Page 89 of Mia

“Watch me break my foot off in your ass. I’m sure that’s her boyfriend.”

“Boyfriend! Oh, hell naw. Ms. Maddie!”

He damn near yelled over the music. When my mama looked up, she frowned. Booker waved her over. She rolled her eyes and said something to the man she was with. Linking their fingers, she made her way over to us.

“What?” she asked, placing a hand on her hip.

Booker grabbed her hand and kissed it. “My love⁠—”

Mama snatched her hand back. “Booker, don’t start your shit.”

“So I can’t speak to you?”

“What do you want, fool?”

He nodded at the mystery man. “Who dis?”

My mother smiled as she leaned in and kissed the man.

“This is Bronx Patton, my boyfriend.”

Booker grabbed his chest. “Say it ain’t so. How you gon’ step out on me and have the audacity to bring him here?”

“Boy, if you don’t stop with that shit. I’m old enough to be your mama. Ain’t shit I can or would do with you. Let it go.”

Bronx chuckled. “It’s nice to finally meet you all. Maddie has told me so much about you all. Mia, it’s nice to put a face to the name. You made a lovely bride. What the two of you shared up there was nothing short of beautiful.”

I smiled. “Thank you, Mr. Patton.”

“Please, call me Bronx. No need to be formal.”

“Bronx. So. . . what are your intentions with my mama?”

He peered down at my mother with adoration.

“To make sure she’s happy and taken care of. I’ve assured your brothers of the same thing.”

I rolled my eyes. “Of course they would give you the third degree.”

“One would think she was their mother.”

“It’s kind of their thing,” Mama said. “They are very protective of the women they care for.”

Bronx chuckled. “I respect that. Listen, I’d love to get to know you two. I’ve been telling Maddie it’s about time we officially meet. Maybe the four of us could have dinner sometime⁠—”

“I like to eat,” Booker said, frowning.

“Man, take your thirsty ass on somewhere,” Titan said, ushering him away. “Excuse me.”

I shook my head as he walked him off. “You know we’re about to hear about this forever,” I said to my mother. “With Vinchi too.”

“Wait, Vinchi?”

I laughed. “Apparently you enticed him in Paris.”

She rolled her eyes. “I can’t.”

Bronx chuckled. “Baby, you’re beautiful. Any man would love to have a chance with you.”