Page 50 of Take My Name

Just one thing, nothing special.

Cheesecake was always her favorite, so over the years, I watched videos and taught myself how to make it. It took awhile to get it right, but I finally got it down after several failed attempts. I started making one yesterday after I got home from our picnic so it’d be cooled in time for tonight. Once we’re ready to eat, I’ll top it with berries and salted caramel drizzle.

Maisie

Okay well, you won me over with dessert, so I’ll be there.

Warren

Glad to see nothing’s changed with your sweet tooth.

After work, I shower and crawl into bed for a quick nap. I’m dragging ass and will have to chug an energy drink before we go tonight.

The moment my body sinks into a deep sleep, a loud pounding at my door wakes me.

“Ugh, go away,” I mumble, grabbing the pillow to cover my head.

“Warren Garrett Langston! Open this door!”

Oh fuck.

My mother.

“We know you’re in there!”

Double fuck.

Aunt JoJo.

They know where the hideaway key is, so thereare only a few more seconds of them shouting my name before they barge inside.

“Hope you’re decent. We’re comin’ in!” Aunt JoJo shouts.

“No one is home!” I yell.

“Nice try,” Mom says, walking into my bedroom without knocking.

“I coulda been naked in here,” I grumble, sitting up.

“I saw your mother give birth. Nothin’ I haven’t seen before,” Aunt JoJo blurts, sitting on the edge of my bed.

“I think we need to have a discussion about boundaries.” I pull the sheet over my waist since I’m only in my boxers.

“Speakin’ of discussions…” Mom grins, folding her hands in front of her. “We want an update on Maisie.”

“And you couldn’t have called or texted?”

“We did call,” Aunt JoJo says. “Straight to voicemail.”

“And that was an invitation to interrupt my nap?”

“We didn’t know you were sleepin’, honey.” Mom shrugs. “But since we’re here…”

“We want the juicy details,” Aunt JoJo blurts.

“Jesus, y’all are worse than Bodie.” I sigh, knowing they won’t drop it until I tell them everything. “Can you at least let me get dressed?”

“Sure, sweetie. We’ll be in the kitchen.” Mom nods to Aunt JoJo to follow her out.