Page 10

“Blood, you got to stop saying that stupid shit about them women,” Egypt scolded.

“Says the man that cussed his wife out for looking presentable enough to leave the house this morning.”

“I ain’t cuss her out, I was just trying to see why she had to do the fucking most for this nigga.”

Blue’s head went back as he smiled at Egypt’s insecurity, where he was concerned. He contemplated poking the bear, but decided against it. Egypt’s mouth was terrible, as was his attitude. The last thing Blue needed was for him and Egypt to mess up Goody and her husband’s house fighting.

“Aye, leave me out that shit. I got my own woman.”

Auto cocked his head in Blue’s direction with a mouth filled with food. “Nigga ain’t been with that little ass girl for five minutes but claiming her like she his.”

“Happy ass nigga,” Egypt egged.

“Fuck both of y’all muthafuckas, she is mine.”

“After what I saw today, she’s definitely that,” Calvary joined the conversation.

Blue dapped him up while nodding his head. “Tell these niggas.”

“Hey, there’s nothing wrong with knowing what you want and making it known. I didn’t hesitate when it came to Goody. She shot me down every chance she got, but I wasn’t giving up until I got her. Now,” Jerrico looked over his shoulder at Goody to ensure she couldn’t hear him. “She’s stuck to me like glue. Making love every free minute we get.”

Blue pointed at Jerrico while nodding his head. “Forever told me about y’all nasty asses. Fucking loud enough for her to hear and shit. Y’all wrong for that.”

The group of men laughed and ate together. Just when Blue finished making all of his rounds, he finally headed for Azayna. He’d been doing his best to stay away from her because of how sensitive Egypt got where she was concerned, but she was his lil’ homie, and he wanted to speak.

“Where that bad ass baby at?” Blue sat on the sofa between her and Nova.

“With his auntie, and don’t do my baby. He ain’t bad. He’s just a little boy and does little boy things.”

“Bad, like I said. Just like his fucking daddy.” Blue chuckled, as did she and Nova.

“Whatever, Blue. So, what’s next? What you about to do now?”

Blue’s legs stretched out in front of him as he relaxed backward on the sofa while looking straight ahead at Forever. She was seated in the corner in an isolated accent chair with her legs crossed, eating. Her phone was tucked between her ear and shoulder as she balanced the movements of her body beautifully.

“I can’t even call it. I’m going to Cali for a few days with Forever, then heading to Florida to see what’s up. Anything after that, I haven’t really made up my mind yet. All I know is that it’s going to be the right thing. I don’t have time for no more slip ups. This one was too close for comfort as is. I thought my shit was over forever. Life just gone.”

Azayna agreed. “I did too. I’m so glad God gave you another chance.”

“Me too,” Nova smiled at him. “Now you can get married and have a baby like Auto.”

The three of them laughed at her before Blue nodded in agreement. “Hell yeah. I’m trying to do that for real.”

“With Forever?”

Blue’s eyes went to her again before he nodded. She was looking at him and smiled when he caught her eye.

“If she’ll have me.”

Nova stuck her arm through his and pulled him into her. “I don’t think that’s going to be a problem. She seems to really like you, and she’s really nice. I like her for you.”

“Y’all gon’ have some chocolate ass kids, but I’m here for it too.” Azayna joked.

More laughter and conversation flowed from them for the remainder of the party, with everyone joining in on their own here and there. Before long, it was going on four o’clock, and Forever was directing him into Goody’s guest room to change and prepare for their flight.

As soon as the door closed behind him, Blue took a seat on the bed and watched her move around the room, grabbing things for him.

"Thank you for today. It made me feel real good…all loved and shit.”