Page 54 of Standing In The Sun
It hadn’t been that long since she had a warm body against hers but none of them made her feel the way Lunar did.
“I’m serious.” He stepped closer, voice lower now. “I turn my back for one second, and now he the morning ride, grocery date, and brunch assistant? You gon’ give him Kamari next?”
Ahvi sucked her teeth, cheeks warming at him mentioning giving up Kamari as if he had ownership of him like she did. “Shut up.”
“You shut up. That shrimp tastes good as hell, too. Who taught you how to cook?” Lunar popped another shrimp in his mouth, looking in her eyes like if she asked for a bite, he’d push his piece in her mouth.
“Thank you. My daddy taught me,” she beamed with pride.
Lunar pinched her cheek. “You a daddy’s girl, Ahvi?”
Her shoulders jutted up before falling. “Umm, I’m a ‘he was all I had’ girl. Like, I fuck with Sheena but she ain’t my daddy.”
He nodded, reading between the lines.
Ahvi didn’t have a choice on whether to be a daddy’s girl or her mama’s mini me. It was forced on her and she didn’t really feel a way about it. There would always be love for Sheena, but she could never sugarcoat the impact Ish had on her life—the significance that her world would be completely different had she stayed on the East with her mama.
He taught her everything she knew. From how to cook to how to change a tire. Ish made sure he didn’t leave his baby girl out there lost.
Lunar moved behind her, gently brushing her arm as he reached for the seasoning. His presence was loud even when he said nothing. He moved like he belonged next to her, like the kitchen was theirs, like this was normal, like it was supposed to be this way.
Ahvi tried to focus on the food, but his hand brushed hers when they reached for the lemon juice at the same time. She didn’t pull away…neither did he.
They both smiled, getting lost in each other. Ahvi could ogle his dimples forever and that still wouldn’t be enough. Then his aura was full of impulsive responsibility—if that was a thing. Like Lunar seemed to have his shit together but would still crash out when it came to his feelings.
“You look tired?” he asked, quiet now.
“Ugh!” she bucked her eyes. “So you saying I look ugly?”
“Watch out,” he laughed. “No cap, you the prettiest thing I done seen in a long time.”
“Lunar, you too fine to be so extra… I know I look good but don’t do too much or I’ll think you playing me .
“And that’s where you got me fucked up at. I don’t lie…I will never tell you a lie,” he laughed. “Lie for what? Can’t nobody beat my ass.”
Ahvi laughed hard. “Chill, baby daddy.”
His eyes lit up. “Baby daddy?! Yea, you ain’t leaving me.”
He said it so confidently. Like he knew he could hold her heart forever and never get tired. Ahvi sighed, knowing he probably wasn’t used to runaway girls like her. She’d always fuck with him, but Ish taught her to be independent and never depend on anyone especially not a man. It was why Dro got away with so much.
“Now tell me about your night?”
“Kamari had a rough night without you.” Ahvi moved around the kitchen avoiding Lunar’s eyes.
He looked down at Kamari, then back to her. “That’s my baby.” It came out so natural, confident. Again, like he just knew Kamari would always be his.
It was clear Lunar knew something she didn’t.
Before she could ask more or dive a little deeper, the sound of feet rounding the corner drew her attention.
Pimp walked in with a blunt behind his ear and a Red Bull in his hand. “Smells like somebody tryna get chose,” he grinned.
Lunar looked him upside his head. “Where you coming from?”
“Minding my business…just got off the phone with Elle about that thing.” He made his brows jump to put emphasis on his words.
They were talking in code which made Ahvi tune in more. She was naturally nosey but the way Pimp seemed to be holding a secret, she wanted to know too. When they stopped talking, she pretended she wasn’t listening.
