Page 180 of When a Soul Cries

Sugga’s eyes narrowed. “Khalil, shut up.”

“I ain’t even say nothing!”

“You didn’t have to. I know your face.”

Then the screen went black.

She had hung up.

For a second, the living room was quiet.

Rome stared at my phone.

I stared at him.

Then I looked down at Halo, who had already settled herself back against his chest like none of this concerned her.

I slowly started smiling.

Rome caught it.

“Don’t.”

I held both hands up. “I ain’t say shit.”

“Good.”

I waited exactly two seconds.

“You know Mama about to come over here with a whole bunch of shit, right?”

Rome’s eyes closed.

“Probably already stopped at the store.”

“Khalil.”

“I’m just saying. Diapers, clothes, toys, snacks she can’t even eat yet—”

“Shut the fuck up.”

I grinned and leaned back in my chair.

“Daddy Rome.”

Rome’s eyes opened.

I was already getting up.

“Keep playing with me.”

I backed toward the kitchen, laughing. “Your ass got a woman upstairs, a baby glued to your chest, and Mama currently somewhere buying out the infant section—but I’m the one playing?”

Rome stared at me.

I shook my head, grinning.

“Cooked.”