Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 97426 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 390(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97426 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 390(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
“Well, answer me this. When was she pregnant?” Pit deadpans.
“Okay, fair point, but Ox got some ’splainin’ to do.”
“Me-me?” AJ says and holds his arms out to Skittles.
“Hey, baby. Come here, with your handsome self.”
She looks between Pit and me, allowing her gaze to roam over us. A big smile comes to her face. “The men in this family make some fine-ass babies though.” She throws her head back as she laughs.
“Whatever, Skittles.”
“Love you, Ox. Come on, little friend, something stinks around here, let TiTi Ven get you a snack while it airs out.”
“Eat-eat,” AJ coos.
“Aww, you’re so precious,” she sings as she eyes me warily while walking away.
I shake my head as I watch them head to the refreshments table. I turn to Pit as his voice pulls my attention.
“She has a point, you know? It’s not just the matching suits either.”
“I told you, we’ve never gone there. Kid has a thing for Leo. Not me.”
“Yeah, I caught that. He’s jonesing for her too, but that’s not what I’m getting at. He doesn’t look like Kid, he looks like a little brown version of you.” He holds up his hands as I glare at him.
It’s not like I don’t want AJ. Hell, I wish I had a kid like him. He’s smart, adorable, and determined. When he sets his mind to something, he gets what he wants.
The first time I saw him walk was because I was across the room, and he wanted to get to me. He stood up by pulling himself up and then he took off across the room to me. I was so proud of him in that moment. I don’t think I’ll ever forget that.
“You know we’re joking, right?” Pit says as he watches me closely.
“Yeah, don’t worry about it,” I reply.
“Ah, it’s my family. You boys look sharp,” Uncle Blake says as he comes over with a smile on his face.
“Hey, Uncle Blake,” I say as he tugs me into a hug.
“You boys think any more about that venture we were talking about?”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa, not tonight,” Pit says.
Uncle Blake nods. “You’re right, but we should sit down and talk soon.”
Pit rolls his eyes. Uncle Blake stands between us, smiling proudly. “Speaking of family. I want you boys to take a trip with me. I have someone I want you to meet.”
Pit narrows his eyes. “You’re not going to give up, are you? I don’t want to talk about anything that doesn’t have anything to do with tomorrow.”
“I hear you. I was only stating a fact.”
“Yo, I’m going to leave you to your facts. I have guests to greet with my soon-to-be wife.”
With that, Pit takes off. I chuckle to myself. Uncle Blake moves closer and places a hand on my shoulder as he looks after Pit. It’s been interesting to watch them come into their new relationship.
I’ve seen a bit of myself in the way Pit has latched on to Uncle Blake. That’s Uncle Blake for you. He’s like a father figure to whoever he pulls in.
When I follow his gaze, I find Skittles standing with Josh and Jeff as Pit joins them. Josh now has a smiling AJ in his arms.
Uncle Blake shakes his head and taps my shoulder for me to lean in closer. I move to dip my head toward him as he wraps my shoulder and tugs me in. I love my uncle. I don’t know what I would have done if he hadn’t come for me.
He’s that person who always knows how to handle everyone. He nods his head toward the group Pit is now with.
“He’s changing, but no one sees it.”
“Who? Pit, Kelex, or Jeff?”
“That’s my smart nephew. You keep watching and then tell me. It doesn’t have to be today, but when you have it, come to me. We’re watching you too, Anthony. Whether you know it or not.”
With that, he turns and walks off to mingle and blend in like just another guest. I stand lost in thought. Maybe it’s time to forget about Alexis.
It’s no secret I’m being groomed. My focus should be on that. Not a wife who probably doesn’t think twice about me.
“What am I missing?” I murmur as I narrow my eyes.
***
The party is in full swing. Skittles has been ordering everyone around for pictures as Shawna snaps away with her camera. Skittles hasn’t given a smiling AJ back to me all evening.
He seems content in her company. He won’t even leave her side for Kid. The little scowl he gave her when she did try to take him away from Skittles made us all roar with laughter.
Now I stand next to my brothers with a genuine smile on my face. I’m staying in the moment for Pit. I’m happy for him.
“Kelex, if you don’t get your grumpy ass over here, I’m going to cut you,” Mayven says with narrowed eyes as she glares.