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“So you can open it again?” she questioned with a playful smile.
“Exactly,” I nodded.
“But I’m already…” she started to protest.
“Justice,” I interrupted softly, but stern enough to let her know that I was serious.
She stared at me, and I stared back. Slowly, she pulled the door closed, looking at me as if I were annoying her. She was gon’ have to get used to me treating her like a queen. Once she closed the door, as I requested, I opened it for her.
She stepped out, shaking her head. “You are not the boss of me, Chance.”
“And yet you fucking listened.”
She rolled her eyes. “Yeah, okay. Don't get used to it.”
I placed my hand on the small of her back and led her to the private entrance. I could feel people watching; security didn't need to say much, but the expressions spoke volumes. Everyone knew Chase and I were Chyanne’s older brothers.
Anyone who had ever seen us together knew there were two of us, so tonight had to be carefully managed. No needless introductions, and most importantly, Chyanne had to stay silent. As soon as we entered, Justice froze. Code Red was active.
Music vibrated through the floor as red lights illuminated the walls, and gold fixtures reflected just enough light to create an expensive feel without overdoing it. The main floor was crowded, but my area upstairs stayed empty.
Justice looked around slowly with a curious gaze. “Your sister owns this?”
“Yeah,” I nodded.
“By herself?”
“Why you sound surprised?”
“I'm not surprised at all. Honestly, I'm quite impressed.”
“She would really appreciate hearing that.” I smiled softly.
“Would she like me too?”
That question caught me off guard. Justice wasn't looking at me anymore. She was looking around the lounge. But I heard what she didn't say out loud. She wanted to know if my family would like her? Would they think I belonged here? Would they think prison made me less than them? Would they judge her?
I moved closer and whispered to her, “She’d love you.”
Justice looked at me skeptically. “You don’t know that.”
I replied, “I do.”
“How?”
I answered, “Because y’all both get on my fucking nerves.”
Her mouth dropped, and I walked away before she could respond.
“Nigga!” she said in surprise. I laughed as she hurried behind me.
“If I get on your nerves, why even bring me here?” She paused and then whispered under her breath, “What the fuck be wrong with niggas?
I stopped at the bottom of the stairs. I turned to look at her, and she almost bumped into my chest.
“What?! What's wrong with you?” she asked.
“You,” I spoke calmly. I didn’t like how quickly she was ready to throw in the towel.
