“Pearla, tell yo’ friend our baby gonna be pretty too.” Italian smirked as he leaned over Mahzeyah’s shoulder and tickled Baby Leader’s foot.
My mommy had changed Leader into an outfit that matched mine, and the royal blue sleep set with the matching headband was adorable against her caramel skin. Many of her clothes were still too big, so she was wearing newborn-sized clothing for now. I was hoping, once I recovered fully, I would be able to try latching her again to increase my breast milk so she could gain weight faster.
“Boy, get on!” Mahzeyah said, and everyone, including Blayke and me, laughed.
The first two times Mahzeyah insulted Italian, I thought she was being mean, but once I realized he was doing small things to get a rise out of her, I understood this was their everyday relationship. We all had been sitting around the living room,enjoying each other’s company. I was in a wheelchair, but when it became uncomfortable, Italian picked me up and transported me to the couch. Pearla and I were in the middle, with Blayke to my right, and Mahzeyah to Pearla’s left. We sat comfortably, showing that the couch was nice in size and had been purchased for company. The way the townhouse was decorated showed that Glow’s friends had long money. I knew this already, though, from looking on their social media pages. It was so nice and so pink inside the living room area, and I couldn’t believe she had left this to live with her husband. I wouldn’t have ever left this masterpiece. But according to Bella, her new home was pink too. Blayke was in complete awe when we first came over because pink was her favorite color. She was ready to move in immediately.
Ding Dong
“You been saved by the bell.” Italian blew a kiss at Mahzeyah, pulled his shorts up to his waist, and went to the door.
Blayke leaned up and waved in Mahzeyah’s direction. “Girl, he fine as hell! Why you keep giving him the cold shoulder?”
She bit into a chicken wing, almost cleaning it bare in one bite. It was her second plate of the day, on top of her eating a full breakfast at Glow’s house. They must’ve been starving my girl, for real, when they were trying to keep her away from me.
Pearla had gone all out. There were white and blue balloons floating on the ceiling, and they had cooked wings, sliders, and Rotel dip for me. Music was playing when we walked in, but as the hours passed, conversations took over, so Italian turned the music off. Blunts were pre-rolled and sitting on the counter in the kitchen, but they left them there when they realized I had the baby. Bella said it wasn’t a big deal because they had a bottle of wine in the freezer that she had found in the kitchen. I was breastfeeding, so I wouldn’t indulge, but I knew Blaykewould, and with the last few weeks my girl had been having, she deserved it.
“Who, Italian? Eww. Unh, unh. He alright, but I got a boo.” Mahzeyah grinned.
“Who?” Blayke scooped a Rotel-covered chip into her mouth.
“Flexer.”
“The rapper?” Blayke and I asked simultaneously.
“Yeap.”
“Oh shit! No wonder you over there dancing in diamonds.”
Mahzeyah’s jewelry reminded me of my sister’s friends Instagram feeds, except she wore delicate, dainty pieces. And while everyone else was dressed casually, she looked like she was about to step out in her denim two-piece skirt set and designer sneakers.
“Oh this?” She held her wrist out, her other arm holding my baby. “My daddy bought this when I was twelve.”
“Oh shit. Shut me right the fuck on up, boo.”
“With his fine ass. Whew!” Bella fanned.
“Bella!”
Bella sucked her teeth at Mahzeyah’s whining. “I’ma stop. Your mama said she’s gonna kick my ass if I keep playing with her husband, and I believe her.”
Pearla snickered. “Y’all crazy.”
I couldn’t help but notice that Pearla was the least talkative out of the bunch. I didn’t know if she was naturally quiet or if Grind had been on her mind today. Our heart-to-heart at the hospital really helped me gain some courage about my situation. I was hoping she’d be comfortable enough to open up to me if she needed an ear so that I could be some encouragement for her too.
“Damn! Rappers and rich daddies. Yeah, we in the right clique, bestie. Flexer got some flunkies that like to trick or do Daddy Warbucks got some store runners that’s ’round my age?”
“Blayke!” I screeched while holding my side.
“What? I’m trying to get us some daycare money. Hush!”
“Aye.”
All of our heads shot to the door except for Pearla’s at Italian’s voice. He had fully walked into the living room and was accompanied by two more guys. Both were handsome, and I couldn’t help but realize everyone in this crew of people was very attractive. The two guys, who were here when we arrived and had gone into the basement, were handsome too.
“This my nigga, Ro.” He gestured to the guy on his right.
Ro was slim, medium-brown, and toned with a low tapered haircut. He smiled, and his perfect white teeth lit up his entire face. I knew my best friend, and he was definitely Blayke’s type. When I glanced over, I was right because her eyes were directly on him. Instead of her saying something crazy, she bit into another wing.
