Page 111 of Steel

Renay kissed her teeth. “Y’all love to act like a woman speaking up is a problematic thing. I’ve never been one to hold my tongue. Bad bitches don’t take shit.”

“Period!” Shar and Dinah said, slapping her five.

Kaylynn was eating this shit up. She loved an outspoken woman, and Dinah was right up her alley. They all got into a loud ass debate that I wasn’t trying to hear. Tapping Neha’s thigh, I motioned for her to follow me. Standing, I reached for her hand and pulled her to her feet. I could hear everyone calling after us as we disappeared onto the balcony outside. I led her to a seat in a quiet corner.

“Sorry about them. As you can see, my people don’t bite their tongues.”

“You’ve met Dinah. My sister was the same way, so it all feels familiar.” She crossed her legs and rested her head on her palm. “Youwerestaring though,” she said with a giggle.

I grinned. “I was. I mean, you look damn good tonight.” My eyes passed over her once more. “Damn good.”

“Thank you. I needed this. It’s been work and mommy mode for so long. I didn’t realize how bad I needed a night out.”

“I feel you. I can imagine it’s different not having your people around and not knowing anybody here.”

“It is. That’s why I’m so happy to have my sister. Even though I told her she didn’t have to move with me, I know I wouldn’t have been able to do this without her. She’s always been my rock. She’s with me when I’m right and even when I’m wrong, but best believe she’s gonna get in my ass behind closed doors.”

“As she should.” I chuckled. “Her and Kaylynn, though?”

“Right! When did they even meet each other,’cause she wasn’t at Sunday dinner?”

“Man, Kay be all over the place sometimes. She claimed she was sick of these females, but her ass was looking all in love back there.”

“Does the rest of your family know she’s gay?”

“Hell yeah. Ain’t no secret. We love her no matter what. Always will. What? Your parents don’t know about Dinah?”

“Mom and Dad know she’s into women. The rest, no. She’s a pretty private person, so I’m shocked she didn’t pretend like she didn’t know Kaylynn. She must really like her. Must be something about y’all that has the siblings running to you too.”

I chuckled. “I mean, we’re a solid group of niggas. We don’t let too many people in our circle. You gotta be special to become a Dillinger, baby. Speaking of . . .” I turned to fully face her. “Nayelli. I want to change her last name or at least hyphenate it.”

Neha smiled. “I was waiting on this conversation.”

“Oh, so you just knew it was coming?”

“I did. I’m okay with changing it. She carries your blood, so it’s only right she has your last name.”

“I can get my cousin on that next week.”

My phone started ringing in my pocket. Pulling it out, I saw that it was Nayelli FaceTiming me. I smiled.

“Speak of the devil.” I showed Neha the phone before swiping to answer the call. “Hey, baby girl.”

“Hey, Daddy. Whatchu doing?”

“Out having a few drinks. Look who I ran into.”

I angled the phone so she could see Neha.

“Mommy? Are you two on a date?”

Neha laughed. “No, baby. Your aunts and uncles are here too.”

“Are you having fun?” she asked curiously.

“We are. Are you enjoying the movie with Granny and Grandpa?”

“Granny is making us a snack.” She giggled and angled the camera at her grandfather. “Grandpa already fell asleep.”