Page 139 of Only for Me

“Yes, I’m fine.”

“Morning, family. We ready to set sail?” Shiya sang, sounding too damn happy for it to be so early. I turned to find Dedric behind her. They were both already dressed for the boat. Shiya was in something similar to Makari, a white cover up, jean shorts, and a white bikini.

“Zee, I hate you’re not here. We could have been triplets. Look at Kari.” She turned her phone and I glanced at the screen, noticing Zina on a video call.

“I really hate y’all right now.”

I chuckled because she sounded salty. “It’s your fault you’re not here,” Ryland said, shoving bacon in his mouth.

“No, it’s Moses’s fault. I’m still trying to figure out how he got a cold that lasted for two days and I’ve been down for a week. I feel like shit and he’s fine. Summer colds are death.”

“Your ass doesn’t listen. I told you to stay away from me but you always gotta be up my ass. Now we’re sitting at home for a trip that we planned.” Moses moved into the camera and kissed her cheek before he disappeared.

“He has a point,” I said and she shot me a bird.

“Y’all all go to hell and I hope the yacht sinks.”

“Wait, how are you trying to make us all drown because you’re sick?” Makari asked and smiled.

“Because I’m mad I’m not there, but wait, is Avi going with y’all? If so then I don’t want the yacht to sink. Just for y’all to fall overboard or something. She’s an innocent bystander.”

I laughed. “So you want her to be an orphan? You still ain’t shit.”

“She deserves more thoughtful and caring parents. I’ll raise her well.”

“Bruh, fuck you, and don’t put that negative energy on us.” Ryland laughed.

“Fine, I love y’all, have fun without me, while I’m at home miserable and missing y’all.”

“Aww, we’ll do it again,” Shiya said.

“When? The season starts soon.” Zina sounded like a little ass kid pouting.

“We’ll figure it out,” Makari said.

“Okay boo, let me get my food. I’ll call you later,” Shiya told her and Zina sighed.

“Please don’t. I’ll just pretend you’re having a terrible time.”

“Bye hoe, love you.”

“Bye, Zee.” Makari blew her a kiss. Shiya ended the call and fixed plates for her and Dedric who was already at the table. She spoke to Sierra who mumbled good morning then lifted to refill her coffee. We chilled at the table eating, leaving one by one to pack up for the day. It had been a while since I was able to chill without worrying about all the other chaos in my life, so I planned on taking full advantage.

“Welcome to Blue’s Beauty.We’re honored to have you as our guest today, Mr. Hayes. My crew has everything set up for you guys. If you need anything at all, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

“’Preciate that.”

We all made our way on the boat, checking things out. Before we could get settled, Makari, Sierra ,and Shiya were heading to the upper deck and stripping out their clothes, talking about how perfect the lighting was.

“You know how that is about to go.” Dedric shook his head, staring at his wife.

“Hell yeah, the next hour we’re on our own. They’re about to have a whole damn photoshoot.”

“Nah, fuck that. I don’t need her posting with Kari and Shiya. We’re not down like that and you know how these damn people will be playing detective. They’ll look at what everybody else posts with what she posts and know we’re all together.”

“You brought her. How the hell did you think that was gonna go?” Dedric opened his beer, shaking his head.

“Exactly.”