand tightens over it. âThereâs no way,â she says, firmer now. âThatâs notâno. Thatâs not possible.â
Smokeâs posture shifts behind the door, subtle but protective now. His eyes move between them, watching Annie closely.
Angie keeps her voice calm. âMy mom didnât tell me about him until I got older,â she explains. âShe was embarrassed. She⊠she had an affair with him. She didnât want to tell me at first because he was married.â
Annieâs face hardens. âMarried to my mother,â she snaps. âSo whatever story you gotââ
âI know,â Angie says quickly, nodding. âI know. I found that out later too.â
Annie shakes her head again, backing up half a step like distance will make this make sense.
âNo. No, becauseââ she gestures, frustrated, overwhelmed ââhow old are you?â
âTwenty-four.â
That hits like a slap.
Same age. Same as Legacy.
Annieâs breath catches. ââŠNo,â she whispers, but itâs weaker now.
âMy mom said she didnât tell me because she didnât want to ruin his family,â Angie continues, her voice softer now. âBut when I got older⊠she told me his name. Told me I had two sisters.â
Annie just stares at her.
Processing. Failing to process.
Her world tilting in real time. ââŠNo,â she says again, but thereâs no fight behind it now. Just disbelief. âNo. You need to go.â
Angieâs face falls slightly, but she doesnât argue. âAnnieââ
âI said leave.â Her voice cracks on the last word.
Thatâs what gives her away.
She turns before anyone can say anything else.
And walks off. Fast.
One hand gripping her stomach, the other wiping at her face as she disappears down the hallway toward their bedroom.
The silence that follows is thick.
Heavy.
Smoke exhales slowly, running a hand over his jaw.
He looks back at Angie.
Sheâs standing there, holding herself together, but barely.
ââŠIâm sorry,â he says, voice low but respectful. âThis⊠ainât somethinâ she was ready for.â
Angie nods, swallowing. âI figured,â she admits quietly.
He steps out just a little, pulling the door in behind him.
âLook,â he says, softer now. âYou canât just drop somethinâ like that and expect her to take it right then.â
âI know,â she says again, eyes glossy now. âI just⊠I had to see her.â
He studies her for a second. Then nods. âGive her some time,â he says. âIâll talk to her.â
A small pause. ââŠCome back another day.â
Angie hesitates. Then nods. âOkay.â
Smoke watches her turn and walk away.
Then he closes the door.
And stands there for a second.
Thinking.
Before heading down the hallway after his wife.
Smoke closes the bedroom door quietly behind him.
The room is dim, the curtains still drawn from where Annie had been relaxing earlier.
She sits on the edge of the bed with her back to him, shoulders tense, one hand protectively wrapped around her belly. She doesnât turn around when she hears his footsteps.
Smoke walks over slowly.
He sits beside her, leaving just enough space so she doesnât feel crowded.
For a long moment, neither of them says anything.
Finally⊠âYou okay, mama?â
Annie wipes quickly at her face. âIâm fine.â
Smoke sighs softly. âNo, you ainât.â
âIâm fine, Smoke.â
Her voice is flat, almost rehearsed.
She doesnât want to talk.
He knows that tone.
Instead of pushing, he gently places a hand on her back, rubbing slow circles between her shoulder blades. âYou ainât gotta pretend wit me.â
âIâm not pretendinâ.â
âYou are.â
Silence.
Annie stares at the floor. âI just wanna lay down.â
Smoke nods. âOkay.â
He starts to stand, but before he canâŠ
âI was finally gettinâ better.â Her voice is barely above a whisper.
Smoke stops. He slowly sits back down.
âI was finallyâŠâ Annie swallows hard. ââŠstarting to heal.â The tears sheâd been fighting begin filling her eyes again. âIâve been doing so good.â
Her breathing starts to shake. âI stopped blaming myself for everything⊠I stopped replayinâ all the things my daddy did to my mama over and over in my head.â
She presses her palms against her eyes. âI finally started sleepinâ better.â
Smokeâs heart sinks.
âAnd nowâŠâ Her voice cracks. ââŠhere comes another reminder.â The tears spill over.
âAnother reminder of how horrible he was to her.â
She lets out a broken sob. âHe cheated on her⊠over and over.â
Another sob escapes. âHe embarrassed herâŠâ
She shakes her head. âAnd now I find out he had another child while he was married to my mama?â
She covers her face completely. âI hate him.â The words come out muffled behind her hands. âI hate him so much.â
Smokeâs chest tightens. Seeing Annie cry was already hard.
Seeing her cry while carrying their daughtersâŠIt scared him.
He immediately wraps both arms around her, carefully pulling her against his chest.
âHeyâŠâ His voice is gentle. âI got you.â
Annie doesnât fight him.
She completely falls apart.
Her sobs echo through the room as she buries her face into his shoulder.
Smoke holds her tighter, one hand cradling the back of her head while the other rubs slow circles over her back. âItâs okay, baby.â
She cries harder. âI donât wanna feel like this.â
âI know.â
âIâm tired of him hurtinâ me.â
âI know.â
âHe dead and heâs still hurtinâ me.â
Smoke closes his eyes for a second.
That sentence breaks something inside him.
He kisses the top of her head. âI understand yo pain.â
She sniffles against his shirt.
âI really do.â
She slowly looks up at him through tear filled eyes.
âI know what itâs like to have a parent leave scars that donât disappear just because time passes.â He gently wipes beneath her eyes. âI ainât never gonâ tell you how you supposed to feel about James.â He pauses. âBecause yo feelings are valid.â
Annie nods weakly.
âButâŠâ He hesitates, choosing every word carefully. âI donât want you to punish yo sister for somethinâ she ainât have no control over.â
Annie looks away.
Smoke continues softly. âShe didnât ask to be born.â
âNoâŠâ
âShe didnât ask for her mama to have an affair.â
âNoâŠâ
âAnd she didnât ask James to be her daddy.â
Annieâs lip trembles. âI know.â
Smoke brushes a thumb across her cheek. âFrom what I just sawâŠâ
He glances toward the bedroom door.
ââŠshe looked just as nervous as you were.â
Annie sighs shakily. âI justâŠâ She shakes her head. âI donât know if I can do it.â
âYou donât have to decide today.â
âI donât?â
âNo.â Smoke smiles gently. âYou just found out you got another sister less than ten minutes ago.â
Despite everything, Annie lets out the smallest, tearful laugh. âWhen you put it like thatâŠâ
He chuckles softly. âI mean⊠thatâs a lot for anybody baby.â
She leans her forehead against his shoulder again. âIâm scared.â
âOf what?â
She closes her eyes. âWhat if every time I look at herâŠall I see is what my daddy did to my mama?â
Smoke is quiet for a moment. Then he kisses her temple. âMaybe thatâs what youâll see today.â
She listens.
âAnd maybe next week too.â
Another kiss. âBut time has a funny way of changinâ what we see.â He gently rubs her belly. âOne day⊠you might stop seeing James. âHe looks down at her stomach before meeting her eyes again. âAnd start seeing a woman who lost out on havinâ sisters for twenty four years.â
Annie thinks about that. Really thinks. âI canât promise anything.â
âIâm not askinâ you to.â He smiles warmly. âIâm just askinâ you to take yo time.â
Annie nods slowly. âIâll try.â
âThatâs all I need.â He eases them both farther onto the bed until Annie is lying against his chest.
Smoke wraps both arms around her, one hand resting protectively over her belly.
His daughters kick beneath his palm.
A faint smile crosses his face. âThey tellinâ they mama to calm down.â
Annie sniffles out a tiny laugh. âYou think so?â
âI know so.â He kisses the side of her head. âThey need their mama. And I need you.â
Annie reaches for his hand and intertwines their fingers.
For the first time since Angie knocked on their doorâŠShe lets herself simply be held.
Fifteen minutes pass byâŠ
Annie remains curled against Smokeâs chest.
His arms are still wrapped around her while his fingers lazily rub slow circles across her back.
The room is quiet except for the occasional sniffle escaping Annie.
After several minutes, she finally sits up.
Smoke looks down at her. âYou aight?â
She shakes her head. âNo.â
She reaches over to her nightstand and grabs her phone. âI need to call Legacy.â
Smoke nods.âIâll give you some privacy.â
âYou donât have to leave.â
âI know.â He kisses her forehead.
âBut I think this a sister conversation.â
Annie gives him a small appreciative smile. âThank you.â
Smoke squeezes her hand before quietly leaving the room, pulling the door almost shut behind him.
Annie stares at Legacyâs contact for a long moment before pressing Call.
It rings once. Twice.
ThenââHey, Annie.â
The sound of her sisterâs voice nearly makes Annie cry all over again.
ââŠDid you know?â
Silence.
Legacy lets out a quiet sighâŠâYeah.â
Annieâs stomach twists.
âYou knew?â
âI did.â
âWhen?â
âA few days ago.â
Annie wipes another tear from her cheek. âA few days?â
âYeah.â Her voice is gentle. âShe came to see me first.â
Annie blinks. âWhat?â
Legacy nods even though Annie canât see her.
âShe showed up at my house.â
Annie shakes her head in disbelief. âSo⊠you met her?â
âI did.â
âAnd you didnât tell me?â
Legacy is quiet for a second. âIt wasnât my place.â
Annie frowns. âWhat do you mean it wasnât yo place?â
âI wanted to tell you.â
Legacy sighs. âI really did. But this wasnât my story to tell.â
Annie doesnât answer.
âI figured if she was really our sister⊠then she deserved the opportunity to introduce herself.â
Another tear slides down Annieâs face.
âIt wouldâve been easier if I knew.â
âI donât know, Annie.â Legacyâs voice softens. âI donât think anything about today was ever gonna be easy.â
Annie lowers her head. âSo⊠itâs true?â
âYeah.â
âYou believe her?â
âI do.â
âHow?â
âShe showed me pictures.â Legacy pauses. âPictures of James with her mama.â
The lunch crowd at Moore Life Lounge has just started to thin out.
The smell of smoked wings and fried catfish lingers in the air while soft R&B plays through the speakers.
Titus walks through the front doors with his hands shoved into his pockets.
He isnât exactly sure why he agreed to meet Stack.
All Stack told him over the phone wasâŠ
âI owe you an apology.â
Antonio points toward one of the back booths. âHe back there.â
Titus nods once.
As he walks toward the booth, he spots Stack already waiting.
Two glasses of sweet tea sit on the table.
Stack stands when he sees him âAppreciate you coming.â
Titus doesnât return the smile. âI almost didnât.â
âI know.â
They both sit.
Silence settles between them.
FinallyâŠStack exhales. âIâm sorry.â
Titus doesnât react.
Stack shakes his head. âNahâŠIâm really sorry. I handled that whole situation wrong.â
Titus leans back in the booth. âYou did.â
âI know.â
âYou embarrassed me.â
âI know.â
âIn front of damn near everybody.â
âI know.â
Titus studies him. âSo what changed?â
Stack looks down at his hands.
âMy wife.â
Titus raises an eyebrow.
âShe ainât let me off easy.â A small smile crosses Stackâs face.
âAnd she shouldnât have.â He looks back up âIâve had a few days to think. I was mad. I saw yo arm around my wifeâŠAnd I reacted.â
Titus folds his arms. âYou swung before you even asked what was going on.â
âI did. And that was wrong.â Stack leans forward. âButâŠI need you to understand somethinâ.â
Titus doesnât interrupt.
âIâm a husband before Iâm anything else. My mind didnât see a photographer. It didnât see yâall reviewing pictures. It saw another man touching my wife.â He pauses. âAnd I snapped.â
Titus nods slowly. âI get that.â
Stack continues. âIâm not saying it was right. ââCause it wasnât. But Iâm asking you to see it through my eyes.â
Titus sits quietly for a long moment.
FinallyâŠHe sighs. âI can.â
Stack looks up.
Titus shrugs. âIf somebody had they arm around my wifeâŠâ He shakes his head.
ââŠIâd probably have a problem too.â
Stack nods. âExactly.â
Another pause.
âButâŠâ Titus points at him. âYou still couldâve handled it differently.â
âI know. I shouldâve. I let my emotions get ahead of my common sense.â
Titus finally lets his shoulders relax.
âI wasnât trying to disrespect your marriage.â
âI know that now.â
âI honestly wasnât even thinking. We was looking at pictures. Dajia got excited. I threw my arm around her without even realizing I did it.â He shakes his head. âThat was my mistake. I shouldâve respected that boundary. I also apologize for calling you out your name.â
Stack nods. âI appreciate you sayinâ that.â
The tension between them begins to disappear.
Stack takes a deep breath. âSoâŠI got one more favor to ask.â
Titus already knows where this is going. âYou want me to come back.â
âI do.â
Titus looks away. âI already told Dajia I quit.â
âI know.â Stack nods. âBut she needs you. Sheâs supposed to be at home with Eli. Not worryinâ about editinâ weddings. Not stressinâ over clients. And thatâs on me.â
Titus stays quiet.
Stack leans forward. âIâll even pay you more.â
That gets Titusâ attention. âWhat?â
âIâm serious. Iâll cover the difference outta my own pocket if I have to. I donât care. I just need my wife to be able to stay home wit our son.â
Titus blinks. âYouâd do that?â
âWithout question.â Stackâs voice softens.
âAndâŠâ He rubs the back of his neck. âIâm working on me.â
Titus raises an eyebrow.
âMy insecurities. My temper. My reactions. I ainât perfect. But Iâm tryna be better. I owe my wife that. I owe my son that, and I owe myself that.â
Titus studies him for nearly a minute.
He can tell Stack means every word.
FinallyâŠHe lets out a slow breath. âAight.â
Stack sits up straighter. âYouâll come back?â
Titus nods. âIâll come back.â
Relief instantly washes across Stackâs face.
âButâŠâ He points a finger. âI got conditions.â
âName âem.â
âIâll never cross another boundary. No hugs. No touching. No nothing. Our relationship stays professional.â
Stack nods immediately. âRespect.â
âAndâŠâ Titus continues. âYou gotta trust your wife.â
Stack smiles. âI do. Iâm learning that trusting her also means trusting the boundaries she sets.â
Titus finally smiles for the first time all afternoon. âGood. âCause Dajia always made it clear where I stood. I shouldâve been more mindful too.â
Stack stands. âSoâŠWe good?â
Titus looks at him for a second before standing too. ââŠWe good.â
The two men shake hands.
Then, almost simultaneouslyâŠ
They pull each other into a quick one armed hug.
Antonio watches from behind the bar and grins.
âAbout damn time.â
Both men laugh.
As they pull apart, Stack shakes his head.
âI ainât never apologizing to yo ass again.â
Titus smirks. âYou probably will.â
âNah. You gonâ do somethinâ else.â
Titus laughs. âIâll try not to.â
Stack points at him. âYou better.â
For the first time since the baby showerâŠ
Everything between them felt settled.
And for the first time since Eli was bornâŠ
Stack knew Dajia could stay home exactly where she belongedâwith their sonâwithout worrying about the business sheâd worked so hard to build.
Smoke stops by Moore Life Lounge on his way back home from Zen.
The lunch rush is finally over.
Music hums softly through the speakers while employees wipe tables and restock the bar.
Smoke walks through the front doors looking more drained than usual.
Antonio looks up from his laptop.
âThere go the dad to be.â
Smoke forces a weak smirk. âWhat up.â
Stack glances over from where heâs going through invoices. âYou look like somebody stole yo bike.â
Smoke sighs. âManâŠâ
Stack immediately knows somethingâs wrong.
He tosses the paperwork onto the desk. âWhat happened?â
Smoke drops into one of the office chairs and leans back, rubbing both hands down his face.
âI donât even know where to start.â
Antonio closes his laptop. âStart at the beginning.â
Smoke stares at the ceiling for a second before speaking.
âThis morning⊠a woman knocks on our door.â
Both men listen quietly.
âSays her name is Angeline Batiste.â He shakes his head. âAsks if Iâm Annieâs husband.â
Stack frowns. âWho the hell is Angeline?â
Smoke looks at them. âApparently⊠Annieâs sister.â
Silence.
Both men blink.
ââŠWhat?â Antonio asks.
âJames has another daughter.â
Stack sits up straighter. âHold on.â
He holds up a finger. âThe same James that used to beat on Annieâs mama?â
Smoke nods once. âAnd cheated on her.â
Antonio lets out a long whistle. âDamn.â
âThatâs exactly what Annie says.â Smoke leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees.
âThe girl tells Annie sheâs twenty four.â
Stackâs eyes widen. âThe same age as Legacy?â
âYep.â
Stack slowly shakes his head. âSo James was just out here livinâ a whole double life.â
Smoke sighs. âBasically.â
Antonio rubs the back of his neck. âHow Annie take it?â
Smoke lets out a humorless laugh. âAbout how youâd expect.â He swallows. âShe told the girl to leave.â
Neither man judges her.
Smoke looks between them. âI ainât never seen her break down like that.â His voice grows quieter. âShe tells me sheâs finally startinâ to heal from everything James did to her mama.â He pauses. âAnd then this happens.â
The room falls silent.
Antonio looks down at the desk. âI hate that for her.â
âSo do I.â Smoke rubs at his beard. âShe cried so hard, man.â His voice catches. âI donât like seeinâ her like that.â
He exhales slowly. âShe pregnant wit my daughters and all I can think is⊠please donât let this stress her out.â
Stack nods knowingly. âI know.â
Smoke looks at him. âNahâŠâ He shakes his head. âYou donât.â
âI do.â
Stack leans forward. âWhen Dajia was pregnant wit Eli, every time she cried, I felt helpless.â
He chuckles without humor. âYou wanna fix it.â
Smoke nods immediately. âExactly.â
âYou wanna take whatever hurtinâ her and beat the hell out of it.â
Antonio laughs softly. âAinât nobody to beat up this time.â
âI know.â Smoke sighs again. âAnd thatâs what make it worse.â
He looks down at his hands. âI canât protect her from memories.â
Neither of them answers right away.
After a few moments, Antonio finally speaks. âYou know what I hear when you telling us all this?â
Smoke looks over. âYou never said Annie mad at Angie.â
Smoke furrows his brows. âWhat you mean?â
âYou say she hurt because of James.â
Antonio folds his hands together. âThose two different people.â
Smoke thinks about it.
Antonio continues. âRight now, Angie represents the affair.â
He taps the desk lightly. âBut that donât necessarily mean sheâll always represent the affair.â
Smoke nods slowly. âI hope not.â
âI do too.â Antonio smiles gently. âSometimes pain shows up before perspective does.â
Smoke sits quietly with those words.
Then Stack speaks. âI agree wit Antonio.â
Smoke looks over.
âBut I also think you handled it right.â
âI did?â
âYeah.â
âYou donât force Annie to sit there and talk.â
Smoke shakes his head. âHell no.â
âYou donât tell her she wrong.â
âNo.â
âAnd you donât slam the door in that girlâs face either.â
Smoke thinks back to the conversation. âI didnât I just told her to come back another time.â
âExactly.â Stack points at him.
âBecause both of them victims.â
Smokeâs eyebrows lift slightly.
Stack continues. âJames created this mess.â He leans back in his chair.
âNot Annie. Not Legacy. And damn sure not Angie.â
Antonio nods.
âHe gone.â Stack sighs. âBut unfortunatelyâŠhe left three daughters tryna make sense of choices they never made.â
Smoke sits there quietly.
That sentence settles deep.
âI told Annie not to punish her sister for somethinâ she ainât ask for.â
âAnd you right,â Antonio says. âBut make sure you donât rush her.â
Smoke nods. âI wonât.â
Stack smiles. âYou know Annie.â
Smoke chuckles. âStubborn as hell.â
âThere you go.â Stack grins. âThe more somebody tell her what she gotta do, the slower she gonâ do it.â
All three men laugh.
The heaviness in the room eases just enough for Smoke to finally breathe.
Antonio stands and claps him on the shoulder. âJust keep loving your wife.â
Stack nods. âAnd if Angie really came lookinâ for her after twenty four yearsâŠâ He shrugs. âSomethinâ tells me she ainât lookinâ for money.â
Smoke thinks back to the young womanâs face. âShe looked⊠scared.â
âExactly,â Stack says. âShe probably rehearsed that conversation a hundred times before she ever knocked on yâall door.â
Smoke nods.
For the first time since everything happened, he allows himself to think beyond Annieâs pain.
Angie looked terrified too.
Smoke stands and grabs his keys. âI appreciate yâall.â
Antonio smiles. âThatâs what brothers for.â
Stack pats him on the back. âNow go home.â
Smoke looks at him.
âYo wife need you more than this business do.â
Smoke nods once.
Without another word, he heads for the door, knowing exactly where he needs to be.
The next evening, the dinner rush is finally winding down.
The kitchen smells of butter, grilled steak, garlic, and fresh biscuits. The constant hiss of the flat top has settled into a steady rhythm, and the printer that had been spitting tickets nonstop all night finally grows quiet.
The silver boombox sits on the prep counter.
Quiet Storm fills the kitchen.
Then Dru Hillâs âBeautyâ comes on.
Smoke smiles to himself as he wipes down the stainless-steel counter.
đ” Walks by me every dayâŠ
Her and love are the sameâŠ
The woman thatâs stolen my heartâŠ
And beauty is her name⊠đ”
Right on cueâŠThe kitchen doors swing open. Annie.
Smoke looks up instinctively.
Their eyes meet. Almost immediately.
Neither of them looks away.
đ” Iâm hoping I can make you mineâŠ
âFore another man steals your heart⊠And once your beauty is mine
I swear we will never be apartđ”
Annie walks toward the service window with her ticket in hand.
She stops in front of the line.
A small smile finds her lips.
Smoke canât help but smile back.
For a momentâŠEverything else fades.
The sizzling grills. The clatter of pans.
The conversations around them.
Itâs justâŠHer. Her smile.
Those bright eyes looking back at him.
He swears sheâs like a magnet.
Every time she walks into the kitchenâŠHis eyes find her before he even realizes heâs looking.
đ” âCause my eyes have seen the gloryâŠIn the coming of your smile⊠đ”
Annie feels those familiar butterflies dance in her stomach.
She knows sheâs staring.
She also knowsâŠShe doesnât want to stop.
Neither of them breaks eye contact.
It almost turns into a silent challenge.
You look away.
No⊠you.
Across the galley, Lindsey notices.
She pauses with a tray in her hands.
Instead of interruptingâŠShe watches.
Curious to see just how long theyâre going to keep looking at each other.
Brandon notices too. He smirks to himself.
đ” You are so beautifulâŠWhen I'm down and out (When I'm down) I never seem to get tired... (Tired of your love, ooh, tired of your love) of your loveâŠYouâre wonderful. I'm just dying to make you see Anything you want inside your heart (You can find right here inside of me)đ”
Smokeâs lips slowly curl into a grin.
Annieâs heart flips.
âAyeâŠâ Brandon laughs. âYou gonâ plate her food or not?â
Smoke blinks, finally pulled back into the kitchen around him.
He chuckles under his breath and starts plating the order.
Annie laughs quietly to herself.
Lindsey catches the smile.
Something about the way they look at each other makes her chest tighten.
Sheâd worked to break his walls down and still nothing.
Heâd barely spoken more than a few words to her. He barely laughed or smiled at all.
Yet with AnnieâŠHe smiled. He teased.
He laughed. Like it came naturally.
Smoke slides Annieâs plates across the windowâŠBut leaves both hands resting on the edge of them.
Annie looks down. Then back up at him. She smiles.
This timeâŠShe doesnât even try to grab them.
âYou not gonâ take yoâ food?â Smoke asks with a grin.
Annie shakes her head. âUh-uh. Take your hands off of it.â
Smoke raises an eyebrow. âNot till I hear that magic word leave them lips.â
Annie plants a hand on her hip.
A playful smile spreads across her face. âYou donât make nobody else say please.â
Smoke chuckles. âHere you go wit that shit. I donât care about nobody else.â His eyes stay locked on hers. âNow say itâŠâFore you keep that table waitinâ.â
The words hit Annie harder than he probably intended.
I donât care about nobody else.
Heat creeps into her cheeks.
Lindsey notices. She rolls her eyes.
Annie reaches for the plates anyway.
Smoke slides them back just enough that she misses.
She busts into laughter. âOh my GodâŠâ
She rises onto her tiptoes, trying again.
Smoke laughs and lifts the plates just a little higher.
âElijahâŠâ Her tone is half warningâŠHalf amused.
He grins. âSay it.â
She folds her arms dramatically. âPlease.â
A satisfied smile spreads across Smokeâs face. âThere you go. See? Was that so hard?â
Annie shakes her head. âSmokeâŠâ
A smile slips through anyway. âGive me my food before I come around there and get it myself.â
Smoke laughs. âThat a promise?â
She points at him. âNo. Itâs a threat.â
Both of them laugh.
Lindsey finally exhales loudly enough for everyone to hear. âCan I get my food too?â
The playful moment breaks.
Smoke immediately slides Annieâs plates the rest of the way to her.
She takes them with a grin. ââBout time, Big Head.â
She hurries back toward the dining room.
Smoke watches her disappear through the swinging doors for just a second before returning his attention to the line.
He finishes Lindseyâs order and slides it across. Silently
Lindsey takes the plate. âThanks.â
Her tone is polite.
Smoke simply nods and goes back to wiping down his station, while Brandon watches the whole exchange with an amused shake of his head.
He doesnât say a word.
He doesnât have to.
Everybody on the line can already see it.
Whatever was growing between Smoke and AnnieâŠIt wasnât hard to miss anymore.
Devin is behind the wheel of her mamaâs Malibu while Ebony rides shotgun. Annie and Rhonda are in the backseat.
The car smells like vanilla body spray, cocoa butter, and Bath & Body Works lotion. Ashanti plays softly through the speakers while all four girls sing along between conversations.
Devin glances into the rearview mirror at Annie and Rhonda. âSoâŠDid yâall tell them to bring some friends or family?â
Rhonda groans dramatically. âYes, girl! Damn. How many times you gonâ ask?â
Annie laughs. âDevin, watch the road.â
Ebony cracks up in the passenger seat.
Rhonda shakes her head. âYou âbout to kill us âcause you too eager to meet some niggas.â
The whole car erupts in laughter.
Tonight, every last one of them came dressed to impress. Lip gloss shining.
Fresh roller sets and wraps.
Perfume lingering in the air every time somebody moved.
They finally pull into Kemper Arena.
The parking lot is already overflowing with cars.
Music blasts from open windows.
People laugh across the lot.
Groups of friends make their way toward the entrance wearing oversized jerseys, throwback tees, fitted caps, baggy jeans, Apple Bottoms, and matching Air Force 1s.
The girls climb out.
Devin slowly scans the crowd. âDamnâŠThis game always bring the fine niggas out.â
Rhonda nods in agreement. âHell yeah. Iâm scoutinâ tonight.â
Annie laughs. âWhat about Tobias?â
Rhonda waves her off. âGirl, what about him? We just talkinâ. He ainât my man.â
Ebony laughs. âYou always do the most.â
Devin shrugs proudly. âIâm supposed to.â
All four girls laugh as they join the long line wrapping around the arena.
InsideâŠThe arena is alive.
Bass rattles through the speakers.
The smell of popcorn, nachos, hot dogs, and pretzels fills the air.
Thousands of people buzz with excitement while the players warm up below.
The girls finally find their seats.
Ebony sits closest to the stairs.
Next to her is Devin. Then Rhonda.
Annie takes the seat further in the aisle.
She points toward the floor. âThere go Hot Sauce!â
Rhonda practically jumps. âHe fine as hell!â
Devin laughs. âI came here just for him.â
Ebony shoves her shoulder. âShut up!â
They all busts into laughter.
Just thenâŠKevion and a couple of his friends walk in two rows below them.
âKevion!â Devin yells.
He turns around instantly. âAww shit! There go trouble!â
The two groups start yelling back and forth across the rows.
Kevion laughs before climbing the stairs with one of his boys.
They stop beside the girls, joking and catching up.
OutsideâŠSmoke parks his truck.
He, Stack, Tobias, and Stackâs homeboy Ramon climb out.
The arena lights glow against the evening sky.
Groups of women walk toward the entrance laughing.
Stack immediately starts looking around. âDamnâŠI see some fine bitches already.â
Tobias sucks his teeth. âHere you go, nigga. We ainât even got in the buildinâ yet.â
Stack grins. âShit⊠You know Iâm on the hunt from the car.â
Smoke just shakes his head.
The four of them head inside.
Almost immediatelyâŠHeads turn.
Women whisper to each other.
A couple openly stare.
Stack smirks. âI told yâall.â
Smoke ignores all of it.
They begin walking up the stairs toward their section.
ThenâŠSmoke freezes.
His stomach instantly drops.
Annie.
Sheâs sitting with her friends. Laughing.
Two dudes are standing beside them talking. One of them says something that makes Annie throw her head back laughing.
Smoke swallows.
There goes that feeling again.
That tight feeling in his chest.
He doesnât know whyâŠBut he doesnât like seeing another man being the reason sheâs smiling like that.
Her laugh⊠Her smileâŠSomehow they already feel special to him.
As Kevion and his friend head back down the stairs, they pass Smokeâs group.
Both groups instinctively size each other up. Quick mugs. Nothing said.
Just enough for each side to know the other noticed.
Smoke barely pays them any attention.
His eyes are already back on Annie.
Almost as if she feels him lookingâŠ
She turns her head. Their eyes meet.
Just like always. The noise around them disappears.
Annie feels her breath catch.
There he is. Standing a few steps away from her.
Looking directly at her.
OnlyâŠSomething catches her attention.
Standing beside TobiasâŠIs another man with the exact same face as Smoke.
She blinks. Then looks back and forth between them.
Confused. Smoke notices.
A slow grin spreads across his face.
He gives her a little nod.
Annie laughs softly to herself.
He got a twin?
He never told her that.
Tobias smiles. âSup, Rhonda.â
âHey, Tobias.â
Devin points between all of them. âYou gonâ introduce the rest of everybody?â
Tobias laughs. âYeah.â
He points beside him. âThis Stack.â
Then Ramon. âThis Ramon.â
Finally⊠He points toward Smoke.
âAnd this Smoke.â
Every girl immediately looks at Annie.
Her cheeks warm.
Stack notices.
He grins to himself before looking at the girls. âWhatâs good? What yâall names is?â
They all introduce themselves.
Devin suddenly looks between Smoke and Stack. âWait a minuteâŠYâall twins?â
Stack answers sarcastically without missing a beat. âNah. We cousins.â
The girls busts out laughing.
âSo stupid,â Ebony says.
Stack laughs too before his attention drifts to Devin.
Her skin practically glows beneath the arena lights. Her curls bounce every time she laughs.
Those bright eyesâŠLocked onâŠ
Smoke.
Stack follows her gaze.
Sure enoughâŠHis brother is looking right back. Smiling. A real smile.
One Stack has almost never seen directed at a woman.
His eyebrow slowly rises.
SoâŠThis the mystery girl.
A grin spreads across his face.
WellâŠShe off limits.
His eyes drift right back to Devin.
Whoâs still looking at him. âDamnâŠThe whole crew sexy as hell.â
The girls laugh.
Smoke cuts his eyes toward Stack.
âYou done?â
Stack smirks. âI was just givinâ compliments.â
Ramon quietly smiles at Ebony.
She notices and smiles back before looking away.
Rhonda looks at Tobias. âWhere yâall seats at?â
âThree rows up. â
âOhâŠSo yâall close.â
The lights begin to dim. The crowd erupts. The game is about to start.
Tobias nods toward the court. âWeâll see yâall after.â
âOh, we definitely gonâ see yâall after.â
Stack says, never taking his eyes off Devin.
She bites her lip trying not to smile. âAight then.â
The fellas turn and head toward their seats.
Smoke glances back one more time.
Annie is already looking at him.
He smiles. She smiles back.
Neither of them says a word.
They donât have to.
SomehowâŠTheyâre already speaking the same language.
As soon as the guys disappear up the stairs, Devin turns around so fast she almost bumps into Rhonda. âOh my God!â
She grabs both Rhonda and Annieâs arms.
âAll them niggas fine as fuck, yâall!â
The girls bust into squeals and laughter, trying not to draw too much attention to themselves.
Devin fans herself dramatically. âI was not prepared for that.â
Ebony shakes her head, still laughing. âMe neither.â She looks over at Annie. âGirlâŠI understand now.â
She points toward the section where the guys disappeared. âIâd be scared too.â
Annie covers her face with her hands, laughing. âI told yâall.â
Ebony nods. âHell yeah. I see exactly why you ainât call him after yâall met.â
Devin turns toward Rhonda. âAnd Tobias fine as hell too.â She pauses, shaking her head in disbelief. âDamn. Itâs crazy every last one of âem fine.â She grins. âBut I need Stack.â She presses a hand against her chest. âIâm âbout to be actinâ shy like you, Annie.â
Annie rolls her eyes. âYou so damn annoying.â
She canât help but laugh anyway.
Rhonda laughs with them before motioning toward the court. âShhh. YâallâŠThe game.â
They all turn their attention back to the floor just as the crowd erupts and the announcerâs voice booms through Kemper Arena.
The lights dim. The music gets louder.
And for a little whileâŠ
Basketball has everyoneâs attention.
WellâŠAlmost everyoneâs.
Smoke tries to focus on the game.
The squeak of sneakers echoes across the hardwood while the crowd roars every time somebody gets crossed over. The announcerâs voice booms through the Arena, mixing with the bass thumping from the arena speakers.
But no matter how hard he triesâŠ
His eyes keep drifting to the back of Annieâs head.
He watches her clap after every big play.
She jumps to her feet. âGo Hot Sauce!â
Smoke chuckles under his breath.
She really wasnât exaggerating in that letter.
She loves sports.
She cheers at every big play, laughs when somebody gets embarrassed, and leans so far forward in her seat itâs like sheâs on the court with them. He loves that.
Another thing they have in common.
Stack stands up with the crowd after another crazy dunk. âLetâs go!â
The whole arena erupts.
Annie glances over her shoulder.
Her eyes immediately find Smoke.
Heâs already looking at her.
She blushes instantly before turning back around.
Smoke canât help but grin.
About twenty minutes later, Annie stands.
âWhere you goinâ?â Devin asks.
âTo get some food.â
âOh, shit. Iâm goinâ too.â
She hops up and follows Annie down the stairs.
Smoke watches them disappear into the crowd.
âIâll be back.â He says to the fellas before standing.
Stack smirks to himself.
He already knows exactly where his brother is headed.
Smoke makes his way down toward the concession stand.
The smell of buttery popcorn, nachos, hot dogs, and soft pretzels fills the air. The line snakes halfway across the concourse.
Devin looks ahead and sighs. âShit⊠this line long.â
Do-rag, Nike Airs to matchâŠAin't nothin' wrong with that (That's how I like it, baby)
Where my thugs at?
White T-shirt, I love thatđ¶
Annieâs eyes slowly travel from the top of his headâŠDown. This time she really looks at him in the light where she can actually see without it being dark and without anyone blocking her view.
đ¶The way you talk
The way you dress
The way you smile
I like the way you are
The way you ain't
I like your honesty, integrity
It levels me, so please don't ever changeđ¶
Smoke went all out today.
Heâs wearing a Kobe Bryant Lakers throwback jersey over a crisp white tall tee.
A matching Lakers headband hugs his perfectly laid waves.
A sweatband wraps around one forearm.
Baggy Girbaud jeans hang perfectly over a fresh pair of purple-and-gold Air Force 1s.
A Jacob watch glitters beneath the arena lights every time he moves.
Diamond studs catch another flash.
Two platinum chains rest against his jersey.
Two platinum rings decorate his fingers.
His Cartier eyeglasses somehow make him look even better.
And thenâŠHis cologne reaches her.
Warm. Clean. Masculine.
It wraps around her before he even says another word.
đ¶ I like the way you brush your hairâŠ
I like the stylish clothes you wear⊠It's just the real things you do. That's why I wanna stick with youđ¶
Annie forgets how to speak.
LordâŠ
He looksâŠToo damn good.
Those glasses should honestly be illegal.
He really got dressed today.
đ¶ I hope you like my style
The way I dress
The way I flirt
Say yes. I hope you like my mind
The things I sayđ¶
Smoke notices the look in her eyes immediately.
A smug smile slowly spreads across his face.
Then itâs his turn.
His eyes slowly roam over Annie.
Sheâs wearing a Chicago Bulls jersey dress that falls perfectly against her frame.
Fresh black and red Jordan 13s.
The front of her hair is neatly twisted back into flat twists while the rest falls into soft, bouncy curls that brush her shoulders every time she moves. Gold hoop earrings swing gently as she turns her head. Her black Dooney & Bourke shoulder bag rests comfortably beneath her arm. A gold herringbone necklace catches the light against her skin. Gold bracelets softly clink together as she shifts.
And tucked into the cartilage of her earâŠ
That little magnetic earring.
đ¶ I know you heard I'm a gangster
They say, âStay away from them gangsters.â
They never change up, or pull they pants up
Well, baby girl, put ya foot down
Don't let 'em push you around, you know what you likeđ¶
Smokeâs heart pounds.
She always looks beautiful.
But todayâŠShe looks damn near unreal.
Like she walked straight out of one of those music videos everybody watched after school.
Devin looks Smoke up and down too. âDamnâŠâ
She quickly looks between him and Annie.
The chemistry between them is so thick she almost feels like sheâs interrupting something.
âWhat you say?â Annie finally manages.
Smoke grins. âYou heard me. You gonâ get me somethinâ too?â
Annie giggles. âYeahâŠWhat you want?â
Smoke laughs. âYou know Iâm just playinâ. What you gettinâ?â
âA hot dogâŠI guess.â
He raises an eyebrow. âThatâs it?â
âMhm.â
âNah.â He shakes his head. âGet whatever you want, lilâ mama.â
Annie blinks. âHuh?â
âIf you can âhuh,â you can hear. You heard me. Get whatever you want. I got you.â
Annie smiles nervously. âSmokeâŠâ
Smoke raises one eyebrow. âOh⊠now itâs Smoke? I see you tryna act brand new in front of yoâ lilâ friend.â
Devin busts out laughing.
Annie shoots her a look before looking back at him. âElijahâŠYou donât have toââ
Smoke cuts her off. âWhat I tell you about that?â
Annie blushes.
Smoke steps a little closer.
Just enough that only she can hear him.
He leans toward her ear.
His voice drops into that deep bass she loves.
His cologne surrounds her again.
âAnnikaâŠStop frontinâ in here. You know me. We ainât strangers no more.â
A chill races down Annieâs spine.
Her stomach twists into knots.
He straightens back up.
Devin watches the entire exchange with wide eyes.
Oh⊠they got it bad.
Smoke looks over at her. âI got you too. Get whatever you want.â
Devin points to herself. âYou for real?â
Smoke chuckles while looking back at Annie. âYeah.â
Devin laughs. âShitâŠYou ainât gotta tell me twice.â
Annie starts laughing.
By the time they reach the counter, theyâre still smiling.
Annie orders a hot dogâŠThen popcorn.
Smoke nods toward the cashier. âAdd two nachos.â
Annie turns around.
Smoke smirks. âYeah. Get you some nachos too. They good as hell.â
Annie laughs and shakes her head. âYou so extra.â
Smoke reaches into his pocket and pulls out a thick knot of cash.
Without hesitation, he pays for everything.
The three of them start walking back toward their section.
Smoke carries the tray with the nachos while Annie balances the drinks.
As they walk, Smoke canât stop looking at her side profile.
The arena lights catch her skin every few steps.
Her curls bounce as she laughs with Devin.
Annie tries to act like she doesnât feel him staring.
He smiles to himself. âI know you feel me lookinâ.â
Annie immediately laughs. âStop. Youâre makinâ me nervous.â
Smoke kisses his teeth. âThere you go wit that. You gonâ have to get used to me lookinâ.â He smiles. âYou shouldnât be so beautiful.â
Annie feels her face grow warm all over again.
She finally looks up at him. âThank you, Elijah.â
Smoke hums in approval. âThatâs better.â
They climb back up the stairs toward their seats.
Devin smiles. âThanks again, Smoke.â
He nods once. âNo problem.â
Then his eyes drift back to Annie. âSee you afterwards.â
A grin spreads across her face. âSee you.â
When Annie and Devin finally make it back to their seats, theyâre balancing trays loaded down with food.
Rhondaâs eyes get wide. âDamn!â
She looks between the two of them. âYâall got hella shit.â
Annie and Devin crack up as they carefully pass everything around.
Devin canât even wait.
She points at Annie. âAnnieâs man bought all this for us.â
Ebonyâs mouth falls open. âSmoke bought all that?â
Devin nods. âYep. He got it bad for Annie.â
She leans in with a grin. Yâall shouldâve seen them flirtinâ. I swear I felt like I was interruptinâ something.â
The girls immediately start squealing.
Devin keeps going. âHe was callinâ her beautiful and shit. He could not stop lookinâ at her.â
Annie hides her face behind her cup, laughing. âShut up, Devin.â
âNope.â Devin points at her. âI ainât lyinâ.âShe shakes her head. âGirl, you definitely upgraded from that nigga Ryan.â
Rhonda sucks her teeth dramatically. âManâŠI shouldâve known when he followed yâall to the concession stand he was finna spend some money.â She reaches over and steals a few pieces of Annieâs popcorn. âI missed out.â
Annie laughs and nudges her shoulder. âYou snooze, you lose.â
The girls bust into laughter.
Devin shakes her head, still thinking about Smoke. âNah, for real though.â She points toward the section where the guys are sitting. âYou better hold on to that nigga. Thatâs one of the finest niggas I ever seen.â
She starts counting on her fingers. âHe can dress. He smell good. He compliment you every chance he get. And not only did he spend his money on youâŠâ
She gestures toward all the food spread across their laps. âHe bought yo friends food too.â
She leans closer with a smirk. âKeep him, girl.â
Annie feels her cheeks grow warm.
She shakes her head, trying to hide her smile. âYâall so damn extra.â But she canât stop laughing. Deep downâŠ
She knows every single one of them is right.
Smoke settles back into his seat with a bottle of water in one hand.
The game is back underway.
The crowd erupts after another ankle-breaking crossover, but before he can even sit all the way downâŠ
Stack grins. âAightâŠSo we just gonâ act like we ainât see what the hell just happened?â
Smoke keeps his eyes on the court âWhat happened?â
Tobias laughs. âThis nigga.â
Ramon shakes his head. âYou know exactly what happened.â
Smoke shrugs. âI went to get some food.â
âYeahâŠâ Stack says, drawing the words out. âYou went to get Annie some food.â
The three of them laugh.
Smoke smirks but doesnât answer.
Stack elbows him. âYou bought food for the whole damn row.â
Smoke finally looks over. âSo?â
âSo?â Stack repeats. âNigga, you donât even buy me food.â
The fellas bust out laughing.
Smoke sucks his teeth. âYou got money.â
âSo do she,â Stack shoots back.
More laughter.
Tobias leans forward. âI ainât never seen this nigga chase after nobody.â
Ramon nods. âHe been watchinâ her the whole game.â
Smoke cuts his eyes toward Ramon.
âI been watchinâ the game.â
Stack lets out the loudest laugh yet.
âThe game? Nigga, every time I looked over, you was lookinâ at Annie. You ainât even know who had the ball.â
Smoke shakes his head. âYâall doinâ too fuckinâ much.â
âNah.â Stack points toward him. âYou doinâ too much.â He starts counting on his fingers. âYou been staring at her all night. You followed her to the concession stand. You paid for all they food.â He pauses dramatically. âAnd thenâŠThis nigga walked back up here starinâ at her the whole damn time.â
Tobias laughs so hard. âI peeped that shit too.â
Smoke canât help but grin. âAight damn. I was lookinâ.â
âDamn right you was.â Stack says. âYou was lookinâ so hard I thought you was finna walk into somebody.â
The guys crack up.
Smoke laughs with them this time. âAight, man.â
Smokeâs smile softens. âNah. We just gettinâ to know each other.â
Tobias nods approvingly. âI respect that. ButâŠâ He smirks. âYou definitely got it bad.â
Smoke looks down toward the court for a second before glancing back toward Annieâs section.
She laughs at something Devin says.
Almost like she can feel himâŠ
She turns around. Their eyes meet from three sections away.
She smiles.
Smoke smiles right back.
Stack watches the exchange.
Then slowly looks back at his brother.
âAww, hell.â
Smoke raises an eyebrow. âWhat?â
Stack laughs and points at him. âYou gone.â
The fellas laugh again.
âGone gone.â
Tobias nods. âI ainât never seen this nigga smile this damn much.â
Ramon chuckles. âHe different.â
Stack leans back in his seat, still grinning. âNahâŠThis ainât just different.â He looks over at Smoke one more time. âI think my brother done found him one.â
Smoke doesnât answer.
He simply glances back toward Annie one more time before returning his attention to the court.
The small smile on his face says more than any words ever could.
When the game ends, the arena empties in a wave of people.
The crowd spills into the parking lot, still buzzing about the crazy crossovers and dunks they just witnessed. Car doors slam, music starts blasting from every direction, and headlights cut through the chilly fall evening.
The girls make it outside first.
Not long after, Kevion and his friends spot them. âAye!â Kevion calls out.
The girls stop to talk.
Annie laughs at something Kevion says, the sound carrying through the parking lot.
A few minutes later, Smoke, Stack, Tobias, and Ramon step outside.
Smoke instinctively starts scanning the crowd.
His eyes land on Annie almost immediately.
There she is. Standing in a circleâŠ
Laughing with the same dudes from inside the arena.
His jaw tightens ever so slightly.
Who the fuck are those niggas?
He doesnât say anything.
Instead, he keeps walking toward his truck like it doesnât bother him at all.
He unlocks it, climbs inside for a second, then starts it.
Chingyâs âOne Call Awayâ comes booming through the speakers.
The bass rolls across the parking lot.
The fellas post up. Leaning against the truck, talking while the song plays.
Smoke isnât really listening.
His eyes drift back to Annie.
Just in time to see her hug the guy sheâd been talking to.
His stomach flips. He swallows hard.
He doesnât like that feeling.
Not one bit.
A few moments later, the girls finally head their way.
Devin grins. âHey, yâall.â
Everybody exchanges greetings.
Devinâs eyes immediately find Stack.
She gives him a slow once over.
Stack is wearing a black Tim Duncan Spurs jersey over a white tee, baggy black jeans, and black-and-white Jordan 12s. Fresh braids frame his face, platinum shining in his mouth every time he smiles. A Rolex catches the parking lot lights while thick platinum chains rest against his chest.
He notices her looking.
A grin spreads across his face. âWhatâs good?â
Devin smiles right back. âNothinâ. Whatâs poppinâ with you?â
Stack chuckles. âCome find out.â
He nods his head, motioning for her to follow.
Without hesitationâŠDevin does.
The two of them wander off, talking and laughing almost immediately.
Smoke shakes his head. âThat nigga donât waste no time.â
Tobias laughs before turning toward Rhonda. The two of them quickly fall into their own conversation.
That leavesâŠSmoke. Annie. Ebony.
And Ramon.
Smoke and Annie lock eyes.
Neither of them says anything.
Chingy continues playing from the truck.
đ¶ I seen it in her eyeâŠ
Mama lookinâ like all I wanted was sexâŠThen moved to the next (that ain't true) But it was something about this girl's style that make me feel no regretsđ¶
Smoke slowly holds his hand out. âCome here. Come talk to me for a minute.â
đ¶Afraid she might think I'm in a rush to touch, crush and be up
But baby, I ain't on that stuffđ¶
Annie glances over at Ebony.
Ebony smiles knowingly. âGo, girl.â
Annie smiles shyly before slipping her hand into Smokeâs.
His fingers close around hers.
Warm. Gentle.
He leads her around to the back of the truck.
Ebony stays behind, chatting with Ramon.
Smoke lowers the tailgate.
The metal thumps softly into place.
They sit side by side.
Close enough that their shoulders brush every few seconds.
đ¶If you're rolling with me baby, hop in, it's enough room
We can gaze at the stars and shine like the moon
Give me a chance to show ya and a chance to know ya
Just be true and there's nothing I won't do for yađ¶
A soft breeze drifts through the parking lot.
Annieâs perfume floats toward him.
Sweet. Light. Familiar.
Smoke smiles to himself. âSoâŠYou enjoy the game?â
Annie nods. âYeah. I did.â
Smoke chuckles. âI could tell.â
She cuts her eyes at him. âWhatâs that supposed to mean?â
âYou was hella into it. I heard you over everybody.â
Annie throws her head back laughing.
âOh, whatever. You could not.â
âI definitely could.â
She clicks her tongue. âYou could only hear me âcause you was lookinâ at me all night.â
Smoke pauses. Then laughs. âDamn. You right. I couldnât help it though.â
Annie giggles. âHere you go, Elijah Blowinâ my head up again.â
âMy bad.â He shrugs. âIâm just beinâ honest. You a magnet.â
Annie smiles. âSo are you.â
Smoke grins. âThanks. I see I almost made you pass out again today.â
She tries to hold in her laugh.
Fails miserably. âDamn. Just expose me, why donât you?â
Smoke laughs. âItâs okayâŠâCause you almost made me do the same.â
Annie raises an eyebrow. âOh, please, Big Head.â
âIâm serious. I knew you was gonâ be lookinâ good as hell todayâŠâ He slowly shakes his head. âBut shitâŠYou exceeded what I expected.â
Heat spreads across Annieâs cheeks.
âI can say the same thing about you.â She smiles. âAnd why ainât you tell me you had a twin?â
Smoke exhales through his nose. ââCause you ainât ask.â
Annie laughs. âOh, okay, Elijah.â She nudges his shoulder. âSo whatâs it like⊠havinâ a twin?â
Smoke leans back a little, looking up.
âShitâŠThatâs a loaded answer.â
He looks out across the crowded parking lot. âMaybe one day I can really go into depth. But to sum it upâŠItâs different than most sibling relationships. You share everything. So sometimes you struggle to figure out who you are outside of beinâ a twin. You got this bondâŠNo matter what happenâŠIt donât break.â He smiles to himself. âItâs a blessinââŠAnd a curse.â
Silence settles between them.
Annie thinks about his words.
âI get that.â She nods slowly. âHavinâ siblings is already hard enough. So I could only imagine.â She smiles. âYâall do seem like complete opposites though.â
Smoke chuckles. âIn some ways. But deep down⊠We mostly the same.â
Annie smiles. âThatâs actually beautiful when you think about it. Always havinâ somebody in your corner.â
Smoke hums. âYeah.â He glances at her. âYou seem to got that kinda bond wit yoâ brother too.â
Annie looks over at him. âHow you know that?â
ââCause I watched yâall at the rink.â He smiles. âAnd I hear how yâall joke every time we on the phone.â
Annieâs expression softens. âYeahâŠWe close. Heâs one of my best friends.â
âI can tell.â Smoke hesitates for a second before admitting, âI gotta confess somethinâ.â
Annie raises an eyebrow. âWhat?â
âAt firstâŠI thought he was yoâ man at the skating rink.â
Annieâs face scrunches up instantly.
âWhat? Eww. No.â
Smoke laughs. âYâall was holdinâ hands and shit. I just assumed.â
She laughs. âWellâŠThatâs what you get for assuminâ.â
Smoke smirks. âOhâŠSo I guess I shouldnât assume the nigga you was just hugginâ earlier yo man either.â
Annie looks confusedâŠThen remembers Kevion. âOh!â She laughs. âEww, no, Elijah. Kevion just my friend. Heâs like a brother to me.â
Smoke raises an eyebrow. âYâall women love havinâ play brothers and shit.â
Annie smiles. âI meanâŠRelationships between a man and woman donât always gotta be romantic. They can be strictly platonic too.â
Smoke thinks for a moment and thereâs a minute of silence.
Annie breaks it âSo you donât think itâs possible?â
Smoke shrugs. âI donât know. I ainât never done it. And nobody around me has either. That ainât sayinâ it canât happen. Itâs justâŠDifferent from what Iâm used to.â
Annie nods. âWellâŠIâm here to tell you it can.â
Smoke smiles. âAight then. I believe you, lilâ mama.â
Comfortable silence settles over them.
The music continues playing.
People laugh nearby. Car doors slam.
Someone starts another vehicle a few rows over.
Smoke glances sideways.
Sheâs looking everywhereâŠExcept at him.
A grin slowly tugs at his lips. âYou still canât look at me?â
Annie smirks. âI can.â
His voice drops lower. âProve itâŠLook at me.â
Her heart immediately starts racing.
She shakes her head.
ThenâŠSlowlyâŠShe turns toward him.
Her eyes lift to meet his. Just for a second. Before they fall again.
Smoke smiles.
He reaches over gently and tips her chin upward with his thumb and index finger. âThere you go.â He holds her gaze. âI need you to get used to lookinâ at me up close. Not just when we across the room.â His voice softens. âI wanna see these pretty eyes up close. We ainât at workâŠSo I can get lost in âem now.â
Annieâs throat goes dry.
Butterflies erupt inside her stomach.
She canât think. Canât speak.
His sleepy eyes stay locked on hers.
FinallyâŠHe smiles. âYou so pretty, Annika. Donât be afraid to let me see you.â
Annie swallows. Then gives the smallest nod.
Before she can find the wordsâŠ
Stackâs voice rings out across the parking lot.
âAye! Yâall come around here and hit this blunt!â
Smoke sighs through his nose and lets his hand fall away.
âSaved by yo brother,â Annie teases softly.
Smoke laughs. âFor now.â
He stands first, then offers her his hand. She takes it.
He helps her down from the tailgate.
Together, they walk back around the truck to join everyone else.
When they make it back around the truck, everyone naturally falls into a circle while Chingyâs âHolidae Innâ is bumping through the speakers. Cars are slowly pulling out of the parking lot, headlights sweeping across the pavement as people laugh, talk, and relive their favorite plays from the game.
Stack finishes rolling the blunt and sparks it.
He takes the first hit before holding it out toward Annie. âAye, Annie.â
Before Annie can even open her mouth to politely turn it down..Smack.
Smoke knocks Stackâs hand away.
Stack looks at him like he done lost his damn mind. âThe fuck?â
Smoke shrugs like it isnât a big deal.
âNah.â
Annie lets out a small, nervous laugh, surprised by how quickly he reacted.
Stack studies his brother for a second before shaking his head. âAight then.â
He turns toward Devin instead. âHere.â
Devin grins. âShit, donât mind if I do.â
She takes a hit before passing it to Tobias.
Tobias inhales and passes it over to Rhonda.
Rhonda takes her turn before holding it out toward Ebony.
Ebony shakes her head. âIâm good.â
Ramon takes it next.
ThenâŠHe passes it to Smoke.
Smoke brings it to his lips and takes a slow pull.
He tips his head back slightly before letting the smoke drift from his mouth up his nose.
Annie quietly watches him.
Sheâd had a feeling he smoked.
He hustled.
And plenty of times after lunch breaks at Red Lobster, heâd come back with the other cooks wearing that same relaxed expression and those heavy, sleepy eyes.
For some reasonâŠKnowing she was right makes her smile to herself.
It doesnât make her think less of him.
If anythingâŠIt reminds her that he never expected her to do something just because he did.
He couldâve easily let Stack hand it to her.
InsteadâŠWithout making a sceneâŠ
He stopped it.
Something about that small gesture makes her heart soften.
He looked out for her without trying to embarrass her. She liked that.
More than sheâd probably admit.
A few minutes later, the blunt burns down to nothing.
Rhonda suddenly reaches into her purse. âOh!â She pulls out a yellow disposable Kodak camera. âCome on, yâall. We gotta get some pictures.â
Everybody laughs.
Tobias takes the camera first.
He snaps a few pictures of the girls together.
The flash pops brightly against the night sky.
NextâŠRhonda takes a picture of all the fellas standing together in front of Smokeâs truck.
After that, she looks around.
A group of girls is standing beside a nearby car.
âExcuse me. Can you take one of all of us?â
One of the girls smiles. âYeah, I got you.â
She walks over and takes the camera.
As everyone gets into positionâŠ
Her eyes linger.
MostlyâŠOn Smoke.
Annie notices.
A strange feeling settles in her chest.
Not anger. Not exactly.
JustâŠDiscomfort.
She suddenly realizes something.
If things between her and Smoke keep growingâŠWomen looking at himâŠ
Probably wonât be a rare thing.
He was fine.
She couldnât even blame them.
That didnât mean she had to like it.
Everybody finds their spots.
Tobias slips an arm around Rhondaâs shoulders.
Ramon kneels down in front of Ebony with a grin.
Stack turns toward Devin.
Before she knows whatâs happeningâŠ
He casually rests a hand against her ass.
Devin busts into laughter. âYou bold.â
âI know.â Stack says with a smirk.
Smoke steps beside Annie.
At first, he drapes an arm across her shoulders.
ThenâŠAlmost instinctivelyâŠ
His hand slides lower until it rests comfortably around her waist.
He gently guides her in front of him.
His other hand settles lightly against her stomach.
Annieâs heart pounds so loudly sheâs convinced everyone can hear it.
Smoke lowers his head slightly until it rests near her shoulder.
She can feel the warmth of his breath.
The girl holding the camera notices.
Her smile fades for just a second.
She quickly snaps the picture anyway.
Flash.
The moment is frozen forever.
Everyone thanks her before breaking apart.
The conversations naturally split back up.
Stack wastes no time. âSoâŠâ He looks at Devin. âYou gonâ give me yoâ number or what?â
Devin smiles. âI thought youâd never ask.â
They exchange numbers.
Not too far awayâŠRamon asks Ebony for hers.
She smiles before giving it to him too.
MeanwhileâŠ
Smoke nods toward a quieter spot.
Annie follows him a few steps away from everyone else.
Smoke slides both hands into his pockets. âIâm gonâ call you later on. That aight?â
Annie smiles. âOf course.â
He nods. âGood.â A soft smile spreads across his face. âIâm glad I got to spend some time wit you today.â
âMe too.â
Silence settles between them.
Neither seems to mind it.
They simply look at one another.
FinallyâŠSmoke clears his throat.
âCan I have a hug before you go?â
Annie smiles wider. âYes, Elijah.â
His dimples immediately appear.
He steps closer. His arms wrap comfortably around her waist.
Annie slides hers around his neck.
The moment they touchâŠSomething shifts.
Neither of them expected a simple hug to feel like this.
Smoke buries his face gently against the side of her neck.
She smells like brown sugar and vanilla. Warm. Sweet. Comforting.
He closes his eyes for a second.
His arms tighten just a little.
Not enough to make her uncomfortable.
Just enough to silently sayâŠ
I donât really wanna let you go yet.
Annie smiles into his shoulder.
She doesnât rush to pull away either.
For a few quiet secondsâŠ
The rest of the parking lot disappears.
Devin notices first. She elbows Rhonda. The two of them start giggling.
Stack shakes his head. âAye, nigga!â He laughs. âLet her go before you squeeze her to death.â
Smoke and Annie break apart laughing.
He reaches down and catches her hand one last time.
Giving it a gentle squeeze. âIâll see you later.â
Annie nods. âSee you.â
She reluctantly lets go and walks back toward the girls.
Smoke stays exactly where he is.
Watching her.
She glances back once before climbing into Devinâs momâs car.
Smoke smiles to himself.
Only after the car disappears into the stream of trafficâŠDoes he finally climb into his truckâŠ
The next morning, a loud knock echoes through Smokeâs small house.
He groans, rolling over to look at the clock. 9:17 a.m.
âDamnâŠâ
Another knock follows. More impatient this time.
Smoke throws the covers back, pulls on a white T-shirt, and walks to the front door.
The moment he opens itâŠHe sighs.
âMonica.â
She stands on the porch with her arms folded tightly across her chest.
Her lips are pressed into a thin line.
âWe need to talk.â
Smoke steps aside.
She walks in without waiting for an invitation.
He shuts the door behind her.
She turns to face him.
âShatara saw you at Skatelandâ
Smokeâs expression doesnât change.
ââŠOkay. And?â
Monica folds her arms even tighter.
âShe said you was all hugged up wit some girl.â
Smoke lets out a quiet breath. âSo?â
Monicaâs eyebrows shoot up. âSo?Thatâs all you gotta say?â
Smoke shrugs. âWhat you want me to say?â
She takes a step toward him. âNow you wanna be hugged up and kissinâ bitches, but never wanted to be seen in public wit no bitch not even me. I wanna know who she is.â
Smoke shakes his head once.
âNah. You donât need to know that.â
Monica scoffs. âExcuse me?â
âI said⊠You donât need to know.â
Her frustration grows. âWhy? What make her so special you wonât even say her name?â
Smoke leans against the wall, completely unbothered.
ââCause it ainât none of yo business.â
Monica laughs in disbelief. âIt is my business.â
Smoke immediately shakes his head.
âNo. It ainât.â He looks her square in the eyes. âWe ainât together. We never was. I donât owe you or no other woman no explanations.â
His words sting.
Monica looks away for a second before looking back. âSo thatâs it? You just movinâ on?â
Smoke sighs. âIâm livinâ my life. I never lied to you. I never told you we was together. I never promised you nothinâ.â
Monica studies his face. âYou really like her.â
Smoke doesnât answer.
The silence says enough.
Monica feels her stomach sink.
âSo thatâs why you wonât tell me.â
Smoke exhales. âMonicaâŠLet it go.â
She shakes her head.
âI canât let it go. Shatara said you couldnât keep yo fuckinâ eyes off her.â
Smoke chuckles under his breath.
âYo friend need to mind her fuckinâ business.â
âMy point exactly.â Monica snaps. âSo who is she?â
Smokeâs expression hardens. âI said leave it alone.â
She folds her arms again. âIâma find out.â
Smoke nods slowly. âYou do what you feel like you gotta do. But donât drag somebody else into this.â His voice is calm, but firm. âShe ainât did shit to you. We not together. So whoever I spend my time witâŠainât got nothinâ to do wit you and if I find out you did anything to her. I promise Iâm gonâ make you regret that shit for as long as you live.â
Monica searches his face one last time, hoping heâll change his mind.
He doesnât.
Smoke opens the front door. âI ainât got shit else to say.â
Monica walks past him, stopping on the porch.
She looks back over her shoulder.
âIâma find out who she is.â
Smoke meets her eyes.
âOrâŠâ He shrugs. âYou could just let it go.â
She doesnât respond.
She climbs into her car and drives away.
Smoke watches her disappear down the street before rubbing a hand over his face.
âDamn.â
He has a feeling this conversation isnât over. Not by a long shotâŠ
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The next evening, the dinner rush is finally winding down.
The kitchen smells of butter, grilled steak, garlic, and fresh biscuits. The constant hiss of the flat top has settled into a steady rhythm, and the printer that had been spitting tickets nonstop all night finally grows quiet.
The silver boombox sits on the prep counter.
Quiet Storm fills the kitchen.
Then Dru Hillâs âBeautyâ comes on.
Smoke smiles to himself as he wipes down the stainless-steel counter.
đ” Walks by me every dayâŠ
Her and love are the sameâŠ
The woman thatâs stolen my heartâŠ
And beauty is her name⊠đ”
Right on cueâŠThe kitchen doors swing open. Annie.
Smoke looks up instinctively.
Their eyes meet. Almost immediately.
Neither of them looks away.
đ” Iâm hoping I can make you mineâŠ
âFore another man steals your heart⊠And once your beauty is mine
I swear we will never be apartđ”
Annie walks toward the service window with her ticket in hand.
She stops in front of the line.
A small smile finds her lips.
Smoke canât help but smile back.
For a momentâŠEverything else fades.
The sizzling grills. The clatter of pans.
The conversations around them.
Itâs justâŠHer. Her smile.
Those bright eyes looking back at him.
He swears sheâs like a magnet.
Every time she walks into the kitchenâŠHis eyes find her before he even realizes heâs looking.
đ” âCause my eyes have seen the gloryâŠIn the coming of your smile⊠đ”
Annie feels those familiar butterflies dance in her stomach.
She knows sheâs staring.
She also knowsâŠShe doesnât want to stop.
Neither of them breaks eye contact.
It almost turns into a silent challenge.
You look away.
No⊠you.
Across the galley, Lindsey notices.
She pauses with a tray in her hands.
Instead of interruptingâŠShe watches.
Curious to see just how long theyâre going to keep looking at each other.
Brandon notices too. He smirks to himself.
đ” You are so beautifulâŠWhen I'm down and out (When I'm down) I never seem to get tired... (Tired of your love, ooh, tired of your love) of your loveâŠYouâre wonderful. I'm just dying to make you see Anything you want inside your heart (You can find right here inside of me)đ”
Smokeâs lips slowly curl into a grin.
Annieâs heart flips.
âAyeâŠâ Brandon laughs. âYou gonâ plate her food or not?â
Smoke blinks, finally pulled back into the kitchen around him.
He chuckles under his breath and starts plating the order.
Annie laughs quietly to herself.
Lindsey catches the smile.
Something about the way they look at each other makes her chest tighten.
Sheâd worked to break his walls down and still nothing.
Heâd barely spoken more than a few words to her. He barely laughed or smiled at all.
Yet with AnnieâŠHe smiled. He teased.
He laughed. Like it came naturally.
Smoke slides Annieâs plates across the windowâŠBut leaves both hands resting on the edge of them.
Annie looks down. Then back up at him. She smiles.
This timeâŠShe doesnât even try to grab them.
âYou not gonâ take yoâ food?â Smoke asks with a grin.
Annie shakes her head. âUh-uh. Take your hands off of it.â
Smoke raises an eyebrow. âNot till I hear that magic word leave them lips.â
Annie plants a hand on her hip.
A playful smile spreads across her face. âYou donât make nobody else say please.â
Smoke chuckles. âHere you go wit that shit. I donât care about nobody else.â His eyes stay locked on hers. âNow say itâŠâFore you keep that table waitinâ.â
The words hit Annie harder than he probably intended.
I donât care about nobody else.
Heat creeps into her cheeks.
Lindsey notices. She rolls her eyes.
Annie reaches for the plates anyway.
Smoke slides them back just enough that she misses.
She busts into laughter. âOh my GodâŠâ
She rises onto her tiptoes, trying again.
Smoke laughs and lifts the plates just a little higher.
âElijahâŠâ Her tone is half warningâŠHalf amused.
He grins. âSay it.â
She folds her arms dramatically. âPlease.â
A satisfied smile spreads across Smokeâs face. âThere you go. See? Was that so hard?â
Annie shakes her head. âSmokeâŠâ
A smile slips through anyway. âGive me my food before I come around there and get it myself.â
Smoke laughs. âThat a promise?â
She points at him. âNo. Itâs a threat.â
Both of them laugh.
Lindsey finally exhales loudly enough for everyone to hear. âCan I get my food too?â
The playful moment breaks.
Smoke immediately slides Annieâs plates the rest of the way to her.
She takes them with a grin. ââBout time, Big Head.â
She hurries back toward the dining room.
Smoke watches her disappear through the swinging doors for just a second before returning his attention to the line.
He finishes Lindseyâs order and slides it across. Silently
Lindsey takes the plate. âThanks.â
Her tone is polite.
Smoke simply nods and goes back to wiping down his station, while Brandon watches the whole exchange with an amused shake of his head.
He doesnât say a word.
He doesnât have to.
Everybody on the line can already see it.
Whatever was growing between Smoke and AnnieâŠIt wasnât hard to miss anymore.
Devin is behind the wheel of her mamaâs Malibu while Ebony rides shotgun. Annie and Rhonda are in the backseat.
The car smells like vanilla body spray, cocoa butter, and Bath & Body Works lotion. Ashanti plays softly through the speakers while all four girls sing along between conversations.
Devin glances into the rearview mirror at Annie and Rhonda. âSoâŠDid yâall tell them to bring some friends or family?â
Rhonda groans dramatically. âYes, girl! Damn. How many times you gonâ ask?â
Annie laughs. âDevin, watch the road.â
Ebony cracks up in the passenger seat.
Rhonda shakes her head. âYou âbout to kill us âcause you too eager to meet some niggas.â
The whole car erupts in laughter.
Tonight, every last one of them came dressed to impress. Lip gloss shining.
Fresh roller sets and wraps.
Perfume lingering in the air every time somebody moved.
They finally pull into Kemper Arena.
The parking lot is already overflowing with cars.
Music blasts from open windows.
People laugh across the lot.
Groups of friends make their way toward the entrance wearing oversized jerseys, throwback tees, fitted caps, baggy jeans, Apple Bottoms, and matching Air Force 1s.
The girls climb out.
Devin slowly scans the crowd. âDamnâŠThis game always bring the fine niggas out.â
Rhonda nods in agreement. âHell yeah. Iâm scoutinâ tonight.â
Annie laughs. âWhat about Tobias?â
Rhonda waves her off. âGirl, what about him? We just talkinâ. He ainât my man.â
Ebony laughs. âYou always do the most.â
Devin shrugs proudly. âIâm supposed to.â
All four girls laugh as they join the long line wrapping around the arena.
InsideâŠThe arena is alive.
Bass rattles through the speakers.
The smell of popcorn, nachos, hot dogs, and pretzels fills the air.
Thousands of people buzz with excitement while the players warm up below.
The girls finally find their seats.
Ebony sits closest to the stairs.
Next to her is Devin. Then Rhonda.
Annie takes the seat further in the aisle.
She points toward the floor. âThere go Hot Sauce!â
Rhonda practically jumps. âHe fine as hell!â
Devin laughs. âI came here just for him.â
Ebony shoves her shoulder. âShut up!â
They all busts into laughter.
Just thenâŠKevion and a couple of his friends walk in two rows below them.
âKevion!â Devin yells.
He turns around instantly. âAww shit! There go trouble!â
The two groups start yelling back and forth across the rows.
Kevion laughs before climbing the stairs with one of his boys.
They stop beside the girls, joking and catching up.
OutsideâŠSmoke parks his truck.
He, Stack, Tobias, and Stackâs homeboy Ramon climb out.
The arena lights glow against the evening sky.
Groups of women walk toward the entrance laughing.
Stack immediately starts looking around. âDamnâŠI see some fine bitches already.â
Tobias sucks his teeth. âHere you go, nigga. We ainât even got in the buildinâ yet.â
Stack grins. âShit⊠You know Iâm on the hunt from the car.â
Smoke just shakes his head.
The four of them head inside.
Almost immediatelyâŠHeads turn.
Women whisper to each other.
A couple openly stare.
Stack smirks. âI told yâall.â
Smoke ignores all of it.
They begin walking up the stairs toward their section.
ThenâŠSmoke freezes.
His stomach instantly drops.
Annie.
Sheâs sitting with her friends. Laughing.
Two dudes are standing beside them talking. One of them says something that makes Annie throw her head back laughing.
Smoke swallows.
There goes that feeling again.
That tight feeling in his chest.
He doesnât know whyâŠBut he doesnât like seeing another man being the reason sheâs smiling like that.
Her laugh⊠Her smileâŠSomehow they already feel special to him.
As Kevion and his friend head back down the stairs, they pass Smokeâs group.
Both groups instinctively size each other up. Quick mugs. Nothing said.
Just enough for each side to know the other noticed.
Smoke barely pays them any attention.
His eyes are already back on Annie.
Almost as if she feels him lookingâŠ
She turns her head. Their eyes meet.
Just like always. The noise around them disappears.
Annie feels her breath catch.
There he is. Standing a few steps away from her.
Looking directly at her.
OnlyâŠSomething catches her attention.
Standing beside TobiasâŠIs another man with the exact same face as Smoke.
She blinks. Then looks back and forth between them.
Confused. Smoke notices.
A slow grin spreads across his face.
He gives her a little nod.
Annie laughs softly to herself.
He got a twin?
He never told her that.
Tobias smiles. âSup, Rhonda.â
âHey, Tobias.â
Devin points between all of them. âYou gonâ introduce the rest of everybody?â
Tobias laughs. âYeah.â
He points beside him. âThis Stack.â
Then Ramon. âThis Ramon.â
Finally⊠He points toward Smoke.
âAnd this Smoke.â
Every girl immediately looks at Annie.
Her cheeks warm.
Stack notices.
He grins to himself before looking at the girls. âWhatâs good? What yâall names is?â
They all introduce themselves.
Devin suddenly looks between Smoke and Stack. âWait a minuteâŠYâall twins?â
Stack answers sarcastically without missing a beat. âNah. We cousins.â
The girls busts out laughing.
âSo stupid,â Ebony says.
Stack laughs too before his attention drifts to Devin.
Her skin practically glows beneath the arena lights. Her curls bounce every time she laughs.
Those bright eyesâŠLocked onâŠ
Smoke.
Stack follows her gaze.
Sure enoughâŠHis brother is looking right back. Smiling. A real smile.
One Stack has almost never seen directed at a woman.
His eyebrow slowly rises.
SoâŠThis the mystery girl.
A grin spreads across his face.
WellâŠShe off limits.
His eyes drift right back to Devin.
Whoâs still looking at him. âDamnâŠThe whole crew sexy as hell.â
The girls laugh.
Smoke cuts his eyes toward Stack.
âYou done?â
Stack smirks. âI was just givinâ compliments.â
Ramon quietly smiles at Ebony.
She notices and smiles back before looking away.
Rhonda looks at Tobias. âWhere yâall seats at?â
âThree rows up. â
âOhâŠSo yâall close.â
The lights begin to dim. The crowd erupts. The game is about to start.
Tobias nods toward the court. âWeâll see yâall after.â
âOh, we definitely gonâ see yâall after.â
Stack says, never taking his eyes off Devin.
She bites her lip trying not to smile. âAight then.â
The fellas turn and head toward their seats.
Smoke glances back one more time.
Annie is already looking at him.
He smiles. She smiles back.
Neither of them says a word.
They donât have to.
SomehowâŠTheyâre already speaking the same language.
As soon as the guys disappear up the stairs, Devin turns around so fast she almost bumps into Rhonda. âOh my God!â
She grabs both Rhonda and Annieâs arms.
âAll them niggas fine as fuck, yâall!â
The girls bust into squeals and laughter, trying not to draw too much attention to themselves.
Devin fans herself dramatically. âI was not prepared for that.â
Ebony shakes her head, still laughing. âMe neither.â She looks over at Annie. âGirlâŠI understand now.â
She points toward the section where the guys disappeared. âIâd be scared too.â
Annie covers her face with her hands, laughing. âI told yâall.â
Ebony nods. âHell yeah. I see exactly why you ainât call him after yâall met.â
Devin turns toward Rhonda. âAnd Tobias fine as hell too.â She pauses, shaking her head in disbelief. âDamn. Itâs crazy every last one of âem fine.â She grins. âBut I need Stack.â She presses a hand against her chest. âIâm âbout to be actinâ shy like you, Annie.â
Annie rolls her eyes. âYou so damn annoying.â
She canât help but laugh anyway.
Rhonda laughs with them before motioning toward the court. âShhh. YâallâŠThe game.â
They all turn their attention back to the floor just as the crowd erupts and the announcerâs voice booms through Kemper Arena.
The lights dim. The music gets louder.
And for a little whileâŠ
Basketball has everyoneâs attention.
WellâŠAlmost everyoneâs.
Smoke tries to focus on the game.
The squeak of sneakers echoes across the hardwood while the crowd roars every time somebody gets crossed over. The announcerâs voice booms through the Arena, mixing with the bass thumping from the arena speakers.
But no matter how hard he triesâŠ
His eyes keep drifting to the back of Annieâs head.
He watches her clap after every big play.
She jumps to her feet. âGo Hot Sauce!â
Smoke chuckles under his breath.
She really wasnât exaggerating in that letter.
She loves sports.
She cheers at every big play, laughs when somebody gets embarrassed, and leans so far forward in her seat itâs like sheâs on the court with them. He loves that.
Another thing they have in common.
Stack stands up with the crowd after another crazy dunk. âLetâs go!â
The whole arena erupts.
Annie glances over her shoulder.
Her eyes immediately find Smoke.
Heâs already looking at her.
She blushes instantly before turning back around.
Smoke canât help but grin.
About twenty minutes later, Annie stands.
âWhere you goinâ?â Devin asks.
âTo get some food.â
âOh, shit. Iâm goinâ too.â
She hops up and follows Annie down the stairs.
Smoke watches them disappear into the crowd.
âIâll be back.â He says to the fellas before standing.
Stack smirks to himself.
He already knows exactly where his brother is headed.
Smoke makes his way down toward the concession stand.
The smell of buttery popcorn, nachos, hot dogs, and soft pretzels fills the air. The line snakes halfway across the concourse.
Devin looks ahead and sighs. âShit⊠this line long.â
Do-rag, Nike Airs to matchâŠAin't nothin' wrong with that (That's how I like it, baby)
Where my thugs at?
White T-shirt, I love thatđ¶
Annieâs eyes slowly travel from the top of his headâŠDown. This time she really looks at him in the light where she can actually see without it being dark and without anyone blocking her view.
đ¶The way you talk
The way you dress
The way you smile
I like the way you are
The way you ain't
I like your honesty, integrity
It levels me, so please don't ever changeđ¶
Smoke went all out today.
Heâs wearing a Kobe Bryant Lakers throwback jersey over a crisp white tall tee.
A matching Lakers headband hugs his perfectly laid waves.
A sweatband wraps around one forearm.
Baggy Girbaud jeans hang perfectly over a fresh pair of purple-and-gold Air Force 1s.
A Jacob watch glitters beneath the arena lights every time he moves.
Diamond studs catch another flash.
Two platinum chains rest against his jersey.
Two platinum rings decorate his fingers.
His Cartier eyeglasses somehow make him look even better.
And thenâŠHis cologne reaches her.
Warm. Clean. Masculine.
It wraps around her before he even says another word.
đ¶ I like the way you brush your hairâŠ
I like the stylish clothes you wear⊠It's just the real things you do. That's why I wanna stick with youđ¶
Annie forgets how to speak.
LordâŠ
He looksâŠToo damn good.
Those glasses should honestly be illegal.
He really got dressed today.
đ¶ I hope you like my style
The way I dress
The way I flirt
Say yes. I hope you like my mind
The things I sayđ¶
Smoke notices the look in her eyes immediately.
A smug smile slowly spreads across his face.
Then itâs his turn.
His eyes slowly roam over Annie.
Sheâs wearing a Chicago Bulls jersey dress that falls perfectly against her frame.
Fresh black and red Jordan 13s.
The front of her hair is neatly twisted back into flat twists while the rest falls into soft, bouncy curls that brush her shoulders every time she moves. Gold hoop earrings swing gently as she turns her head. Her black Dooney & Bourke shoulder bag rests comfortably beneath her arm. A gold herringbone necklace catches the light against her skin. Gold bracelets softly clink together as she shifts.
And tucked into the cartilage of her earâŠ
That little magnetic earring.
đ¶ I know you heard I'm a gangster
They say, âStay away from them gangsters.â
They never change up, or pull they pants up
Well, baby girl, put ya foot down
Don't let 'em push you around, you know what you likeđ¶
Smokeâs heart pounds.
She always looks beautiful.
But todayâŠShe looks damn near unreal.
Like she walked straight out of one of those music videos everybody watched after school.
Devin looks Smoke up and down too. âDamnâŠâ
She quickly looks between him and Annie.
The chemistry between them is so thick she almost feels like sheâs interrupting something.
âWhat you say?â Annie finally manages.
Smoke grins. âYou heard me. You gonâ get me somethinâ too?â
Annie giggles. âYeahâŠWhat you want?â
Smoke laughs. âYou know Iâm just playinâ. What you gettinâ?â
âA hot dogâŠI guess.â
He raises an eyebrow. âThatâs it?â
âMhm.â
âNah.â He shakes his head. âGet whatever you want, lilâ mama.â
Annie blinks. âHuh?â
âIf you can âhuh,â you can hear. You heard me. Get whatever you want. I got you.â
Annie smiles nervously. âSmokeâŠâ
Smoke raises one eyebrow. âOh⊠now itâs Smoke? I see you tryna act brand new in front of yoâ lilâ friend.â
Devin busts out laughing.
Annie shoots her a look before looking back at him. âElijahâŠYou donât have toââ
Smoke cuts her off. âWhat I tell you about that?â
Annie blushes.
Smoke steps a little closer.
Just enough that only she can hear him.
He leans toward her ear.
His voice drops into that deep bass she loves.
His cologne surrounds her again.
âAnnikaâŠStop frontinâ in here. You know me. We ainât strangers no more.â
A chill races down Annieâs spine.
Her stomach twists into knots.
He straightens back up.
Devin watches the entire exchange with wide eyes.
Oh⊠they got it bad.
Smoke looks over at her. âI got you too. Get whatever you want.â
Devin points to herself. âYou for real?â
Smoke chuckles while looking back at Annie. âYeah.â
Devin laughs. âShitâŠYou ainât gotta tell me twice.â
Annie starts laughing.
By the time they reach the counter, theyâre still smiling.
Annie orders a hot dogâŠThen popcorn.
Smoke nods toward the cashier. âAdd two nachos.â
Annie turns around.
Smoke smirks. âYeah. Get you some nachos too. They good as hell.â
Annie laughs and shakes her head. âYou so extra.â
Smoke reaches into his pocket and pulls out a thick knot of cash.
Without hesitation, he pays for everything.
The three of them start walking back toward their section.
Smoke carries the tray with the nachos while Annie balances the drinks.
As they walk, Smoke canât stop looking at her side profile.
The arena lights catch her skin every few steps.
Her curls bounce as she laughs with Devin.
Annie tries to act like she doesnât feel him staring.
He smiles to himself. âI know you feel me lookinâ.â
Annie immediately laughs. âStop. Youâre makinâ me nervous.â
Smoke kisses his teeth. âThere you go wit that. You gonâ have to get used to me lookinâ.â He smiles. âYou shouldnât be so beautiful.â
Annie feels her face grow warm all over again.
She finally looks up at him. âThank you, Elijah.â
Smoke hums in approval. âThatâs better.â
They climb back up the stairs toward their seats.
Devin smiles. âThanks again, Smoke.â
He nods once. âNo problem.â
Then his eyes drift back to Annie. âSee you afterwards.â
A grin spreads across her face. âSee you.â
When Annie and Devin finally make it back to their seats, theyâre balancing trays loaded down with food.
Rhondaâs eyes get wide. âDamn!â
She looks between the two of them. âYâall got hella shit.â
Annie and Devin crack up as they carefully pass everything around.
Devin canât even wait.
She points at Annie. âAnnieâs man bought all this for us.â
Ebonyâs mouth falls open. âSmoke bought all that?â
Devin nods. âYep. He got it bad for Annie.â
She leans in with a grin. Yâall shouldâve seen them flirtinâ. I swear I felt like I was interruptinâ something.â
The girls immediately start squealing.
Devin keeps going. âHe was callinâ her beautiful and shit. He could not stop lookinâ at her.â
Annie hides her face behind her cup, laughing. âShut up, Devin.â
âNope.â Devin points at her. âI ainât lyinâ.âShe shakes her head. âGirl, you definitely upgraded from that nigga Ryan.â
Rhonda sucks her teeth dramatically. âManâŠI shouldâve known when he followed yâall to the concession stand he was finna spend some money.â She reaches over and steals a few pieces of Annieâs popcorn. âI missed out.â
Annie laughs and nudges her shoulder. âYou snooze, you lose.â
The girls bust into laughter.
Devin shakes her head, still thinking about Smoke. âNah, for real though.â She points toward the section where the guys are sitting. âYou better hold on to that nigga. Thatâs one of the finest niggas I ever seen.â
She starts counting on her fingers. âHe can dress. He smell good. He compliment you every chance he get. And not only did he spend his money on youâŠâ
She gestures toward all the food spread across their laps. âHe bought yo friends food too.â
She leans closer with a smirk. âKeep him, girl.â
Annie feels her cheeks grow warm.
She shakes her head, trying to hide her smile. âYâall so damn extra.â But she canât stop laughing. Deep downâŠ
She knows every single one of them is right.
Smoke settles back into his seat with a bottle of water in one hand.
The game is back underway.
The crowd erupts after another ankle-breaking crossover, but before he can even sit all the way downâŠ
Stack grins. âAightâŠSo we just gonâ act like we ainât see what the hell just happened?â
Smoke keeps his eyes on the court âWhat happened?â
Tobias laughs. âThis nigga.â
Ramon shakes his head. âYou know exactly what happened.â
Smoke shrugs. âI went to get some food.â
âYeahâŠâ Stack says, drawing the words out. âYou went to get Annie some food.â
The three of them laugh.
Smoke smirks but doesnât answer.
Stack elbows him. âYou bought food for the whole damn row.â
Smoke finally looks over. âSo?â
âSo?â Stack repeats. âNigga, you donât even buy me food.â
The fellas bust out laughing.
Smoke sucks his teeth. âYou got money.â
âSo do she,â Stack shoots back.
More laughter.
Tobias leans forward. âI ainât never seen this nigga chase after nobody.â
Ramon nods. âHe been watchinâ her the whole game.â
Smoke cuts his eyes toward Ramon.
âI been watchinâ the game.â
Stack lets out the loudest laugh yet.
âThe game? Nigga, every time I looked over, you was lookinâ at Annie. You ainât even know who had the ball.â
Smoke shakes his head. âYâall doinâ too fuckinâ much.â
âNah.â Stack points toward him. âYou doinâ too much.â He starts counting on his fingers. âYou been staring at her all night. You followed her to the concession stand. You paid for all they food.â He pauses dramatically. âAnd thenâŠThis nigga walked back up here starinâ at her the whole damn time.â
Tobias laughs so hard. âI peeped that shit too.â
Smoke canât help but grin. âAight damn. I was lookinâ.â
âDamn right you was.â Stack says. âYou was lookinâ so hard I thought you was finna walk into somebody.â
The guys crack up.
Smoke laughs with them this time. âAight, man.â
Smokeâs smile softens. âNah. We just gettinâ to know each other.â
Tobias nods approvingly. âI respect that. ButâŠâ He smirks. âYou definitely got it bad.â
Smoke looks down toward the court for a second before glancing back toward Annieâs section.
She laughs at something Devin says.
Almost like she can feel himâŠ
She turns around. Their eyes meet from three sections away.
She smiles.
Smoke smiles right back.
Stack watches the exchange.
Then slowly looks back at his brother.
âAww, hell.â
Smoke raises an eyebrow. âWhat?â
Stack laughs and points at him. âYou gone.â
The fellas laugh again.
âGone gone.â
Tobias nods. âI ainât never seen this nigga smile this damn much.â
Ramon chuckles. âHe different.â
Stack leans back in his seat, still grinning. âNahâŠThis ainât just different.â He looks over at Smoke one more time. âI think my brother done found him one.â
Smoke doesnât answer.
He simply glances back toward Annie one more time before returning his attention to the court.
The small smile on his face says more than any words ever could.
When the game ends, the arena empties in a wave of people.
The crowd spills into the parking lot, still buzzing about the crazy crossovers and dunks they just witnessed. Car doors slam, music starts blasting from every direction, and headlights cut through the chilly fall evening.
The girls make it outside first.
Not long after, Kevion and his friends spot them. âAye!â Kevion calls out.
The girls stop to talk.
Annie laughs at something Kevion says, the sound carrying through the parking lot.
A few minutes later, Smoke, Stack, Tobias, and Ramon step outside.
Smoke instinctively starts scanning the crowd.
His eyes land on Annie almost immediately.
There she is. Standing in a circleâŠ
Laughing with the same dudes from inside the arena.
His jaw tightens ever so slightly.
Who the fuck are those niggas?
He doesnât say anything.
Instead, he keeps walking toward his truck like it doesnât bother him at all.
He unlocks it, climbs inside for a second, then starts it.
Chingyâs âOne Call Awayâ comes booming through the speakers.
The bass rolls across the parking lot.
The fellas post up. Leaning against the truck, talking while the song plays.
Smoke isnât really listening.
His eyes drift back to Annie.
Just in time to see her hug the guy sheâd been talking to.
His stomach flips. He swallows hard.
He doesnât like that feeling.
Not one bit.
A few moments later, the girls finally head their way.
Devin grins. âHey, yâall.â
Everybody exchanges greetings.
Devinâs eyes immediately find Stack.
She gives him a slow once over.
Stack is wearing a black Tim Duncan Spurs jersey over a white tee, baggy black jeans, and black-and-white Jordan 12s. Fresh braids frame his face, platinum shining in his mouth every time he smiles. A Rolex catches the parking lot lights while thick platinum chains rest against his chest.
He notices her looking.
A grin spreads across his face. âWhatâs good?â
Devin smiles right back. âNothinâ. Whatâs poppinâ with you?â
Stack chuckles. âCome find out.â
He nods his head, motioning for her to follow.
Without hesitationâŠDevin does.
The two of them wander off, talking and laughing almost immediately.
Smoke shakes his head. âThat nigga donât waste no time.â
Tobias laughs before turning toward Rhonda. The two of them quickly fall into their own conversation.
That leavesâŠSmoke. Annie. Ebony.
And Ramon.
Smoke and Annie lock eyes.
Neither of them says anything.
Chingy continues playing from the truck.
đ¶ I seen it in her eyeâŠ
Mama lookinâ like all I wanted was sexâŠThen moved to the next (that ain't true) But it was something about this girl's style that make me feel no regretsđ¶
Smoke slowly holds his hand out. âCome here. Come talk to me for a minute.â
đ¶Afraid she might think I'm in a rush to touch, crush and be up
But baby, I ain't on that stuffđ¶
Annie glances over at Ebony.
Ebony smiles knowingly. âGo, girl.â
Annie smiles shyly before slipping her hand into Smokeâs.
His fingers close around hers.
Warm. Gentle.
He leads her around to the back of the truck.
Ebony stays behind, chatting with Ramon.
Smoke lowers the tailgate.
The metal thumps softly into place.
They sit side by side.
Close enough that their shoulders brush every few seconds.
đ¶If you're rolling with me baby, hop in, it's enough room
We can gaze at the stars and shine like the moon
Give me a chance to show ya and a chance to know ya
Just be true and there's nothing I won't do for yađ¶
A soft breeze drifts through the parking lot.
Annieâs perfume floats toward him.
Sweet. Light. Familiar.
Smoke smiles to himself. âSoâŠYou enjoy the game?â
Annie nods. âYeah. I did.â
Smoke chuckles. âI could tell.â
She cuts her eyes at him. âWhatâs that supposed to mean?â
âYou was hella into it. I heard you over everybody.â
Annie throws her head back laughing.
âOh, whatever. You could not.â
âI definitely could.â
She clicks her tongue. âYou could only hear me âcause you was lookinâ at me all night.â
Smoke pauses. Then laughs. âDamn. You right. I couldnât help it though.â
Annie giggles. âHere you go, Elijah Blowinâ my head up again.â
âMy bad.â He shrugs. âIâm just beinâ honest. You a magnet.â
Annie smiles. âSo are you.â
Smoke grins. âThanks. I see I almost made you pass out again today.â
She tries to hold in her laugh.
Fails miserably. âDamn. Just expose me, why donât you?â
Smoke laughs. âItâs okayâŠâCause you almost made me do the same.â
Annie raises an eyebrow. âOh, please, Big Head.â
âIâm serious. I knew you was gonâ be lookinâ good as hell todayâŠâ He slowly shakes his head. âBut shitâŠYou exceeded what I expected.â
Heat spreads across Annieâs cheeks.
âI can say the same thing about you.â She smiles. âAnd why ainât you tell me you had a twin?â
Smoke exhales through his nose. ââCause you ainât ask.â
Annie laughs. âOh, okay, Elijah.â She nudges his shoulder. âSo whatâs it like⊠havinâ a twin?â
Smoke leans back a little, looking up.
âShitâŠThatâs a loaded answer.â
He looks out across the crowded parking lot. âMaybe one day I can really go into depth. But to sum it upâŠItâs different than most sibling relationships. You share everything. So sometimes you struggle to figure out who you are outside of beinâ a twin. You got this bondâŠNo matter what happenâŠIt donât break.â He smiles to himself. âItâs a blessinââŠAnd a curse.â
Silence settles between them.
Annie thinks about his words.
âI get that.â She nods slowly. âHavinâ siblings is already hard enough. So I could only imagine.â She smiles. âYâall do seem like complete opposites though.â
Smoke chuckles. âIn some ways. But deep down⊠We mostly the same.â
Annie smiles. âThatâs actually beautiful when you think about it. Always havinâ somebody in your corner.â
Smoke hums. âYeah.â He glances at her. âYou seem to got that kinda bond wit yoâ brother too.â
Annie looks over at him. âHow you know that?â
ââCause I watched yâall at the rink.â He smiles. âAnd I hear how yâall joke every time we on the phone.â
Annieâs expression softens. âYeahâŠWe close. Heâs one of my best friends.â
âI can tell.â Smoke hesitates for a second before admitting, âI gotta confess somethinâ.â
Annie raises an eyebrow. âWhat?â
âAt firstâŠI thought he was yoâ man at the skating rink.â
Annieâs face scrunches up instantly.
âWhat? Eww. No.â
Smoke laughs. âYâall was holdinâ hands and shit. I just assumed.â
She laughs. âWellâŠThatâs what you get for assuminâ.â
Smoke smirks. âOhâŠSo I guess I shouldnât assume the nigga you was just hugginâ earlier yo man either.â
Annie looks confusedâŠThen remembers Kevion. âOh!â She laughs. âEww, no, Elijah. Kevion just my friend. Heâs like a brother to me.â
Smoke raises an eyebrow. âYâall women love havinâ play brothers and shit.â
Annie smiles. âI meanâŠRelationships between a man and woman donât always gotta be romantic. They can be strictly platonic too.â
Smoke thinks for a moment and thereâs a minute of silence.
Annie breaks it âSo you donât think itâs possible?â
Smoke shrugs. âI donât know. I ainât never done it. And nobody around me has either. That ainât sayinâ it canât happen. Itâs justâŠDifferent from what Iâm used to.â
Annie nods. âWellâŠIâm here to tell you it can.â
Smoke smiles. âAight then. I believe you, lilâ mama.â
Comfortable silence settles over them.
The music continues playing.
People laugh nearby. Car doors slam.
Someone starts another vehicle a few rows over.
Smoke glances sideways.
Sheâs looking everywhereâŠExcept at him.
A grin slowly tugs at his lips. âYou still canât look at me?â
Annie smirks. âI can.â
His voice drops lower. âProve itâŠLook at me.â
Her heart immediately starts racing.
She shakes her head.
ThenâŠSlowlyâŠShe turns toward him.
Her eyes lift to meet his. Just for a second. Before they fall again.
Smoke smiles.
He reaches over gently and tips her chin upward with his thumb and index finger. âThere you go.â He holds her gaze. âI need you to get used to lookinâ at me up close. Not just when we across the room.â His voice softens. âI wanna see these pretty eyes up close. We ainât at workâŠSo I can get lost in âem now.â
Annieâs throat goes dry.
Butterflies erupt inside her stomach.
She canât think. Canât speak.
His sleepy eyes stay locked on hers.
FinallyâŠHe smiles. âYou so pretty, Annika. Donât be afraid to let me see you.â
Annie swallows. Then gives the smallest nod.
Before she can find the wordsâŠ
Stackâs voice rings out across the parking lot.
âAye! Yâall come around here and hit this blunt!â
Smoke sighs through his nose and lets his hand fall away.
âSaved by yo brother,â Annie teases softly.
Smoke laughs. âFor now.â
He stands first, then offers her his hand. She takes it.
He helps her down from the tailgate.
Together, they walk back around the truck to join everyone else.
When they make it back around the truck, everyone naturally falls into a circle while Chingyâs âHolidae Innâ is bumping through the speakers. Cars are slowly pulling out of the parking lot, headlights sweeping across the pavement as people laugh, talk, and relive their favorite plays from the game.
Stack finishes rolling the blunt and sparks it.
He takes the first hit before holding it out toward Annie. âAye, Annie.â
Before Annie can even open her mouth to politely turn it down..Smack.
Smoke knocks Stackâs hand away.
Stack looks at him like he done lost his damn mind. âThe fuck?â
Smoke shrugs like it isnât a big deal.
âNah.â
Annie lets out a small, nervous laugh, surprised by how quickly he reacted.
Stack studies his brother for a second before shaking his head. âAight then.â
He turns toward Devin instead. âHere.â
Devin grins. âShit, donât mind if I do.â
She takes a hit before passing it to Tobias.
Tobias inhales and passes it over to Rhonda.
Rhonda takes her turn before holding it out toward Ebony.
Ebony shakes her head. âIâm good.â
Ramon takes it next.
ThenâŠHe passes it to Smoke.
Smoke brings it to his lips and takes a slow pull.
He tips his head back slightly before letting the smoke drift from his mouth up his nose.
Annie quietly watches him.
Sheâd had a feeling he smoked.
He hustled.
And plenty of times after lunch breaks at Red Lobster, heâd come back with the other cooks wearing that same relaxed expression and those heavy, sleepy eyes.
For some reasonâŠKnowing she was right makes her smile to herself.
It doesnât make her think less of him.
If anythingâŠIt reminds her that he never expected her to do something just because he did.
He couldâve easily let Stack hand it to her.
InsteadâŠWithout making a sceneâŠ
He stopped it.
Something about that small gesture makes her heart soften.
He looked out for her without trying to embarrass her. She liked that.
More than sheâd probably admit.
A few minutes later, the blunt burns down to nothing.
Rhonda suddenly reaches into her purse. âOh!â She pulls out a yellow disposable Kodak camera. âCome on, yâall. We gotta get some pictures.â
Everybody laughs.
Tobias takes the camera first.
He snaps a few pictures of the girls together.
The flash pops brightly against the night sky.
NextâŠRhonda takes a picture of all the fellas standing together in front of Smokeâs truck.
After that, she looks around.
A group of girls is standing beside a nearby car.
âExcuse me. Can you take one of all of us?â
One of the girls smiles. âYeah, I got you.â
She walks over and takes the camera.
As everyone gets into positionâŠ
Her eyes linger.
MostlyâŠOn Smoke.
Annie notices.
A strange feeling settles in her chest.
Not anger. Not exactly.
JustâŠDiscomfort.
She suddenly realizes something.
If things between her and Smoke keep growingâŠWomen looking at himâŠ
Probably wonât be a rare thing.
He was fine.
She couldnât even blame them.
That didnât mean she had to like it.
Everybody finds their spots.
Tobias slips an arm around Rhondaâs shoulders.
Ramon kneels down in front of Ebony with a grin.
Stack turns toward Devin.
Before she knows whatâs happeningâŠ
He casually rests a hand against her ass.
Devin busts into laughter. âYou bold.â
âI know.â Stack says with a smirk.
Smoke steps beside Annie.
At first, he drapes an arm across her shoulders.
ThenâŠAlmost instinctivelyâŠ
His hand slides lower until it rests comfortably around her waist.
He gently guides her in front of him.
His other hand settles lightly against her stomach.
Annieâs heart pounds so loudly sheâs convinced everyone can hear it.
Smoke lowers his head slightly until it rests near her shoulder.
She can feel the warmth of his breath.
The girl holding the camera notices.
Her smile fades for just a second.
She quickly snaps the picture anyway.
Flash.
The moment is frozen forever.
Everyone thanks her before breaking apart.
The conversations naturally split back up.
Stack wastes no time. âSoâŠâ He looks at Devin. âYou gonâ give me yoâ number or what?â
Devin smiles. âI thought youâd never ask.â
They exchange numbers.
Not too far awayâŠRamon asks Ebony for hers.
She smiles before giving it to him too.
MeanwhileâŠ
Smoke nods toward a quieter spot.
Annie follows him a few steps away from everyone else.
Smoke slides both hands into his pockets. âIâm gonâ call you later on. That aight?â
Annie smiles. âOf course.â
He nods. âGood.â A soft smile spreads across his face. âIâm glad I got to spend some time wit you today.â
âMe too.â
Silence settles between them.
Neither seems to mind it.
They simply look at one another.
FinallyâŠSmoke clears his throat.
âCan I have a hug before you go?â
Annie smiles wider. âYes, Elijah.â
His dimples immediately appear.
He steps closer. His arms wrap comfortably around her waist.
Annie slides hers around his neck.
The moment they touchâŠSomething shifts.
Neither of them expected a simple hug to feel like this.
Smoke buries his face gently against the side of her neck.
She smells like brown sugar and vanilla. Warm. Sweet. Comforting.
He closes his eyes for a second.
His arms tighten just a little.
Not enough to make her uncomfortable.
Just enough to silently sayâŠ
I donât really wanna let you go yet.
Annie smiles into his shoulder.
She doesnât rush to pull away either.
For a few quiet secondsâŠ
The rest of the parking lot disappears.
Devin notices first. She elbows Rhonda. The two of them start giggling.
Stack shakes his head. âAye, nigga!â He laughs. âLet her go before you squeeze her to death.â
Smoke and Annie break apart laughing.
He reaches down and catches her hand one last time.
Giving it a gentle squeeze. âIâll see you later.â
Annie nods. âSee you.â
She reluctantly lets go and walks back toward the girls.
Smoke stays exactly where he is.
Watching her.
She glances back once before climbing into Devinâs momâs car.
Smoke smiles to himself.
Only after the car disappears into the stream of trafficâŠDoes he finally climb into his truckâŠ
The next morning, a loud knock echoes through Smokeâs small house.
He groans, rolling over to look at the clock. 9:17 a.m.
âDamnâŠâ
Another knock follows. More impatient this time.
Smoke throws the covers back, pulls on a white T-shirt, and walks to the front door.
The moment he opens itâŠHe sighs.
âMonica.â
She stands on the porch with her arms folded tightly across her chest.
Her lips are pressed into a thin line.
âWe need to talk.â
Smoke steps aside.
She walks in without waiting for an invitation.
He shuts the door behind her.
She turns to face him.
âShatara saw you at Skatelandâ
Smokeâs expression doesnât change.
ââŠOkay. And?â
Monica folds her arms even tighter.
âShe said you was all hugged up wit some girl.â
Smoke lets out a quiet breath. âSo?â
Monicaâs eyebrows shoot up. âSo?Thatâs all you gotta say?â
Smoke shrugs. âWhat you want me to say?â
She takes a step toward him. âNow you wanna be hugged up and kissinâ bitches, but never wanted to be seen in public wit no bitch not even me. I wanna know who she is.â
Smoke shakes his head once.
âNah. You donât need to know that.â
Monica scoffs. âExcuse me?â
âI said⊠You donât need to know.â
Her frustration grows. âWhy? What make her so special you wonât even say her name?â
Smoke leans against the wall, completely unbothered.
ââCause it ainât none of yo business.â
Monica laughs in disbelief. âIt is my business.â
Smoke immediately shakes his head.
âNo. It ainât.â He looks her square in the eyes. âWe ainât together. We never was. I donât owe you or no other woman no explanations.â
His words sting.
Monica looks away for a second before looking back. âSo thatâs it? You just movinâ on?â
Smoke sighs. âIâm livinâ my life. I never lied to you. I never told you we was together. I never promised you nothinâ.â
Monica studies his face. âYou really like her.â
Smoke doesnât answer.
The silence says enough.
Monica feels her stomach sink.
âSo thatâs why you wonât tell me.â
Smoke exhales. âMonicaâŠLet it go.â
She shakes her head.
âI canât let it go. Shatara said you couldnât keep yo fuckinâ eyes off her.â
Smoke chuckles under his breath.
âYo friend need to mind her fuckinâ business.â
âMy point exactly.â Monica snaps. âSo who is she?â
Smokeâs expression hardens. âI said leave it alone.â
She folds her arms again. âIâma find out.â
Smoke nods slowly. âYou do what you feel like you gotta do. But donât drag somebody else into this.â His voice is calm, but firm. âShe ainât did shit to you. We not together. So whoever I spend my time witâŠainât got nothinâ to do wit you and if I find out you did anything to her. I promise Iâm gonâ make you regret that shit for as long as you live.â
Monica searches his face one last time, hoping heâll change his mind.
He doesnât.
Smoke opens the front door. âI ainât got shit else to say.â
Monica walks past him, stopping on the porch.
She looks back over her shoulder.
âIâma find out who she is.â
Smoke meets her eyes.
âOrâŠâ He shrugs. âYou could just let it go.â
She doesnât respond.
She climbs into her car and drives away.
Smoke watches her disappear down the street before rubbing a hand over his face.
âDamn.â
He has a feeling this conversation isnât over. Not by a long shotâŠ
FAAAAACK every time I read this series I be feeling like
Because the memories it brings back are crazy!! Once again, the music is on point & the description of Smokeâs clothes â WHEW! It does something to me! I also love that Stack has braids too đ«
The next evening, the dinner rush is finally winding down.
The kitchen smells of butter, grilled steak, garlic, and fresh biscuits. The constant hiss of the flat top has settled into a steady rhythm, and the printer that had been spitting tickets nonstop all night finally grows quiet.
The silver boombox sits on the prep counter.
Quiet Storm fills the kitchen.
Then Dru Hillâs âBeautyâ comes on.
Smoke smiles to himself as he wipes down the stainless-steel counter.
đ” Walks by me every dayâŠ
Her and love are the sameâŠ
The woman thatâs stolen my heartâŠ
And beauty is her name⊠đ”
Right on cueâŠThe kitchen doors swing open. Annie.
Smoke looks up instinctively.
Their eyes meet. Almost immediately.
Neither of them looks away.
đ” Iâm hoping I can make you mineâŠ
âFore another man steals your heart⊠And once your beauty is mine
I swear we will never be apartđ”
Annie walks toward the service window with her ticket in hand.
She stops in front of the line.
A small smile finds her lips.
Smoke canât help but smile back.
For a momentâŠEverything else fades.
The sizzling grills. The clatter of pans.
The conversations around them.
Itâs justâŠHer. Her smile.
Those bright eyes looking back at him.
He swears sheâs like a magnet.
Every time she walks into the kitchenâŠHis eyes find her before he even realizes heâs looking.
đ” âCause my eyes have seen the gloryâŠIn the coming of your smile⊠đ”
Annie feels those familiar butterflies dance in her stomach.
She knows sheâs staring.
She also knowsâŠShe doesnât want to stop.
Neither of them breaks eye contact.
It almost turns into a silent challenge.
You look away.
No⊠you.
Across the galley, Lindsey notices.
She pauses with a tray in her hands.
Instead of interruptingâŠShe watches.
Curious to see just how long theyâre going to keep looking at each other.
Brandon notices too. He smirks to himself.
đ” You are so beautifulâŠWhen I'm down and out (When I'm down) I never seem to get tired... (Tired of your love, ooh, tired of your love) of your loveâŠYouâre wonderful. I'm just dying to make you see Anything you want inside your heart (You can find right here inside of me)đ”
Smokeâs lips slowly curl into a grin.
Annieâs heart flips.
âAyeâŠâ Brandon laughs. âYou gonâ plate her food or not?â
Smoke blinks, finally pulled back into the kitchen around him.
He chuckles under his breath and starts plating the order.
Annie laughs quietly to herself.
Lindsey catches the smile.
Something about the way they look at each other makes her chest tighten.
Sheâd worked to break his walls down and still nothing.
Heâd barely spoken more than a few words to her. He barely laughed or smiled at all.
Yet with AnnieâŠHe smiled. He teased.
He laughed. Like it came naturally.
Smoke slides Annieâs plates across the windowâŠBut leaves both hands resting on the edge of them.
Annie looks down. Then back up at him. She smiles.
This timeâŠShe doesnât even try to grab them.
âYou not gonâ take yoâ food?â Smoke asks with a grin.
Annie shakes her head. âUh-uh. Take your hands off of it.â
Smoke raises an eyebrow. âNot till I hear that magic word leave them lips.â
Annie plants a hand on her hip.
A playful smile spreads across her face. âYou donât make nobody else say please.â
Smoke chuckles. âHere you go wit that shit. I donât care about nobody else.â His eyes stay locked on hers. âNow say itâŠâFore you keep that table waitinâ.â
The words hit Annie harder than he probably intended.
I donât care about nobody else.
Heat creeps into her cheeks.
Lindsey notices. She rolls her eyes.
Annie reaches for the plates anyway.
Smoke slides them back just enough that she misses.
She busts into laughter. âOh my GodâŠâ
She rises onto her tiptoes, trying again.
Smoke laughs and lifts the plates just a little higher.
âElijahâŠâ Her tone is half warningâŠHalf amused.
He grins. âSay it.â
She folds her arms dramatically. âPlease.â
A satisfied smile spreads across Smokeâs face. âThere you go. See? Was that so hard?â
Annie shakes her head. âSmokeâŠâ
A smile slips through anyway. âGive me my food before I come around there and get it myself.â
Smoke laughs. âThat a promise?â
She points at him. âNo. Itâs a threat.â
Both of them laugh.
Lindsey finally exhales loudly enough for everyone to hear. âCan I get my food too?â
The playful moment breaks.
Smoke immediately slides Annieâs plates the rest of the way to her.
She takes them with a grin. ââBout time, Big Head.â
She hurries back toward the dining room.
Smoke watches her disappear through the swinging doors for just a second before returning his attention to the line.
He finishes Lindseyâs order and slides it across. Silently
Lindsey takes the plate. âThanks.â
Her tone is polite.
Smoke simply nods and goes back to wiping down his station, while Brandon watches the whole exchange with an amused shake of his head.
He doesnât say a word.
He doesnât have to.
Everybody on the line can already see it.
Whatever was growing between Smoke and AnnieâŠIt wasnât hard to miss anymore.
Devin is behind the wheel of her mamaâs Malibu while Ebony rides shotgun. Annie and Rhonda are in the backseat.
The car smells like vanilla body spray, cocoa butter, and Bath & Body Works lotion. Ashanti plays softly through the speakers while all four girls sing along between conversations.
Devin glances into the rearview mirror at Annie and Rhonda. âSoâŠDid yâall tell them to bring some friends or family?â
Rhonda groans dramatically. âYes, girl! Damn. How many times you gonâ ask?â
Annie laughs. âDevin, watch the road.â
Ebony cracks up in the passenger seat.
Rhonda shakes her head. âYou âbout to kill us âcause you too eager to meet some niggas.â
The whole car erupts in laughter.
Tonight, every last one of them came dressed to impress. Lip gloss shining.
Fresh roller sets and wraps.
Perfume lingering in the air every time somebody moved.
They finally pull into Kemper Arena.
The parking lot is already overflowing with cars.
Music blasts from open windows.
People laugh across the lot.
Groups of friends make their way toward the entrance wearing oversized jerseys, throwback tees, fitted caps, baggy jeans, Apple Bottoms, and matching Air Force 1s.
The girls climb out.
Devin slowly scans the crowd. âDamnâŠThis game always bring the fine niggas out.â
Rhonda nods in agreement. âHell yeah. Iâm scoutinâ tonight.â
Annie laughs. âWhat about Tobias?â
Rhonda waves her off. âGirl, what about him? We just talkinâ. He ainât my man.â
Ebony laughs. âYou always do the most.â
Devin shrugs proudly. âIâm supposed to.â
All four girls laugh as they join the long line wrapping around the arena.
InsideâŠThe arena is alive.
Bass rattles through the speakers.
The smell of popcorn, nachos, hot dogs, and pretzels fills the air.
Thousands of people buzz with excitement while the players warm up below.
The girls finally find their seats.
Ebony sits closest to the stairs.
Next to her is Devin. Then Rhonda.
Annie takes the seat further in the aisle.
She points toward the floor. âThere go Hot Sauce!â
Rhonda practically jumps. âHe fine as hell!â
Devin laughs. âI came here just for him.â
Ebony shoves her shoulder. âShut up!â
They all busts into laughter.
Just thenâŠKevion and a couple of his friends walk in two rows below them.
âKevion!â Devin yells.
He turns around instantly. âAww shit! There go trouble!â
The two groups start yelling back and forth across the rows.
Kevion laughs before climbing the stairs with one of his boys.
They stop beside the girls, joking and catching up.
OutsideâŠSmoke parks his truck.
He, Stack, Tobias, and Stackâs homeboy Ramon climb out.
The arena lights glow against the evening sky.
Groups of women walk toward the entrance laughing.
Stack immediately starts looking around. âDamnâŠI see some fine bitches already.â
Tobias sucks his teeth. âHere you go, nigga. We ainât even got in the buildinâ yet.â
Stack grins. âShit⊠You know Iâm on the hunt from the car.â
Smoke just shakes his head.
The four of them head inside.
Almost immediatelyâŠHeads turn.
Women whisper to each other.
A couple openly stare.
Stack smirks. âI told yâall.â
Smoke ignores all of it.
They begin walking up the stairs toward their section.
ThenâŠSmoke freezes.
His stomach instantly drops.
Annie.
Sheâs sitting with her friends. Laughing.
Two dudes are standing beside them talking. One of them says something that makes Annie throw her head back laughing.
Smoke swallows.
There goes that feeling again.
That tight feeling in his chest.
He doesnât know whyâŠBut he doesnât like seeing another man being the reason sheâs smiling like that.
Her laugh⊠Her smileâŠSomehow they already feel special to him.
As Kevion and his friend head back down the stairs, they pass Smokeâs group.
Both groups instinctively size each other up. Quick mugs. Nothing said.
Just enough for each side to know the other noticed.
Smoke barely pays them any attention.
His eyes are already back on Annie.
Almost as if she feels him lookingâŠ
She turns her head. Their eyes meet.
Just like always. The noise around them disappears.
Annie feels her breath catch.
There he is. Standing a few steps away from her.
Looking directly at her.
OnlyâŠSomething catches her attention.
Standing beside TobiasâŠIs another man with the exact same face as Smoke.
She blinks. Then looks back and forth between them.
Confused. Smoke notices.
A slow grin spreads across his face.
He gives her a little nod.
Annie laughs softly to herself.
He got a twin?
He never told her that.
Tobias smiles. âSup, Rhonda.â
âHey, Tobias.â
Devin points between all of them. âYou gonâ introduce the rest of everybody?â
Tobias laughs. âYeah.â
He points beside him. âThis Stack.â
Then Ramon. âThis Ramon.â
Finally⊠He points toward Smoke.
âAnd this Smoke.â
Every girl immediately looks at Annie.
Her cheeks warm.
Stack notices.
He grins to himself before looking at the girls. âWhatâs good? What yâall names is?â
They all introduce themselves.
Devin suddenly looks between Smoke and Stack. âWait a minuteâŠYâall twins?â
Stack answers sarcastically without missing a beat. âNah. We cousins.â
The girls busts out laughing.
âSo stupid,â Ebony says.
Stack laughs too before his attention drifts to Devin.
Her skin practically glows beneath the arena lights. Her curls bounce every time she laughs.
Those bright eyesâŠLocked onâŠ
Smoke.
Stack follows her gaze.
Sure enoughâŠHis brother is looking right back. Smiling. A real smile.
One Stack has almost never seen directed at a woman.
His eyebrow slowly rises.
SoâŠThis the mystery girl.
A grin spreads across his face.
WellâŠShe off limits.
His eyes drift right back to Devin.
Whoâs still looking at him. âDamnâŠThe whole crew sexy as hell.â
The girls laugh.
Smoke cuts his eyes toward Stack.
âYou done?â
Stack smirks. âI was just givinâ compliments.â
Ramon quietly smiles at Ebony.
She notices and smiles back before looking away.
Rhonda looks at Tobias. âWhere yâall seats at?â
âThree rows up. â
âOhâŠSo yâall close.â
The lights begin to dim. The crowd erupts. The game is about to start.
Tobias nods toward the court. âWeâll see yâall after.â
âOh, we definitely gonâ see yâall after.â
Stack says, never taking his eyes off Devin.
She bites her lip trying not to smile. âAight then.â
The fellas turn and head toward their seats.
Smoke glances back one more time.
Annie is already looking at him.
He smiles. She smiles back.
Neither of them says a word.
They donât have to.
SomehowâŠTheyâre already speaking the same language.
As soon as the guys disappear up the stairs, Devin turns around so fast she almost bumps into Rhonda. âOh my God!â
She grabs both Rhonda and Annieâs arms.
âAll them niggas fine as fuck, yâall!â
The girls bust into squeals and laughter, trying not to draw too much attention to themselves.
Devin fans herself dramatically. âI was not prepared for that.â
Ebony shakes her head, still laughing. âMe neither.â She looks over at Annie. âGirlâŠI understand now.â
She points toward the section where the guys disappeared. âIâd be scared too.â
Annie covers her face with her hands, laughing. âI told yâall.â
Ebony nods. âHell yeah. I see exactly why you ainât call him after yâall met.â
Devin turns toward Rhonda. âAnd Tobias fine as hell too.â She pauses, shaking her head in disbelief. âDamn. Itâs crazy every last one of âem fine.â She grins. âBut I need Stack.â She presses a hand against her chest. âIâm âbout to be actinâ shy like you, Annie.â
Annie rolls her eyes. âYou so damn annoying.â
She canât help but laugh anyway.
Rhonda laughs with them before motioning toward the court. âShhh. YâallâŠThe game.â
They all turn their attention back to the floor just as the crowd erupts and the announcerâs voice booms through Kemper Arena.
The lights dim. The music gets louder.
And for a little whileâŠ
Basketball has everyoneâs attention.
WellâŠAlmost everyoneâs.
Smoke tries to focus on the game.
The squeak of sneakers echoes across the hardwood while the crowd roars every time somebody gets crossed over. The announcerâs voice booms through the Arena, mixing with the bass thumping from the arena speakers.
But no matter how hard he triesâŠ
His eyes keep drifting to the back of Annieâs head.
He watches her clap after every big play.
She jumps to her feet. âGo Hot Sauce!â
Smoke chuckles under his breath.
She really wasnât exaggerating in that letter.
She loves sports.
She cheers at every big play, laughs when somebody gets embarrassed, and leans so far forward in her seat itâs like sheâs on the court with them. He loves that.
Another thing they have in common.
Stack stands up with the crowd after another crazy dunk. âLetâs go!â
The whole arena erupts.
Annie glances over her shoulder.
Her eyes immediately find Smoke.
Heâs already looking at her.
She blushes instantly before turning back around.
Smoke canât help but grin.
About twenty minutes later, Annie stands.
âWhere you goinâ?â Devin asks.
âTo get some food.â
âOh, shit. Iâm goinâ too.â
She hops up and follows Annie down the stairs.
Smoke watches them disappear into the crowd.
âIâll be back.â He says to the fellas before standing.
Stack smirks to himself.
He already knows exactly where his brother is headed.
Smoke makes his way down toward the concession stand.
The smell of buttery popcorn, nachos, hot dogs, and soft pretzels fills the air. The line snakes halfway across the concourse.
Devin looks ahead and sighs. âShit⊠this line long.â
Do-rag, Nike Airs to matchâŠAin't nothin' wrong with that (That's how I like it, baby)
Where my thugs at?
White T-shirt, I love thatđ¶
Annieâs eyes slowly travel from the top of his headâŠDown. This time she really looks at him in the light where she can actually see without it being dark and without anyone blocking her view.
đ¶The way you talk
The way you dress
The way you smile
I like the way you are
The way you ain't
I like your honesty, integrity
It levels me, so please don't ever changeđ¶
Smoke went all out today.
Heâs wearing a Kobe Bryant Lakers throwback jersey over a crisp white tall tee.
A matching Lakers headband hugs his perfectly laid waves.
A sweatband wraps around one forearm.
Baggy Girbaud jeans hang perfectly over a fresh pair of purple-and-gold Air Force 1s.
A Jacob watch glitters beneath the arena lights every time he moves.
Diamond studs catch another flash.
Two platinum chains rest against his jersey.
Two platinum rings decorate his fingers.
His Cartier eyeglasses somehow make him look even better.
And thenâŠHis cologne reaches her.
Warm. Clean. Masculine.
It wraps around her before he even says another word.
đ¶ I like the way you brush your hairâŠ
I like the stylish clothes you wear⊠It's just the real things you do. That's why I wanna stick with youđ¶
Annie forgets how to speak.
LordâŠ
He looksâŠToo damn good.
Those glasses should honestly be illegal.
He really got dressed today.
đ¶ I hope you like my style
The way I dress
The way I flirt
Say yes. I hope you like my mind
The things I sayđ¶
Smoke notices the look in her eyes immediately.
A smug smile slowly spreads across his face.
Then itâs his turn.
His eyes slowly roam over Annie.
Sheâs wearing a Chicago Bulls jersey dress that falls perfectly against her frame.
Fresh black and red Jordan 13s.
The front of her hair is neatly twisted back into flat twists while the rest falls into soft, bouncy curls that brush her shoulders every time she moves. Gold hoop earrings swing gently as she turns her head. Her black Dooney & Bourke shoulder bag rests comfortably beneath her arm. A gold herringbone necklace catches the light against her skin. Gold bracelets softly clink together as she shifts.
And tucked into the cartilage of her earâŠ
That little magnetic earring.
đ¶ I know you heard I'm a gangster
They say, âStay away from them gangsters.â
They never change up, or pull they pants up
Well, baby girl, put ya foot down
Don't let 'em push you around, you know what you likeđ¶
Smokeâs heart pounds.
She always looks beautiful.
But todayâŠShe looks damn near unreal.
Like she walked straight out of one of those music videos everybody watched after school.
Devin looks Smoke up and down too. âDamnâŠâ
She quickly looks between him and Annie.
The chemistry between them is so thick she almost feels like sheâs interrupting something.
âWhat you say?â Annie finally manages.
Smoke grins. âYou heard me. You gonâ get me somethinâ too?â
Annie giggles. âYeahâŠWhat you want?â
Smoke laughs. âYou know Iâm just playinâ. What you gettinâ?â
âA hot dogâŠI guess.â
He raises an eyebrow. âThatâs it?â
âMhm.â
âNah.â He shakes his head. âGet whatever you want, lilâ mama.â
Annie blinks. âHuh?â
âIf you can âhuh,â you can hear. You heard me. Get whatever you want. I got you.â
Annie smiles nervously. âSmokeâŠâ
Smoke raises one eyebrow. âOh⊠now itâs Smoke? I see you tryna act brand new in front of yoâ lilâ friend.â
Devin busts out laughing.
Annie shoots her a look before looking back at him. âElijahâŠYou donât have toââ
Smoke cuts her off. âWhat I tell you about that?â
Annie blushes.
Smoke steps a little closer.
Just enough that only she can hear him.
He leans toward her ear.
His voice drops into that deep bass she loves.
His cologne surrounds her again.
âAnnikaâŠStop frontinâ in here. You know me. We ainât strangers no more.â
A chill races down Annieâs spine.
Her stomach twists into knots.
He straightens back up.
Devin watches the entire exchange with wide eyes.
Oh⊠they got it bad.
Smoke looks over at her. âI got you too. Get whatever you want.â
Devin points to herself. âYou for real?â
Smoke chuckles while looking back at Annie. âYeah.â
Devin laughs. âShitâŠYou ainât gotta tell me twice.â
Annie starts laughing.
By the time they reach the counter, theyâre still smiling.
Annie orders a hot dogâŠThen popcorn.
Smoke nods toward the cashier. âAdd two nachos.â
Annie turns around.
Smoke smirks. âYeah. Get you some nachos too. They good as hell.â
Annie laughs and shakes her head. âYou so extra.â
Smoke reaches into his pocket and pulls out a thick knot of cash.
Without hesitation, he pays for everything.
The three of them start walking back toward their section.
Smoke carries the tray with the nachos while Annie balances the drinks.
As they walk, Smoke canât stop looking at her side profile.
The arena lights catch her skin every few steps.
Her curls bounce as she laughs with Devin.
Annie tries to act like she doesnât feel him staring.
He smiles to himself. âI know you feel me lookinâ.â
Annie immediately laughs. âStop. Youâre makinâ me nervous.â
Smoke kisses his teeth. âThere you go wit that. You gonâ have to get used to me lookinâ.â He smiles. âYou shouldnât be so beautiful.â
Annie feels her face grow warm all over again.
She finally looks up at him. âThank you, Elijah.â
Smoke hums in approval. âThatâs better.â
They climb back up the stairs toward their seats.
Devin smiles. âThanks again, Smoke.â
He nods once. âNo problem.â
Then his eyes drift back to Annie. âSee you afterwards.â
A grin spreads across her face. âSee you.â
When Annie and Devin finally make it back to their seats, theyâre balancing trays loaded down with food.
Rhondaâs eyes get wide. âDamn!â
She looks between the two of them. âYâall got hella shit.â
Annie and Devin crack up as they carefully pass everything around.
Devin canât even wait.
She points at Annie. âAnnieâs man bought all this for us.â
Ebonyâs mouth falls open. âSmoke bought all that?â
Devin nods. âYep. He got it bad for Annie.â
She leans in with a grin. Yâall shouldâve seen them flirtinâ. I swear I felt like I was interruptinâ something.â
The girls immediately start squealing.
Devin keeps going. âHe was callinâ her beautiful and shit. He could not stop lookinâ at her.â
Annie hides her face behind her cup, laughing. âShut up, Devin.â
âNope.â Devin points at her. âI ainât lyinâ.âShe shakes her head. âGirl, you definitely upgraded from that nigga Ryan.â
Rhonda sucks her teeth dramatically. âManâŠI shouldâve known when he followed yâall to the concession stand he was finna spend some money.â She reaches over and steals a few pieces of Annieâs popcorn. âI missed out.â
Annie laughs and nudges her shoulder. âYou snooze, you lose.â
The girls bust into laughter.
Devin shakes her head, still thinking about Smoke. âNah, for real though.â She points toward the section where the guys are sitting. âYou better hold on to that nigga. Thatâs one of the finest niggas I ever seen.â
She starts counting on her fingers. âHe can dress. He smell good. He compliment you every chance he get. And not only did he spend his money on youâŠâ
She gestures toward all the food spread across their laps. âHe bought yo friends food too.â
She leans closer with a smirk. âKeep him, girl.â
Annie feels her cheeks grow warm.
She shakes her head, trying to hide her smile. âYâall so damn extra.â But she canât stop laughing. Deep downâŠ
She knows every single one of them is right.
Smoke settles back into his seat with a bottle of water in one hand.
The game is back underway.
The crowd erupts after another ankle-breaking crossover, but before he can even sit all the way downâŠ
Stack grins. âAightâŠSo we just gonâ act like we ainât see what the hell just happened?â
Smoke keeps his eyes on the court âWhat happened?â
Tobias laughs. âThis nigga.â
Ramon shakes his head. âYou know exactly what happened.â
Smoke shrugs. âI went to get some food.â
âYeahâŠâ Stack says, drawing the words out. âYou went to get Annie some food.â
The three of them laugh.
Smoke smirks but doesnât answer.
Stack elbows him. âYou bought food for the whole damn row.â
Smoke finally looks over. âSo?â
âSo?â Stack repeats. âNigga, you donât even buy me food.â
The fellas bust out laughing.
Smoke sucks his teeth. âYou got money.â
âSo do she,â Stack shoots back.
More laughter.
Tobias leans forward. âI ainât never seen this nigga chase after nobody.â
Ramon nods. âHe been watchinâ her the whole game.â
Smoke cuts his eyes toward Ramon.
âI been watchinâ the game.â
Stack lets out the loudest laugh yet.
âThe game? Nigga, every time I looked over, you was lookinâ at Annie. You ainât even know who had the ball.â
Smoke shakes his head. âYâall doinâ too fuckinâ much.â
âNah.â Stack points toward him. âYou doinâ too much.â He starts counting on his fingers. âYou been staring at her all night. You followed her to the concession stand. You paid for all they food.â He pauses dramatically. âAnd thenâŠThis nigga walked back up here starinâ at her the whole damn time.â
Tobias laughs so hard. âI peeped that shit too.â
Smoke canât help but grin. âAight damn. I was lookinâ.â
âDamn right you was.â Stack says. âYou was lookinâ so hard I thought you was finna walk into somebody.â
The guys crack up.
Smoke laughs with them this time. âAight, man.â
Smokeâs smile softens. âNah. We just gettinâ to know each other.â
Tobias nods approvingly. âI respect that. ButâŠâ He smirks. âYou definitely got it bad.â
Smoke looks down toward the court for a second before glancing back toward Annieâs section.
She laughs at something Devin says.
Almost like she can feel himâŠ
She turns around. Their eyes meet from three sections away.
She smiles.
Smoke smiles right back.
Stack watches the exchange.
Then slowly looks back at his brother.
âAww, hell.â
Smoke raises an eyebrow. âWhat?â
Stack laughs and points at him. âYou gone.â
The fellas laugh again.
âGone gone.â
Tobias nods. âI ainât never seen this nigga smile this damn much.â
Ramon chuckles. âHe different.â
Stack leans back in his seat, still grinning. âNahâŠThis ainât just different.â He looks over at Smoke one more time. âI think my brother done found him one.â
Smoke doesnât answer.
He simply glances back toward Annie one more time before returning his attention to the court.
The small smile on his face says more than any words ever could.
When the game ends, the arena empties in a wave of people.
The crowd spills into the parking lot, still buzzing about the crazy crossovers and dunks they just witnessed. Car doors slam, music starts blasting from every direction, and headlights cut through the chilly fall evening.
The girls make it outside first.
Not long after, Kevion and his friends spot them. âAye!â Kevion calls out.
The girls stop to talk.
Annie laughs at something Kevion says, the sound carrying through the parking lot.
A few minutes later, Smoke, Stack, Tobias, and Ramon step outside.
Smoke instinctively starts scanning the crowd.
His eyes land on Annie almost immediately.
There she is. Standing in a circleâŠ
Laughing with the same dudes from inside the arena.
His jaw tightens ever so slightly.
Who the fuck are those niggas?
He doesnât say anything.
Instead, he keeps walking toward his truck like it doesnât bother him at all.
He unlocks it, climbs inside for a second, then starts it.
Chingyâs âOne Call Awayâ comes booming through the speakers.
The bass rolls across the parking lot.
The fellas post up. Leaning against the truck, talking while the song plays.
Smoke isnât really listening.
His eyes drift back to Annie.
Just in time to see her hug the guy sheâd been talking to.
His stomach flips. He swallows hard.
He doesnât like that feeling.
Not one bit.
A few moments later, the girls finally head their way.
Devin grins. âHey, yâall.â
Everybody exchanges greetings.
Devinâs eyes immediately find Stack.
She gives him a slow once over.
Stack is wearing a black Tim Duncan Spurs jersey over a white tee, baggy black jeans, and black-and-white Jordan 12s. Fresh braids frame his face, platinum shining in his mouth every time he smiles. A Rolex catches the parking lot lights while thick platinum chains rest against his chest.
He notices her looking.
A grin spreads across his face. âWhatâs good?â
Devin smiles right back. âNothinâ. Whatâs poppinâ with you?â
Stack chuckles. âCome find out.â
He nods his head, motioning for her to follow.
Without hesitationâŠDevin does.
The two of them wander off, talking and laughing almost immediately.
Smoke shakes his head. âThat nigga donât waste no time.â
Tobias laughs before turning toward Rhonda. The two of them quickly fall into their own conversation.
That leavesâŠSmoke. Annie. Ebony.
And Ramon.
Smoke and Annie lock eyes.
Neither of them says anything.
Chingy continues playing from the truck.
đ¶ I seen it in her eyeâŠ
Mama lookinâ like all I wanted was sexâŠThen moved to the next (that ain't true) But it was something about this girl's style that make me feel no regretsđ¶
Smoke slowly holds his hand out. âCome here. Come talk to me for a minute.â
đ¶Afraid she might think I'm in a rush to touch, crush and be up
But baby, I ain't on that stuffđ¶
Annie glances over at Ebony.
Ebony smiles knowingly. âGo, girl.â
Annie smiles shyly before slipping her hand into Smokeâs.
His fingers close around hers.
Warm. Gentle.
He leads her around to the back of the truck.
Ebony stays behind, chatting with Ramon.
Smoke lowers the tailgate.
The metal thumps softly into place.
They sit side by side.
Close enough that their shoulders brush every few seconds.
đ¶If you're rolling with me baby, hop in, it's enough room
We can gaze at the stars and shine like the moon
Give me a chance to show ya and a chance to know ya
Just be true and there's nothing I won't do for yađ¶
A soft breeze drifts through the parking lot.
Annieâs perfume floats toward him.
Sweet. Light. Familiar.
Smoke smiles to himself. âSoâŠYou enjoy the game?â
Annie nods. âYeah. I did.â
Smoke chuckles. âI could tell.â
She cuts her eyes at him. âWhatâs that supposed to mean?â
âYou was hella into it. I heard you over everybody.â
Annie throws her head back laughing.
âOh, whatever. You could not.â
âI definitely could.â
She clicks her tongue. âYou could only hear me âcause you was lookinâ at me all night.â
Smoke pauses. Then laughs. âDamn. You right. I couldnât help it though.â
Annie giggles. âHere you go, Elijah Blowinâ my head up again.â
âMy bad.â He shrugs. âIâm just beinâ honest. You a magnet.â
Annie smiles. âSo are you.â
Smoke grins. âThanks. I see I almost made you pass out again today.â
She tries to hold in her laugh.
Fails miserably. âDamn. Just expose me, why donât you?â
Smoke laughs. âItâs okayâŠâCause you almost made me do the same.â
Annie raises an eyebrow. âOh, please, Big Head.â
âIâm serious. I knew you was gonâ be lookinâ good as hell todayâŠâ He slowly shakes his head. âBut shitâŠYou exceeded what I expected.â
Heat spreads across Annieâs cheeks.
âI can say the same thing about you.â She smiles. âAnd why ainât you tell me you had a twin?â
Smoke exhales through his nose. ââCause you ainât ask.â
Annie laughs. âOh, okay, Elijah.â She nudges his shoulder. âSo whatâs it like⊠havinâ a twin?â
Smoke leans back a little, looking up.
âShitâŠThatâs a loaded answer.â
He looks out across the crowded parking lot. âMaybe one day I can really go into depth. But to sum it upâŠItâs different than most sibling relationships. You share everything. So sometimes you struggle to figure out who you are outside of beinâ a twin. You got this bondâŠNo matter what happenâŠIt donât break.â He smiles to himself. âItâs a blessinââŠAnd a curse.â
Silence settles between them.
Annie thinks about his words.
âI get that.â She nods slowly. âHavinâ siblings is already hard enough. So I could only imagine.â She smiles. âYâall do seem like complete opposites though.â
Smoke chuckles. âIn some ways. But deep down⊠We mostly the same.â
Annie smiles. âThatâs actually beautiful when you think about it. Always havinâ somebody in your corner.â
Smoke hums. âYeah.â He glances at her. âYou seem to got that kinda bond wit yoâ brother too.â
Annie looks over at him. âHow you know that?â
ââCause I watched yâall at the rink.â He smiles. âAnd I hear how yâall joke every time we on the phone.â
Annieâs expression softens. âYeahâŠWe close. Heâs one of my best friends.â
âI can tell.â Smoke hesitates for a second before admitting, âI gotta confess somethinâ.â
Annie raises an eyebrow. âWhat?â
âAt firstâŠI thought he was yoâ man at the skating rink.â
Annieâs face scrunches up instantly.
âWhat? Eww. No.â
Smoke laughs. âYâall was holdinâ hands and shit. I just assumed.â
She laughs. âWellâŠThatâs what you get for assuminâ.â
Smoke smirks. âOhâŠSo I guess I shouldnât assume the nigga you was just hugginâ earlier yo man either.â
Annie looks confusedâŠThen remembers Kevion. âOh!â She laughs. âEww, no, Elijah. Kevion just my friend. Heâs like a brother to me.â
Smoke raises an eyebrow. âYâall women love havinâ play brothers and shit.â
Annie smiles. âI meanâŠRelationships between a man and woman donât always gotta be romantic. They can be strictly platonic too.â
Smoke thinks for a moment and thereâs a minute of silence.
Annie breaks it âSo you donât think itâs possible?â
Smoke shrugs. âI donât know. I ainât never done it. And nobody around me has either. That ainât sayinâ it canât happen. Itâs justâŠDifferent from what Iâm used to.â
Annie nods. âWellâŠIâm here to tell you it can.â
Smoke smiles. âAight then. I believe you, lilâ mama.â
Comfortable silence settles over them.
The music continues playing.
People laugh nearby. Car doors slam.
Someone starts another vehicle a few rows over.
Smoke glances sideways.
Sheâs looking everywhereâŠExcept at him.
A grin slowly tugs at his lips. âYou still canât look at me?â
Annie smirks. âI can.â
His voice drops lower. âProve itâŠLook at me.â
Her heart immediately starts racing.
She shakes her head.
ThenâŠSlowlyâŠShe turns toward him.
Her eyes lift to meet his. Just for a second. Before they fall again.
Smoke smiles.
He reaches over gently and tips her chin upward with his thumb and index finger. âThere you go.â He holds her gaze. âI need you to get used to lookinâ at me up close. Not just when we across the room.â His voice softens. âI wanna see these pretty eyes up close. We ainât at workâŠSo I can get lost in âem now.â
Annieâs throat goes dry.
Butterflies erupt inside her stomach.
She canât think. Canât speak.
His sleepy eyes stay locked on hers.
FinallyâŠHe smiles. âYou so pretty, Annika. Donât be afraid to let me see you.â
Annie swallows. Then gives the smallest nod.
Before she can find the wordsâŠ
Stackâs voice rings out across the parking lot.
âAye! Yâall come around here and hit this blunt!â
Smoke sighs through his nose and lets his hand fall away.
âSaved by yo brother,â Annie teases softly.
Smoke laughs. âFor now.â
He stands first, then offers her his hand. She takes it.
He helps her down from the tailgate.
Together, they walk back around the truck to join everyone else.
When they make it back around the truck, everyone naturally falls into a circle while Chingyâs âHolidae Innâ is bumping through the speakers. Cars are slowly pulling out of the parking lot, headlights sweeping across the pavement as people laugh, talk, and relive their favorite plays from the game.
Stack finishes rolling the blunt and sparks it.
He takes the first hit before holding it out toward Annie. âAye, Annie.â
Before Annie can even open her mouth to politely turn it down..Smack.
Smoke knocks Stackâs hand away.
Stack looks at him like he done lost his damn mind. âThe fuck?â
Smoke shrugs like it isnât a big deal.
âNah.â
Annie lets out a small, nervous laugh, surprised by how quickly he reacted.
Stack studies his brother for a second before shaking his head. âAight then.â
He turns toward Devin instead. âHere.â
Devin grins. âShit, donât mind if I do.â
She takes a hit before passing it to Tobias.
Tobias inhales and passes it over to Rhonda.
Rhonda takes her turn before holding it out toward Ebony.
Ebony shakes her head. âIâm good.â
Ramon takes it next.
ThenâŠHe passes it to Smoke.
Smoke brings it to his lips and takes a slow pull.
He tips his head back slightly before letting the smoke drift from his mouth up his nose.
Annie quietly watches him.
Sheâd had a feeling he smoked.
He hustled.
And plenty of times after lunch breaks at Red Lobster, heâd come back with the other cooks wearing that same relaxed expression and those heavy, sleepy eyes.
For some reasonâŠKnowing she was right makes her smile to herself.
It doesnât make her think less of him.
If anythingâŠIt reminds her that he never expected her to do something just because he did.
He couldâve easily let Stack hand it to her.
InsteadâŠWithout making a sceneâŠ
He stopped it.
Something about that small gesture makes her heart soften.
He looked out for her without trying to embarrass her. She liked that.
More than sheâd probably admit.
A few minutes later, the blunt burns down to nothing.
Rhonda suddenly reaches into her purse. âOh!â She pulls out a yellow disposable Kodak camera. âCome on, yâall. We gotta get some pictures.â
Everybody laughs.
Tobias takes the camera first.
He snaps a few pictures of the girls together.
The flash pops brightly against the night sky.
NextâŠRhonda takes a picture of all the fellas standing together in front of Smokeâs truck.
After that, she looks around.
A group of girls is standing beside a nearby car.
âExcuse me. Can you take one of all of us?â
One of the girls smiles. âYeah, I got you.â
She walks over and takes the camera.
As everyone gets into positionâŠ
Her eyes linger.
MostlyâŠOn Smoke.
Annie notices.
A strange feeling settles in her chest.
Not anger. Not exactly.
JustâŠDiscomfort.
She suddenly realizes something.
If things between her and Smoke keep growingâŠWomen looking at himâŠ
Probably wonât be a rare thing.
He was fine.
She couldnât even blame them.
That didnât mean she had to like it.
Everybody finds their spots.
Tobias slips an arm around Rhondaâs shoulders.
Ramon kneels down in front of Ebony with a grin.
Stack turns toward Devin.
Before she knows whatâs happeningâŠ
He casually rests a hand against her ass.
Devin busts into laughter. âYou bold.â
âI know.â Stack says with a smirk.
Smoke steps beside Annie.
At first, he drapes an arm across her shoulders.
ThenâŠAlmost instinctivelyâŠ
His hand slides lower until it rests comfortably around her waist.
He gently guides her in front of him.
His other hand settles lightly against her stomach.
Annieâs heart pounds so loudly sheâs convinced everyone can hear it.
Smoke lowers his head slightly until it rests near her shoulder.
She can feel the warmth of his breath.
The girl holding the camera notices.
Her smile fades for just a second.
She quickly snaps the picture anyway.
Flash.
The moment is frozen forever.
Everyone thanks her before breaking apart.
The conversations naturally split back up.
Stack wastes no time. âSoâŠâ He looks at Devin. âYou gonâ give me yoâ number or what?â
Devin smiles. âI thought youâd never ask.â
They exchange numbers.
Not too far awayâŠRamon asks Ebony for hers.
She smiles before giving it to him too.
MeanwhileâŠ
Smoke nods toward a quieter spot.
Annie follows him a few steps away from everyone else.
Smoke slides both hands into his pockets. âIâm gonâ call you later on. That aight?â
Annie smiles. âOf course.â
He nods. âGood.â A soft smile spreads across his face. âIâm glad I got to spend some time wit you today.â
âMe too.â
Silence settles between them.
Neither seems to mind it.
They simply look at one another.
FinallyâŠSmoke clears his throat.
âCan I have a hug before you go?â
Annie smiles wider. âYes, Elijah.â
His dimples immediately appear.
He steps closer. His arms wrap comfortably around her waist.
Annie slides hers around his neck.
The moment they touchâŠSomething shifts.
Neither of them expected a simple hug to feel like this.
Smoke buries his face gently against the side of her neck.
She smells like brown sugar and vanilla. Warm. Sweet. Comforting.
He closes his eyes for a second.
His arms tighten just a little.
Not enough to make her uncomfortable.
Just enough to silently sayâŠ
I donât really wanna let you go yet.
Annie smiles into his shoulder.
She doesnât rush to pull away either.
For a few quiet secondsâŠ
The rest of the parking lot disappears.
Devin notices first. She elbows Rhonda. The two of them start giggling.
Stack shakes his head. âAye, nigga!â He laughs. âLet her go before you squeeze her to death.â
Smoke and Annie break apart laughing.
He reaches down and catches her hand one last time.
Giving it a gentle squeeze. âIâll see you later.â
Annie nods. âSee you.â
She reluctantly lets go and walks back toward the girls.
Smoke stays exactly where he is.
Watching her.
She glances back once before climbing into Devinâs momâs car.
Smoke smiles to himself.
Only after the car disappears into the stream of trafficâŠDoes he finally climb into his truckâŠ
The next morning, a loud knock echoes through Smokeâs small house.
He groans, rolling over to look at the clock. 9:17 a.m.
âDamnâŠâ
Another knock follows. More impatient this time.
Smoke throws the covers back, pulls on a white T-shirt, and walks to the front door.
The moment he opens itâŠHe sighs.
âMonica.â
She stands on the porch with her arms folded tightly across her chest.
Her lips are pressed into a thin line.
âWe need to talk.â
Smoke steps aside.
She walks in without waiting for an invitation.
He shuts the door behind her.
She turns to face him.
âShatara saw you at Skatelandâ
Smokeâs expression doesnât change.
ââŠOkay. And?â
Monica folds her arms even tighter.
âShe said you was all hugged up wit some girl.â
Smoke lets out a quiet breath. âSo?â
Monicaâs eyebrows shoot up. âSo?Thatâs all you gotta say?â
Smoke shrugs. âWhat you want me to say?â
She takes a step toward him. âNow you wanna be hugged up and kissinâ bitches, but never wanted to be seen in public wit no bitch not even me. I wanna know who she is.â
Smoke shakes his head once.
âNah. You donât need to know that.â
Monica scoffs. âExcuse me?â
âI said⊠You donât need to know.â
Her frustration grows. âWhy? What make her so special you wonât even say her name?â
Smoke leans against the wall, completely unbothered.
ââCause it ainât none of yo business.â
Monica laughs in disbelief. âIt is my business.â
Smoke immediately shakes his head.
âNo. It ainât.â He looks her square in the eyes. âWe ainât together. We never was. I donât owe you or no other woman no explanations.â
His words sting.
Monica looks away for a second before looking back. âSo thatâs it? You just movinâ on?â
Smoke sighs. âIâm livinâ my life. I never lied to you. I never told you we was together. I never promised you nothinâ.â
Monica studies his face. âYou really like her.â
Smoke doesnât answer.
The silence says enough.
Monica feels her stomach sink.
âSo thatâs why you wonât tell me.â
Smoke exhales. âMonicaâŠLet it go.â
She shakes her head.
âI canât let it go. Shatara said you couldnât keep yo fuckinâ eyes off her.â
Smoke chuckles under his breath.
âYo friend need to mind her fuckinâ business.â
âMy point exactly.â Monica snaps. âSo who is she?â
Smokeâs expression hardens. âI said leave it alone.â
She folds her arms again. âIâma find out.â
Smoke nods slowly. âYou do what you feel like you gotta do. But donât drag somebody else into this.â His voice is calm, but firm. âShe ainât did shit to you. We not together. So whoever I spend my time witâŠainât got nothinâ to do wit you and if I find out you did anything to her. I promise Iâm gonâ make you regret that shit for as long as you live.â
Monica searches his face one last time, hoping heâll change his mind.
He doesnât.
Smoke opens the front door. âI ainât got shit else to say.â
Monica walks past him, stopping on the porch.
She looks back over her shoulder.
âIâma find out who she is.â
Smoke meets her eyes.
âOrâŠâ He shrugs. âYou could just let it go.â
She doesnât respond.
She climbs into her car and drives away.
Smoke watches her disappear down the street before rubbing a hand over his face.
âDamn.â
He has a feeling this conversation isnât over. Not by a long shotâŠ
The next evening, the dinner rush is finally winding down.
The kitchen smells of butter, grilled steak, garlic, and fresh biscuits. The constant hiss of the flat top has settled into a steady rhythm, and the printer that had been spitting tickets nonstop all night finally grows quiet.
The silver boombox sits on the prep counter.
Quiet Storm fills the kitchen.
Then Dru Hillâs âBeautyâ comes on.
Smoke smiles to himself as he wipes down the stainless-steel counter.
đ” Walks by me every dayâŠ
Her and love are the sameâŠ
The woman thatâs stolen my heartâŠ
And beauty is her name⊠đ”
Right on cueâŠThe kitchen doors swing open. Annie.
Smoke looks up instinctively.
Their eyes meet. Almost immediately.
Neither of them looks away.
đ” Iâm hoping I can make you mineâŠ
âFore another man steals your heart⊠And once your beauty is mine
I swear we will never be apartđ”
Annie walks toward the service window with her ticket in hand.
She stops in front of the line.
A small smile finds her lips.
Smoke canât help but smile back.
For a momentâŠEverything else fades.
The sizzling grills. The clatter of pans.
The conversations around them.
Itâs justâŠHer. Her smile.
Those bright eyes looking back at him.
He swears sheâs like a magnet.
Every time she walks into the kitchenâŠHis eyes find her before he even realizes heâs looking.
đ” âCause my eyes have seen the gloryâŠIn the coming of your smile⊠đ”
Annie feels those familiar butterflies dance in her stomach.
She knows sheâs staring.
She also knowsâŠShe doesnât want to stop.
Neither of them breaks eye contact.
It almost turns into a silent challenge.
You look away.
No⊠you.
Across the galley, Lindsey notices.
She pauses with a tray in her hands.
Instead of interruptingâŠShe watches.
Curious to see just how long theyâre going to keep looking at each other.
Brandon notices too. He smirks to himself.
đ” You are so beautifulâŠWhen I'm down and out (When I'm down) I never seem to get tired... (Tired of your love, ooh, tired of your love) of your loveâŠYouâre wonderful. I'm just dying to make you see Anything you want inside your heart (You can find right here inside of me)đ”
Smokeâs lips slowly curl into a grin.
Annieâs heart flips.
âAyeâŠâ Brandon laughs. âYou gonâ plate her food or not?â
Smoke blinks, finally pulled back into the kitchen around him.
He chuckles under his breath and starts plating the order.
Annie laughs quietly to herself.
Lindsey catches the smile.
Something about the way they look at each other makes her chest tighten.
Sheâd worked to break his walls down and still nothing.
Heâd barely spoken more than a few words to her. He barely laughed or smiled at all.
Yet with AnnieâŠHe smiled. He teased.
He laughed. Like it came naturally.
Smoke slides Annieâs plates across the windowâŠBut leaves both hands resting on the edge of them.
Annie looks down. Then back up at him. She smiles.
This timeâŠShe doesnât even try to grab them.
âYou not gonâ take yoâ food?â Smoke asks with a grin.
Annie shakes her head. âUh-uh. Take your hands off of it.â
Smoke raises an eyebrow. âNot till I hear that magic word leave them lips.â
Annie plants a hand on her hip.
A playful smile spreads across her face. âYou donât make nobody else say please.â
Smoke chuckles. âHere you go wit that shit. I donât care about nobody else.â His eyes stay locked on hers. âNow say itâŠâFore you keep that table waitinâ.â
The words hit Annie harder than he probably intended.
I donât care about nobody else.
Heat creeps into her cheeks.
Lindsey notices. She rolls her eyes.
Annie reaches for the plates anyway.
Smoke slides them back just enough that she misses.
She busts into laughter. âOh my GodâŠâ
She rises onto her tiptoes, trying again.
Smoke laughs and lifts the plates just a little higher.
âElijahâŠâ Her tone is half warningâŠHalf amused.
He grins. âSay it.â
She folds her arms dramatically. âPlease.â
A satisfied smile spreads across Smokeâs face. âThere you go. See? Was that so hard?â
Annie shakes her head. âSmokeâŠâ
A smile slips through anyway. âGive me my food before I come around there and get it myself.â
Smoke laughs. âThat a promise?â
She points at him. âNo. Itâs a threat.â
Both of them laugh.
Lindsey finally exhales loudly enough for everyone to hear. âCan I get my food too?â
The playful moment breaks.
Smoke immediately slides Annieâs plates the rest of the way to her.
She takes them with a grin. ââBout time, Big Head.â
She hurries back toward the dining room.
Smoke watches her disappear through the swinging doors for just a second before returning his attention to the line.
He finishes Lindseyâs order and slides it across. Silently
Lindsey takes the plate. âThanks.â
Her tone is polite.
Smoke simply nods and goes back to wiping down his station, while Brandon watches the whole exchange with an amused shake of his head.
He doesnât say a word.
He doesnât have to.
Everybody on the line can already see it.
Whatever was growing between Smoke and AnnieâŠIt wasnât hard to miss anymore.
Devin is behind the wheel of her mamaâs Malibu while Ebony rides shotgun. Annie and Rhonda are in the backseat.
The car smells like vanilla body spray, cocoa butter, and Bath & Body Works lotion. Ashanti plays softly through the speakers while all four girls sing along between conversations.
Devin glances into the rearview mirror at Annie and Rhonda. âSoâŠDid yâall tell them to bring some friends or family?â
Rhonda groans dramatically. âYes, girl! Damn. How many times you gonâ ask?â
Annie laughs. âDevin, watch the road.â
Ebony cracks up in the passenger seat.
Rhonda shakes her head. âYou âbout to kill us âcause you too eager to meet some niggas.â
The whole car erupts in laughter.
Tonight, every last one of them came dressed to impress. Lip gloss shining.
Fresh roller sets and wraps.
Perfume lingering in the air every time somebody moved.
They finally pull into Kemper Arena.
The parking lot is already overflowing with cars.
Music blasts from open windows.
People laugh across the lot.
Groups of friends make their way toward the entrance wearing oversized jerseys, throwback tees, fitted caps, baggy jeans, Apple Bottoms, and matching Air Force 1s.
The girls climb out.
Devin slowly scans the crowd. âDamnâŠThis game always bring the fine niggas out.â
Rhonda nods in agreement. âHell yeah. Iâm scoutinâ tonight.â
Annie laughs. âWhat about Tobias?â
Rhonda waves her off. âGirl, what about him? We just talkinâ. He ainât my man.â
Ebony laughs. âYou always do the most.â
Devin shrugs proudly. âIâm supposed to.â
All four girls laugh as they join the long line wrapping around the arena.
InsideâŠThe arena is alive.
Bass rattles through the speakers.
The smell of popcorn, nachos, hot dogs, and pretzels fills the air.
Thousands of people buzz with excitement while the players warm up below.
The girls finally find their seats.
Ebony sits closest to the stairs.
Next to her is Devin. Then Rhonda.
Annie takes the seat further in the aisle.
She points toward the floor. âThere go Hot Sauce!â
Rhonda practically jumps. âHe fine as hell!â
Devin laughs. âI came here just for him.â
Ebony shoves her shoulder. âShut up!â
They all busts into laughter.
Just thenâŠKevion and a couple of his friends walk in two rows below them.
âKevion!â Devin yells.
He turns around instantly. âAww shit! There go trouble!â
The two groups start yelling back and forth across the rows.
Kevion laughs before climbing the stairs with one of his boys.
They stop beside the girls, joking and catching up.
OutsideâŠSmoke parks his truck.
He, Stack, Tobias, and Stackâs homeboy Ramon climb out.
The arena lights glow against the evening sky.
Groups of women walk toward the entrance laughing.
Stack immediately starts looking around. âDamnâŠI see some fine bitches already.â
Tobias sucks his teeth. âHere you go, nigga. We ainât even got in the buildinâ yet.â
Stack grins. âShit⊠You know Iâm on the hunt from the car.â
Smoke just shakes his head.
The four of them head inside.
Almost immediatelyâŠHeads turn.
Women whisper to each other.
A couple openly stare.
Stack smirks. âI told yâall.â
Smoke ignores all of it.
They begin walking up the stairs toward their section.
ThenâŠSmoke freezes.
His stomach instantly drops.
Annie.
Sheâs sitting with her friends. Laughing.
Two dudes are standing beside them talking. One of them says something that makes Annie throw her head back laughing.
Smoke swallows.
There goes that feeling again.
That tight feeling in his chest.
He doesnât know whyâŠBut he doesnât like seeing another man being the reason sheâs smiling like that.
Her laugh⊠Her smileâŠSomehow they already feel special to him.
As Kevion and his friend head back down the stairs, they pass Smokeâs group.
Both groups instinctively size each other up. Quick mugs. Nothing said.
Just enough for each side to know the other noticed.
Smoke barely pays them any attention.
His eyes are already back on Annie.
Almost as if she feels him lookingâŠ
She turns her head. Their eyes meet.
Just like always. The noise around them disappears.
Annie feels her breath catch.
There he is. Standing a few steps away from her.
Looking directly at her.
OnlyâŠSomething catches her attention.
Standing beside TobiasâŠIs another man with the exact same face as Smoke.
She blinks. Then looks back and forth between them.
Confused. Smoke notices.
A slow grin spreads across his face.
He gives her a little nod.
Annie laughs softly to herself.
He got a twin?
He never told her that.
Tobias smiles. âSup, Rhonda.â
âHey, Tobias.â
Devin points between all of them. âYou gonâ introduce the rest of everybody?â
Tobias laughs. âYeah.â
He points beside him. âThis Stack.â
Then Ramon. âThis Ramon.â
Finally⊠He points toward Smoke.
âAnd this Smoke.â
Every girl immediately looks at Annie.
Her cheeks warm.
Stack notices.
He grins to himself before looking at the girls. âWhatâs good? What yâall names is?â
They all introduce themselves.
Devin suddenly looks between Smoke and Stack. âWait a minuteâŠYâall twins?â
Stack answers sarcastically without missing a beat. âNah. We cousins.â
The girls busts out laughing.
âSo stupid,â Ebony says.
Stack laughs too before his attention drifts to Devin.
Her skin practically glows beneath the arena lights. Her curls bounce every time she laughs.
Those bright eyesâŠLocked onâŠ
Smoke.
Stack follows her gaze.
Sure enoughâŠHis brother is looking right back. Smiling. A real smile.
One Stack has almost never seen directed at a woman.
His eyebrow slowly rises.
SoâŠThis the mystery girl.
A grin spreads across his face.
WellâŠShe off limits.
His eyes drift right back to Devin.
Whoâs still looking at him. âDamnâŠThe whole crew sexy as hell.â
The girls laugh.
Smoke cuts his eyes toward Stack.
âYou done?â
Stack smirks. âI was just givinâ compliments.â
Ramon quietly smiles at Ebony.
She notices and smiles back before looking away.
Rhonda looks at Tobias. âWhere yâall seats at?â
âThree rows up. â
âOhâŠSo yâall close.â
The lights begin to dim. The crowd erupts. The game is about to start.
Tobias nods toward the court. âWeâll see yâall after.â
âOh, we definitely gonâ see yâall after.â
Stack says, never taking his eyes off Devin.
She bites her lip trying not to smile. âAight then.â
The fellas turn and head toward their seats.
Smoke glances back one more time.
Annie is already looking at him.
He smiles. She smiles back.
Neither of them says a word.
They donât have to.
SomehowâŠTheyâre already speaking the same language.
As soon as the guys disappear up the stairs, Devin turns around so fast she almost bumps into Rhonda. âOh my God!â
She grabs both Rhonda and Annieâs arms.
âAll them niggas fine as fuck, yâall!â
The girls bust into squeals and laughter, trying not to draw too much attention to themselves.
Devin fans herself dramatically. âI was not prepared for that.â
Ebony shakes her head, still laughing. âMe neither.â She looks over at Annie. âGirlâŠI understand now.â
She points toward the section where the guys disappeared. âIâd be scared too.â
Annie covers her face with her hands, laughing. âI told yâall.â
Ebony nods. âHell yeah. I see exactly why you ainât call him after yâall met.â
Devin turns toward Rhonda. âAnd Tobias fine as hell too.â She pauses, shaking her head in disbelief. âDamn. Itâs crazy every last one of âem fine.â She grins. âBut I need Stack.â She presses a hand against her chest. âIâm âbout to be actinâ shy like you, Annie.â
Annie rolls her eyes. âYou so damn annoying.â
She canât help but laugh anyway.
Rhonda laughs with them before motioning toward the court. âShhh. YâallâŠThe game.â
They all turn their attention back to the floor just as the crowd erupts and the announcerâs voice booms through Kemper Arena.
The lights dim. The music gets louder.
And for a little whileâŠ
Basketball has everyoneâs attention.
WellâŠAlmost everyoneâs.
Smoke tries to focus on the game.
The squeak of sneakers echoes across the hardwood while the crowd roars every time somebody gets crossed over. The announcerâs voice booms through the Arena, mixing with the bass thumping from the arena speakers.
But no matter how hard he triesâŠ
His eyes keep drifting to the back of Annieâs head.
He watches her clap after every big play.
She jumps to her feet. âGo Hot Sauce!â
Smoke chuckles under his breath.
She really wasnât exaggerating in that letter.
She loves sports.
She cheers at every big play, laughs when somebody gets embarrassed, and leans so far forward in her seat itâs like sheâs on the court with them. He loves that.
Another thing they have in common.
Stack stands up with the crowd after another crazy dunk. âLetâs go!â
The whole arena erupts.
Annie glances over her shoulder.
Her eyes immediately find Smoke.
Heâs already looking at her.
She blushes instantly before turning back around.
Smoke canât help but grin.
About twenty minutes later, Annie stands.
âWhere you goinâ?â Devin asks.
âTo get some food.â
âOh, shit. Iâm goinâ too.â
She hops up and follows Annie down the stairs.
Smoke watches them disappear into the crowd.
âIâll be back.â He says to the fellas before standing.
Stack smirks to himself.
He already knows exactly where his brother is headed.
Smoke makes his way down toward the concession stand.
The smell of buttery popcorn, nachos, hot dogs, and soft pretzels fills the air. The line snakes halfway across the concourse.
Devin looks ahead and sighs. âShit⊠this line long.â
Do-rag, Nike Airs to matchâŠAin't nothin' wrong with that (That's how I like it, baby)
Where my thugs at?
White T-shirt, I love thatđ¶
Annieâs eyes slowly travel from the top of his headâŠDown. This time she really looks at him in the light where she can actually see without it being dark and without anyone blocking her view.
đ¶The way you talk
The way you dress
The way you smile
I like the way you are
The way you ain't
I like your honesty, integrity
It levels me, so please don't ever changeđ¶
Smoke went all out today.
Heâs wearing a Kobe Bryant Lakers throwback jersey over a crisp white tall tee.
A matching Lakers headband hugs his perfectly laid waves.
A sweatband wraps around one forearm.
Baggy Girbaud jeans hang perfectly over a fresh pair of purple-and-gold Air Force 1s.
A Jacob watch glitters beneath the arena lights every time he moves.
Diamond studs catch another flash.
Two platinum chains rest against his jersey.
Two platinum rings decorate his fingers.
His Cartier eyeglasses somehow make him look even better.
And thenâŠHis cologne reaches her.
Warm. Clean. Masculine.
It wraps around her before he even says another word.
đ¶ I like the way you brush your hairâŠ
I like the stylish clothes you wear⊠It's just the real things you do. That's why I wanna stick with youđ¶
Annie forgets how to speak.
LordâŠ
He looksâŠToo damn good.
Those glasses should honestly be illegal.
He really got dressed today.
đ¶ I hope you like my style
The way I dress
The way I flirt
Say yes. I hope you like my mind
The things I sayđ¶
Smoke notices the look in her eyes immediately.
A smug smile slowly spreads across his face.
Then itâs his turn.
His eyes slowly roam over Annie.
Sheâs wearing a Chicago Bulls jersey dress that falls perfectly against her frame.
Fresh black and red Jordan 13s.
The front of her hair is neatly twisted back into flat twists while the rest falls into soft, bouncy curls that brush her shoulders every time she moves. Gold hoop earrings swing gently as she turns her head. Her black Dooney & Bourke shoulder bag rests comfortably beneath her arm. A gold herringbone necklace catches the light against her skin. Gold bracelets softly clink together as she shifts.
And tucked into the cartilage of her earâŠ
That little magnetic earring.
đ¶ I know you heard I'm a gangster
They say, âStay away from them gangsters.â
They never change up, or pull they pants up
Well, baby girl, put ya foot down
Don't let 'em push you around, you know what you likeđ¶
Smokeâs heart pounds.
She always looks beautiful.
But todayâŠShe looks damn near unreal.
Like she walked straight out of one of those music videos everybody watched after school.
Devin looks Smoke up and down too. âDamnâŠâ
She quickly looks between him and Annie.
The chemistry between them is so thick she almost feels like sheâs interrupting something.
âWhat you say?â Annie finally manages.
Smoke grins. âYou heard me. You gonâ get me somethinâ too?â
Annie giggles. âYeahâŠWhat you want?â
Smoke laughs. âYou know Iâm just playinâ. What you gettinâ?â
âA hot dogâŠI guess.â
He raises an eyebrow. âThatâs it?â
âMhm.â
âNah.â He shakes his head. âGet whatever you want, lilâ mama.â
Annie blinks. âHuh?â
âIf you can âhuh,â you can hear. You heard me. Get whatever you want. I got you.â
Annie smiles nervously. âSmokeâŠâ
Smoke raises one eyebrow. âOh⊠now itâs Smoke? I see you tryna act brand new in front of yoâ lilâ friend.â
Devin busts out laughing.
Annie shoots her a look before looking back at him. âElijahâŠYou donât have toââ
Smoke cuts her off. âWhat I tell you about that?â
Annie blushes.
Smoke steps a little closer.
Just enough that only she can hear him.
He leans toward her ear.
His voice drops into that deep bass she loves.
His cologne surrounds her again.
âAnnikaâŠStop frontinâ in here. You know me. We ainât strangers no more.â
A chill races down Annieâs spine.
Her stomach twists into knots.
He straightens back up.
Devin watches the entire exchange with wide eyes.
Oh⊠they got it bad.
Smoke looks over at her. âI got you too. Get whatever you want.â
Devin points to herself. âYou for real?â
Smoke chuckles while looking back at Annie. âYeah.â
Devin laughs. âShitâŠYou ainât gotta tell me twice.â
Annie starts laughing.
By the time they reach the counter, theyâre still smiling.
Annie orders a hot dogâŠThen popcorn.
Smoke nods toward the cashier. âAdd two nachos.â
Annie turns around.
Smoke smirks. âYeah. Get you some nachos too. They good as hell.â
Annie laughs and shakes her head. âYou so extra.â
Smoke reaches into his pocket and pulls out a thick knot of cash.
Without hesitation, he pays for everything.
The three of them start walking back toward their section.
Smoke carries the tray with the nachos while Annie balances the drinks.
As they walk, Smoke canât stop looking at her side profile.
The arena lights catch her skin every few steps.
Her curls bounce as she laughs with Devin.
Annie tries to act like she doesnât feel him staring.
He smiles to himself. âI know you feel me lookinâ.â
Annie immediately laughs. âStop. Youâre makinâ me nervous.â
Smoke kisses his teeth. âThere you go wit that. You gonâ have to get used to me lookinâ.â He smiles. âYou shouldnât be so beautiful.â
Annie feels her face grow warm all over again.
She finally looks up at him. âThank you, Elijah.â
Smoke hums in approval. âThatâs better.â
They climb back up the stairs toward their seats.
Devin smiles. âThanks again, Smoke.â
He nods once. âNo problem.â
Then his eyes drift back to Annie. âSee you afterwards.â
A grin spreads across her face. âSee you.â
When Annie and Devin finally make it back to their seats, theyâre balancing trays loaded down with food.
Rhondaâs eyes get wide. âDamn!â
She looks between the two of them. âYâall got hella shit.â
Annie and Devin crack up as they carefully pass everything around.
Devin canât even wait.
She points at Annie. âAnnieâs man bought all this for us.â
Ebonyâs mouth falls open. âSmoke bought all that?â
Devin nods. âYep. He got it bad for Annie.â
She leans in with a grin. Yâall shouldâve seen them flirtinâ. I swear I felt like I was interruptinâ something.â
The girls immediately start squealing.
Devin keeps going. âHe was callinâ her beautiful and shit. He could not stop lookinâ at her.â
Annie hides her face behind her cup, laughing. âShut up, Devin.â
âNope.â Devin points at her. âI ainât lyinâ.âShe shakes her head. âGirl, you definitely upgraded from that nigga Ryan.â
Rhonda sucks her teeth dramatically. âManâŠI shouldâve known when he followed yâall to the concession stand he was finna spend some money.â She reaches over and steals a few pieces of Annieâs popcorn. âI missed out.â
Annie laughs and nudges her shoulder. âYou snooze, you lose.â
The girls bust into laughter.
Devin shakes her head, still thinking about Smoke. âNah, for real though.â She points toward the section where the guys are sitting. âYou better hold on to that nigga. Thatâs one of the finest niggas I ever seen.â
She starts counting on her fingers. âHe can dress. He smell good. He compliment you every chance he get. And not only did he spend his money on youâŠâ
She gestures toward all the food spread across their laps. âHe bought yo friends food too.â
She leans closer with a smirk. âKeep him, girl.â
Annie feels her cheeks grow warm.
She shakes her head, trying to hide her smile. âYâall so damn extra.â But she canât stop laughing. Deep downâŠ
She knows every single one of them is right.
Smoke settles back into his seat with a bottle of water in one hand.
The game is back underway.
The crowd erupts after another ankle-breaking crossover, but before he can even sit all the way downâŠ
Stack grins. âAightâŠSo we just gonâ act like we ainât see what the hell just happened?â
Smoke keeps his eyes on the court âWhat happened?â
Tobias laughs. âThis nigga.â
Ramon shakes his head. âYou know exactly what happened.â
Smoke shrugs. âI went to get some food.â
âYeahâŠâ Stack says, drawing the words out. âYou went to get Annie some food.â
The three of them laugh.
Smoke smirks but doesnât answer.
Stack elbows him. âYou bought food for the whole damn row.â
Smoke finally looks over. âSo?â
âSo?â Stack repeats. âNigga, you donât even buy me food.â
The fellas bust out laughing.
Smoke sucks his teeth. âYou got money.â
âSo do she,â Stack shoots back.
More laughter.
Tobias leans forward. âI ainât never seen this nigga chase after nobody.â
Ramon nods. âHe been watchinâ her the whole game.â
Smoke cuts his eyes toward Ramon.
âI been watchinâ the game.â
Stack lets out the loudest laugh yet.
âThe game? Nigga, every time I looked over, you was lookinâ at Annie. You ainât even know who had the ball.â
Smoke shakes his head. âYâall doinâ too fuckinâ much.â
âNah.â Stack points toward him. âYou doinâ too much.â He starts counting on his fingers. âYou been staring at her all night. You followed her to the concession stand. You paid for all they food.â He pauses dramatically. âAnd thenâŠThis nigga walked back up here starinâ at her the whole damn time.â
Tobias laughs so hard. âI peeped that shit too.â
Smoke canât help but grin. âAight damn. I was lookinâ.â
âDamn right you was.â Stack says. âYou was lookinâ so hard I thought you was finna walk into somebody.â
The guys crack up.
Smoke laughs with them this time. âAight, man.â
Smokeâs smile softens. âNah. We just gettinâ to know each other.â
Tobias nods approvingly. âI respect that. ButâŠâ He smirks. âYou definitely got it bad.â
Smoke looks down toward the court for a second before glancing back toward Annieâs section.
She laughs at something Devin says.
Almost like she can feel himâŠ
She turns around. Their eyes meet from three sections away.
She smiles.
Smoke smiles right back.
Stack watches the exchange.
Then slowly looks back at his brother.
âAww, hell.â
Smoke raises an eyebrow. âWhat?â
Stack laughs and points at him. âYou gone.â
The fellas laugh again.
âGone gone.â
Tobias nods. âI ainât never seen this nigga smile this damn much.â
Ramon chuckles. âHe different.â
Stack leans back in his seat, still grinning. âNahâŠThis ainât just different.â He looks over at Smoke one more time. âI think my brother done found him one.â
Smoke doesnât answer.
He simply glances back toward Annie one more time before returning his attention to the court.
The small smile on his face says more than any words ever could.
When the game ends, the arena empties in a wave of people.
The crowd spills into the parking lot, still buzzing about the crazy crossovers and dunks they just witnessed. Car doors slam, music starts blasting from every direction, and headlights cut through the chilly fall evening.
The girls make it outside first.
Not long after, Kevion and his friends spot them. âAye!â Kevion calls out.
The girls stop to talk.
Annie laughs at something Kevion says, the sound carrying through the parking lot.
A few minutes later, Smoke, Stack, Tobias, and Ramon step outside.
Smoke instinctively starts scanning the crowd.
His eyes land on Annie almost immediately.
There she is. Standing in a circleâŠ
Laughing with the same dudes from inside the arena.
His jaw tightens ever so slightly.
Who the fuck are those niggas?
He doesnât say anything.
Instead, he keeps walking toward his truck like it doesnât bother him at all.
He unlocks it, climbs inside for a second, then starts it.
Chingyâs âOne Call Awayâ comes booming through the speakers.
The bass rolls across the parking lot.
The fellas post up. Leaning against the truck, talking while the song plays.
Smoke isnât really listening.
His eyes drift back to Annie.
Just in time to see her hug the guy sheâd been talking to.
His stomach flips. He swallows hard.
He doesnât like that feeling.
Not one bit.
A few moments later, the girls finally head their way.
Devin grins. âHey, yâall.â
Everybody exchanges greetings.
Devinâs eyes immediately find Stack.
She gives him a slow once over.
Stack is wearing a black Tim Duncan Spurs jersey over a white tee, baggy black jeans, and black-and-white Jordan 12s. Fresh braids frame his face, platinum shining in his mouth every time he smiles. A Rolex catches the parking lot lights while thick platinum chains rest against his chest.
He notices her looking.
A grin spreads across his face. âWhatâs good?â
Devin smiles right back. âNothinâ. Whatâs poppinâ with you?â
Stack chuckles. âCome find out.â
He nods his head, motioning for her to follow.
Without hesitationâŠDevin does.
The two of them wander off, talking and laughing almost immediately.
Smoke shakes his head. âThat nigga donât waste no time.â
Tobias laughs before turning toward Rhonda. The two of them quickly fall into their own conversation.
That leavesâŠSmoke. Annie. Ebony.
And Ramon.
Smoke and Annie lock eyes.
Neither of them says anything.
Chingy continues playing from the truck.
đ¶ I seen it in her eyeâŠ
Mama lookinâ like all I wanted was sexâŠThen moved to the next (that ain't true) But it was something about this girl's style that make me feel no regretsđ¶
Smoke slowly holds his hand out. âCome here. Come talk to me for a minute.â
đ¶Afraid she might think I'm in a rush to touch, crush and be up
But baby, I ain't on that stuffđ¶
Annie glances over at Ebony.
Ebony smiles knowingly. âGo, girl.â
Annie smiles shyly before slipping her hand into Smokeâs.
His fingers close around hers.
Warm. Gentle.
He leads her around to the back of the truck.
Ebony stays behind, chatting with Ramon.
Smoke lowers the tailgate.
The metal thumps softly into place.
They sit side by side.
Close enough that their shoulders brush every few seconds.
đ¶If you're rolling with me baby, hop in, it's enough room
We can gaze at the stars and shine like the moon
Give me a chance to show ya and a chance to know ya
Just be true and there's nothing I won't do for yađ¶
A soft breeze drifts through the parking lot.
Annieâs perfume floats toward him.
Sweet. Light. Familiar.
Smoke smiles to himself. âSoâŠYou enjoy the game?â
Annie nods. âYeah. I did.â
Smoke chuckles. âI could tell.â
She cuts her eyes at him. âWhatâs that supposed to mean?â
âYou was hella into it. I heard you over everybody.â
Annie throws her head back laughing.
âOh, whatever. You could not.â
âI definitely could.â
She clicks her tongue. âYou could only hear me âcause you was lookinâ at me all night.â
Smoke pauses. Then laughs. âDamn. You right. I couldnât help it though.â
Annie giggles. âHere you go, Elijah Blowinâ my head up again.â
âMy bad.â He shrugs. âIâm just beinâ honest. You a magnet.â
Annie smiles. âSo are you.â
Smoke grins. âThanks. I see I almost made you pass out again today.â
She tries to hold in her laugh.
Fails miserably. âDamn. Just expose me, why donât you?â
Smoke laughs. âItâs okayâŠâCause you almost made me do the same.â
Annie raises an eyebrow. âOh, please, Big Head.â
âIâm serious. I knew you was gonâ be lookinâ good as hell todayâŠâ He slowly shakes his head. âBut shitâŠYou exceeded what I expected.â
Heat spreads across Annieâs cheeks.
âI can say the same thing about you.â She smiles. âAnd why ainât you tell me you had a twin?â
Smoke exhales through his nose. ââCause you ainât ask.â
Annie laughs. âOh, okay, Elijah.â She nudges his shoulder. âSo whatâs it like⊠havinâ a twin?â
Smoke leans back a little, looking up.
âShitâŠThatâs a loaded answer.â
He looks out across the crowded parking lot. âMaybe one day I can really go into depth. But to sum it upâŠItâs different than most sibling relationships. You share everything. So sometimes you struggle to figure out who you are outside of beinâ a twin. You got this bondâŠNo matter what happenâŠIt donât break.â He smiles to himself. âItâs a blessinââŠAnd a curse.â
Silence settles between them.
Annie thinks about his words.
âI get that.â She nods slowly. âHavinâ siblings is already hard enough. So I could only imagine.â She smiles. âYâall do seem like complete opposites though.â
Smoke chuckles. âIn some ways. But deep down⊠We mostly the same.â
Annie smiles. âThatâs actually beautiful when you think about it. Always havinâ somebody in your corner.â
Smoke hums. âYeah.â He glances at her. âYou seem to got that kinda bond wit yoâ brother too.â
Annie looks over at him. âHow you know that?â
ââCause I watched yâall at the rink.â He smiles. âAnd I hear how yâall joke every time we on the phone.â
Annieâs expression softens. âYeahâŠWe close. Heâs one of my best friends.â
âI can tell.â Smoke hesitates for a second before admitting, âI gotta confess somethinâ.â
Annie raises an eyebrow. âWhat?â
âAt firstâŠI thought he was yoâ man at the skating rink.â
Annieâs face scrunches up instantly.
âWhat? Eww. No.â
Smoke laughs. âYâall was holdinâ hands and shit. I just assumed.â
She laughs. âWellâŠThatâs what you get for assuminâ.â
Smoke smirks. âOhâŠSo I guess I shouldnât assume the nigga you was just hugginâ earlier yo man either.â
Annie looks confusedâŠThen remembers Kevion. âOh!â She laughs. âEww, no, Elijah. Kevion just my friend. Heâs like a brother to me.â
Smoke raises an eyebrow. âYâall women love havinâ play brothers and shit.â
Annie smiles. âI meanâŠRelationships between a man and woman donât always gotta be romantic. They can be strictly platonic too.â
Smoke thinks for a moment and thereâs a minute of silence.
Annie breaks it âSo you donât think itâs possible?â
Smoke shrugs. âI donât know. I ainât never done it. And nobody around me has either. That ainât sayinâ it canât happen. Itâs justâŠDifferent from what Iâm used to.â
Annie nods. âWellâŠIâm here to tell you it can.â
Smoke smiles. âAight then. I believe you, lilâ mama.â
Comfortable silence settles over them.
The music continues playing.
People laugh nearby. Car doors slam.
Someone starts another vehicle a few rows over.
Smoke glances sideways.
Sheâs looking everywhereâŠExcept at him.
A grin slowly tugs at his lips. âYou still canât look at me?â
Annie smirks. âI can.â
His voice drops lower. âProve itâŠLook at me.â
Her heart immediately starts racing.
She shakes her head.
ThenâŠSlowlyâŠShe turns toward him.
Her eyes lift to meet his. Just for a second. Before they fall again.
Smoke smiles.
He reaches over gently and tips her chin upward with his thumb and index finger. âThere you go.â He holds her gaze. âI need you to get used to lookinâ at me up close. Not just when we across the room.â His voice softens. âI wanna see these pretty eyes up close. We ainât at workâŠSo I can get lost in âem now.â
Annieâs throat goes dry.
Butterflies erupt inside her stomach.
She canât think. Canât speak.
His sleepy eyes stay locked on hers.
FinallyâŠHe smiles. âYou so pretty, Annika. Donât be afraid to let me see you.â
Annie swallows. Then gives the smallest nod.
Before she can find the wordsâŠ
Stackâs voice rings out across the parking lot.
âAye! Yâall come around here and hit this blunt!â
Smoke sighs through his nose and lets his hand fall away.
âSaved by yo brother,â Annie teases softly.
Smoke laughs. âFor now.â
He stands first, then offers her his hand. She takes it.
He helps her down from the tailgate.
Together, they walk back around the truck to join everyone else.
When they make it back around the truck, everyone naturally falls into a circle while Chingyâs âHolidae Innâ is bumping through the speakers. Cars are slowly pulling out of the parking lot, headlights sweeping across the pavement as people laugh, talk, and relive their favorite plays from the game.
Stack finishes rolling the blunt and sparks it.
He takes the first hit before holding it out toward Annie. âAye, Annie.â
Before Annie can even open her mouth to politely turn it down..Smack.
Smoke knocks Stackâs hand away.
Stack looks at him like he done lost his damn mind. âThe fuck?â
Smoke shrugs like it isnât a big deal.
âNah.â
Annie lets out a small, nervous laugh, surprised by how quickly he reacted.
Stack studies his brother for a second before shaking his head. âAight then.â
He turns toward Devin instead. âHere.â
Devin grins. âShit, donât mind if I do.â
She takes a hit before passing it to Tobias.
Tobias inhales and passes it over to Rhonda.
Rhonda takes her turn before holding it out toward Ebony.
Ebony shakes her head. âIâm good.â
Ramon takes it next.
ThenâŠHe passes it to Smoke.
Smoke brings it to his lips and takes a slow pull.
He tips his head back slightly before letting the smoke drift from his mouth up his nose.
Annie quietly watches him.
Sheâd had a feeling he smoked.
He hustled.
And plenty of times after lunch breaks at Red Lobster, heâd come back with the other cooks wearing that same relaxed expression and those heavy, sleepy eyes.
For some reasonâŠKnowing she was right makes her smile to herself.
It doesnât make her think less of him.
If anythingâŠIt reminds her that he never expected her to do something just because he did.
He couldâve easily let Stack hand it to her.
InsteadâŠWithout making a sceneâŠ
He stopped it.
Something about that small gesture makes her heart soften.
He looked out for her without trying to embarrass her. She liked that.
More than sheâd probably admit.
A few minutes later, the blunt burns down to nothing.
Rhonda suddenly reaches into her purse. âOh!â She pulls out a yellow disposable Kodak camera. âCome on, yâall. We gotta get some pictures.â
Everybody laughs.
Tobias takes the camera first.
He snaps a few pictures of the girls together.
The flash pops brightly against the night sky.
NextâŠRhonda takes a picture of all the fellas standing together in front of Smokeâs truck.
After that, she looks around.
A group of girls is standing beside a nearby car.
âExcuse me. Can you take one of all of us?â
One of the girls smiles. âYeah, I got you.â
She walks over and takes the camera.
As everyone gets into positionâŠ
Her eyes linger.
MostlyâŠOn Smoke.
Annie notices.
A strange feeling settles in her chest.
Not anger. Not exactly.
JustâŠDiscomfort.
She suddenly realizes something.
If things between her and Smoke keep growingâŠWomen looking at himâŠ
Probably wonât be a rare thing.
He was fine.
She couldnât even blame them.
That didnât mean she had to like it.
Everybody finds their spots.
Tobias slips an arm around Rhondaâs shoulders.
Ramon kneels down in front of Ebony with a grin.
Stack turns toward Devin.
Before she knows whatâs happeningâŠ
He casually rests a hand against her ass.
Devin busts into laughter. âYou bold.â
âI know.â Stack says with a smirk.
Smoke steps beside Annie.
At first, he drapes an arm across her shoulders.
ThenâŠAlmost instinctivelyâŠ
His hand slides lower until it rests comfortably around her waist.
He gently guides her in front of him.
His other hand settles lightly against her stomach.
Annieâs heart pounds so loudly sheâs convinced everyone can hear it.
Smoke lowers his head slightly until it rests near her shoulder.
She can feel the warmth of his breath.
The girl holding the camera notices.
Her smile fades for just a second.
She quickly snaps the picture anyway.
Flash.
The moment is frozen forever.
Everyone thanks her before breaking apart.
The conversations naturally split back up.
Stack wastes no time. âSoâŠâ He looks at Devin. âYou gonâ give me yoâ number or what?â
Devin smiles. âI thought youâd never ask.â
They exchange numbers.
Not too far awayâŠRamon asks Ebony for hers.
She smiles before giving it to him too.
MeanwhileâŠ
Smoke nods toward a quieter spot.
Annie follows him a few steps away from everyone else.
Smoke slides both hands into his pockets. âIâm gonâ call you later on. That aight?â
Annie smiles. âOf course.â
He nods. âGood.â A soft smile spreads across his face. âIâm glad I got to spend some time wit you today.â
âMe too.â
Silence settles between them.
Neither seems to mind it.
They simply look at one another.
FinallyâŠSmoke clears his throat.
âCan I have a hug before you go?â
Annie smiles wider. âYes, Elijah.â
His dimples immediately appear.
He steps closer. His arms wrap comfortably around her waist.
Annie slides hers around his neck.
The moment they touchâŠSomething shifts.
Neither of them expected a simple hug to feel like this.
Smoke buries his face gently against the side of her neck.
She smells like brown sugar and vanilla. Warm. Sweet. Comforting.
He closes his eyes for a second.
His arms tighten just a little.
Not enough to make her uncomfortable.
Just enough to silently sayâŠ
I donât really wanna let you go yet.
Annie smiles into his shoulder.
She doesnât rush to pull away either.
For a few quiet secondsâŠ
The rest of the parking lot disappears.
Devin notices first. She elbows Rhonda. The two of them start giggling.
Stack shakes his head. âAye, nigga!â He laughs. âLet her go before you squeeze her to death.â
Smoke and Annie break apart laughing.
He reaches down and catches her hand one last time.
Giving it a gentle squeeze. âIâll see you later.â
Annie nods. âSee you.â
She reluctantly lets go and walks back toward the girls.
Smoke stays exactly where he is.
Watching her.
She glances back once before climbing into Devinâs momâs car.
Smoke smiles to himself.
Only after the car disappears into the stream of trafficâŠDoes he finally climb into his truckâŠ
The next morning, a loud knock echoes through Smokeâs small house.
He groans, rolling over to look at the clock. 9:17 a.m.
âDamnâŠâ
Another knock follows. More impatient this time.
Smoke throws the covers back, pulls on a white T-shirt, and walks to the front door.
The moment he opens itâŠHe sighs.
âMonica.â
She stands on the porch with her arms folded tightly across her chest.
Her lips are pressed into a thin line.
âWe need to talk.â
Smoke steps aside.
She walks in without waiting for an invitation.
He shuts the door behind her.
She turns to face him.
âShatara saw you at Skatelandâ
Smokeâs expression doesnât change.
ââŠOkay. And?â
Monica folds her arms even tighter.
âShe said you was all hugged up wit some girl.â
Smoke lets out a quiet breath. âSo?â
Monicaâs eyebrows shoot up. âSo?Thatâs all you gotta say?â
Smoke shrugs. âWhat you want me to say?â
She takes a step toward him. âNow you wanna be hugged up and kissinâ bitches, but never wanted to be seen in public wit no bitch not even me. I wanna know who she is.â
Smoke shakes his head once.
âNah. You donât need to know that.â
Monica scoffs. âExcuse me?â
âI said⊠You donât need to know.â
Her frustration grows. âWhy? What make her so special you wonât even say her name?â
Smoke leans against the wall, completely unbothered.
ââCause it ainât none of yo business.â
Monica laughs in disbelief. âIt is my business.â
Smoke immediately shakes his head.
âNo. It ainât.â He looks her square in the eyes. âWe ainât together. We never was. I donât owe you or no other woman no explanations.â
His words sting.
Monica looks away for a second before looking back. âSo thatâs it? You just movinâ on?â
Smoke sighs. âIâm livinâ my life. I never lied to you. I never told you we was together. I never promised you nothinâ.â
Monica studies his face. âYou really like her.â
Smoke doesnât answer.
The silence says enough.
Monica feels her stomach sink.
âSo thatâs why you wonât tell me.â
Smoke exhales. âMonicaâŠLet it go.â
She shakes her head.
âI canât let it go. Shatara said you couldnât keep yo fuckinâ eyes off her.â
Smoke chuckles under his breath.
âYo friend need to mind her fuckinâ business.â
âMy point exactly.â Monica snaps. âSo who is she?â
Smokeâs expression hardens. âI said leave it alone.â
She folds her arms again. âIâma find out.â
Smoke nods slowly. âYou do what you feel like you gotta do. But donât drag somebody else into this.â His voice is calm, but firm. âShe ainât did shit to you. We not together. So whoever I spend my time witâŠainât got nothinâ to do wit you and if I find out you did anything to her. I promise Iâm gonâ make you regret that shit for as long as you live.â
Monica searches his face one last time, hoping heâll change his mind.
He doesnât.
Smoke opens the front door. âI ainât got shit else to say.â
Monica walks past him, stopping on the porch.
She looks back over her shoulder.
âIâma find out who she is.â
Smoke meets her eyes.
âOrâŠâ He shrugs. âYou could just let it go.â
She doesnât respond.
She climbs into her car and drives away.
Smoke watches her disappear down the street before rubbing a hand over his face.
âDamn.â
He has a feeling this conversation isnât over. Not by a long shotâŠ
Smoke leans forward. âListen to me.â His tone is steady now. âWhat he did says everything about him and nothing about you. You hear me?â
Annie nods before realizing he canât see her. ââŠYeah.â
âNo.â Smoke says gently. âI need to hear you say it.â
She smiles faintly despite herself. ââŠI hear you.â
âGood.â
Another quiet settles over the line.
This one feels different. Not awkward.
Comfortable.
Smoke finally speaks again. âI hate that you had to go through that.â His voice is sincere. âAnd I hate even more that you had to carry it around by yo self all day. I want you to knowâŠâ Smoke pauses, choosing his words carefully. âIâm proud of you.â
Annieâs heart skips. âProud?â
âYeah.â His voice is steady. âFor standinâ yoâ ground. For not lettinâ nobody guilt you into goinâ back on yoâ word.â He lets out a slow sigh. âThat shit ainât easy.â
Silence hangs between them for a moment. Smoke continues. âYou way too beautiful inside and out to let a nigga disrespect you or play witâ you.â His jaw tightens just thinking about it. âYou deserve the moon, the stars, and the damn earth, Annie. If a nigga dumb enough to cheat on youâŠâ He shakes his head. ââŠthen he never deserved you in the first place.â
Annie feels tears prick at the corners of her eyes. Nobody has ever talked to her like this before. Not her parents. Not Ryan. Not anyone. Smoke isnât just telling her what she wants to hear. He actually soundsâŠUpset for her.
âYou need a man thatâs gonâ value you. A man whose actions match the shit that come out his mouth. Cause words donât mean nothinâ if the actions donât line up.â He exhales. âHis actions already told you everything you needed to know. That nigga ainât value what he had.â His voice softens. âHow long was yâall together?â
Annieâs stomach twists. âTen months.â She looks down at the blanket. ââŠThank you, Elijah.â Her voice is barely above a whisper.
Smoke nods even though she canât see him. âI donât ever wanna see you look like you did today.â He pauses. .âI like seeinâ you smile.â A small smile spreads across his own face. âAnd if I can be one of the reasons behind itâŠâ He chuckles quietly. .âIâd like that even more.â
Annie closes her eyes.
There he goes again. Saying exactly what her heart needs to hear.
She doesnât understand how someone sheâs only known a short time can make her feel so⊠seen.
She smiles. âThank you. I wanna make you smile too.â
Smoke lets out a low laugh. âShitâŠYou already do.â
That pulls a genuine giggle from Annie. âEspecially now that I know you got dimples.â
Smoke laughs. âOh yeah?â
She smiles wider. âYeah. You just keep gettinâ finer.â
Smoke sucks his teeth dramatically. âHere you go. Blowin my head up.â
âMhmm.â she says while laughing
He shakes his head, smiling to himself.âItâs nice hearinâ you laugh.â
âIs it?â
âHell yeah.â His answer comes without hesitation. âIâma keep you laughinâ.â
Annie smiles so hard her cheeks begin to ache. âGood.â She lets out a small breath. âI need to laugh.â
âI agree.â
A comfortable silence settles between them.
Smoke breaks it. . âAnnie.â
âHmm?â
âCan you do me a favor?â
âSure.â
âIf he do anything elseâŠâ His tone becomes serious again. âI need you to tell me.â
Annie nods instinctively before remembering he canât see her. âYeah. I will.â
âYou promise?â
âYes.â
Smoke smiles. âNah. I want you to say it.â
Annie laughs softly. âI promise.â
âGood. âCause Iâm only one call awayâSmoke finally relaxes. âWell⊠Itâs gettinâ late. I hope tomorrow go a lil better for you.â
âMe too.â
âIâll see you tomorrow.â He smiles. âHave a good night, Pretty Eyes.â
A warmth spreads through Annieâs chest. âYou have a good night too. Iâll see you tomorrow.â
Neither of them hangs up. The line stays quiet.
Neither one wants to be the first to end the conversation.
EventuallyâŠSmoke smiles to himself and finally presses the button.
The line goes dead.
Smoke lays back on his bed, staring at the ceiling.
His apartment is quiet except for the hum of the box fan in the corner.
He replays everything Annie told him.
Ryan. The cheating. The disrespect.
The tears sheâd been trying so hard to hide.
Smoke clenches his jaw.
He didnât tell AnnieâŠBut he isnât lettinâ this shit slide.
He doesnât know who Ryan is.
But heâs gonna find out. One way or another.
And if that nigga think he can keep disrespecting Annie or playinâ games with her feelings⊠He got another thing cominâ.
He shouldâve known or at least expected some nigga still lurking around. Sheâs too beautiful not to.
Smoke closes his eyes. She deserves peace. Real peace.
And for some reasonâŠHe suddenly feels responsible for protecting it.
That thought catches him off guard.
He frowns at the ceiling.
Since when did he start thinkinâ like this?
Heâs never been the type to get wrapped up in one woman.
HellâŠHe never wanted to.
Never committed to anyone.
No feelings. No attachment. No problem.
But AnnieâŠShe isnât like anybody else heâs ever dealt with.
The thought of another man hurting her makes something ugly twist inside his chest.
And the thought of someone else making her smileâŠHe doesnât even like that.
Smoke lets out a quiet laugh at himself. âDamnâŠâ He rubs a hand down his face. âWhat the hell she doinâ to me?â
For the first time in his lifeâŠ
The idea of holding onto one woman doesnât feel like a burden.
The next day, Smoke is behind the wheel of his truck, headed to work.
The windows are cracked just enough to let the early fall air roll through as he cruises down the street.
His mind keeps drifting back to everything Annie told him the night before.
Ryan.
Smoke reaches for his Nokia and scrolls through his contacts.
He finds his cousin Nateâs number and hits call.
After a couple ringsâ âWhatâs poppinâ?â
âShit, mobbinâ,â Smoke replies. âAyeâŠYou know a nigga named Ryan thatâs on the football team up at yo school?â
âFasho. Everybody know that nigga. Whatâs good?â
Smokeâs grip tightens slightly on the steering wheel. âShit⊠I got some static witâ that nigga, and I need to handle that shit ASAP.â
âDamn. Yâall fonkinâ?â
âShit, hell yeah. I donât even know that niggaâŠBut it seem like he want it witâ me. And you know me⊠I ainât hidinâ. Iâm gonâ give him what he lookinâ for.â
Nate lets out a low chuckle. âShit, I hear that. What you need?â
âI need you to point that nigga out to me.â Smoke glances in the rearview mirror before changing lanes. âIâm gonâ pop up in a few days when yâall get out. We gonâ post up⊠And you gonâ show me who he is.â
âSay no more. I got you.â
âBet.â
âOne.â
âOne.â
The call ends.
Smoke tosses the phone onto the passenger seat and keeps driving.
His jaw stays set. He isnât looking for trouble.
But if Ryan insists on bringing trouble to AnnieâŠSmoke plans on making sure that shit ends.
Itâs 2:50 p.m., and the kitchen is already coming alive.
The grills hiss as fresh burgers hit the flat top, grease popping against the hot steel. The smell of onions, garlic butter, and seasoning hangs thick in the air while tickets steadily begin feeding through the printer.
Smoke is setting up his station for the dinner rush.
A battered silver boombox sits on the prep table, blasting a G-Unit CD loud enough for the entire kitchen to hear.
âWanna Get to Know Youâ fades out as Brandon stands beside him chopping tomatoes, rapping every word like heâs in the studio recording it.
Smoke just shakes his head with a grin while seasoning steaks.
Brandon glances over. âSoâŠâ
Smoke doesnât look up. âSo what?â
Brandon smirks. âWhatâs up wit you and Annie?â
Smokeâs hand pauses for the smallest second. âWhat?â
Brandon laughs. âNigga, you heard me.â
He points the knife at Smoke.
âDonât think we donât be noticinâ yoâ ass back here.â
Smoke fights the smile trying to spread across his face.
He focuses on arranging chicken breasts on the grill instead. âNothinâ, nigga.â He waves him off. âDamn. Maybe if yâall stop watchinâ me and cook, we can get this food out faster.â
Jesse, working the fryers, laughs without even looking up.
Brandon sucks his teeth.
âNigga, Iâm fast.â He points at everybody. âYâall canât keep up.â
Smoke snorts. âYeah aight.â
Just thenâŠThe back door swings open.
Smoke doesnât even realize heâs looking until heâs already looking. Annie.
She steps inside wearing her server uniform, carrying her apron over one shoulder.
She hangs her jacket on the hook near the office before turning toward the line.
Her eyes immediately find Smoke.
Neither of them smiles right away.
She simply mouthsâŠâHello.â
Smoke canât help the grin that spreads across his face.
He mouths backâŠâWhatâs up?â
She smiles to herself before disappearing into the dining room.
Brandon catches every bit of it. âOhhhâŠâ
Smoke ignores him. He keeps thinking about the way she just smiled at him.
About twenty minutes laterâŠ
Annie walks back into the kitchen to pick up one of her tablesâ orders.
She waits patiently at the service line while Smoke works through the tickets.
Right then, the music changes.
The opening beat of G-Unitâs âSmileâ fills the kitchen.
Smoke unconsciously starts nodding his head while calling out orders.
đ” I wanna be the reason you smileâŠđ”
Brandon notices the timing and starts laughing under his breath.
Smoke ignores him.
Annie glances up. Their eyes meet.
Everything around them seems to quiet for just a second.
The printer still spits out tickets.
The fryer timer still beeps.
Servers still weave in and out of the kitchen.
But neither of them notices.
đ” After you wipe away your tears and dry your eyes⊠đ”
The lyrics hit differently after their conversation the night before.
Smoke finds himself wondering if sheâs doing a little better today.
Annie smiles first.
Not the shy little smile she usually gives him. A real one. Warm.
Without thinking, Smoke smiles back.
His golds catch the fluorescent lights overhead.
đ” Whenever Iâm not around and you feelinâ downâŠLet the thought of me be⊠the reason you smile⊠đ”
Annieâs stomach squeezes.
đ” I don't wanna see you frown, like them kids watch a clown
I wanna bring you joy and be (be the reason you smile)
Baby, you know my style, you know how I get down
I provide by any means to be (be the reason you smile)đ”
LordâŠWhy he gotta smile like that?
Brandon looks between the two of them before letting out an exaggerated, âMhmmm.â
The whole line hears him.
Smoke cuts his eyes sideways.
Brandon just keeps laughing.
Smoke shakes his head and goes back to plating Annieâs order.
He slides the finished plate through the service windowâŠBut doesnât let go.
Annie reaches for it.
The second her fingers touch the edgeâŠSmoke slowly slides it back toward himself.
A teasing grin spreads across his face.
Annie looks up at him.
Then she starts laughing. âWhat?â
Smoke leans against the line. âSay please.â
Annie blinks. âWhat?â
âYou heard me.â He shrugs. âSay it. Or I ainât givinâ it to you.â
Annie clicks her tongue, trying to look annoyed. It doesnât work.
Her smile is way too big.
She lets out an exaggerated sigh.
âPleeeaseâŠâ She pauses just long enough to make him wait. ââŠElijah.â
The second his real name leaves her mouth⊠Smokeâs chest tightens.
Damn. He likes hearing her say it way more than he should.
Trying not to smile too hard, he finally slides the plate back toward her.
Annie grabs it. She turns to leave.
Smoke calls after her. âNo thank you?â
She glances back over her shoulder with that same mischievous grin.
âUh-uh.â Then she walks away laughing.
Smoke watches her disappear through the swinging doors.
He shakes his head, chuckling quietly to himself.
Brandon immediately starts clowning.
âOhhhâŠâ He points toward the dining room. âSo she can call you Elijah now?â
Jesse busts out laughing. âSo thatâs what we doinâ?â
The entire line joins in.
Smoke just keeps smiling to himself while wiping down the counter. âYâall worry âbout these damn tickets.â
Brandon laughs even harder. âNiggaâŠYou ainât deny it.â
Smoke doesnât answer.
He simply looks toward the swinging doors one more time, hoping Annie comes back through.
Standing a few feet away, Megan quietly watches the entire exchange while stocking salads.
She notices the smiles. The teasing.
The way Smokeâs whole demeanor changes whenever Annie walks into the kitchen.
A small smile tugs at her lips.
Well⊠That explains a lot.
Without saying a word, she grabs another tray and heads back to work, deciding sheâd rather watch this play out than ask any questions.
Across town, Annie has just stepped out of the shower.
The scent of cocoa butter fills her room as she towels off her damp curls.
She walks into her room and her cell phone rings on the bed.
She frowns. She doesnât recognize the number. Her stomach knots. Ryan?
SurelyâŠHe ainât that crazy.
She hesitates before finally answering. âHello?â A pause. âWho is this?â
Smoke chuckles. âItâs me, Pretty Eyes.â
Annieâs eyebrows lift. âOh.â
Smoke grins. âMy bad. This my house phone. Save it in yo phone too.â
She smiles. âI will.â
âSoâŠâ Smoke settles deeper into his pillow. âWhat you doinâ?â
âJust got out the shower.â
Smoke swallows. His mind immediately paints a picture he has no business picturing.
He clears his throat. âI see. SoâŠWas yo day better today?â
Annie smiles. âYeah⊠for the most part. How was yours?â
âShit⊠My day was good.â He pauses.
âEspecially âcause I got to see you.â
Heat rushes into Annieâs cheeks.
âElijahâŠâ She laughs softly. âStop playinâ with me.â
Smoke smiles to himself. âIâm not playinâ.â
She bites her lip. âDo you talk to every girl like this?â
Smokeâs smile fades. âNah. I donât.â
Annie clicks her tongue. âWhatever, Elijah. I donât believe that.â
Smoke lets out a quiet grunt. âOne thing about meâŠI donât lie. So when I say somethinââŠI mean it.â
Annie hums softly.
But she doesnât answer.
Smoke already knows why. âYou donât believe me⊠Do you?â
Annie sighs. âI donât know. You seem too good to be true.â
Smoke smiles. âIâll take that. But the same can be said about you.â
Annie shakes her head. âNah. I donât think so.â
His voice grows more serious. âAnnika.â
âHmm?â
âStop doinâ that.â.
âStop doinâ what?â
âDownplayinâ yo self. You say all these good things about everybody else..But when it come to youâŠYou act like you donât deserve none of it.â
His words catch Annie off guard.
She isnât used to someone paying attention to the way she talks about herself. âOkayâŠâ
She smiles. âBut can I ask you somethinâ?â
âAnything.â
She hesitates. âWhy do you say all these nice things to meâŠAnd nobody else?â
Smoke is quiet for a moment.
Long enough to really think about it.
âThe truth isâŠI donât know.â He laughs softly. âItâs just⊠Somethinâ about you⊠You make me want to. Iâm really just sayinâ how I feel.â He smiles. âI get happy when I talk to youâŠWhen I see you.â
Annie canât stop smiling.
That answer feelsâŠReal.
âI got another question.â
Smoke laughs. âI see you full of âem today.â
She giggles. âI donât have any girls I need to worry about⊠Right? No recent ex-girlfriends?â
Smoke grows thoughtful.
He knows this answer matters.
âNo. I ainât got no ex-girlfriends. I ainât really done relationships as a grown man. I didnât do âem in high school neither.â He exhales. âNow⊠Do I mess around? The truth isâŠYeah. I ainât tied down to nobody. And I havenât been.â
The smile slowly fades from Annieâs face.
Part of her is relieved. Another partâŠ
Feels uneasy.
âWhy havenât you done a relationship? You a player or somethinâ?â
Smoke laughs. A genuine laugh. âNah. A playa lies. I donât.â He shrugs. âRelationships just ainât been my focus. I got dreams Iâm chasinâ. I got work. I got hustles. I always told women exactly what it was.â
Annie goes quiet. ââŠOh.â
Thatâs it. Just⊠âOh.â
Smoke immediately notices.
The warmth that had been in her voice moments agoâŠIs gone.
His stomach sinks.
Damn. I scared her.
âThatâs it? No more questions?â
âNo.â
He smiles to himself. âDonât lie to me. If thereâs somethinâ you wanna knowâŠAsk.â
âIâŠâShe stops herself.
Smoke closes his eyes.
He already knows. âYou scared I just want one thing from youâŠAinât you?â
Silence.
Annie swallows. ââŠYeah Smokeâ
She notices she called him Smoke instead of Elijah. She hadnât even realized it.
Smoke notices too.
And the distance in it makes something tighten in his chest.
Annie finally lets everything out.
âGrowing upâŠMy dad always told me a lotta men play games. They only want one thing.â She sighs. âFine niggas like you⊠They always got a lotta women. Thatâs what I was afraid of. I donât wanna be in the mix. Iâm not that type of girl.â
Smoke shakes his head. âI know you ainât.â His voice is gentle. âThe only thing I want from you⊠Is to get to know you. I wanna see where this goes. You got my attention. Ainât nobody else got it.â He pauses. âRight nowâŠMy life consist of workâŠHustlinâ⊠Chasinâ a dream and when I get done wit all thatâŠâ He smirks. âI come home⊠And call you.â
Annie feels her chest loosen.
âI hope me beinâ honest ainât scare you. I just wanted to answer yo questions truthfully.â
A slow smile returns to Annieâs face. âOkay.â
âYou good?â
âYeah.â She laughs softly. âIâm good.â
Smoke finally exhales. âGood. âCause I wouldâve hated to mess this up.â
Annieâs heart melts a little. âYou didnât.â
He smiles. âNowâŠMy turn.â
She giggles dramatically. âOh Lord. What you wanna know?â
âYo parents still together?â
âMhmm.â
âHow many siblings you got?â
âI got six.â
Smokeâs eyebrows shoot up. âSix?â
She laughs. âYep.â
âWho the oldest?â
âMe.â
âDamn, Shorty. So you basically helpinâ raise all them.â
She laughs. âUnfortunately. I love âemâŠBut they bad as hell. What about you?â
âI got one brother.â
âOh.â
Just thenâKnock. Knock. âHold on.â
She lays the phone on the bed.
Smoke listens without even pretending not to.
He hears Annie greet her mother.
Then hears every word about helping with her little sisterâs hair. Helping her dad.
Her mom leaving for two weeks.
Helping Edward with the younger kids.
By the time the bedroom door closes againâŠ
Smoke understands.
No wonder she always seems tired.
No wonder she carries herself the way she does. Sheâs been carrying everybody else for a long time.
Annie picks the phone back up. âHello?â
âYeah. Iâm still here.â
She laughs. âYou was eavesdroppinâ?â
âDamn right.â
Annie busts into laughter. She covers her mouth. âElijahâŠYou a mess.â
âI know.â He grins. âYou do a lot, huh?â
She sighs. âYeah. I do. But enough about me.â She smiles. âDid Tobias ask you about the And1 game next weekend?â
âHe did. We already got our tickets.â
His eyebrows lift. âWhat? You goinâ too?â
âOf course. Iâve been the last two years.â
Smoke laughs. âDamn. Me too. Iâm surprised I ainât never seen you.â
âI know, right?â
He smiles. âWellâŠI hope I see you this time.â
Annie grins. âYou will.â
Smokeâs heart skips. âOh yeah?â
âMhmm.â She smiles to herself. âJust donât be starinâ at me the whole time.â
Smoke laughs. âShit⊠I ainât makinâ no promises.â
Annie shakes her head, smiling. âI knew you was gonâ say that. And I already know you gonâ catch me lookinâ at you too.â She goes quiet for a second. ââŠMaybe.â
Smoke grins. âIâll take a maybe.â
Another comfortable silence settles between them. Neither of them rushes to fill it.
Neither of them wants to hang up.
Smoke smiles into the receiver. âGuess Iâma have to give you another reason to smile tomorrow.â
Annie bites her lip. âI guess weâll see.â
âYou will.â
His confidence makes her laugh again.
âThere go that laugh.â Smoke says softly. âTold you I was gonâ keep you laughinâ.â
Annie smiles into the phone. âGood night, Elijah.â
His chest warms. âGood night, Pretty Eyes.â
This timeâŠNeither of them hangs up right away. They simply stay on the lineâŠ
SmilingâŠ
Listening to each otherâs breathingâŠ
Until one of them finally finds the strength to hang up.
đđđđđđđđđđđđ
Itâs Wednesday evening of the following week
Smoke pulls into the parking lot at Hickman Mills just as football practice is letting out.
The sun hangs low in the sky, casting long shadows across the pavement.
Players spill out of the field house laughing, helmets tucked beneath their arms, shoulder pads still strapped on.
Smoke leans against the side of his truck with his arms folded across his chest.
His cousin had pointed Ryan out on Monday.
So todayâŠThere wouldnât be any guessing.
A few minutes later, Ryan walks out in his practice uniform with Dana beside him.
Smoke pushes himself off the truck.
His expression never changes.
He walks straight toward them.
Ryan notices him first.
His conversation trails off.
Smoke sizes him up from head to toe.
Light-skinned. Lanky build. Fresh fade.
Handsome. He doesnât look intimidating.
Danaâs eyes drift over Smoke for a second longer than she intends. Heâs easily one of the finest men sheâs ever seen.
Smoke stops a few feet away. âAyeâŠYou Ryan?â
Ryan looks confused. ââŠYeah. Why?â
Smoke nods once. âI heard you was lookinâ for me.â
Ryan frowns. âI donât even know you.â
âYou right. You donât.â Smokeâs eyes harden. âBut I heard you wanted to fight the nigga that kissed Annie.â He points to himself. âThatâs me. Smokeâ A moment passes. âSo⊠Whatâs up? Iâm here.â
Ryan blinks. His eyes flick toward Dana before landing back on Smoke.
Dana folds her arms. âWhat the hell he talkinâ about?â
Ryan shakes his head a little too quickly.
âI donât know.â
Smoke lets out a humorless laugh. âNah. You know exactly what Iâm talkinâ about. You wrote Annie that disrespectful ass letter. Cryinâ like a bitch âcause you finally realized she wasnât cominâ back. And at the end of itâŠYou said you wanted to fight me.âSmoke shrugs. âSo I figured Iâd save you the trouble of wonderinâ where to find me. Iâm here to see if you really about what you said in that letter. Nigga you know we from the show me state. I donât play around wit threats. I really will take it how far you wanna go.â
Ryanâs face tightens. âShe lyinâ.â
Smoke stares at him.
Expressionless. âOhâŠSo now she lyinâ.â He tilts his head. âSo you ainât spray paint âhoeâ on her locker either?â
Ryanâs eyes dart away for the briefest second.
Dana notices. Her eyebrows knit together. âWaitâŠThat was you?â
Ryan looks at her immediately. âNah. It wasnât me.â
Dana doesnât look convinced.
Smoke shakes his head slowly. âI figured this was how it was gonâ go. I knew you was gonâ bitch up.â He steps a little closer. Not aggressively. Just enough that Ryan has to look at him. âYou real loud when itâs a woman. But when itâs time to stand on what you saidâŠwhen it comes to a man, you real quiet.â
He lets the sentence hang.
Ryan swallows.
Smoke steps directly into his face.
Damn near nose to nose.
Smokeâs voice stays calm. Almost too calm.âListen to me. Leave Annie the fuck alone. No more letters. No more calls. No more embarrassinâ her. No more games. Sheâs made it clear sheâs doneâŠif she tells me youâve done any of the sortâŠThen Iâm makinâ a trip back up here and we gonâ make them words you put in that letter come to fruition my nigga.â
Ryan doesnât answer. He canât.
The confidence heâd carried walking out of practice is completely gone.
He never expected the guy Annie kissed to actually show up.
Much less stand in front of him this calmly.
Or make it this clear that Annie wasnât dealing with everything by herself anymore.
Smoke holds his gaze for another long moment.
He sees nothing but fear in his eyes.
Ryan canât meet his eyes for more than a second before looking away.
Smoke gives a small shake of his head.
âThatâs what I thought.â
He turns and walks back toward his truck without another word.
Dana watches him leave before slowly looking back at Ryan.
The next day after school, Annie is in the newspaper room with Ebony, putting the finishing touches on an article before the next edition goes to print.
The room is quiet except for the tapping of keyboards and the hum of the computers.
Annie rereads her last paragraph, making a few edits before saving her work.
Ebony grins. âI heard yoâ nigga Smoke came up here yesterday and checked the fuck outta Ryan.â
Annieâs fingers freeze on the keyboard.
Her stomach drops. âWhat?â
âMhmm.â Ebony nods enthusiastically.
âGirl, had that nigga shook.â
Annie blinks a few times, trying to process what she just heard. âHow you find this out?â
âShit,â Ebony says with a laugh. âDana was there and you know she went and told her little friends. They couldnât hold water if they was a bucket.â
Annie leans back in her chair.
Her mind immediately starts racing.
ElijahâŠHe actually came up here?
A part of her is shocked.
Another partâŠCanât stop thinking about the promise heâd made over the phone. âIf he do anything else⊠I need you to tell me.â
Heâd never told her what he planned to do with that information.
She isnât sure whether she should be flatteredâŠOr upset.
Sheâs never had a man stand up for her like that before.
Usually, people expected her to deal with everything herself.
To ignore it. To move on.
InsteadâŠSmoke had listened.
And then he did something about it.
Ebony snaps her out of her thoughts.
âYou knew he was cominâ up here?â
Annie quickly shakes her head. âNo, girl. As a matter of fact, I told him I ainât want no problems.â She pauses before asking, âDo you know what he said to Ryan?â
Ebony nods. âApparently he told him to leave you aloneâŠAnd if he didnât stopâŠHe was gonâ come back up here and beat his ass.â She shrugs. âIn so many words.â
Annie lowers her eyes to the desk.
Before she can stop itâŠA small smile tugs at the corners of her mouth.
Ebony catches it immediately.
She points at her. âHold up. You actually like that shit?â
Annie tries to hide it. She canât.
A laugh slips out instead.
âActuallyâŠâ She smiles. âI do.â
She shrugs. âI meanâŠRyan disrespectful as hell. What he did was bullshit.â Her smile softens. âI justâŠâ She exhales. âI hope he finally leaves me alone now.â
Ebony nods slowly. âI guess.â
Annieâs smile fades. She turns fully toward her. âEbonyâŠI donât know what the fuck yoâ problem is. Ever since me and Ryan broke up, you been on some weird shit whenever Smoke come up.â
She shakes her head. âAs my friend You supposed to be on my side.â Her voice isnât loud. But itâs firm. âRyan the one who hurt me. Not the other way around.â
Ebony immediately drops her eyes.
She sighs. âYou right. My bad.â
She rubs the back of her neck.
âI am on your side. I justâŠâ She shakes her head. âI really loved yâall together. I guess I kept hopinâ heâd get his shit together.â She looks back at Annie. âBut he didnât. And that ainât fair to you. Iâm sorry. I have been trippinâ. I promise Iâma do better. Iâma support you.â
Annie studies her friendâs face for a long moment.
She can hear the sincerity in her voice. Slowly⊠She nods. âOkay.â
She decides to believe her.
StillâŠAs she turns back toward her computer, her thoughts drift to Smoke.
She can almost picture him standing outside the school, calm as ever, confronting Ryan without ever telling her beforehand.
Part of her wants to fuss at him for taking matters into his own hands.
The other partâŠThe part sheâd never admit out loudâŠFeels something warm bloom inside her chest.
For the first time in her lifeâŠ
She knows what it feels like to have someone stand beside her instead of expecting her to stand alone.
đđđđđđđđđđđđ
Later that night, Smoke and Annie are on the phone again.
At this point, itâs become a routine.
Every night around the same time, Smoke calls her.
Neither one says it out loudâŠ
But both of them look forward to it all day.
Smoke is lying across his bed with one arm behind his head, absently spinning a pen between his fingers.
Annie is curled up beneath her comforter, her homework already finished.
The conversation slows for a moment. âElijah?â
Smoke immediately smirks. âUh-oh. Whatâs up? I know that tone.â
Annie giggles. âMhmmâŠâ She lets the silence build for another second. âDid you come up to my school to check Ryan?â
Smoke stills. His pen stops spinning.
So the bitch-ass nigga snitched.
He lets out a quiet breath. âYeah. I did.â
Annie groans dramatically. âElijahâŠI said I ainât want any problems.â
âI know.â His voice stays calm. âAnd neither did I. Thatâs exactly why I went up there. I needed to make sure he ainât have a problem witâ meâŠâ He pauses. âOr you⊠And he donât. He ainât gonâ bother you no more.â
Annie shakes her head even though he canât see it. A smile slowly spreads across her face.
She honestly doesnât know what to do with this man.
He hears one thingâŠThen goes and handles it.
âYou somethinâ else.â She laughs. âI donât even know what to say.â
Smoke chuckles. âSay thank you.â
Annieâs mouth falls open. âWhat?â
âYou heard me, Shorty.â
She laughs harder. âUh-uh, Big Head. Iâm not.â
Smoke sucks his teeth. âOh yeah? Aight. See if I do anything else for you.â
Annie clicks her tongue. âYou will.â
Smoke laughs. âOh yeah?â
âI love yo confidence.â He smiles to himself. âThatâs the Annie I love to see.â
His words hit her square in the chest.
She doesnât even realize sheâs smiling until her cheeks start hurting.
All she can do is let out a little sigh.
Smoke smiles, hearing it through the phone. âI wish you worked today.â
Annie raises an eyebrow. âWhy?â
ââCauseâŠI miss seeinâ that pretty ass smile. And them bright eyes.â He pauses. âI wish you worked every day, truthfully.â
Annie laughs. âOhâŠSo you want me to be a slave?â
Smoke laughs with her. âNah. Never that. I just need you to bless my eyes.â
Annie shakes her head, smiling.
âElijahâŠThereâs plenty of other women in there to do that.â
Smoke laughs. A real laugh.
The kind that comes from his stomach. âYou funny as hell. I like that.â
Now Annieâs laughing too. âWhat? Whatâs funny?â
âYo ass.â
She smiles. âI was serious.â
âNah. You wasnât. You know better.â
She narrows her eyes. âWhat do I know?â
Smoke grins. âYou know I ainât even know no other women worked there besides you.â
Annieâs cheeks instantly warm. âOh yeah?â
âHell yeah. Thatâs news to me. Iâm just findinâ that out right now.â
Annie throws her head back laughing.
âWell played, Smoke.â
Smoke points toward the phone like she can see him. âItâs Elijah to you. Watch it.â
Annie bites her lip to stop another smile.
âOhâŠMy bad⊠Elijah.â
âThere you go.â Smoke nods proudly. âThatâs betterâŠAnnika. SoâŠYou got yo fit for Saturday?â
âOf course.â
Smoke hums in approval. âI canât wait to see it.â
âIs that right?â
âFasho. I love the way you dress.â
Annie blinks. âYou do?â
âMost definitely. I love seeinâ you outside them work clothes. I ainât gonâ lieâŠYou got style lil mama.â
Annie laughs softly. âElijahâŠSee? You be talkinâ about I be blowinâ yo head up. You blow mine up.â
Smoke lets out a chortle. âIâm just speakinâ the truth.â
âIf you say so.â She smiles to herself. âTruth isâŠI love the way you dress too. I be speechless every time I see you.â
Smoke smirks. âI can tell.â
Annie clicks her tongue. âHow?â
âI see the way you be lookinâ.â He laughs. âYou be lookinâ like you wanna pass out.â
Annie cackles so hard she has to pull the phone away from her ear.âOh, whatever, Big Head.â
Smoke laughs right along with her.
âI ainât lyinâ. You just donât realize yo face be tellinâ on you.â
âI do not.â
âYou do.â
âI donât.â
âYou do.â
She smiles. âAgree to disagree.â
Smoke grins. âIâma let you have this one.â
Just then, thereâs a knock at Annieâs bedroom door before it slowly opens.
Edward sticks his head inside.
âDamn. You still on the phone?â
Annie nods. âMhmm.â
Edward notices the smile stretched across her face. A slow grin spreads across his own. âYeahâŠI can tell.â
Annie immediately rolls her eyes. âBoy, what?â
Edward folds his arms.
âAinât never seen you smile this damn much.â He glances at the phone. âThatâs Smoke, ainât it?â
Annieâs cheeks instantly turn pink. âMind yo business.â
Edward laughs. âNah. Iâm just sayinââŠMy sister over here cheesinâ hard as hell. I know itâs serious.â
Annie throws a pillow at him. âGet out!â
Edward catches it, laughing.
âAight, aight.â He points toward the phone.
âTell Romeo I said whatâs up.â
Annie groans. âOh my GodâŠEd!â
He laughs all the way down the hallway.
Smoke heard every bit of it. He canât stop smiling. âSoâŠâ He chuckles. âRomeo, huh?â
Annie buries her face in her pillow. âDonât start.â
Smoke laughs. I ainât say nothinâ.â
âYou was finna.â
âI was thinkinâ about it.â
She shakes her head. âYou terrible.â
âI know.â He smiles. âIâll let you get back to yo family. Iâll see you tomorrow.â
âOkay. Iâll see you tomorrow too.â
âGoodnight, Pretty Eyes.â His voice softens just enough to make her stomach flutter. â
GoodnightâŠâ She smiles. âElijah.â
Neither of them says anything for another second.
Neither of them wants to hang up.
FinallyâŠ
Smoke smiles to himself. âSweet dreams, Annika.â
Annieâs heart does that little flip it always does when he says her name. âYou too.â
Smoke groans and rolls over, blindly reaching across the nightstand until his hand finds the receiver.
He answers without even opening his eyes. âWhat it is?â
Stackâs voice comes through the other end. âAye, me and Tobias finna pull up. Roll up.â
Smoke lets out a tired groan. He hasnât even gotten out of bed yet. âAight, bro.â
âBet.â
The line goes dead.
Smoke tosses the phone back onto the cradle before dragging himself out of bed.
He walks into the living room, unlocks the front door, then grabs his rolling tray off the coffee table.
The TV flickers on as he settles onto the couch. He starts breaking the weed down, expertly rolling a blunt.
A few minutes later, Stack and Tobias walk right in like they own the place.
Tobias drops onto the couch. âWhatâs good, bro?â
Smoke doesnât even look up. âNothinâ. Just woke up.â
Stack pulls a blunt from behind his ear, sparks it, and takes a long pull. âNigga⊠I barely see yoâ ass anymore.â
Smoke chuckles. âNigga, you know where I live. You shouldâve been pulled up.â
Stack laughs. âNigga, you just had to fuck shit up wit Monica. Now you canât even come chill wit yo own bro.â
Smoke sucks his teeth. âI ainât fuck shit up. She the one trippinâ. I just been on some chill shit.â
Stack grins like he already knows better. âNigga, no you havenât.â
Smoke finally looks up.
Stack points the blunt toward him. âMonica came home yesterday yellinâ talkinâ âbout Shatara seen you at Skateland skatinâ wit some bitch⊠and yâall was kissinâ and shit.â
Smokeâs stomach instantly drops.
Damn. This is the last thing he needs.
He already knows exactly where this is headed. It isnât even about the fact that he was with somebody else. Itâs the fact that he hasnât really been fucking with Monica lately.
And now she knows he was out in public with another woman. Kissing her.
Smoke rarely took women out.
If he dealt with somebody, he either pulled up to her place or she came to his. Between hustling and work, he never really cared about going on dates.
So why the hell did he kiss Annie in the middle of a skating rink? In front of everybody. That wasnât even him.
ButâŠHe doesnât regret it. Not even a little bit. If somebody gave him the chance to do it all over againâŠHeâd kiss her the exact same way.
He still canât get the feeling of her lips out of his mind.
Tobias laughs.
Smoke cuts his eyes at him before looking back at Stack. âDamn⊠people nosey as fuck.â
Stack passes the blunt to Tobias. âMan, you was out in public wit the shit. What you expect?â
âI expect people to mind they fuckinâ business. I donât owe nobody shit.â
Tobias nods in agreement before passing the blunt to Smoke.
Smoke takes a slow pull.
âYou know how girls be,â Tobias says. âSoon as you give âem some dick or some money, they think they own yoâ ass.â
Stack busts out laughing. âFacts. They donât listen for shit.â He shakes his head. âI gotta admit though, bro⊠when Monica said you was kissinâ her in publicâŠâ He points at Smoke. âI ainât believe that shit.â
âShe not a bitch.â His voice comes out lower than before. âWatch yoâ mouth.â
Both Stack and Tobias look at him.
Stackâs eyebrows shoot up. âNigga⊠what?â He points the blunt at Smoke. âNow you standinâ up for her too?â He laughs louder. âHer pussy must be gold.â
âStack,â Tobias cuts in, âshut the fuck up.â
Stack looks over at him.
Tobias shrugs. âShe is fine as fuck though.â He looks back at Smoke. âLeave the nigga alone.â
Now Smokeâs looking at Tobias sideways. Confused. Not just because Tobias defended himâŠBut because he called Annie fine. Something about hearing another man say it rubs him the wrong way.
Tobias notices the look immediately. He laughs. âDonât look at me like that, nigga.â He raises both hands. âI ainât mean shit by it.â
Stack notices everything. âOhhhâŠâ He points back and forth between Smoke and Tobias. âNahâŠâ
He starts laughing even harder. âWhoever this girl is⊠âHe points at Smoke. âShe got you trippinâ already.â
Smoke rolls his eyes. âI ainât trippinâ.â
âThe fuck you ainât.â Stack grins. âAnd Tobias⊠Shatara said you was caked up wit her friend too.â
Tobias clicks his tongue. âYeah⊠and?â I donât owe nobody shit either.â
Stack throws his hands in the air. âDamn! So yâall just left a nigga out?â He starts laughing. âI know they got some more friends.â He points at Smoke. âHook me up.â
Smoke shakes his head immediately. âMan, hell nah.â He laughs. âDonât nobody wanna be caught up in yoâ drama.â
âWhatever.â Stack smirks. âLook like you in some drama now.â
âI ainât into shit.â Smoke leans back on the couch. âMonica ainât my baby mama or my girl.â
Stack nods slowly. âYeahâŠâ A grin creeps across his face. âTell her that.â
Smoke sighs. The other women heâs dealt with never acted like this.
They understood exactly what it was.
If they saw him, they saw him. If they didnâtâŠThey kept living.
But MonicaâŠSomewhere along the line sheâd started feeling entitled to him.
Maybe because heâd spent a little more time around her. Maybe because she lived with Stack. Either wayâŠSmoke hated it.
He didnât want any woman feeling like she had a claim on him.
WellâŠAlmost none.
His thoughts drift back to Annie.
Oddly enoughâŠIf Annie ever acted a little jealous over himâŠHe doesnât think heâd mind. Matter of factâŠHe thinks heâd actually like it.
Smoke catches himself and quietly chuckles. âDamnâŠâ
Stack immediately looks over. âWhatâs so funny?â He reaches toward Smoke. âAnd nigga⊠pass the blunt.â
Smoke hands it over. âNothinâ, nigga. Damn.â
Stack takes the blunt, side-eyeing him the whole time.
A slow grin spreads across his face.
âNahâŠâ He points at Smoke. âYou smiling too much.â
Smoke frowns. âI always smile.â
âThe fuck you do.â Stack laughs. âNigga⊠you got that look.â
âWhat look?â
âThe look a nigga get when he really fuck wit somebody.â
Smoke immediately shakes his head. âYou sound dumb as hell.â
Stack and Tobias exchange a glance before busting into laughter.
Smoke just sucks his teeth and leans back into the couch. He can deny it all he wants.
But judging by the way his mind keeps drifting back to AnnieâŠ
Even heâs starting to wonder if his brother might be onto something.
đđđđđđđđđđđ
Out south at Annieâs house, the cool Sunday morning breeze drifts through the open bedroom window, making the white curtains sway gently.
Bobby Jones Gospel plays quietly on BET in the background while the smell of breakfast floats through the house.
Annie sits cross legged on her bed while Rhonda and Devin lounge across it, making themselves right at home.
Devin grins. âSo I hear yâall had a ball Friday with them fine ass niggas yâall met at the mall.â She points at Annie. âAnd I heard you was kissinâ Smoke and gave him yoâ number.â
Annieâs eyes immediately cut to Rhonda.
Rhonda busts out laughing. âMy bad, Annie. It was too good not to tell. I had to.â
Annie sucks her teeth. âDamn. I canât even tell my own business.â
âNope,â Rhonda says with a shrug.
Devin leans in, smiling. âSo⊠how was the kiss, Annie?â
Annie instantly blushes
Devinâs eyes get wide. âDamn⊠it was that good?â
Annie laughs and throws a pillow at her. âShut up.â
Rhonda intercepts and catches the pillow before it hits Devin. âUh-uh. Donât avoid the question, Annie.â She points at her. âI wanna know too.â
Annie rolls her eyes before letting out a small sigh. âTruth isâŠâ A smile slowly spreads across her face. âIt was so damn good.â She shakes her head, almost laughing at herself. âLike⊠I canât stop thinkinâ about it.â
Rhonda and Devin let out matching squeals.
âI know thatâs right!â Devin says.
âShit, I wouldnât be able to either if I was you,â Rhonda adds. âYâall was all into it too. I thought yâall was finna crash into somebody out there.â
Annie laughs. âI meanâŠâ She shrugs. âI was a little lost in it. Not gonna lie.â She bites her lip for a second. âHis lips are so soft.â
Rhonda dramatically fans herself. âLook at you beinâ fast.â
âMhmm,â Devin agrees, laughing.
Annie shakes her head. âHe kissed me first. I was not expectinâ that.â
Rhonda smirks. âSo? You liked it.â She nudges Annieâs knee. âYou just as guilty as him.â She tilts her head. âNow⊠has he called you yet?â
Annie sighs. âNo⊠not yet.â She looks down at her hands. âAnd Iâm so nervous, yâall.â
Devin furrows her brows. âWhy? Yâall already broke the ice with the letters.â
âI knowâŠâ Annie smiles nervously. âBut that donât make me any less nervous.â
Devin laughs. âI gotta see this nigga.â She points between Annie and Rhonda. âHe must be fine as hell for you to still be nervous.â
Rhonda doesnât hesitate. âOh, he is.â She nods confidently. âHe fine as hell.â She looks at Devin. âWait âtil you see him.â
Annie slowly turns and side eyes Rhonda. âAyeâŠâ She points at her. âWatch it now.â
The words come out jokinglyâŠBut Annie feels a tiny pinch in her chest. It surprises her. Rhonda isnât lying.
Smoke is fine. More than fine actually.
So why did hearing another woman say it bother her?
Rhonda notices Annieâs expression and laughs. âWhat, Annie? I ainât blind.â She shrugs. âTobias fine as hell too, though.â
Devin snaps her fingers. âI know thatâs right.â Then she looks at Annie with a grin. âClaim yoâ man.â
Annieâs eyebrows shoot up. âThatâs not my man.â
Devin laughs. âShit⊠he might as well be.â She throws her hands up. âYâall kissinâ and shit.â
âShut up.â Annie throws another pillow, making all three of them bust into laughter.
After everyone settles down, Devin grins again. âAnywayâŠâ She points between Annie and Rhonda. âWhen am I gonâ get to meet them? And when yâall gonâ hook me up with a brother or cousin or somethinâ?â
Rhonda laughs. âDamn, girl. We still tryna get to know them ourselves.â
Annie cracks up.
Rhonda suddenly snaps her fingers. âOoh! I wanna go to the And1 game at Kemper.â She points at Annie. âIâma tell Tobias he and Smoke should go.â Then she smiles. âAnd Annie⊠you cominâ.â
Annie shakes her head, already laughing. âYou always plottingâ.â
âSomebody gotta help yâall,â Rhonda says proudly.
Devin folds her arms. âWell damn. I donât get no invite?â
Rhonda clicks her tongue. âYou and Ebony can come too.â
Devin grins. âOh, Iâm cominâ.â
She points at Rhonda. âAnd tell them to bring a brother or a friend.â
Rhonda nods. âGot you.â
Annie just shakes her head, smiling to herself.
She tries to act like all of Rhondaâs plotting is ridiculousâŠBut deep downâŠShe hopes Smoke says yes.
8:30 p.m. rolls around, and Smoke is just getting home from trapping.
Heâs calling it an early night because he has plans.
Heâs finally gonna call Annie.
He knows he canât call her too late since sheâs still in school and has to be up early in the morning. The thought makes him chuckle to himself.
He wouldâve called her yesterday, but work kept him late. Brandon called out, leaving Smoke stuck breaking down the grill by himself before closing.
By the time he got home, it was too late.
Annie had been off yesterday anyway.
After taking a hot shower, he throws on a white T-shirt and a pair of gray basketball shorts before flopping onto his bed.
He reaches over to his nightstand, grabs his Nokia, and stares at it for a second.
A smile creeps onto his face.
Instead of calling right away, he decides to give her a heads up.
His thumbs move across the keypad.
Hey, itâs me, Smoke. Iâm gettinâ ready to call.
He hits send.
Out southâŠ
Annie is lying on her stomach across her bed, one foot kicking lazily in the air while she finishes her homework.
Her bedroom is quiet except for the soft hum of her ceiling fan and the scratch of her pencil across the paper.
Her Nokia suddenly vibrates against her comforter.
She reaches for it absentmindedly.
The second she reads the screenâŠ
Her heart skips. Smoke.
A smile instantly spreads across her face.
YesâŠShe saved his number the very night he asked for hers.
Even though sheâd never worked up the courage to call him herself.
Butterflies explode in her stomach.
Heâs about to call. Her palms suddenly feel warm. Sheâs so nervous she almost feels sick.
Taking a deep breath, she types back carefully.
Okay. Call in ten minutes. My minutes are free.
She smiles to herself after pressing send.
One more minute and she wouldâve been paying for that call.
Smokeâs phone buzzes almost immediately.
He reads her message and laughs, shaking his head.
He forgot all about free nights starting at nine.
He quickly replies.
Got you.
Then he sets his phone on the nightstand and glances at the clock.
Eight fifty. Only ten more minutes.
For some reasonâŠ
Those ten minutes suddenly feel like theyâre taking forever.
Annie watches the clock on her nightstand. 8:58âŠ8:59âŠ9:00.
Her stomach twists into knots.
She wipes her sweaty palms against her pajama shorts.
Please donât ring yetâŠ
A second later⊠Her Nokia lights up and begins to ring. 9:01.
Her heart immediately starts pounding.
She stares at the screen for a moment. Smoke
She inhales slowly.
Okay, Annie⊠answer the phone.
She presses the button. âHello?â
The second Smoke hears her voice, a smile spreads across his face.
DamnâŠShe sounds even sweeter over the phone.
His heart gives a little flutter he wasnât expecting. âSup, Pretty Eyes?â he says with a grin. âThought you wasnât gonâ answer.â
Annieâs stomach flips all over again.
LordâŠHis voice sounds even better over the phone. Deep. Smooth.
She can practically hear the smile in it.
A nervous giggle slips out before she can stop it.
The sound pulls at something in Smokeâs chest.
He already likes making her laugh.
âWhy you call me that?â she asks softly.
Smoke smiles. âCall you what?â
She smiles too. âPretty Eyes.â
A quiet chuckle rumbles through the phone. âI call you that âcause yoâ eyes big and beautiful.â He pauses for a second. âAinât nobody ever told you that before?â
Annie feels warmth rush into her cheeks.
ThankfullyâŠHe canât see her blushing.
She smiles to herself. âNot really.â
Smoke shakes his head. âWellâŠIâm tellinâ you now. And Iâm gonâ keep tellinâ you.â
Annie bites the inside of her cheek to hide another smile. âThank you.â
Smoke chuckles. âAinât no need to thank me. Iâm just tellinâ the truth.â
Another soft giggle escapes her.
Smoke smiles to himself.
He could get used to hearing that.
âSoâŠâ He shifts against his headboard. âWhat you doinâ?â
âI just finished doinâ some homework.â
Smoke lets out an amused laugh. âOh⊠Itâs been a minute since I heard somebody say that.â
Annie raises an eyebrow even though he canât see it. âOh?â She smiles. âIs that a bad thing?â
Smoke sucks his teeth. âMan, nah.â He laughs. âAt least you actually do yoâ homework.â
That earns another laugh from Annie.
âWell, yeah. Of course. Iâm not on the principalâs honor roll for nothinâ.â
Smoke blinks. âDamn. So that mean you make straight Aâs?â
A shy smile spreads across Annieâs face. âMhmm.â
Smoke leans back against the headboard.
He honestly doesnât know what to say for a second. Every time he learns something new about her⊠She impresses him even more. She isnât just beautiful. She has goals. She works. She stays out of trouble.
And nowâŠShe makes straight Aâs.
He shakes his head with a smile. âThatâs dope, Annie.â His voice softens. âThe more you tell me about yo selfâŠThe more I wanna know.â
âThank you.â Annie smiles to herself before asking, âWhat school you graduate from?â
âI graduated from Central.â
âOh.â She nods even though he canât see her. âI got a couple cousins that go there.â
âYeah?â
âYeah. Oneâs a senior and oneâs a sophomore.â
âThatâs whatâs up.â Smoke shifts against his headboard. âSo what school you go to?â
âI go to Hickman Mills.â She pauses. âYou know where thatâs at?â
Smoke lets out a quiet laugh. âOf course. I know Kansas City like the back of my hand.â
Annie smiles to herself, feeling a little silly.
Of course he knew. She shouldâve known better than to ask. âMy bad,â she says with a little laugh. âGuess I ainât think about that.â
Smoke chuckles. âWhat you apologizinâ for? You ainât assume nothinâ.â He pauses. âI like that.â
Annieâs cheeks warm.
She isnât exactly sure how to respond to that.
The silence isnât awkward anymore.
Itâs⊠comfortable.
Smoke fills it without missing a beat.
âSo you stay closer to Raytown?â
âYeah. Off 87th.â She smiles. âRight across the street is considered Raytown.â
âOh, I know exactly where thatâs at.â
âMhmm.â She tucks a loose strand of hair behind her ear. âSo you stay in the city?â
âYeahâŠâHe laughs. âSomewhat.â
Annie grins. âSomewhat? What that mean?â
âI stay off Eastwood Trafficway.â He shrugs even though she canât see him. âIt ainât deep in the city. Itâs right off seventy one highway.â
âOhhh. I get it.â She nods. âYou grow up there?â
âNah. I grew up in the Thirties.â He pauses. âYou know where thatâs at?â
âNah.â She laughs softly. âI ainât never been to the Thirties.â
Smoke raises an eyebrow. âFor real?â
âFor real.â
âDo you come to the city at all?â
âNot really.â She starts counting on her fingers. âJust to visit family⊠The Plaza⊠Crown Center⊠And Ward Parkway.â
Smoke laughs. A real laugh.
Annie smiles. âWhat?â She laughs too. âWhatâs funny?â
âMy bad, lilâ mama.â Smoke shakes his head. âI donât really consider none of that the city.â He grins. âIâm gonâ have to take you around and show you the city for real.â
Butterflies instantly fill Annieâs stomach. She canât stop herself from smiling. âFor real?â She leans back against her pillows.âLike where?â
Smoke starts naming places without even thinking. âTroostâŠProspectâŠThe Fifties⊠The ThirtiesâŠThe West BottomsâŠ.Parker SquareâŠWayne Minor.â He chuckles. âBoth of them the projects, but they be lit in the daytimeâŠAnd the food over thereâŠâ He kisses his teeth. âManâŠItâs some good ass food in the city.â
âOh yeah?â Annie asks. âLike where?â
âHumdingers.â He answers immediately. âGo Chicken Go.â
âIâve had Go Chicken Go onceâŠI liked it.â
Smoke laughs. âYeah. They gizzards good as hell.â
âThey are.â Annie laughs. âBut we got good food out here too.â
âOh yeah?â Smoke smiles. âLike what?â
âWe got Godfatherâs PizzaâŠBig Tâs and Fish City.â She grins. âGodfatherâs got the best pizza ever.â
Smoke nods. âIâll give you Fish City. I ainât never had Godfatherâs though.â
Annie gasps dramatically. âYouâve never had Godfatherâs?â
âNah.â
âThey really good. We eat it all the time.â
Smoke hums. âHmm⊠I still think Santoraâs got the best pizza around here.â He pauses just long enough for Annie to wonder where heâs going with it. âButâŠâ His voice softens. âMaybe we can hit up Godfatherâs one dayâŠYou can make a believer outta me.â
Annieâs heart skips. Heâs already making plans. Not someday in theory.
One day. With her.
She smiles so hard her cheeks begin to hurt. âOkay.â It comes out barely above a whisper.
Thereâs a brief silence.
Not an awkward one.
Just long enough for Smoke to hear the hesitation in her voice.
He smiles to himself. âAnnie.â
âHmm?â
âYou still scared of me?â
Annie opens her mouth.
Nothing comes out. She bites her lip instead.
Smoke chuckles softly. âItâs okay.â His voice is calm. âBe honest witâ me.â
Annie lets out a quiet sigh. ââŠYeah.â She closes her eyes. âIâm still very nervous.â
Smoke grunts. âWhy?â
Annie fiddles with her comforter
âI told you.â She laughs nervously. ââCause you look too good, SmokeâŠAnd you older.â She pauses. âI mean⊠Why me?â
Smoke shifts again against his headboard and chuckles. âDamn, Shorty. If you call me fine one more time, my head gonâ get big.â
That pulls a genuine laugh out of Annie. âOh, please, Elijah.â She smiles. âDonât act like women ainât never called you fine.â
âI meanâŠâSmoke shrugs. âYeah, they do. ButâŠâ His voice softens. âNone of âem ever made me feel like you do when they say it.â
Annieâs stomach flips so hard she has to press a hand against it.
She doesnât know what to do with that.
Smoke continues before she can overthink it. âStop askinâ why you, Annie.â He pauses. âWhy not you?â
Another quiet silence settles between them. âIâm the one whoâs nervous as hell.â He laughs at himself. âAnd Iâm happy you even gave me the time of day.â His tone grows more sincere. âYou differentâŠ.You so pretty to me.â He smiles. âYou one of the most beautiful women I ever laid my eyes on.â He pauses for a moment. âI know niggas tell you that shit all the timeâŠDonât they?â
Annie canât stop smiling now. Her cheeks hurt. She canât believe this man is really saying all of this to her.
Especially over the phone.
She lets out a shy laugh. âUmâŠI meanâŠYeah.â She shrugs even though he canât see it. âDudes holler at me.They call me sexy. ButâŠâ She smiles to herself. âYou know how high school boys are. They donât compliment girls like that. They too busy tryna be hard and impress they friends.â
Smoke nods. âYeahâŠBut Iâm a grown ass man, Annie. Iâm not scared to say how I feel. Iâm not ashamed to tell you how beautiful I think you are.â His voice remains steady. Honest. âAnd I ainât tryna rush to take you out. I know we gotta take our time to get there.â He smiles. âBut⊠Just so you know eventuallyâŠI wanna get to that point.â
Annieâs heart melts. Oh my GodâŠ
Heâs saying all the right things.
She smiles into her pillow. âI know and I do too.â
Smoke smiles so hard his cheeks start hurting. âIâm gonâ be patient witâ youâŠI promise.â
Another piece of Annieâs nervousness melts away. âOkay.â
Smoke can hear the difference in her voice now. Sheâs smiling.
âYou feel a little better?â
Annie giggles. âYeah. I do. Thank you.â
Smoke grins. âYou welcomeâŠâ He pauses just long enough to tease her. âAnnika.â
Annieâs mouth falls open. She starts laughing. âYou really sayinâ my real name right now?â
âHell yeah.âSmoke laughs with her. âYou been usinâ mine.â He shrugs. âItâs only fair, right?â
Annie shakes her head, smiling so hard her cheeks ache. âYesâŠâ She laughs again. âElijah.â
The way she says his name has him swooning. He doesnât know why.
He just knowsâŠHe hopes she never stops saying it. âGood.â
Smoke glances at the clock on his nightstand. âWell⊠itâs gettinâ late. âI know you got school tomorrowâŠAnd work.â
Annie laughs. âHow you know I got work tomorrow?â
Smoke grins. âCome on now.â
That answer makes Annie laugh even harder. The conversation has gone by so fast she hadnât even realized what time it was. Truth be toldâŠShe doesnât want it to end.
And if Smoke is being honest with himselfâŠNeither does he.
A comfortable silence settles between them. Neither one feels the need to rush and fill it anymore.
Smoke breaks it first. âI canât wait to see you tomorrow.â
The words come out before he can overthink them.
Annie smiles into her pillow. âI canât wait to see you either.â
Smoke grins. âGood. Make sure you act like it too.â
Annie laughs. âWhatâs that supposed to mean?â
âYou know exactly what it mean.â He chuckles. âWhen you see me, you can at least speak to me.â
Annie shakes her head even though he canât see her. âI meanâŠâ She smiles. âYou can speak too. Instead of just starinâ.â
Smoke laughs. âI do be tryinâ to speakâŠ.You just be too busy lookinâ away from meâŠâ He pauses. âYou donât even look at me long enough.â
Annie clicks her tongue. âI do look at you long enough.â
âNah.â He laughs. âNot really, not as long as I want you to.â
âOh yeah?â
âHell yeah.â
She smiles, ready to argue back. âDonât even try it, Elijah. You break eye contact first a lot of the time.â She laughs. âAdmit it.â
Smoke lets out a chortle. âAightâŠâ He rubs the back of his neck. âYeah⊠sometimes I do.â He pauses. âBut thatâs âcause you got the type of eyes a nigga can get lost in.â His voice softens. âAnd I be tryna work. I canât afford to get lost in âem while we at work.â He smiles. âNow outside of workâŠThatâs a different story. I got all the time in the world then.â
Annie presses her face into her pillow to hide the smile spreading across it.
LordâŠShe wishes there was some way to record this conversation so she could play it back whenever she wanted.
The amount of times heâd made her blush⊠Laugh⊠Smile⊠All in one phone call⊠Sheâd lost count. âWhatever, Elijah.â
Neither of them wants to be the one to say goodbye.
FinallyâŠSmoke speaks. âWell, Pretty EyesâŠI hope you have a good night.â
Annie smiles. âI hope you do too.â
âIâll see you tomorrow.â
âSee you then.â
For a secondâŠNeither of them hangs up.
Almost like theyâre both waiting on the other person to do it first.
ThenâŠClick.
The line goes dead.
Smoke lays back against his pillow with a smile he canât seem to wipe off his face. He hardly ever smiled before her but now itâs something he seems to do all of the time.
That conversation couldnât have gone any better.
It started off with nervous laughs and awkward pausesâŠ
But somewhere in the middleâŠ
Everything just flowed.
Every time he made Annie laugh, something in his chest lit up.
He could practically picture her smiling on the other end of the phone.
He knew she was still nervous.
But by the end of the callâŠ
He could hear her relaxing.
She wasnât overthinking every word anymore.
She was simplyâŠTalking to him.
He smiles to himself.
Annie is humble to a fault.
As beautiful as she is, she still questions why heâd want her.
He hates that.
Because if anybody deserves to know how special they areâŠItâs her.
He wants her to see herself the way he already does.
And if itâs up to himâŠ
Heâs gonna spend however long it takes showing her.
He laughs at himself again, he canât believe he was already making plans to take her out. Smoke didnât mean to scare her, itâs like he couldnât help himself the words just tumbled out of his mouth so naturally, which is crazy because he didnât even go out on dates but yet there he was jumping the gun and already telling her about places he wanted to go. For some reason she just had that effect on him.
Still smiling, Smoke closes his eyes.
For the first time in a long timeâŠ
He falls asleep thinking about one person.
Across the city, Annie lies on her stomach, hugging her pillow close to her chest.
The room is quiet now.
Only the soft hum of the ceiling fan fills the air.
She stares at the glow in the dark stars on her ceiling, replaying every part of their conversation. It wasnât scary at all.
Not like sheâd convinced herself it would be.
InsteadâŠHe made her feel comfortable. Safe. Like she didnât have to pretend to be anybody but herself.
Every compliment heâd given herâŠ
Every jokeâŠ
Every time heâd called her âPretty EyesâŠâ
Every time heâd said her nameâŠ
She remembers all of it.
A smile slowly spreads across her face.
Sheâs already looking forward to talking to him again.
And maybeâŠJust maybeâŠHe was right.
She needed to stop asking herselfâŠ
Why me? Maybe it was finally time to start believing she was enough.
With that thought warming her heart, Annie snuggles deeper beneath her blankets.
Still smilingâŠShe slowly drifts off to sleep, wondering what tomorrow will bring.
The next morning at school, the hallways are already packed.
Lockers slam shut. Teachers stand in their doorways greeting students while conversations bounce off the cinderblock walls. The smell of cafeteria breakfast lingers in the air as students rush to beat the first bell.
Annie and Devin step through the front doors together.
Before theyâve even made it halfway down the hall, Devin nudges Annie with her elbow. âSoâŠâ
Annie already knows where this is going. She laughs. âDamn, Devin. We just stepped in the building. No time to waste, huh?â
âGirl, no. Iâve been waiting on this. Did he call you?â
Annie smiles to herself. âYeah, girl⊠we talked.â
Devin squeals loud enough to make a few students turn around. âI knew it! So howâd it go?â
Annie canât hide her smile. âIt went really good.â She looks down for a second, remembering the night before. âI didnât even wanna get off the phone.â
Devin grins. âOooooh.â
âMhmmâ Annie grins âHe said all the right things.â
Devin grabs Annieâs arm dramatically.
âYou gonâ have to give me every single detail.â
Annie rolls her eyes. âI guess.â
âDonât be like that, Annie.â
âWhatever.â
Still laughing, they stop in front of Annieâs locker.
She spins the combination and pulls the metal door open.
The moment it swings wideâŠ
A folded piece of paper flutters to the floor. Annieâs smile disappears. Her stomach twists.
Devin looks down. âOh hellâŠâ
She already knows. âDonât tell me Ryan wrote you another damn letter.â
Annie bends down and picks it up.
She doesnât even have to unfold it.
She recognizes the handwriting immediately.
She sighs. âYeah, girl.â
Devin throws her head back. âOh my God. He is not giving up. I wish he would.â
âSo do I.â
Annie stuffs the letter into her purse without opening it.
She slams her locker shut. âCome on.â
The two continue walking toward class.
By lunchtime, the cafeteria is buzzing.
Music leaks from somebodyâs headphones.
A group of boys is arguing over basketball while someone nearby laughs so hard they nearly choke on their fries.
Annie sits down with Rhonda, Ebony, and Devin.
She hasnât even opened her milk before Devin speaks. âSoâŠâ
Annie sighs. âWhat?â
âWhatâs the letter say?â
Ebony looks up. âWhat letter?â
Rhonda glances between them.
âFrom Smoke?â
Devin shakes her head. âNah. Ryanâs weird ass.â
Rhonda immediately sucks her teeth.
âOh, hell no.â
Ebony leans forward. âWhatâd he say?â
Annie shrugs. âI donât know. I ainât read it.â
Ebony blinks. âWhat? Why not?â
âBecause I donât care.â
Devin laughs. âWhere the letter at? We reading it right now.â
Skip all the formalities. Whatâs this shit I hear about you being at the skating rink with another dude? They said you was kissing him and everything. What the fuck is that? Ainât no way you moved on that quick. That means he been around this whole time.
I ainât dumb, and yet you mad at me about Dana while you was cheating the whole time? You a hypocrite.
Who he is, Ann? I wanna know.
Itâs funny how all of a sudden you can get out the house for him but couldnât make time for me.
What school the nigga go to?
When I find out who he is, itâs like that for him. We scrapping, and you better not get in the way.
âRyan
Devin slowly folds the letter.
The table is quiet for exactly three seconds.
Thenâ âI know his light-skinned ass was red as hell while writing this.â
The whole table busts into laughter.
Rhonda wipes tears from the corners of her eyes. âHeâs crazyâ
Devin shakes her head. âHe probably pressed so hard the pen almost ripped through the paper.â
More laughter.
Rhonda catches her breath.âRyan really think he tough.â
Devin snorts. âHe fake tough. He ainât fighting shit.â
Rhonda grins. âEspecially not Smoke.â She laughs. âHe talmbout, âWhat school the nigga go to? If only he knew.â
The girls laugh all over again.
Annie shakes her head. âI swearâŠâ
Once everyone settles down, Devin looks at Annie. âSo how you feel?â
Annie sighs. âHonestlyâŠâ She shrugs. âIâm just annoyed. Why are people even telling him my business?â
As she says it, Ebony looks down at her tray. She suddenly becomes very interested in her fries. Guilt flashes across her face. Rhonda notices. She doesnât say anything⊠But she definitely notices.
Ebony clears her throat. âSoâŠYou gonna write him back?â
Annie looks at her like sheâs lost her mind âHell no.â
âWhy not?â Ebony asks. âHe still fighting for you.â
Before Annie can answer, Rhonda jumps in. âI thought we already discussed this shit, Ebony.â She points across the table. âAnnie got a real man now. He older. He make his own money. He got his own car. And he fine as hell.â She laughs. âNo offense, AnnieâŠBut Ryan canât compete with that.â
Ebony clicks her tongue. âI guess.â
Annie finally looks directly at her. Her expression hardens. âIâm gonna be honest. I donât give a damn what you think or say about Ryan anymore. Iâm done.â The words come out calmâŠBut firm.
Ebony slowly raises her hands. âOkay, girl.â
The conversation moves on.
But Rhonda quietly studies Ebony from across the table.
Something about the way sheâd defended RyanâŠAgainâŠDidnât sit right with her.
A little while laterâŠ
The final bell rings.
Lockers slam shut all around the hallway as students flood toward the exits, laughing, talking, making plans.
Annie weaves through the crowd toward her locker. Sheâs already thinking about work. She still has to hurry home, change clothes, and make it to Red Lobster on time.
As she gets closer, something catches her eye. She slows. Then stops completely. Her stomach drops. Spray painted across the front of her locker in thick black letters is one word.
HOE
For a secondâŠShe canât move.
She just stares.
Her throat tightens as she swallows hard.
âNoâŠâ She whispers.
Her eyes dart up and down the hallway. Students continue walking by. Nobody says anything. A few glance over. Some look away quickly. Others stare a little longer than they should.
Heat rushes into Annieâs face.
She already knows who did itâRyan.
Who else would? Her jaw clenches.
Anger surges through her so fast it almost takes her breath away.
Are you serious?
She balls her hands into fists.
Part of her wants to march straight through the school and find him.
She wants to cuss him out.
Demand to know what gives him the right to humiliate her like this.
But she doesnât have time. She has to be at work.
Instead, she steps closer to the locker.
Maybe⊠she can wipe it off.
She rubs at the paint with the sleeve of her jacket. Nothing.
She tries harder. The black paint only smears a little. It isnât coming off.
Her heart sinks. âNo⊠noâŠâ
Students continue passing.
One boy nudges his friend and quietly points.
A couple of girls whisper to each other as they walk by.
Annie lowers her head. Her cheeks burn. Tears sting her eyes before she can stop them.
Not because she believes the word.
But because everyone else can see it.
Because now people are looking.
Wondering. Talking.
She blinks rapidly, refusing to let the tears fall.
âDonât cry.â
âDonât give anybody the satisfaction.â
She takes a shaky breath. Her mind races. Maybe the janitor can clean it tomorrow⊠No. Tomorrow is too late.
She canât leave it there overnight.
She canât come back in the morning and let the whole school see it.
That meansâŠSheâs going to be late for work.
The thought only frustrates her more.
Ryan didnât just vandalize her locker.
He stole her time. Embarrassed her.
Made her day harder.
All because she refused to take him back. Annie closes her eyes for a second and exhales slowly.
Then squares her shoulders.
Thereâs only one thing she can do.
She turns away from the locker and starts walking toward the principalâs office. Her footsteps are quick.
Itâs 4:00 p.m., and the dinner prep is in full swing at Red Lobster.
The kitchen hums with controlled chaos. Oil crackles in the fryers.
Steaks hiss as they hit the grill.
Someone calls out for more biscuits while another cook slides a rack of shrimp into the broiler.
Smoke works the line like he always does. Quick. Precise. Focused.
Or at leastâŠHeâs trying to be.
Every few minutes, his eyes drift toward the swinging kitchen doors.
Each time they push open, he instinctively looks up.
Every timeâŠItâs somebody else.
A server. A busser. A manager.
Not Annie.
He checks the clock mounted above the ticket machine. 4:00.
His brow furrows.
She was supposed to be here at three.
Annie wasnât the type to be late.
If anything, she usually showed up early.
He plates another order, but his mind isnât on the food.mWhere the hell is she?
His thoughts start running.
Did I keep her up too late on the phone?
He immediately dismisses it.
NahâŠThey hadnât even talked that long.
Maybe she didnât go to school today.
Or maybeâŠSomething happened.
That thought settles in his chest like a brick.
Without realizing it, he reaches into his pocket where his cell phone rests.
For a brief secondâŠHe thinks about calling her. Just one quick call.
Just to make sure sheâs alright.
His thumb brushes the phone.
Then he stops himself.
Man⊠what are you doing?
He shakes his head. Thatâd be doing too much. Theyâd just started talking.
He had no right to be checking on her whereabouts. StillâŠThe feeling wouldnât leave. He couldnât explain it.
Heâd never found himself worrying over a woman like this before.
Especially one heâd only known for a little while.
He grabs another plate and slides vegetables into place.
The kitchen doors swing open again.
His eyes lift automatically.
This timeâŠItâs her.
Relief washes over him so fast he almost laughs. There you are.
A smile starts to tug at the corner of his mouth.
ThenâŠHe really looks at her.
The smile disappears.
Somethingâs wrong. Very wrong.
She isnât smiling.
She isnât bouncing through the kitchen with that quiet little energy she always carries.
Her shoulders are slumped.
Her eyes stay fixed on the floor.
She doesnât greet anyone.
Doesnât glance toward the line.
Doesnât even look his way.
She quietly hangs her jacket on the hook. Grabs her server book.
Then heads straight back onto the floor.
Smoke watches her until the kitchen doors close again.
His chest burns. She hadnât even looked at him.
His mind immediately starts replaying the night before.
Did I say something wrong?
Did I move too fast?
Did I scare her off?
Theyâd left each other smiling.
Everything had been good.
SoâŠWhat happened between last night and today?
Before he can talk himself out of it, Smoke wipes his hands on a towel and steps away from the line.
One of the cooks looks over.
âWhere you goinâ?â
âIâll be back.â
Smoke pushes through the kitchen doors into the dining room.
He scans the restaurant.
Near the front entrance, he spots Annie.
Sheâs standing with her back to him, talking to Michelle.
Smoke slows his steps.
He isnât trying to eavesdrop.
But Annieâs voice carries.
ââŠIâm so sorry Iâm late.â
She sounds tired. âI had something bad happen at school, and I had to stay and take care of it.â
Smokeâs shoulders loosen just a little.
At leastâŠIt wasnât because of him.
Michelleâs expression softens.
âItâs okay, Annie. Bryan already told me what happened. Iâm so sorry that happened to you.â
Smokeâs ears perk up immediately.
His jaw tightens.
Something happened?
Michelle continues.
âYouâre never late, so youâre good.â
Annie nods. âThank you so much, Michelle.â
Michelle hesitates before asking,
âDo you know who did it?â
Annie lets out a quiet breath.
âYeah. I do. I reported it to the principal.â
Michelle nods firmly. âGood.I hope whoever did it gets exactly the punishment they deserve.â
Smokeâs stomach knots.
So somebody really did hurt her.
His hands slowly curl into fists at his sides.
He doesnât know what happened.
He doesnât know who did it.
But just hearing that someone had done something to make Annie walk in looking that defeatedâŠIt makes something hot settle in his chest.
He turns without saying a word and heads back toward the kitchen.
The sizzling grills and shouted ticket times fade into the background.
His mind is somewhere else now.
Whoever did thisâŠ
His jaw flexes.
I need to find out what happened.
Because one thing is becoming painfully clear to himâWhen it came to Annie⊠He was already more protective than he probably had any business being.
A little while later, Annie pushes through the kitchen doors to pick up another order.
The kitchen is still loud.
The fryers hiss.
The grill crackles.
Cooks call out ticket times over one another while servers weave in and out of the narrow galley.
Normally, Annie would be smiling.
TonightâŠSheâs quiet.
She steps up to the window and waits for her food.
Smoke looks up from the line.
His eyes immediately find her.
She looks exhausted.
The brightness she usually carries is gone. Even her shoulders seem heavier.
He gives her a small nod.
Annie notices and quietly nods back.
No smile. No shy giggle.
No blushing before looking away.
JustâŠA nod.
Smokeâs chest tightens.
He catches her eyes for only a second, but thatâs all he needs.
The hurt is still there.
Those big, pretty doe eyes that usually sparkled looked dull tonight.
He hates seeing them like that.
For a split second, he thinks about saying something. You alright?
What happened? Who did it?
Anything. But the words never leave his mouth.
The kitchen isnât the place. Theyâre both working. People are everywhere.
So insteadâŠHe slides her plate through the window.
She quietly mouths, âThank you.â
Smoke nods once. âYou welcome.â
She picks up the plate and disappears back onto the floor.
His eyes follow the swinging kitchen doors long after sheâs gone.
The rest of the night feels different.
Every now and then, Annie comes back into the kitchen.
Every now and thenâŠTheir eyes meet.
Just like always.
Only tonightâŠShe never smiles.
She doesnât laugh with Megan.
She doesnât tease anybody.
She simply does her job.
Smoke notices every bit of it.
Each glance worries him a little more.
Whatever happened at schoolâŠIt really got to her.
And not knowing what it wasâŠ
Is starting to bother him.
Closing time finally arrives.
The restaurant slowly empties.
Servers finish their side work while the kitchen begins breaking everything down.
Smoke is still in the back, scrubbing down the line.
The smell of bleach mixes with grilled seafood and grease as everyone gets ready to head home.
Out in the dining room, Annie quietly unties her apron.
Megan notices the expression on her face. âGirlâŠâ She gently takes the silverware bucket from Annie.
âIâll roll these.â
Annie looks surprised. âYou sure?â
âMhmm. Youâve helped me enough.â
She smiles warmly. âI got you tonight.â
Annieâs shoulders finally relax a little.
âThank you.â
âGo home and get some rest.â
Annie smilesâa tiny one this time.
âThanks, Megan.â
The two had become friends over the last few weeks.
Always helping each other when one needed it.
TonightâŠAnnie was the one who needed it.
She grabs her things and quietly leaves for the night.
About twenty minutes laterâŠ
Smoke finishes cleaning his station.
He washes his hands. Grabs his keys.
Then walks out into the dining room.
Almost instinctivelyâŠHis eyes start searching. Near the hostess stand.
Nothing. Near the computers.
Nothing. The front windows.
Megan notices immediately.
A grin spreads across her face.
âLooking for Annie?â
Smoke slowly looks over at her.
He doesnât answer. Doesnât deny it either.
Megan laughs. âShe already left.â
She gestures toward the bucket beside her. âIâm rolling her silverware.â
Smoke glances down at the bucket.
His stomach flutters. Heâd missed her.
He didnât even get to tell her goodnight.
Didnât get to ask if she was okay.
Didnât even get one of those quiet little smiles she always gave him before leaving.
He nods once. âAight.â
Then he turns and heads for the door.
The drive home is quieter than usual.
The radio is onâŠBut Smoke isnât listening.
Streetlights blur past his windshield as he drives through the City.
His hands rest loosely on the steering wheel.
His mindâŠIs somewhere else.
All he can see is Annieâs face.
The way sheâd walked into work.
Head down. Eyes tired. Not herself.
He thinks about what Annie said.
âSomething bad happened at school.â
Then⊠âDo you know who did it?â
Somebody hurt her.
He just doesnât know how.
Or why.
His jaw tightens. He wishes heâd asked. Wishes heâd found a moment to pull her aside.
Even if it was just for thirty seconds.
InsteadâŠHe let her go home carrying whatever was weighing on her.
Smoke sighs. âThis shit ainât sittinâ right wit me.â He mumbles
He drums his fingers against the steering wheel.
Normally heâd tell himself to mind his business. Normally heâd wait until tomorrow.
NormallyâŠHe wouldnât be this worried about somebody heâd only known a short time.
But Annie wasnât ânormally.â
Sheâd become the first person he looked for when he walked into work.
The first person he noticed when she smiled. The first person he thought about when he woke up .
And apparentlyâŠThe first person whose sadness followed him home.
By the time he pulls into his drivewayâŠ
Heâs already made up his mind.
He cuts the engine.
Sits there for a second.
Then reaches for his phone.
He glances at the clock.
Itâs late. Too late by most peopleâs standards.
He doesnât care. If sheâs asleepâŠShe wonât answer.
If sheâs awakeâŠHe wants to hear her voice.
He wants to know sheâs alright.
He wants to know what happened.
Smoke finds Annieâs name.
His thumb hovers over the call button for only a second. Then he presses it.
He isnât calling because heâs nosy.
He isnât calling because heâs trying to be controlling.
Heâs calling because all nightâŠ
He couldnât shake the feeling that the girl who always made everyone elseâs day a little brighterâŠ
Needed somebody to check on hersâŠ
Annie is lying across her bed in an oversized T-shirt, the see through corded house phone tucked between her shoulder and ear.
Sheâs on three way with Rhonda and Devin.
The bedroom is dark except for the glow of her bedside lamp. Every now and then, she absentmindedly traces circles on her comforter as they talk.
Rhonda lets out a long sigh.
âIâm sorry he did that shit, Annie.â
Devin clicks her tongue. âYeah, thatâs messed up.â She pauses before adding, âHe a hoe for that. The nigga literally wrote exactly what he is on your locker.â
That earns a small laugh from Annie.
She shakes her head. âUgh⊠I donât even know what I was thinking ever being in a relationship with him.â
âGirl,â Rhonda says, âwe live and learn. He just bitter. He so used to girls kissing his ass that he canât handle somebody finally telling him no.â
Devin jumps in. âAnd you actually moved on.â
She laughs. âMeanwhile Danaâs desperate ass still over there with himâŠâ
ââŠeven though she got all them letters he been writing you.â
Annie sighs. âI know.â
She rolls onto her back and stares at the ceiling. âI just donât know who he thinks I am.â
Devin sucks her teeth âHe really thought spray-painting your locker was gonâ make you come back.â
Rhonda scoffs. âThat shit donât even make sense.â
Devinâs voice softens.
âSo⊠whatâd the principal say?â
Before Annie can answerâ
Her cell phone lights up on the nightstand.
It begins to ring. Annie glances over.
Then her eyes go wide.
She sits straight up in bed. âOh my God.â
âWhat?â Rhonda asks.
Annie grabs the phone. âItâs Smoke.â
Both girls squeal at the same time.
âAnswer it!â Rhonda blurts out.
âGirl, hurry!â Devin says.
Annie laughs nervously. âMy heart beating so fast.â
âQuit talking to us!â Rhonda laughs.
âGo answer the phone!â
âWeâll see you tomorrow,â Devin says.
Annie smiles. âOkay. Bye, yâall.â
She quickly hangs up the house phone and reaches for her cell.
Her fingers fumble as she goes to answer
The ringing stops. She freezes.
The screen goes dark.
ââŠNo.â
She stares at it for another second.
âHe hung up.â
On the other side of the cityâŠ
Smoke sits quietly in his truck, his phone still in his hand.
He looks at the screen for a long moment before letting out a slow breath.
âMaybe she sleep.â
He leans his head back against the seat.
âIâll try again tomorrow.â
Smoke climbs out of his truck and starts toward his apartment.
The night air is cool, carrying the distant hum of traffic and music from somebodyâs car down the block. His phone rests loosely in his hand as he climbs the stairs.
Meanwhile, Annie sits on the edge of her bed, staring at her cell.
Her thumb hovers over the call button.
She debates it for a few seconds.
Maybe he really thought she was asleep.
Maybe he only called to say goodnight.
Maybe calling back would make her look too eager.
Then she thinks about how disappointed she felt when the ringing stopped.
Annie takes a breath and presses call before she can change her mind.
Smokeâs phone rings just as he slides his key into the lock.
He glances down at the glowing screen.
Annie.
A slow smirk pulls at his mouth.
She called back. So she wasnât asleep.
Smoke answers as he steps inside and closes the door behind him.
âSup, pretty eyes?â
Annieâs stomach flips. âHello, Elijah.â
His heart skips at the sound of his real name leaving her mouth. Soft. Sweet.
Like sheâs already claimed the right to use it.
âIâm glad you called me back,â he says, locking the door. âMy bad for calling this late. I really just wanted to talk to you.â
âItâs okay. I was on the phone anyway.â
Smokeâs ears perk up. His mind immediately takes him somewhere it has no business going.
Who the hell was she talking to this late?
Another dude?
The thought irritates him before he can stop it.
He pushes it away just as quickly.
âOh.â He walks toward his bedroom. âI ainât mean to cut yo conversation short.â
âNo, itâs okay. It was just my friends. I talk to them all day, every day. Iâll see them at school tomorrow anyway.â
The tension leaves Smokeâs shoulders.
He nods to himself as if she can see him.
âAight.â He enters his bedroom, kicks off his shoes, and stretches across the bed. âSoâŠâ
He settles the phone against his ear.
âHow are you?â
âIâmâŠokay.â
Smokeâs brow furrows. There she goes.
Trying to be brave.
Trying to make everything sound fine when it clearly isnât.
âAnnika?â
Annieâs stomach tightens at the sound of her full name coming from him again.
âHm?â
âYou not okay.â His voice softens. âAnd I can tell.â
Annie doesnât respond.
Smoke stares at the ceiling. âI donât wanna pressure you into telling me whatâs wrong. But I want you to know Iâm here to listen.â
His thumb brushes slowly against the side of the phone. âIâm not gon judge you. I want you to feel like you can open up to me, even though we just gettinâ to know each other.â
Annie closes her eyes.
The sincerity in his voice makes her chest ache.
Most men didnât want to hear womenâs problems. They wanted the fun parts.
The smiles. The flirting. Not the hurt.
Not the messy parts.
But Smoke sounds like he really wants to know.
Annie exhales slowly. âNoâŠâ She swallows. âIâm not okay.â
Smoke sits up against the headboard. âOkay.â His voice remains calm. âNow we gettinâ somewhere. Talk to me.â
Silence settles over the line.
Smoke can hear her breathing.
He senses the hesitation immediately.
âTell me what happened.â He pauses.
âDid somebody do somethinâ to you?â
âYeahâŠâAnnieâs voice is quiet âSomebody did.â
Smokeâs jaw tightens. âOkay. Who?â
Annie stares at the pattern on her comforter. âYou sure you wanna know?â
Smoke chuckles softly, but thereâs no humor in it. âHell yeah.â His voice drops lower. âI wanna know everything when it comes to you.â
Annieâs heart flutters. She decides to be honest.
If they were trying to build something, she needed to feel comfortable opening up to him.
She just hadnât expected drama to find them this soon. âYou remember when I wrote you that poem and said the last guy I was with hurt me?â
Smokeâs expression hardens. âYeah.â
âWellâŠâ Annie pulls her knees to her chest.
âIt was him.â
Smoke runs a hand down his face.
âAight.â He forces himself to stay calm.
âWhat he do to you?â
Annie swallows hard. âWhen we were together, he cheated on me.â
Smoke says nothing, letting her continue.
âHeâs a football player, and sheâs a cheerleader. They kissed at camp.â Her voice grows tighter. âSo I broke up with him.â
âGood,â Smoke says quietly.
Annie pauses. âBut ever since I ended it, he refuses to let me move on.â
Smokeâs brows pull together.
âEven though heâs with the girl he cheated on me with.â
Smoke cuts in. âWhen you say he refuses to let you move on, what you mean?â His tone sharpens. âWhatâs he doinâ?â
âHe used to call me back-to-back.â
Annie looks toward her bedroom door, lowering her voice even though itâs closed. âThe house phone and my cell. But he knows I wonât answer anymore, so he started slipping letters into my locker, begging me to take him back.â
Smokeâs grip tightens around the phone.
âI wrote him back one time and told him to stop. I told him I was done.â
âAnd he ainât listen.â It isnât a question.
âNo.â Annie sighs. âAt the last football game I went to, he begged me again. I refused, and I gave his girlfriend all the letters heâd written me.â
Smokeâs mouth twitches slightly.
He likes that. She stood on her decision.
âHe stopped writing after that, butâŠâ
Her voice trails off.
Smoke feels his agitation beginning to rise. One thing he couldnât stand was a man refusing to respect a womanâs choice.
âBut what?â He keeps his voice steady for her. âYou doinâ good. Iâm listeninââ He leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees. âYou can tell me. What else did he do?â
âSoâŠâ Annie hesitates. âSomebody saw us at Skateland.â
Smokeâs jaw flexes.
He already knows where this is headed. Heâs dealing with his own version of the same bullshit.
âThey knew him,â Annie continues, âand went back and told him I was skating with you and that we were kissing.â
Smokeâs eyes narrow.
âSo he wrote me this rude ass letter.â
âWhat he say?â
âHe called me a hypocrite. Said I mustâve been cheating on him with you the whole time we were together.â
Smoke shakes his head slowly.
âHe said I was no better than him.â
âThat donât even make sense.â
âI know.â
Annieâs voice trembles with frustration. âThen he started asking who you were and what school you went to.â
Smoke almost laughs. âWhat school I go to?â
âYeah.â
Despite everything, Annie lets out a tiny laugh. âHe said when he finds out who you are, heâs gonna fight you.â
Smoke leans back against the headboard.
A quiet hum leaves his chest.
Not because itâs funny.
But because the idea of some high school football player putting fear in him is ridiculous.
Smoke had been fighting his entire life.
Heâd had to. Growing up where he did, weakness made you a target. Everybody in his neighborhood knew better than to try him or Stack.
Still, he doesnât brag. Doesnât laugh.
He knows Annie is upset, and the last thing she needs is him making light of it.
âHm.â He keeps his voice calm. âWhat else he say?â
âThat was the end of the letter.â
Smoke goes silent for a moment. Then asks, âThat all that happened?â
Annie doesnât answer.
Smokeâs eyes narrow.
He recognizes the silence now.
Sheâs holding something back.
And he knows for a fact thereâs more.
He heard what Annie and Michelle said earlier.
Whatever kept her at school wasnât just some letter.
âAnnie.â
She closes her eyes.
Smokeâs tone softens, but thereâs firmness underneath it. âCome on, lil mama.â He lowers his voice. âDonât hide nothing from me.â
Annieâs fingers tighten around the phone.
âDonât give me half truths. I know something else happened.â He pauses, allowing the weight of his words to settle. âSpill it.â
Annie lets out a slow breath. âSoâŠâ She stares down at the comforter beneath her fingers. âWhen I went to my locker after schoolâŠâ
Her voice grows quieter. ââŠsomebody had spray painted hoe across it. Big black letters.â
Smoke goes completely still.
âI tried to wipe it offâŠâ She swallows hard. âIt wouldnât come off.â A lump forms in her throat. âI know it was him.â She shakes her head even though he canât see her. âI ainât got no enemies.â
For a split secondâŠSmoke doesnât say anything. Then he sits upright so fast the mattress creaks beneath him. âHe did what?â
His voice is low. Controlled.
But thereâs an edge to it Annie hasnât heard before.
âHe⊠spray painted hoe on my locker.â
Smokeâs free hand curls into a fist so tight his knuckles damn near turn white.
A hot wave of anger rolls through him.
So thatâs why sheâd walked into work looking like the light had been taken out of her.
Thatâs why she hadnât smiled.
Why she barely spoke.
His chest tightens.
She had every right to feel hurt.
Humiliated.
Some coward ass nigga had publicly tried to shame her because she wouldnât take him back.
Smoke slowly exhales through his nose.
Heâd never understood niggas who couldnât accept rejection.
If a woman said she was doneâŠShe was done.
That was it. Harassing her. Following her. Trying to embarrass her.
That shit wasnât love. That was ego.
And it made his blood boil.
His voice stays calm. Too calm. âWhatâs his name?â
Annieâs eyebrows knit together. ââŠRyan.â A moment passes. .âWhy?â
Smoke stares at the wall. âWhat he look like?â
Annieâs stomach drops.
Now she understands where his questions are headed.
She sits up. âNo, Elijah.â
Her voice is gentle but firm. âI donât want any problems.â
Smoke rubs his jaw. âOh, there ainât no problems.â
The way he says it doesnât reassure her. If anythingâŠIt worries her more.
Silence stretches between them.
Finally Annie speaks again.
ââŠAre you mad?â
Smoke lets out a humorless chuckle. âTruthfully?â He pauses. NahâŠâ
His jaw flexes. âIâm pissed.â
Annieâs heart flutters. Not because heâs angry. Because she can hear it.
Not anger directed at herâŠAnger for her.
Nobody had ever sounded protective over her like that before.
She lowers her eyes. âIâm sorry.â
Smoke answers immediately.
âNah.â His voice softens. âIt ainât you. Donât apologize. You ainât the one who did something wrong.â
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Annie, an 18-year-old from New Orleans, moves to Clarksdale with dreams of building a life all her own. There she meets Smoke, a 21-year-old war veteran with a dangerous reputation. What grows between them is sweet, sticky, and Southernâ a smoldering love set against a world of bootlegging, Hoodoo, and blues.
Chapter 9
DesireâA Night-Blooming Flower
âShe was one of those languid women made of dark honey. Smooth and sweet, and terribly sticky, who take control of a room with a syrupy gesture. A toss of the hair, a single, slow whiplash of the eyesâand all the while remain as still as the center of a hurricane, apparently unaware of the force of gravity by which they irresistibly attract to themselves the yearnings and the souls of men.â
Perfume - Patrick SĂŒskind
Annie stared out the kitchen window of Nellieâs home, the pad of her thumb caught on the tip of an empty pea pod. She could see Nellieâs mama in the yard hanging linens from the clothesline. Beyond that, the hum of Fourth Street crept through the backyards and alleyways of the neighborhood. Smoke rose from the railroad depot a street over, coughing thick black puffs into the air that looked like a blemish against the bright blue afternoon sky. And somewhere in the distance, the sweet, rotten smell of the Sunflower River floated its way through the cracks of the modest shotgun off Ashton Street.
âLouisiana?â Gigi asked. She shelled a pea with quick hands, dropping the pod in the waste bowl. âYou over there daydreaminâ.â
âWith a big ass grin on your face, too,â Verity chimed in.
Annie blinked twice. âYeah. Just thinkinâ.âÂ
Nellie grinned. âMhmm. She thinkinâ about her man.â
Annie rolled her eyes but her mouth twitched. Her man. Her mouth felt dry, words trapped in her throat, but she didnât dare swallow. Not with Nellie sneaking glances at her, Pearline watching her closely out of the corner of her eye, and Gigi eyeing her curiously. Eventually the conversation folded back into itself. The phonograph skipped to a new song, shells hit the bowl in the middle of the table with a hollow tap, Verity started talking about living in Bronzeville. But desire bloomed under Annieâs skin like a bruise the more she thought of Smoke, spreading through her veins like a whisper of lightning before a storm.Â
âSo are you gonnaâŠyou knowâŠâ Pearline started. âGive him your virgin?â she whispered.
Annie turned her head to Pearline.
âUhh, I-I think so.â
âYou think so? Or you know so?â Gigi asked.
âDonât do it if you ainât sure,â Pearline added.
âI am sure.â
The answer settled into the room.
âYou scared?â The question came from Verity.
A beat.
âYeah.â
âOf what?â
Before she could answer, another question followed, this time from Gigi again. âYou scared of what itâs gonâ feel like, or how you gonâ feel after the deed is done?âÂ
Annie hummed in thought.Â
âBoth,â she said finally. âBut mostly what itâs gonâ feel like.âÂ
She fiddled with her fingers. âDo it hurt?âÂ
She looked up then, avoiding the direct gaze of the faces staring back at her.
Verity spoke up.
âAt first, yes,â she said honestly. âThen it feels good. As long as he know what he doinâ,â she mumbled under her breath.
âMhmm.â
âOh,â Annie trailed off. She rubbed her arms, looking down at her work. Their pile of peas was dwindling down as the day dragged on.
Pearline placed a hand on Annieâs forearm, the touch reassuring. âI feel like you in good hands.â
ââSpecially since he snatched you up so quick,â Nellie added. âHe ainât waste no time.â
âNone.â
Annie chuckled. She rubbed her arms again. âYeah, I guess so.â
She shifted her weight on the chair, her chest tightening. Her heartbeat thumped loudly in her chest, and she tried to ease it by taking deep, controlled breaths. As the conversation in Nellieâs kitchen turned into something lighter, Annieâs thoughts drifted back to what she finally admitted out loud.
The next dayâŠ
A bloody sludge of gills and guts covered Annieâs apron. Her fingers, the edge of the kitchen counterâcoated in it. She cleaned and gutted catfish, then skinned, trimmed, and sliced them with a thin, sharp knife, separating the scaly skin from the fillet after removing the entrails. The heads sat in a corner of the countertop, where Felix sat on the kitchen floor just below. Tail swinging, eyes wide, he looked like he was ready to pounce.
Annie watched him out of the corner of her eye.Â
âAht aht!â she scolded, pointing the tip of her knife at him. âDonât even think about it.âÂ
Some of the gunk from the knife flew onto his paw, which he looked down at like he was personally offended by its presence. He looked up at Annie and meowed, a short trill of frustration.Â
She talked back like he could understand what she was saying, looking up from scooping the kidney out of a fish. âWhat?â
âMrrp,â he meowed.
Annie rolled her eyes. âThat ainât my problem.â
âMrrrrrrrrp.â
âSince when you scared of a lilâ blood?â
Felix yawned and rubbed his head with his clean paw, licked the blood off his other one, then meowed again.
âLe pauvre,â she teased.
He whipped around, slipping out the back through the slightly cracked door. Just then Aunt Della walked through the same door, a basket at her hip full of root vegetables. Her hair was pinned back and kept in place with a lavender headscarf, her temples displaying hues of vivid black and silver kinks, coils, and curls that spoke to time and memory. She set the basket and her gardening gloves down on the kitchen table next to the chipped ceramic bowl of onions.
âWhat you do?â
âTo who?â Annie wiped the sweat beading on her brow with the back of her arm.
âFelix.â
âI ainât did nothinâ to that boy,â she huffed. âHe wanna stand in the rain and be mad he got wet.â
âFigures,â Aunt Della chuckled. âYou almost done?â
âAlmost done, auntie,â Annie answered. âGot two more left.âÂ
âLemme start heatinâ this oil up then.â
Three knocks on the front door interrupted their routine, causing both ladies to turn their heads. Loretta Hightower stood at the door, visible through the front window in a tailored three-piece set and matching hat. The vibrant green suit dazzled under the sun that cloaked the porch in a veil of honey-gold. Annie, elbows deep in fish guts, turned back to the catfish while Aunt Della walked over to answer the front door.
âDelilah!â Loretta squealed.Â
âLoretta!âÂ
They embraced. A long, familiar hold that spoke of history and friendship. The low murmur of their conversation carried into the kitchen as Annie stood facing the large back window. Felix was bathing himself with his tongue, staring at her like he had an attitude. She stuck her tongue out at him.
Soft footsteps and the click-clack of heels approached the kitchen.Â
âAnnie! Loretta got somethinâ for you.â
Annie gasped softly, turning and wiping her hands off on her apron. âWhat is it?âÂ
âYou got a letter back.âÂ
Annie jolted and hurried to the wash basin.Â
âOh, let me justâŠâ She submerged her hands down to her forearms in the soapy water, picking up a brush to scrub under her fingernails. âJust gimme a second. Thank you so much, Mrs. Hightower.â
Aunt Della and Loretta chuckled.Â
âItâs not goinâ anywhere, baby,â Aunt Della assured her.Â
âAnd itâs a thick one, too, Annie,â Loretta added.
Annieâs heart went from leaping, to soaring, to beating so fast it almost bolted out of her chest. She scrubbed death off her hands until they started to prune. They shook gently underneath the water, vibrating the basin and splashing droplets onto her apron. Aunt Della and Loretta could both hear the soft sniffles she tried to hide underneath the sounds of splashing water. Aunt Della approached her and Annie felt a hand on her back as she whispered something that made her calm her frantic movements.
Annie slowed her motions, dried her hands, and took the envelope, holding it like she held the world in her palms. She brought the paper to her nose, inhaling the familiar scent of her motherâs perfume and her fatherâs aftershave, breathing it into memory. She gently detached the adhesive of the envelope with wobbly fingers, her heart thumping in her chest as she removed a stack of thick, wide paper folded delicately from the envelope, taking care to notice the flower petals that were packed along with it.Â
Blue lobelias.Â
They were her favorite.
It was a visually striking perennial that grew in clusters in the field by her great-grandmotherâs shack. She remembered hiding behind them when she played hide-and-seek with her brothers as a child.Â
Annie wiped a tear that threatened to fall down her cheek carefully and unfolded the letter. The first thing her eyes ran across was her motherâs beautiful cursive that filled the page with soft, whimsical strokes.
Our dear Annie, was all she read at first. Then she reread it. And read it again.Â
The words hit her right in the gut. Homesickness burned deep under her skin, hotter than the afternoon sun that hung large and heavy and beamed through the kitchen windows. Deciding to read the letter later on, she tucked it back into the envelope, careful not to spill any petals. The thick envelope went into her apron pocket.Â
âThank you, Mrs. Hightower. Thank you so much.âÂ
Loretta took a step towards her, then widened her arms, bringing her into a hug. She rubbed her back with a soothing, maternal warmth.
âLemme know if you need anything else, okay?â
âYes maâam.â
Annie felt the long tail of Felix tickle the side of her calf as he contorted his body around her ankle and tilted his head up at her.
âMrrow,â he purred.
âGuess you ainât mad at me no moâ, huh?â Annie pursed her lips at Felix as he stared at her for a moment before disappearing into the front room.Â
âWell, I better be goinâ,â Loretta said. âAlmost supper time at the restaurant.âÂ
âThank you again,â Annie said.
Loretta nodded, gave Aunt Della a hug, then walked towards the front, the floorboards groaning under her heels. She hesitated at the door, looked back and gave another winsome smile, then slipped outside without another word.Â
For a moment, the cool air that crept in made the room feel less stuffy, like the crack of the door let something slip out with it.Â
Annie exhaled, her shoulders relaxing.
âYou okay, sugar?â Aunt Della asked.
âYeah,â Annie looked around, rolling up her sleeves. âJust need to do somethinâ with my hands.âÂ
She crossed the room to the woodstove and scooped a heaving amount of lard into the cast iron pot to heat up. She checked the pot of beans on the back burner, stirring it once before covering it back up. Aunt Della moved to the counter, rolling her own sleeves up and cleaning the catfish filets while Annie mixed the batter together.
The scent of frying oil filled the kitchen even as words didnât.Â
The two women worked together quietly preparing supper as the shuffle of boots became louder, attracted by the smell of spice and fried cornmeal.Â
Annie stood at the stove frying fish in batches, watching the corners curl up and waiting to feel the underside was the perfect shade of golden before it was ready to flip.
Annie was in her head.
Because thatâs where the letter lived. Not the words. Not yet. It was the smell of her parents soaked into the paper. The flower petals that brought her back to her childhood.Â
She didnât hear the door creak, the screen door slamming shut in that playful way. Didnât notice the floorboards acquiesce under the weight of his soldier-like footfalls. Didnât feel the air in the room shift. Didnât hear him greet Aunt Della in the background. And definitely didnât hear him approach her.
Two large hands gripped Annieâs waist. The scent of tobacco and peppermint, potent and personal, floated over her shoulder eclipsing the smell of hot grease.
Annie smiled. âHey.â
âHey.âÂ
Smoke set his chin on her shoulder, his hands firm on her hips. âHow you be?âÂ
âGood,â she hummed, the answer an affirmation that settled deep in his chest.Â
Better now, she thought to herself.Â
The homesicknessâgone. Thoughts of the place she calledâused to callâhome, all melted under his touch. It soothed her somehow. The way his grip was firm but gentle on her waist. Possessive when he pulled her in tighter and rested his chin on her shoulder. Restrained when a shaky breath hit the delicate skin of her neck.
Smoke noticed it all.Â
The way her shoulders slackened when he touched her.Â
The little jolt that ran through her body. Barely noticeable, but there.Â
The way her breath hitched.Â
The way she tried to hide it all.Â
That was his favorite part; the way she tried to mask her reactions.Â
Then she did something unexpected.
Before he knew it she reached behind her, her fingers finding the shell of his ear. She grazed it just once with her fingertips, the touch barely there. But still. He couldn't help but shiver. It was a full-body one. His grip tightened on her waist, fingers twisting the fabric of her skirt for a second before relaxing again. He watched the corner of her mouth turn up as she turned a fish filet in the cast iron pan. Then he grinned too. His lips twisted playfully, the dimple in his cheek caving in.
âYâall lookinâ mighty cozy over there.â
Stack.Â
He walked in, brows high on his forehead when he saw Smoke behind Annie like a vat of hot oil wasnât bubbling right in front of them. Steam rose slowly from the pot, beading sweat on both Annie and Smokeâs foreheads. One bad decision and a body part could end up with a third-degree burn.
But neither of them seemed to care.Â
They didnât seem to notice he or Miss Della were even there.
Annie swayed a bit as she flipped and dipped fish. And Smoke moved with her, a hushed conversation taking place between them as he rested his head on her shoulder.Â
Stack looked at Aunt Della like âyou seeinâ this?â She shrugged. He walked over and gave her a hug as she prepared sides with serving utensils, all the while eyeing the perfectly golden-brown catfish strips piling up on a platter next to the stove.Â
His mouth watered at the smell of the crispy fried crust and the spice of the batterâand he just knew once he bit into it, itâd steam and flake just the way he liked it.
So he took a chance.
He reached for a piece at the edge of the platter and two heads snapped towards him.
âYou tryna get popped?â Annie asked.
Stack pulled his hand back. âIâm tryna get some fish, actually.â
âYouâll get some when itâs ready.â
âIt looks ready.â
âI mean during supper. At the table.â
âI just wanna taste.â
Annie smirked, her chin tilting up playfully. âLater.â
Stack reached again.
âBoy!â She pointed her tongs at him.
Smoke watched the whole thing, amused. He didnât move from his position.
âGirl!â
âYou tryna get burned? Stack, you too close to the stove.â
Stack blinked. âYâall basically knee deep in oil.â He smoothed out his shirt. âBesides. A lilâ burn wonât hurt me, woman.â
âYou gonâ get popped with more than just oil if you donât move,â Annie said with a grin.Â
âMake it worth my while then,â he teased back. âLemme get a lilâ piece.â He was relentless. He eyed a strip with a crispy end that he could break off easily. He reached out for the third time.Â
Annie sighed. She had turned back to watching the pot now, but still caught Stack out of the corner of her eye. âDonât move that hand.â
Stack smirked.
Annie rolled her eyes, breaking off the end of the piece Stack was eyeing. Steam curled into the air as the fish broke apart in flaky, white pieces. âHere, greedy!â She placed it in his palm before turning back to the stove.
âIâll be that,â Stack teased. He hummed as soon as the savory spice of the fish hit his tastebuds. âThank ya kindly.â He swaggered into the front room satisfied.
Smoke finally moved.Â
âIâll let you get back to it,â he said. He rubbed her shoulders and kissed her cheek before following his brother out the same way.
Annie chuckled to herself, shaking her head as she finished the last pieces she had left to fry.Â
âI reckon everything goin' well between you two.â Aunt Della said.
Whole time, Annie had completely forgotten her great-aunt was even in the room. Her cheeks warmed at the thought of a momentâany moment with Smoke, reallyâbeing watched.
âUh yeah,â she replied. That familiar tingling she only got when she thought about him spreading across her skin like wildfire. âWe are.â
Annie felt Aunt Dellaâs smile from across the room, even with her back turned. She left the kitchen to ring the supper bell, the fabric of her skirt fluttering around her.Â
Men made their way into the dining area one-by-one, fresh from cleaning their hands. They carried with them the smell of musk, turpentine, and a hard dayâs work. It was heavy. Masculine.Â
The twins walked in last.
Stack came in first, all dimples and bright eyes.
Smoke walked in behind him still sporting that same dimple that showed up earlier when his eyes found hers.
He didnât hurry to sit at the table. Didnât hurry to grab a plate. He stood at the edge of the room, waiting as Annie and Miss Della brought in the food. A large platter of fried fish, a steaming pot of beans and rice, skillets of cornbread, and a large pot of greens went to the middle of the table.Â
The dining area filled with rising steam, watering mouths, and low conversation as the lodgers began to devour their supper.
Annie dropped her arms and stepped to him, the faint smell of pipe mix and soap clinging to his clothes.
âYou not gonâ eat?â she asked.
âWas waitinâ for you.â
âYou ainât gotta do that.â
He grabbed her hands. âI do.â
Annie tipped her head towards the kitchen. âLemme go wash up first.âÂ
âIâll fix you a plate. Before these niggas eat it all.â
Annie giggled softly.
âWhatchu want?âÂ
âJust some fishâŠ,â she said, walking backwards to the kitchen, âand some beans and rice.â
Smoke nodded once. âI got it.â
Supper was spent at the high-top four-seater table in the corner of the dining area. Smoke and Annie sat next to each other, Stack and Aunt Della directly across from them. They talked. They laughed. They ate. They drank.Â
Every so often, Annieâs shoulder would brush against Smokeâs. Sheâd reach across the table for somethingâher glass, the saltshaker. When she pulled back their arms would press against each other and theyâd stay there. Close. It felt like both of them were waiting for the moment something would force them to pull away from each other. It didnât.Â
Occasionally, Smoke would brush lint from Annieâs clothes or thumb a crumb from her cheek. His fingers would linger for a second too long, like they were waiting on her to pull back. She didnât.
By the time supper was long over, the heat still lingered.Â
It wasnât from the food.
Even outside where a cool breeze swept through the night in broken intervals, pulling a delicate, melodic sound from the windchimes that reached back into the yard where Smoke and Annie stood. A fading oil lamp hung up high, casting gold across the backyard and leaving the rest of it in shadows.Â
Annie didnât know why she pulled Smoke to the side of the lean-to shed. Or maybe she did and she just didnât want to admit it to herself.
She stood by it, back pressed against the wooden siding, hips tilted out slightly as her fingers twisted in the fabric of her skirt.Â
Smoke stood in front of her, jaw tight, hands at his sides. They flexed periodically, twitched like he was fighting something.Â
Natureâs soundtrack felt even louder tonight. The chirp of crickets shuddered in the grass. The deep bellow of a bullfrog echoed in the distance. And somewhere down the block, a harmonica played a gritty blues bend that floated down the street like smoke curling from a cigarette.
But the moment Annie shifted, the sounds began to slowly fade away.Â
She moved in one smooth motion. Her hands rose to the collar of Smokeâs shirt, fingers twisting around the edge. Then she tugged, just once. The movement pulled him in until his hands bracketed her on the shed.Â
She didnât hesitate.Â
The kiss started softly.
The slow smack of lips drowned out the crickets first, then the bullfrog. Then the metal-on-metal tapping of the water pump, its handle moving stubbornly with the wind. Smoke pulled Annie towards him as their mouths moved against each other. His hands found the small of her back, making it bow into him until she wrapped her arms around his neck and gave in to his pull. He sighed as the feeling of soft, plush curves met a hard stomach, strong arms, and broad shoulders carved by war and Mississippi cotton fields.Â
They kissed slowly. Like they were savoring the taste of each other. Their lips met and released, connecting in a slow dance that was all their own. Then the kiss deepened, their tongues coming out to play as they twirled around each other.
Annieâs hands moved from his neck to his shoulders to steady herself as their heads swiveled and they explored every corner of their mouths. She gasped, then groaned, when he pulled her bottom lip into his mouth. Biting, then soothing the sting with a lick.
Their tongues flicked against each other, slow and nasty. Like the harmonica still playing down the street. It had slowed down its tune, the legato wailing all sultry and soulful through the night.Â
Even that sound disappeared after a while. It was quiet in the bubble they created when it was just them two, just shared breaths and gasps for air.Â
Annie tasted like pot likker and the peppermint stick she sucked on after supper. Like home on a quiet winter evening in front of a fire. Smoke tasted like tobacco and grass from the cigarette he finished right before Annie pulled him into the backyard when she thought nobody was paying attention.
Her hands fell from his shoulders to his chest, rubbing her palms against the solidness that sat underneath the cotton. His hands traveled south from her back to the curve of her ass, his calloused hands smoothing over all the thickness that sat back there.Â
His blood sparked hot.Â
His hands itched to grip, wanted to grabâbut he pulled back instead.
âAnnie,â he rasped, his voice low and rough.
Their breaths were heavy, lustful. What began slowly was quickly turning into something more gluttonous than supper. He felt it in him. He saw it in Annie.
He pressed his forehead to hers. Her eyes widened as the noise from inside swelled abruptly. She turned her head towards it as her pulse sped down and her breath came out slower. When the noise dimmed down again, she turned back.
âWhyâd you stop?â
The question cut through the silence.Â
Smoke looked at Annie, her brows knit, her eyes searching his.
The oil lamp above them crackled one last time before completely snuffing out, leaving them with just the dim light that pooled outside from the kitchen window. A large wax candle sat on the sill, its fire burning dimly through the window. Annie looked at Smoke. Even in the near darkness outside, she could feel the hunger in his gaze.Â
And she felt the same way.Â
Famished.
Smoke lifted a hand. His fingers brushed the side of her face, grazing the smooth skin of her cheek. Annieâs eyes fluttered under his touch. Her hand grabbed his wrist and his hand stilled, but it wasnât to stop him. It was to hold him there.Â
âItâs okay,â she whispered, gulping when she saw the darkening of his eyes.
âI ainât neverâŠâ was all she got off before the words disappeared in her throat.Â
She didnât finish her sentence. She didnât need to.
Everything in Smoke went still except the muscle of his jaw that twitched once then stopped.
He looked away.
He wasnât surprised. That was the thing.
Her words were confirmation of something heâd already assumed about her.Â
But there was something about the way she said it that he filed away for later.
Sheâd never been touched.Â
Not like this.Â
And while he stood breathing desire down her throat with his hand on her ass, he felt something twist in his chest.
Guilt.
It moved in quickly, crowding his thoughts. Guilt for moving too fast. Guilt for letting his want for her carry him far enough that he had to stop himself before she did.Â
âI know,â Smoke said finally.Â
Annie looked away.
âLook at me.â
She couldnât look at him at that moment.Â
Not because she was embarrassed, ashamed, or insecure. Not really. She just felt inexperienced. Young in a way she hated feeling in anybodyâs eyes.Â
Her eyes traveling up his chest to his collar where she picked at a loose thread. âI want you,â she whispered, âto be my first.âÂ
The words were so quiet that the night almost took hold of them.Â
Smokeâs eyes closed for half a second. He pulled her close, pressing his forehead to hers.Â
âYou âsho?â
For a split second, his words sounded like a plea to Annie rather than a question.
âYes,â she said, grabbing onto the folds of his shirt.Â
The backyard held its breath. Here in their little bubble, the only thing that existed was Smoke, Annie, and this moment between them. Smoke took Annieâs hand and pressed his lips to her knuckles, keeping his eyes trained on hers.
âYou mine?â
Annie grinned, nodding once.Â
âNah,â Smoke gripped her chin again, tracing her bottom lip with his thumb. âI wanna hear you say it.â
She lowered her head, then looked up, her big brown eyes certain and glittering in the sliver of moonlight that peeked out from behind the clouds. Her lips parted. âIâm yours. Tout.â
âCreole?â
âMhmm,â she grinned proudly.
Smoke hummedâ a deep vibrating sound that shot up Annieâs spine. Her words were a soothing balm, loosening the hooks of guilt lodged in his back.
âGood,â he said. He rubbed her back with wide strokes, holding her close as the nighttime settled around them, comfortable and warm despite the November cold.Â
âOu mâap pĂšm?â
âWhatâs that?â
âYou mine too?â
âTeach me how to say it back.â
âMwen se ou.â
âMwen se ou,â he repeated back.
âYou gettinâ better,â she gasped, her whole face lighting up.Â
Smoke smirked smugly. âGotta good teacher.â
âMwen se tout ou.â
âThat too,â he grunted.
Annie snorted, turning her head briefly. âDonât be makinâ fun of me.â
âI ainât,â he shrugged. âThatâs what you sound like.â
He gave her a real smile then, dimples deep in both his cheeks. He couldnât hide it.
âI was so nervous,â she admitted, her grin wrapping around her words despite herself.
Smoke raised a brow. âNervous âbout what?âÂ
âTo tell you.â
âThat you a virgin?â
Annie nodded, hand finding that loose thread again. Smoke grabbed her hand and kissed it.
âYou ainât gotta be nervous to tell me stuff, you hear?âÂ
Annie sighed, pressing her palms to his chest. âI know.â
Smoke stared down at Annie. Her soft, panting breaths, her heart beating against his own chest. He raised his right hand to hers, covering her right palm that lay directly over his heart. His thumb brushed over her knuckles. The gestureâthe warmth in itâmade her look at him. Their eyes locked and held, the look between them speaking louder than any words could at that moment.Â
âIâm scared,â she said quietly.Â
âScared of what?âÂ
Their mouths moved but their bodies were still. Smokeâs hand sat over Annieâs on his chest like it was frozen there, his heart beat steadily under her palm.Â
âWhat itâs gonâ be like,â she mumbled, barely a breath, âthe first time.â
âWhat you think?â
Annie shook her head, unsure. âI donât know.â
Smoke ran his tongue along the back of his teeth.
âHow you want it to be?â
Annieâs lips twisted in thought as Smokeâs eyes pinned her in place. Their hands stayed where they were, his thumb tracing circles on the back of her hand.Â
âDonât be scared.â
Annie said nothing. Her lips parted like she wanted to speak but decided against it.
Smokeâs voice dropped low and deep, rough with somethingâbut not sultry. He wasnât trying to make her shiver or choke on a gasp. Not right now. Right now he wantedâneededâto assure her. He needed her to feel the promise in his words. Needed her to know he meant it.
He looked Annie in the eye, the weight of his hand pressing harder against hers where it rested on top of his heart. âIâm gonâ take good care of you, Annie.â
The words were simple, but she felt them in her core. Her skin lit up with that familiar tingle, her heartbeat thumping hard against her ribs.Â
Annie looked down at her hand, shifting it slightly under his.
She could hear the promise beneath the words.
And something in herâsomething that felt older than herâtold her to believe it. So, she did.
âI ainât even thought about it like that. Not for real.â
Lie.
Smoke raised a brow. âNever?â
Annie shook her head once. Then she nodded, pursing her lips so the corner of her mouth would stop twitching.Â
âWell,â she breathed, the gust of air warming his collarbone. âA little.â
She rolled her lips inward and finally looked up at him.Â
The heat that had reduced to a simmer sparked up again. Smokeâs eyes darkened at her words, her curiosity, her comfort. Her closeness felt like second nature to him, but her vulnerability hit something deeper in his chest.
âWhat you was thinkinâ?â
Annieâs eyes trailed from his eyes down to his lips. They sat perfectly on his faceâ thick, plump, and so soft against her own.
âTell me,â he insisted, voice low and coaxing.Â
âI had a dreamâŠâ She looked away. Her eyes went to something different now since she felt his gaze piercing her soul. She focused on a bush of moonflowers by the fence, their wilting petals fluttering in the breeze like little ghosts. âAbout you.âÂ
ââBout me?â he drawled. Smugly, almost. âAnd what happened in this dream?â His hands traveled up and down her spine.
Annie fidgeted nervously.
âI donât remember.â
Smoke tilted his head. âHow you know it was about me then?âÂ
She hesitated.Â
ââCauseâŠ.â
ââCause what?â
âHow I felt.â
âHow you feel?â
The flashbacks came in waves. Along with a feeling she couldnât find the word for until now.Â
âFull.âÂ
The word came out so tiny, it sounded accidental. It was barely a word. More like a faint expulsion of air that drifted through the seams of his mouth. But it was raw, and it settled like a presence in his chest, latching onto the corners of his soul that housed devotion and something deeper.Â
Restraint pressed against every instinct heâd ever possessed and the inside of his slacks.Â
This woman had no idea what she was doing to him.
âWe should go inside,â he muttered. âBefoâ your aunt come lookinâ for us.â
Annie giggled softly, his shoulders relaxing at the sound.Â
âYou scared of Aunt Della?â
âYes.â
Annie laughed for real this time, the tension loosening just enough to let them breathe again. They walked towards the back door and Smoke held the door open for her to fully step inside.Â
The moon hung high above the rooftops, cutting through the inky black sky like a blade of silver light. It poured through the windows of Annieâs bedroom, making the lobelia petals that were scattered across her covers glow around the edges like they were suspended in a dream.Â
Annie unfolded her letter, her eyes scanning through the words briefly, but she was only looking for one thing. Something sheâd been holding in since Loretta first placed it in her hands.
The end.
The signatures.
She read it with shaky hands.
All our love,
Papa & Maman
Nana
Junior
Vernon
Leroy
Raymond
Maurice
They were all there.
Except one.
Uriah.Â
He was her closest brother.
Annie didnât know why she expected his name to be scrawled among the signatures, his chicken scratch inked deep into the paper. Heâd been dead over a year at that point. But the absence felt worse than accepting he was dead.
She still felt him, like him slipping through the cracks of the earth didnât necessarily mean he would be missing from a letter sent from home.Â
She knew it wasnât really his missing signature that made tears pool in her eyes, it was his soul.Â
Since the government refused to send his body back from France after the war, his spirit had been unsettled. Restless.Â
She felt it the most when she took her ilekes off. She always covered them, sandwiching them between two thin, white cloths that belonged to her great-grandmother, then set them in a drawer taking care that they didnât touch the surface of the wood.Â
Sheâd say a prayer for him at the tiny altar in the corner of her room that sat on top of a warped, lopsided, low table. It smelled of old wood, herbs, and dust.
Salt for protection and peace of mind.
A pinch of soil.
A Mississippi river rock.
His name written on a piece of paper. Pinched and folded in half towards her.Â
A half-burned taper candle.
Blue cloth. A snippet from his baby quilt, stitched from her motherâs, grandmotherâs and great-grandmotherâs hands.
Molasses chews. Because those were his favorite growing up.
She lit the candle, the flame catching blue at first before bleeding orange. When it steadied, she bowed her head.
âUriah Silas Antonio Royal,â she said. Her voice sounded tiny and helpless in the confines of her room.Â
âBlood callinâ you even though your bones ainât make it back.âÂ
She paused, taking a shaky breath.Â
Then she laid her offering.
âWater for the journey. Salt for your peace. Light so you can see. A piece of home so you remember. Think of us, and remember where you belong.âÂ
The candle flickered violently.Â
âAncestors, please,â she said, looking out the window to the moon. âDonât let him cross alone, he scared.âÂ
Annie swallowed hard to clear the lump that swelled in her throat, a tear drop falling directly onto the flame. It flickered and smoked, but the amber light held the line in the darkness of her room.
She bent over, crying quietly into the fabric of her nightgown, her tears dampening the delicate white cotton. She closed her eyes and the present slipped into the past, seamless and real. She could see it allâ the draw, the aim, the shot. The scream she could feel in her bones, muffled by wet soil, quicklime, and tarp.Â
Annie opened her eyes and the scent of graveyard dirt and saltwater hung in the air. The silence that came after wasnât peaceful. It was eerie.Â
After a while, she spoke again.
âAinât no guns tonight,â she said. She cleared her throat to silence the tears and took a few deep breaths. âAinât no shoutinâ. Ainât no mud in your mouth. Just light. Just a way home.âÂ
The flame flickered again, its shape bending against the darkness like someone was pushing on it.Â
Annie wiped the grief that lay wet tracks on her cheeks.Â
âItâs okay,â she rasped, catching her breath. âCome on home.â
The flame finally settled into itself.Â
Only then did she blow it out.Â
The next morning felt like a slow exhale. Annie moved around the boarding house with a lightness that felt like the rainbow after a thunderstorm. Morning duties went by smoothly, followed by breakfast, chores, lessons, and a quick lunch. By the afternoon she was tying bundles of roots in the kitchen while Aunt Della sat in the front room writing a letter at her desk. The house groaned around them as cool air settled into its bones. The phonograph was playing low in the background when they heard a knock on the front door followed by two impatient honks of a car horn.
âIâll get it,â Annie called from the kitchen.Â
She wiped her hands and walked towards the front.
âHey Pea,â Annie said when she opened the door.
Pearline frowned as she laid eyes on Annie.Â
âAnnie girl, why you ainât dressed?â
Annie looked at Pearline. Then she looked at the car idling on the street. Then back to her, confused.Â
âDressed for what?â
âYour fittinâ today!â
âOh my Lord!â
Aunt Della shook her head as Pearline stepped in, watching Annie trip halfway up the stairs.
âHow you doinâ, Mrs. Clark?â
âDoinâ fine,â Aunt Della responded. âHow you?â
âDoinâ mighty fine myself.â
âGlad to hear it.â
Aunt Della put her pen down and looked at Pearline as she stepped further into the front room. She pulled a small drawstring pouch from the pocket of her dress and placed it on her writing desk.Â
Pearline took it and quickly stuffed it in her purse. âThank you,â she said quietly.
âYou welcome.â
Aunt Della's eyes flicked down to Pearlineâs stomach before she turned back to her pen and paper.Â
Twenty minutes later, Pearline and Annie were on their way to Issaquena Street. The ride was quiet, with Pearline staring out the passenger window while her husband drove. Annie sat in the backseat, lips rolled and hands in her lap.Â
âIâm so sorry, Mr. George,â Annie said to Pearlineâs husband. âIt completely slipped my mind.â
Mr. George grunted as the car came to a slow stop in front of the shop. âThatâs alright.â
The girls climbed out of the Model T Ford.Â
âPearline?â He called after his wife.
She looked back as she stepped on the curb. âYes?â
âSix oâclock.â
âAlright.â
The sign for the shop hung overhead as Pearline and Annie inched their way toward the door. As they walked down the steps and down the short, covered walkway to the modiste, Annieâs thoughts drifted to the excitement waiting for them next week.
The Harvest Party.
LUELLAâS DRESSING ROOM & ALTERATIONS
âSmoke gonâ forget his own name when he see you,â Pearline teased Annie.Â
Luella smirked, adjusting a corset frame where it was pinned to one of the Dressmakersâ mannequins.Â
Annie blushed where she stood barefoot on the platform in front of the three-way mirror, knee-length robe wrapped around her thick frame, long hair braided into a coily crown.Â
Sunlight came through the curtains in golden slits, turning the dust motes suspended by the window into glitter. The click of heels and the low hum of sewing machines faded away behind the damask velvet drapes that separated the private alcove from the showroom. It felt cozy back hereâ like warmth, perfume, and whispers. Gloves, hair combs, purses, and other finishing touches were lined up on a table on the side where the crystal jars filled with candies added to the plush decor.Â
Pearline sat on a velvet ottoman, one leg crossed politely over the other. Her gloved hands came together in her lap, her fingers mindlessly playing with the lace trim at her wrist.
âI canât wait to see it,â she said. She smiled at Annie through the mirrorâbut it was bittersweet. Pensive.Â
Annieâs brows knit together. âWhatâs wrong?â she mouthed.Â
Pearline just shook her head and looked down. Annie tilted her head at her friend.
Just then, Luellaâs assistant walked around the corner with a garment bag. She handled it carefully, hanging it on the clothing rack before rolling it from behind the seating area to rest at the side of the viewing platform. âYou ready?âÂ
Annie turned, her face lighting up, but she still watched Pearline carefully out of the corner of her eye. She had a melancholic aura to her even though she tried to cover it with excitement for her friend. Her spine was snapped straight, her legs politely crossedâ but something hung in the air between them.
Annie nodded, signaling she was ready. Luella stepped to the clothing rack and unzipped the garment bag as her and assistant removed it from its cover. She gasped when the rich, deep green velvet bodice caught the dim light of the alcove, then hopped off the platform, padding over to the rack.
âWow,â Pearline stood up in awe. âItâs beautiful, Annie,â she whispered. She ran her gloved fingers down the sides of it, skimming over the delicate beadwork and fringe.Â
It was a one-of-a-kind piece, made to stand out and be seen through the low lights and smoke in the juke.Â
Luella and her assistant went over accessory ideas with Annieâ purses, coats, shoes. Even some hair ideas. They talked to her about pressing her hair and wearing it pinned back into a chignon with a side part. Her excitement grew by the minute until she looked to the side and saw Pearline. The teasing from earlier was gone. Now she was quiet.
Polite.
But barely there.
They finally got to the jewelry options. Lightweight earrings, delicate necklaces, beaded bracelets. Luella held up a thin silver chain for Annie to look at, but Annie almost winced at the idea of wearing anything but her ilekes. She ran her finger over them.
âYou canât wear that necklace with,â she pointed to it, then to the dress on the rack, âthat dress!â Luellaâs assistant exclaimed.
âBut, I always wear my beads,â Annie rubbed one, taking a small step back from the accessory table.Â
âEvery single day?â Pearline asked.
âNo,â she shook her head. âNot every day.â
Pearline shrugged. âSo you can go one night without âem,â she trailed off as a hand reached over to touch them.Â
She stopped herself when she saw Annieâs eyes grow wide.
âI canât touch âem?â
Annie shook her head no.
Pearline crossed her arms, putting her weight on one hip. âWhy not?âÂ
âCuz they blessed.âÂ
Pearline scrunched her nose up. âWhat you mean, blessed?â
Annie looked towards the window, then back. âI donât really know. But my great-grandma told me I canât let anyone touch âem, or she gotta bless âem again. And she dead, so...â
âAnnie,â Pearline pleaded quietly. Her face relaxed like she recognized this wasnât a conversation to have here. Not while they were surrounded by pearls and sequins, lace, leather and perfume. âIâm so sorry.â
âItâs okay.â
Luella and her assistant sorted necklaces while they continued their conversation in hushed tones.Â
âShe gave âem to me when I was seven.âÂ
Pearlineâs eyes softened.
âTold me never to take âem off.â
âHave you?â
âNo,â Annie sighed. âOnly on certain days.âÂ
She exhaled again, her lips curving up into a sly grin. âBut I guess I can go without âemâŠfor just the night.â
Pearline smiled.Â
Luellaâs assistant came over and squealed with glee while Luella picked up a long silver necklace with a small diamond pendant that hung like a teardrop in the center.
Luellaâs assistant pointed at it. âAnnie, what you think âbout this one?â
Annieâs eyes lit up, intrigued. âI like it.â Her hands fingered the delicate chain. âA lot.â
She turned to reach over and rub Pearlineâs shoulder as Luella and her assistant continued to talk her ear off about her jewelry options.Â
âWanna get a soda after this?â she asked.
âIâd love to.â Pearline couldnât agree fast enough.
The walk back over to Fourth Street was brisk. Annie and Pearline walked the streets, arms folded across their chests, wool overcoats wrapped tightly around them.Â
The sidewalks were even busier today. Despite the unusual cold front that blew into the Delta, most sharecroppers were stuck in limbo waiting on their settlements to come back from the plantation owners. Which means theyâd make their way to town looking for some way to entertain themselves.
Besides the cafes and jukes, Fourth Street Drugs was a popular spot. It held a soda fountain on the right side of the store with ice cream, soda, and other fizzy drinks.
Step through the narrow wooden door that separated it from the drugstore and it felt like you were stepping into a different world.Â
The space was a haven for young folksâswirling on lacquered stools, sipping sodas, floats, and malts. A polished oval countertop ran along the mirrored wall, a bar-like soda fountain directly in front of it. Ice cream, fruit, and syrups stood in a line up for the soda jerk to easily mix flavors. Light snacks sat in glass displays at each end of the countertop.Â
The bell above the shop dinged twice as Annie and Pearline stepped through.Â
They made themselves comfortable at the bartop, unwrapping scarves and taking off their hats. Annie ordered an ice cream soda from the soda jerk and Pearline decided on a cherry phosphate over ice.Â
They enjoyed the live musicâ an elderly man in dark blue and black checkered shirt and overalls playing his harmonica and singing. He was tall, dark-skinned, and lanky, but his eyes were warm. His harmonica sat between his hands like a silver smile.
đ” Don't get mad at me, boys, if your buggy don't ride like mine
I said, donât get mad at me if your buggy donât ride like mine
'Cause it's an easy-ridin' buggy, rarin' to go all the time* đ”
Annie didn't recognize the song, nor the man. But she recognized the sound of that harmonica. The way he bent his notes felt familiar to her, like it was the soundtrack to something special.
The memory hit like a freight train.
Her and Smoke in the backyard after supper.
She barely heard, let alone remembered, anything from that night. Not besides the sound of Smokeâs voice. But she remembered that harmonica playing while they kissed slow under the moonlight.
She instantly got chills.
âThatâs my time for today, my name is Delta Slim and I thank ya for listeninâ.â
The whole room exploded with applause as Delta Slim slipped from the stage to the backroom.Â
Annie watched him disappear down the hallway, then turned to Pearline.
She could tell she was only halfway present.
She tried to be cheerful while sipping her drink, but every time the shop bell rang her eyes would drift towards the entrance. Annie watched her out of the corner of her eye, wiping the corner of her mouth when a drop of ice cream landed on her chin.Â
âI canât go to the party,â Pearline admitted.Â
âWhy not?â
Pearline sighed. âMy husband.âÂ
Annieâs lips pressed into a straight line.Â
Pearlineâs husband was an older man. Good bank job. Well-maintained house in a decent part of town. He was respected in the Black community of Coahoma County.Â
He was protective over Pearline when it mattered.Â
She found it sweet at first. Endearing.Â
But that protection started to feel like a suffocating control.
And Pearline was starting to feel like a fish out of water.Â
Annie shook her head. âIâm sorry,â she said softly.Â
Pearline looked down, swirled her drink, and took another sip.Â
âHe's a good man, Annie,â she said, staring into her cup like that would make it true.
Annie felt skeptical but she was unwilling to push her friend into feeling uncomfortable.
âYou happy?â
Pearline took a full minute to answer.Â
âYeah.âÂ
âWell,â Annie grabbed Pearlineâs forearm, stroking her skin. âThatâs what matters then...that you happy.â
Pearline gave her a weak smile.
A Few Nights Later â Moon Lake, Mississippi
Smoke and Stack stepped foot into the building, overhead lights so bright they had to blink so their eyes could adjust. It was something Smoke never got used toâthe lights. Heâd seen the Mississippi sun become a furnace in the skyâ but this new, artificial shit? It was stronger. Blinding.
He didnât like any of it.Â
Stack was prepared. He always was when it came to his twin.
He handed Smoke a pair of American Optical aviators that they were fitted for during the war. They had smoked out dark lenses, a thin metal frame, and a double bridge that sat comfortably across his nose.
The twins walked through the casino like men on a mission. Smoke kept his hands in his pockets, but he still met eyes. A bootlegger on a craps table. Another man in a fancy pressed suit, elbows deep in a blackjack game to the right.Â
They made their way to the side of the room, shoulders squared, eyes sharp, steps measured, cutting through a maze of fumes, lights, and laughter, until they were standing in front of the walkway that led to the private gaming salons.Â
A narrow, low-lit corridor loomed in front of them. Dark green doors stretched down the hallway lined up like little soldiers. The walls were covered with patterned maroon wallpaper that looked like old blood dripping slowly from the panels. Smoke hovered overhead, suspended at the ceiling like a thick, tobacco-filled cloud. Floorboards groaned underneath heels and two-tone spectator shoes while furniture legs groaned under men all looking to play the long game with duffel bags full of cash.
Door 14. The Roulette Room.
Laughter slipped out the open door.Â
The room was cozy but not small, decorated to feel expensive with its soft lamplight, burgundy wallpaper, velvet drapes and deep mahogany woodwork.Â
A large roulette table flanked by carved wooden chairs with upholstered seats sat in the middle, the dealer leaning over the table with practiced focus. Framed paintings hung high above tall wooden panels, fireplaces, and wall sconces that divided the space.Â
The room wasnât full but wasnât empty either.Â
And most people present werenât there to play.Â
Not really.
Members of Clarksdaleâs fraternal lodge were scattered around the roomâPythians with their ceremonial hats and others in regular suits. Smoking, fraternizing, throwing drinks back. Women in sequined dresses, strappy shoes, and pressed waves socialized among them.
Clay stood in the middle, leaning against a fireplace with two fingers of something dark in his hand. Maybe whiskey. Maybe brandy. A crystal glass decanter sat by his elbow. He swished his drink around, taking small sips while he listened to a man speak, voice low under the soft clatter of chips and murmured bets.
It was a white man. Rotund build. Dressed in a white single-breasted suit jacket and trousers, white shirt, and striped bowtie. He had a thick unibrow and mustache, and a hearty laugh that echoed off the walls but a smile that didnât reach his eyes. He didnât look flashy; he looked comfortable. Too comfortable.Â
And that was just from a distance.Â
Smokeâs lip curled up instantly.Â
Stack elbowed him in the arm when he saw the raw expression on his brotherâs face.Â
âChill out, nigga.âÂ
Smoke grunted.
When Clay saw the twins across the room, he didnât flinch. He just waved them over, setting his glass down on the mantle.
They split up like they always did when they first entered a space, Smoke rounding left, Stack circling right.Â
It was part of their routine. A twin language developed from survival and war.Â
They didnât discuss it. They didnât need to.Â
They orbited the room. The movement looked casual, but they were quietly filing away every detail. Every glance meant suspicion, calculation, or warning. Nerves that had nothing to do with gambling. Shifty eyes. Hidden weapons.Â
Smoke was the quicker draw of the two, and he always rolled deep. Two pistols. Bolo knife. Always tucked away but easily accessible.
Stack was slower to draw but had a way of disguising danger as charm before anybody realized it was danger. He kept a colt .45 and a brass knuckle knife hidden seamlessly in his clothing.
When they reached Clay, he already had two cigars cut for them.Â
âJimââ he said with a wide grin. âThese the two gentlemen I was tellinâ you âbout earlier.âÂ
âAh, the twins!â this Jim character said.Â
He tapped ash from his own cigar on a lacquered tray and looked between Smoke and Stack who flanked himâone twin on each side.
âYou fellas ever think about cominâ up North?âÂ
Stack answered. âWe been up North.â
âWhere to?â
âHarlem.â
âNew York...What about Illinois? Arkansas?â
Smoke spoke up. âArkansas ainât up north.âÂ
âI know,â Jim replied.
âSo why you askinâ?â he asked flatly.
Jim shrugged. âJust curious.â
âNah.â Smoke turned his head. âWe don't go up North much.â
âBut it depend on who askinâ,â Stack added.Â
Both twins looked at Jim.
Smoke with his head tilted downwards and his hooded eyes that could look up through a man and pierce his soul.Â
Stack stood with his head tilted up so he was always looking down at someone, eyes twinkling, smirk wide, golds flashing.
Jim chuckled once, amused. At least on the surface.Â
The ice in Stackâs cup tapped against the glass as it melted, sitting completely untouched in front of him. Smoke had already smoked his cigar down to the nub and sat with his elbows on his knees.Â
Jim and his posse were long gone by now.Â
Smoke, Stack, Clay and two of Clayâs men sat around a small round table that was polished to a shine that caught the lamplight in amber streaks. They talked routes, distribution, provisions, collections, hidden shipments, payoffs.Â
Stackâs eyes sparkled every time someone mentioned Little Rock or Chicago.Â
Smokeâs eyes held an unimpressed dullness even under the golden pools of lamplight.
Clay noticed, his eyes flicking between the two of them, subtly eyeing the difference in demeanor.Â
âWhat you think?â Stack whispered to Smoke.
Smoke frowned then leaned over. ââBout what?â
âBig Jim.â
âI ainât.â
Stack sucked his teeth loudly which earned a stare from Smoke.
Stack grumbled under his breath.Â
âShut up, niggaâ Smoke gritted.Â
âJust think about it,â Stack pushed. âMe. You. And Little Rock.â
Stack finally picked up his drink and took a swig. âYou can bring Annie, too.â
Smoke just shook his head. Leaving Clarksdale was the last thing he was thinking about.Â
The casino carried on in the background. Jazz, smoke, and the sweet-sharp smell of corn liquor spilled from the large double doors every time a patron stepped out.Â
Smoke stood outside, the orange ember of his cigarette burning bright behind his palm.Â
He didnât come outside for quiet. The casino wasnât quiet. Moon Lake never was.Â
He stood at the dock and took a long drag of tobacco. It burned his chest. The cherry, spice, and the faint trace of lake humidity calmed the dull throb of a headache that sat behind his skull.Â
âPeople done carved out every corner of Chicago. Whole lotta money there. But ArkansasâŠ.âÂ
Big Jimâs words echoed in his head.Â
And Stackâs.Â
He was always hyped about something. A scheme, a trick, a scam.Â
And Smoke would always be caught up right along with him.Â
But this oneâ
âKnow a couple call houses in Little Rock need fixinâ up,â Big Jim said between puffs.Â
A member of his posse, another white man with olive skin, a stocky build and a scar on his left cheek spoke up next.
âBathhouse in Hot Springs. Yâall would do good up there, too.â He took a swig of his whiskey. âReal good.â
Smoke pushed the thoughts away before they could take root in his mind.
His thoughts turned to Annie instead.
To the confession she made.
The thought he filed away for later resurfaced while he looked out at the water. Night blanketed the cypress trees and the shores and the forest beyond it while the twinkling lights of the Moon Lake island helped soften its edges.Â
Annie never shrank herself or made herself smaller for other peopleâs comfort. Thatâs one thing Smoke noticed the most about her. She was like him in that way.Â
But something was different about the look on her face when she said those three words.
I ainât neverâŠ
She looked vulnerable. Timid almost.Â
His chest tightened at the thought.Â
Something flickered in her eyes that night, just for a second before it disappeared.Â
It wasnât from the moonlight, from the candle on the windowsill, or from the oil lamp that hung above them on the shed.
It was deeper than that.
It was fear.
Fear of how heâd take it. Fear it would change his mind about her.Â
He could see it in how she rushed to cling onto something. The loose thread on his shirt, something in the backyard.Â
She showed him a part of herself. A part nobody else got to see.Â
She gave that to him.Â
And for just a second, she was scared of what heâd do with it.
Smokeâs jaw clenched.
He never wanted her to feel like that. He never wanted to be the reason she felt like that. Not again.Â
Because that softness, the most tender part of her that she revealed to him in a whisper, barely a breathâthat was his to protect now.Â
Reeds danced with the current as it drifted downriver. The blades flitted across each other in the breeze, the low, whispery rustle felt gentle and soothing compared to the harsh sounds of the casino.
It felt like Annie.
Her scent arrived like a memory carried over water.
The lake carried the smell of some womanâs perfume. Smoke wouldnât have noticed it, but the smell of lavender carried something sharper underneath that made his head snap around.Â
Night-blooming jasmine.Â
That sun-drenched, heady lushness that lingered on Annieâs wrists, behind her ears, and on her necklaces.Â
That combined with the smell of something brackish made him feel like she was standing in front of him, those soft arms wrapped around his neck while his head tucked into her chest smelling like a midnight garden.
It cut through the harshness of the casino. The haze, the booze, the sweat.Â
Moon Lake smelled like vice and pressure.
Annie was the opposite of all of that.Â
While moonlight turned lake waters into glass, Smoke closed his eyes and made a decision.
Then another one.
He showed up at Dellaâs a few days later when the house had lulled into its afternoon pace.
âGot somewhere I wanna take you.âÂ
Those were the only words Smoke muttered before he whisked Annie out of the boarding house and into his truck. He wouldnât tell Annie where they were going. All she knew was that they were heading north, the sun just starting its slow descent to the left of the road.Â
The fields were empty this time of the year, of both people and cotton. The bare stalks stood tall and rigid like silent witnesses.
âI got a letter from my folks back home,â Annie said, looking out the window.
Smoke kept his eyes forward. âWhat they say?â
âEverybody doinâ good.â
âGood.â
Annie went on, talking Smoke up about her nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. By the time she stopped to catch her breath, she was beaming with pride. Smoke listened to her talk with a lopsided grin of admiration. Then she started talking about her immediate family. Her mama. Her daddy. Her brothers. Her words got slower. Her breath hitched a few times like she was choosing her words carefully.Â
Smoke noticed and started probing.
âYour mama a midwife, right? And your daddyâhe work at the docks?â
âHe a fisherman. You remembered.â She grinned and relaxed a little bit.
âHow your brothers be?â
Annie tensed. âThey good,â she said quickly.
âHmm. And what they do?â
She rattled off five different occupations, but he knew she had six brothers. She told him.Â
Annie was her parentâs seventh child.
He waited for her to fill in the blanks, but she didnât. She just stared out the window like she was holding her breath.
âWhat was his name?â he asked.
Annie looked down at her hands. They were fidgeting again, playing with the hem of her clothing. She had on a tan-colored shirtwaist dress that complimented the rich brown color of her skin. It sat underneath a grey overcoat made from a light material.Â
Mississippi weather was mild that day, a nice break from the cold front they experienced the past few weeks.Â
Stockings and oxfords completed her look, and a cloche hat with a cream-colored ribbon was pinned onto her low bun.
The cab of the truck was silent for a while as the wheels rolled over loose gravel. But after a few more moments, Annie finally let out the breath sheâd been holding.
âUriah,â she said quietly. âHis name wasâisâUriah.â
Smokeâs grip on the steering wheel tightened. âWhat happened to âem?â
âThe war.â
âIâm sorry.â
Annie looked towards the road again. âAinât your fault.â
âStill.â He looked over at her briefly. âYâall were close?â
âThe closest.â
Smokeâs hand grabbed hers in her lap. She took a moment to rub the skin of his hands, his calloused palms warm around hers.
The road in front of them narrowed slightly. They crossed a bridge, the packed dirt turning into dusty brickwork as they traversed the water.Â
The sun was beginning to wane, writing its farewell letter in shades of orange and purple as it disappeared behind the trees.Â
On the other side of the bridge sat Moon Lake Island.Â
A twenty-four-hour haven of whimsy, seduction, and leisure. Hanging lights glittered like fireflies, their bulbs blinking rapidly like they were dying out. That was on purpose.
It was just a bridge away from Lula, but it felt miles awayâa sharp contrast to the cotton fields and the back of plantation houses that sat just across a small stretch of water.Â
A supper club and casino stood like landmarks on the north island. The Blue Room was a pleasure palace that fronted as a place to enjoy oysters and prime cuts of steak at all hours of the night, and the Moon Lake Casino was its younger, slick-talking brother.Â
The Black Elk Lodge was a hotel that stretched across the entire span of the southern island, wide and proud like the hand of a giant. Small lake front cabins scattered along the shore surrounding the courtyard hotel, a place where the whole world could go quiet.
Smoke cut the engine. He kept a hand on the small of her back, the other hand holding onto a covered basket as he guided Annie to the small private dock where heâd rented a rowboat from the lodge. He tugged the fraying rope that moored it to the shore, pulling it up so it sat halfway on the bank.
The inside was a tight fit, but dry. It was deep, lined with fragments of mismatched, aged wood where he set the basket of food in the middle of the two benches. Smoke helped Annie inside, unleashing the boat while he took the oars in his hand.Â
His muscles moved beneath rolled sleeves while he rowed them away from the shore. He grunted under his breath as he stroked, moving his arms back and forth until their boat was dislodged from the thick mud on the shore. It glided smoothly into the water.
Annieâs thoughts were a tangled web. She smoothed her skirt down and crossed her legs, staring at the lake surrounding them to avert her eyes from the way his muscles clung to his shirt. A cool gust of wind swept over their boat drying the small bead of sweat that had started to form at her temple.
The lakefront cabins of The Black Elk Lodge lined the shore behind them. Small, wooden cabins with hanging lanterns, flower boxes on the porch, and warm orange light in the windows.Â
Sounds from the island started to fade as they rowed into a thinner stretch of the lake. Ancient trees stood tall like ancestors along the shore. Spanish moss hung overhead like lace curtains, turning the sun into little slivers of bronze light that spotted the forest floor.
âPretty out here,â Annie remarked quietly.
She trailed her fingers along the water. It rippled and separated under her touch into gentle waves that sloshed along the side of the boat.
âYeah it is,â Smoke agreed.Â
But he wasnât talking about the lake. He was talking about her.
He couldnât stop looking at her.Â
The colors of dusk shimmered on the water catching the contours of Annieâs skin that looked lit from within. Her cheekbones, full lips, button nose, doe eyes. She unpinned her hat and released her bun once they got further from the shore. Her hairâdark, thick and coiled down her backâcaught the light in deep blue streaks that shimmered against the jewel-toned sky. She looked ethereal. Sunset made her beads glow against her skin; the multi-colored necklaces sat tucked gracefully under the neckline of her dress.
âYou gonâ burn a hole in me, Elijah,â Annie said, eyes trained on the rippling water around their boat.
Smoke smirked.
âJust thinkinâ about how pretty you look right now.â
Annie huffed a laugh. âJust right now?â
âNah,â Smoke chuckled. âYou always beautifulâŠbut you glowinâ different right now.âÂ
âWhy, thank you.â
Just then, the sun cut sharply, burning into her eyes. Her entire iris flooded with a deep bronze color just long enough for it to make Smoke blink twice.Â
âWhat?âÂ
Smoke shook his head. âNothinâ.â But something about the evening sky and the water bleeding into each other had him feeling like he was seeing something that wasnât really there.
âYou hungry?â he asked.
Their picnic basket was lined with sheer fabric and made of handwoven old reed with a handle covered in spiral carvings. It carried a couple baloney sandwiches with mustard, mason jars with sweet tea, and a brown paper bag filled with boiled peanuts rolled in honey and brown sugar.Â
ââCould use somethinâ sweet.â
Smoke uncovered the basket. Annie removed the paper bag from it and inhaled its sugary scent. She reached in and popped a peanut in her mouth. âWant one?â
Smoke looked at her like she should already know that answer.
Annie smiled. âYou knowâI never thought someone like you would be a sweet tooth.â
âWhy not?â
ââCause you walk around like you eat straight salt for dinner.â
She put a peanut in her hand, holding it up to his lips as he held onto the oars. It went in easily, his lips leaving moist heat on her fingertips that went through her body in waves.Â
Smoke hummed at the salty, sweet taste. âMmmm.â The echo of his voice vibrated deep in her body. âThatâs good.â
âYou like it?â Annie teased with a sultry voice.
Smoke raised a brow as he set the oars in the boat. âDonât do that.â
âDo what?â
Smoke looked down at the peanut she had ready in her palm and leaned towards her anyways. He parted his mouth just enough. His lips touched her fingers again this time, his tongue licking through the opening of her fingertips as he took the candied peanut in his mouth. He licked his lips when he pulled back, eyes on her.
âTrouble.âÂ
âMe?â she snickered. She clutched her chest, taunting. âYou the one tryna swallow my fingers.â
The air outside felt thicker over the water. The sky grew darker now, the brightness of the day dimming to something that looked like the glow of a low-burning oil lamp spread across the sky. Annie tossed the bag of peanuts back in the basket and screwed the cap off her mason jar of tea, taking a nervous sip.
âYou come out here often?â she asked.
Smoke shrugged. âFrom time to time.â
âFor what?â
Her eyes drifted to a pair of wood storks nested together along the bank. It was lined in reeds, soft mud, and the thick, tangled network of cypress roots that reached like fingers into the water. Annie thought it looked like the kind of place old spirits preferred. Somewhere quiet enough to listen and deep enough to hold secrets. Smoke favored that part tooâthe quiet, the shade, the way the trees swallowed noise and gave a man room to think.
âTo quiet what wonât settle anywhere else.â
Annie turned to look at Smoke. This wasn't just a date.
âThank you for showin' me this place,â she said. âYour place.â
She leaned in and he met her halfway.
The front room was dim.Â
Not because he was trying to set the mood, but because he only had the patience to light two candles. The soft light brushed the walls, the flames coaxing shadows into a slow dance. Outside, the night breathed in low drones. An owl hooted somewhereâa deep, resonant sound that echoed through the trees. The wind fluttered through fallen leaves and whispered secrets through branches. But inside, the living room of Smoke and Stack's home held a calm, comfortable level of domesticity despite the hum of outdoors.
Smoke and Annie sat next to each other on the couch in Smokeâs house. Annie played a crossword puzzle from the Chicago Whip, stretched sideways across the couch with her feet in Smokeâs lap. Smoke had his hands on her feet as they went back and forth about the answers.Â
âWhatâs a three-letter word for a four-legged animal with spots?â
âA cow,â Smoke said easily.
âNo, that donât fit my crossword.â
âWhat? Lemme see thatâŠâ
Smoke reached for the newspaper, but Annie moved it away from his grasp.
âIt's a dog.â
âIt could be a cat, tooâŠsince we just sayinâ shit.â
Annie swatted him with the newspaper.
âWhat was that for?â
âFor bein' a smart ass.â
Annie set the newspaper down.
âGivin' up already?â
She shot him a look that could have cut through glass. âIâm tired.â She propped her head up with her hand.
Smoke started to push off the couch. âYou ready to go back?â
âNo,â her hand shot out, ânot yet,â she said softer.
Smoke sat back.
Annie tugged on his arm, and he followed her pull as she brought him towards her. Slowly.
Not because he was scared.
He hadnât been scared since he was a child.
But because he cared.
He laid down behind her, his front pressing against her back, and automatically wrapped an arm around her waist. His hold on her was tight, possessive.Â
And Annie loved it.
She stroked his hand with her fingertips. It sat just above her bellybutton with a firm grip.
She melted into him.
He kissed the back of her shoulders first.
Light, delicate pecks that left warmth on her skin.
His lips moved to her neck and the kisses lingered longer, his arm tightening around her waist. He heard her gasps, her short panting breaths, and decided to keep going.
And Annie could feel everything.Â
His kisses became closer together.Â
Somehow, her hand lifted to the back of his head pulling him closer to her.Â
She finally let out a word that wrecked him.
âElijah,â she gasped.
Smoke chuckled, the sound forced a breath onto the delicate spot just behind her ear, and he heard something from her he never heard before.
A sharp, sudden intake of breath.
It was nothing like the noise she let out when he kissed her the other day. This one was quick, unexpected, new. It made her eyes widen.
It made her roll her hips once. The friction was there for a second and gone just as fast, but it pulled a low groan from him.
She laced their hands together and turned, just slightly. The movement pulled her under him.
Their faces met first.
They looked into each otherâs eyes and rubbed noses.Â
âDamn,â Smoke whispered. âYou so beautiful.â
He leaned forward and their lips met gently. The kiss quickly turned passionate, their hunger urgent and palpable. Annieâs back pressed into Smokeâs front, and she could feel him behind her, hard and growing and right there.
Between the breaths and the pants and the tongues and the lips, he pulled back from her a second. Smoke looked down at her kiss-bruised lips and her blown pupils, and the want written all over her face.
They were so wrapped up in each other that he almost missed the sound of a car turning onto the dirt path that led to their home.
Almost.
But the soldier in him never knew a full night's rest.
Smokeâs head turned towards the door out of instinct. He listened carefully, then heard it clearly.
The rumble of an engine.Â
Wheels erratically crunching over dirt.
Stack.
Smoke looked at Annie who had stilled under him, trying to figure out why he stopped.
âHe's back.â
Annie paused for a second, then exhaled sharply and swung her legs over the side of the couch. She stood up slowly, smoothing the fabric of her dress along her hips as the adrenaline started to fade and annoyance started to set in. She walked over to the mirror to check her hair which had become a mass of crushed kinks, coils, and curls, and tried to tame it back into place even though she herself was completely undone.
Smoke sat on the couch, just staring at the floor.
He rubbed a hand down his face.
He couldnât help but feel like Stack picked this very moment to come backâon purpose. He checked the Elgin watch on his wrist, 9:30pm. Stack never came in this earlyâ not on the weekend anyway.Â
Doors opened and closed in succession. Car door first. The snap of twigs and the crunch of polished shoes over solid earth next. Then the screen door creaked open and the bolt on the front door unlatched.
Stack walked in the house completely aware of what had just transpired, but he knew better. He was well versed in reading a room.
He noticed the way Smoke was sitting. Noticed how he was staring at the back of Annie who was fixing her hair in the mirror. He saw the pillows on the couch that look just as deflated as his brother.
He looked between them and his smirk spread slow and smug on his face.Â
âWell good eveninâ,â he announced, his voice cutting through their quiet tension.
Annie looked over from the other side of the room. âEveninâ,â she said warmly, putting the last of her pins in her hair.
Smoke didnât respond. He pinched the bridge of his nose and pushed off the couch.Â
âAnnie,â he said to get her attention. She turned around as he stood up to grab his coat and car keys. âLetâs get to gettinâ.â
Stack crossed the room and sat right on the couch. He got comfortable, putting an ankle on his knee before pulling a small notebook from his pocket. âLeavinâ so soon?âÂ
He looked at Smoke, then Annie, then back to Smoke.Â
âItâs gettinâ late,â Smoke grumbled. He grabbed Annieâs hand and held the door wide as she slipped underneath his arm.Â
âBye, Elias!â Annie said as she practically skipped to Smokeâs truck with Smokeâs gaze following right behind her.Â
âBye, Annie!â Stack yelled after her. âBye, Elijah,â he said to Smoke in a slower, more teasing manner.Â
Smoke rolled his eyes and grunted as he walked down the steps to his truck. He opened the door for Annie who hustled into the passenger seat. Smoke shut her door carefully then rounded the front to the driverâs side. Once he got in, he let the quiet sit for a second before adjusting himself in his seat.
Annie pretended she didnât see it, but her face, half shadowed in darkness and the light from the front room of the cottage, betrayed her. She looked out the window smiling as the engine started with a rattle and sputter of the exhaust pipe.Â
The drive back to Aunt Dellaâs boarding house was quiet. Moonlight flooded the cab of the truck, highlighting the contours of Smoke's faceâhis eyelashes, his lips, his mustache all bathed in a pale, lunar glow. His hand rested on her thigh, holding firmly onto the supple flesh. Annie traced along the veins of his hand with her fingertips before laying her palm on top of his.
âI had a good time tonight,â she said after about a mile of silence.
âYou did?âÂ
âYeah, I did.â
âGood,â he said quietly.Â
The stars sprinkled tiny silver blessings above them as they made their way to the boarding house, the occasional animal darting in the road, drawn like a moth to a flame to his headlights. Smoke and Annie laced their fingers together as the road to town stretched in front of them.Â
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<- Chapter 8
-> Masterlist
*Song by Bud Spires
Note: Sorry this took so long to post. I was lowkey scared. đ But on another noteâ The Harvest Party is coming up next!
Ight yall I came up with this idea a few days ago and started typing it out but I just finished it. I didnât have anybody proof read it so read at your own riskđ Iâll be finishing this in 2 parts I just wanted to go ahead and post something before I deleted it like the last few lil stories Iâve tried. Idk I like the drama in this oneđ
TW : DV, lame nigga shit, paranoia
Word count : 1.9
Annie sat in the green SRT looking out the window trying her best to stay calm until she made it home. She knew if she could just get dropped off and ignore him for a few hours, Jeremih would calm down and see how ridiculous he was acting.
Everything was fine an hour earlier, he came and got her from her door and took her to dinner as they had previously planned. She smiled at the waiter too sincerely and his insecure ass just had to do the most. He accused her of being a hoe, too friendly, asked if she has been fucking that nigga and had the nerve to ask if that was why he only got charged for 2 appatizers instead of 1.
She made the mistake of laughing in his face because she honestly could not believe they were going through this again, AGAIN. They had gotten into a heated debate a week prior when he threatened to break her phone all because she liked and reposted a reel of method man. THE METHOD MAN, that man didnât know her from a can of paint and she tried her best to explain it. She even said she wouldnât repost any more men if he found it disrespectful but the only solution he could agree on was her giving him all the passwords to his social media which was a huge fuck no.
Annie text the groupchat to let them know Jeremiah was on bullshit once again, Grace immediately text back letting her know she was watching them live on life360. âYou not gon say shit huh? You canât wait for me to drop you off so you can go back up there and eat that nigga up right? You gotta suck sum for a damn appetiser Annie?â
She knew better than to answer, when he was like this anything she said would be used against her. So she sat quite and kept looking out the window, she jumped when he jerked the car to the right to pull into the gas station but calmed down once she saw he was just going to top off his tank. She knew what that was, he wanted to stay around her for as long as possible because he knew coming upstairs to her apartment was a non negotiable.
The worst part was he was on the floor right below hers which is where they met in the first place. She shook her head slightly thinking about how she decided to move into that particular complex last minute because they offered to do her first month free. âThis nigga was not worth that lil $1500â she thought.
Jeremiah parked at pump #3 and just stared at Annie. She tried to give him a small smile hoping he would calm down faster than normal so she could still put her fresh wax to use. She made sure to answer every text and call this week, didnât like anything too wild on Instagram, barely posted and even called him last night when she got off work and pretended to be scared so he could walk her to her door and feel like the big strong nigga that he wasnât.
She got out of giving him some by faking a headache when he lingered at her door last night, she purposely waited out so he could put her through the mattress after their dinner date. All she wanted was her sweet baby back, when things were good they were great, but when they were bad they escalated so fast. Somehow the good sex always made her forget the bad that led up to it. âYou still mad at meâ she asked while rubbing the back of his neck the way she knew he loved. He shrugged her hand off while clearing his throat âNah Iâm coo, why donât you go throw $20 in my tank since I took care of dinnerâ
Annieâs face dropped immediately, he had never asked her to handle gas. He didnât let her pay for anything, that was one of the first things she learned to get used to when they first started talking. She laughed while getting out the car âyou need to me pump it toâ she said half way expecting him to say yes. Just as she reached the door she turned around again to double check the pump number. As she turned around all she could see was Jeremiah gassing it out of the parking lot.
She stood there with her mouth open blinking back tears. She couldnât believe he just left her, thankfully the apartment complex was only a 15-20 minute walk but it was the middle of summer, dark as hell outside and all she had on was a romper and sandals. Just as she was about to call Grace she heard him rushing back into the parking lot. He pulled back into pump #3 and hopped out the car.
âYou know damn well you donât pay for shit around me, watch how you talk to me before I leave yo ass for good thoâ he said as he opened the gas station door for her. Annie walked behind him still shook by the whole incident but even more frustrated with herself for being relieved he came back for her. She grabbed a Fiji water and trailed behind her man trying to brainstorm a few different scenarios to get their night back on track.
After he had paid for his gas and Annieâs water Jamal opened the gas station door slightly letting it fall on Annie as she hurried behind him. He looked up to see a Vapor blue Mustang parked next to him. He immediately looked back for Annie to see if she was watching the car the same way he was, she wasnât.
She almost ran into the back of him when he stopped walking, he took it too far pulling off and he knew it but he also knew he would make it up to her as soon as they got back to her place. He just needed to kiss that sweet spot on the side of her neck how she liked and sheâd cave and let him come in.
Just as Annie was about to hop in the car she noticed two men stepping out of the bluish car that had pulled up next to Jeremiah, she glanced at her man trying to see if he would open the door for her how he usually did but he was too busy staring the car down so of course she followed his gaze. âWhat up bruhâ the first dude said with a grin âWhatupdoeâ Jeremiah responded, the second guy got out the drivers seat with a simple head nod. âTwinsâ Annie muttered as she noticed identical faces staring back at her.
âYea baby, double the troubleâ the first one said as they turned to walk inside. She involuntarily followed them with her eyes seeing they were built the exact same but walked completely different. âAwe you love that shit, chip and dale got your hoe ass droolingâ she snapped her neck to the left seeing Jeremiah stare holes into her while he pumped the gas. She opened the passenger door dropping in the car while reassuring him âI just donât see grown twins often dassit, ainât nobody stunting themâ
âStfuâ he said slamming her door, âyou know how hard it is trying to keep your hoe ass in line? I donât know why I keep putting up with this shit you canât help yourself can you?â Annie didnât have the energy to fight back. She knew she was wrong but she also knew she wasnât a hoe, she was as loyal as they came and he knew that. He just loved to belittle her and make himself the victim and she could only take so much. âTake me home Jeremih, nah you donât gotta walk me to my door, come in, eat me into tears or slow fuck me until I go back stupid for your dumb ass. Iâd much rather use my roseâ
All Annie could taste was blood as she tried to register what happened. Did he hit her? He swore he would never hit her again. âLook what you made me fucking do bruhâ he said as he tried to grab her chin to see the damage âDonât even worry bout it let me get you home and clean you upâ he said as he put the gas hose back on the pump.
âAye bruh, you putting you hands on femalesâ someone yelled as Annie looked up to see the set of twins fast pacing it to Jeremiahâs car, âIâm fine it was nothingâ she said as she attempted to open her door to step out but Jeremiah stood too close. She knew he had done it on purpose and he lightly laughed.
âNah man Iâm not even that type of guy it was really just reflex, her mouth got a lil disrespectful but we about to call it a night and go homeâ he said as he tried to brush past the two men who refused to budge.
âWhat he do to youâ the stern face one asked.
âHe punched meâ
Annie felt like she couldnât lie to him, she felt like he could keep her safe and she couldnât tell if her bleeding had snapped Jeremiah back into reality or pushed him further over the edge. What she did know was that he wasnât letting her out of his sight anytime soon, whenever he took things too far he stayed extra close and she desperately needed space.
âDo you know this nigga?â Jeremiah questioned while looking down at her, âWhy you running our business to dudeâ
âNah she donât know us, but I know a bitch when I see oneâ the friendlier one stated, at that moment Jeremiah turned to walk around to the other side of the car trying to avoid the twins âight dawg imma let you have that one Iâm not on bs tonightâ he said hoping in the drivers seatâ
Annie scoffed once again noticing how he could never meet another man with disrespect or dominant energy. It was always her, she got the aggression, drama and abusive tendencyâs but he was such a Beta when it came to other men.
âWhat happened to reflexes when it came to disrespectâ she thought as Jeremiah pulled out of the parking lot dropping his phone into the cup holder.
âBaby Iâm sorry, I took it too far I been on one let me get you upstairs and help you clean up. Donât worry Iâll leave immediately afterâ he said as he sat at the last light before their apartment complex.
Annie didnât see a way out of it so she stayed quite, she text the group chat with a gif and very short recap on what happened letting them know to get to her apartment asap. She was hoping her girls could get to her within an hour that way heâd be forced to leave.
When he finally parked into his designated spot he ran around to open her door, he kept his hand on her lower back guiding her to the steps. Just as they made it to the first one they heard another car pulling into the complex, it was blue. Before Annie could say anything Jeremiah had pulled out his .45 from under his shirt that he carried everywhere âhead upstairs babyâ. Was the last thing she heard before she took off to her apartment full speed.
This is my tag list from the last fic I did for Valentineâs Day please let me know if youâd like to be removed! :
