Page 37 of When a Soul Cries

“Stop calling women bitches!”

“Ow! Damn!”

Rome laughed.

Mama ignored me. “What’s her name?”

Rome hesitated.

That little hesitation told me everything.

“Ohhhh. He know her name.”

Rome frowned. “Why wouldn’t I know her name?”

I slowly pointed at myself.

“That was different.”

“How?”

“I was busy.”

Rome busted out laughing.

“Fuck you. What’s her name?”

His mouth fought a smile.

“Sol.”

“Sol?” Mama repeated, her expression softening. “That’s pretty.”

I wasn't watching Mama anymore.

I was watching my brother.

This nigga was smiling.

Barely.

But I knew Rome.

“Oh, you like her.”

His smile vanished. “Man, shut the fuck up.”

“My baby got a crush!” Mama sang.

“I’m grown as hell. I don’t have no fucking crush.”

“Then why you gotta be back at her job at nine?” I asked.

“I told her I might come back.”

Mama and I looked at each other.

Then we lost it.