❝𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐃𝐄❞

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐰𝐨

Devon

Words to describe my momma? Uhm... sweet, real caring. She always there for me, always got my back. Like, when it come to my art, she made sure soon as I graduated, I got right into community college. She want the best for me, no doubt about that. But she hard-headed, too. Now I see where Lani get it from. I laughed a little, shaking my head. Either way, I wouldn't be nowhere without her. Ain't nothing I wouldn't do for her. Sure, Lani gives her fancy cars, rent money, all them clothes and purses, but he ain't gon' take her outta here. That's what I'ma do one day.

A flick to my ear brought me back to reality. "Ow, what?" I snapped, turning toward Kali.

"Pass the salt," she said, like it was nothing.

I sighed, looking at the salt shaker right there, not even a fingertip away from her. Caught momma giving me that look, so I just sucked it up and slid the salt over. "Here."

"What happened between you and Lani at church?" Kali asked, chewing loud as hell on her spaghetti, sprinkling salt all over it. And Lord, I wished she'd choke on it.

"What you mean?" I played dumb, keeping my eyes on my plate, feelin' momma's stare on me.

Kali swallowed, wiggling in her seat like some kid hyped up on candy. "I'on know, just that you walked home. Plus, I heard you and Naomi on the phone—"

"You nosy rat! Who told you to listen to my convos?" I snapped, slammin' my fork down on the table.

"Devon! Watch your tone at the table!" Momma jumped in quick. "Kali just worried 'bout you."

I scoffed, turning to momma. "We both know that's a damn lie. She just nosy!"

"I ain't nosy! You and Lani's vibe messin' up the air all the time!" Kali said, like that excused her for snooping around in my business, eavesdropping on my calls. I wanted to wipe that smug look off her face, but I knew momma'd flip, so I held it in.

Momma cleared her throat. "I wanna know why you walked home too. It's dangerous out there! I'm just glad you didn't take 33rd Street." She whispered a quiet "thank you, Lord."

Damn, word on that shooting spread fast. Well, not surprised—seems like that's the only news we ever get 'round here. I slouched back in my seat, tryin' to stay calm. Didn't wanna tell her I was almost caught up in that mess. I started pokin' at my food, messin' with a noodle. "Nothin' happened, momma. I just... felt like walking."

She clicked her tongue. "Boy, you too damn skinny to be tryna lose more weight."

"Momma..." I groaned.

"Nah, Devon, I know Lani said somethin' to you. He always sayin' shit to get under your skin. So, what was it this time?" Her brows raised, those little wrinkles creasing her forehead with worry. She looked me over, all concerned. My momma so pretty, for real. Black don't crack, man—she pushing 40 and still lookin' 20.

I sighed, realizing there was no way out of this one. Food stopped lookin' interesting, so I set my fork down. "Me and Kirk was talkin'... and, I'on know, he thought we was flirtin' or some shit." I muttered, feelin' embarrassed as hell. Ugh, I feel like I'm damn near 13 again, getting all flustered talking about this. And here I am, 20 years old. Kali sniffled out a laugh. I shot her a glare and kicked at her feet under the table.

"Oh, well, was y'all flirtin'?" Momma asked, straight-faced.

"MOMMA! Oh my God. No, we wasn't! Kirk ain't even into dudes!"

Kali nearly choked, spitting out her food and covering her face like she couldn't stop laughing. She even snorted. Lord, I wished she'd choke on a meatball for real this time. Momma? Unbothered. She sipped her drink, eyebrow raised. "So? That don't mean you wasn't flirtin'. Do you like him?"