Page 99 of When I Thug You Like That

I stared at him for a second, and he leaned in to kiss my forehead.

“You can compliment me later.”

This man was… something else. But I liked every bit of it.

CHAPTER 15

I’m Just Down Witchu

JAMISON

By the time Dre finished Chuston’s haircut, the exchange I had with Studdy had been long forgotten. She’d even decided to pack up early and leave, making sure to grill Jai’ana hard before she left out. When Jai’ana hit her with that bitch, please face in return, I chuckled inwardly. I liked that she wasn’t scared while dialing it back at the same time to avoid making a scene at the shop.

That was another thing I was learning about her. Jai’ana wasn’t backing down, and she wasn’t afraid to speak her mind. I fucked with that. Shit, fuckin’ with me, you had to be able to hold your own.

“Aight, youngin’,” Dre spun Chuston’s chair around, letting him get a good look at himself in the mirror, “what you think?”

Chuston didn’t reply immediately, just smiled and leaned forward, turning his head from one side to the other.

“Aunty Jai, my hair,” he said to Jai’ana while looking at her through the mirror.

“I see.” She smiled. “You look handsome.”

“I’m already handsome.”

That made us all laugh.

“Yes, I know, Chus. I’m sayin’ you look extra handsome.”

He nodded then turned to Dre.

“Thank you, Dre.”

“You’re welcome, youngin’.”

Dre removed the cape, and Chuston hopped up from the seat, running his hand over the top of his head.

“Can I send your mom a picture?” Jai’ana asked.

“Yeah.”

He stood straight with his hands at his side, like he was in the Army, and his lips in a straight line. Jai’ana laughed, snapping the picture.

“This girl ‘bout to act a fool when she see him.”

She sent the picture to Taina and didn’t get to put the phone down before it chimed in her hand. She cracked a smile and held it up for me to see the screen.

T: Look at my handsome son! Tell Jay and whoever cut my baby hair that I said thank you so much! And they better still be there when I come back to bring him.

I laughed.

“Aye, Dre, you passed the mommy inspection.”

“I always do. Tell her I’m not new to this, I’m true to this.”

“Nigga, you corny. We out.”

“Thank you,” Jai’ana said to Dre. “This is perfect. How much do I owe?” She reached inside the crossbody bag she had on.