“Okay, seriously, where have you been this whole time?” Wyn flutters her lashes as she takes a swig of champagne. “It’s the summertime. You be going out right? I feel like you’d be a time.”
YT sits up straight and peers at Wyn. I hold my breath, like everyone else, and watch the exchange. YT is known to cut the toughest bitch or nigga down, and it’s a toss up if she’ll like her or not.
But then, YT’s face softens. She stands, and walks over to Wyn. “Clubs overstimulate me. We can always go on a hike though. Me and my brother Prince love those.” She takes the flute out of Wyn’s hand and goes into the kitchen, leaving an awkward silence.
“Okay! Before I forget, you have one last gift. I’m told it’ll be sent to your email tonight, and you can only open it when you’re all alone.” Brina smirks and blows a kiss at me.
“Who is that from, Macy?” Mom asks, before looking at Dal. She shrugs, but makes sure to cut her eyes at me.
“I’ll tell you when I open it, mama. Shit, for all we know it’s something x-rated.”
That makes her scrunch up her face and wave me off. “You are a little perv.”
The rest of the afternoon flies by, before we all go back to Brina’s house. The guys are staying at Nut’s, since they’ll probably fall asleep playing the game anyway, and there’s more spare bedrooms at Brina’s.
My phone’s been burning a hole in my hand since Brina told me what to expect. But of course, YT can never take a hint, and has been on the bed with me talking on facetime with her brothers.
And of course, if I say anything, they’ll just ask more questions, and YP only instigates his siblings, never tells them to calm down.
It isn’t until almost midnight that YT finally gets off the phone and has me walk her to the door three steps away. I’m about to close it in her face when she twirls around suddenly and crushes herself to my chest and belly.
“Uncle Nardo would be inconsolable if he were here right now. Shit… Daddy was about to come crash the shower today.”
I never know what to do when people mention my dad to me. I wasn’t old enough to remember anything, not like the Triplets and Mo. But everyone says the same thing; that he loved me.
When she backs up, her eyes are red, though no tears line her lids. “You’re gonna be the best Mommy, Deeze. You’ve had a lot of practice being the best sister.”
I bite the inside of my cheek, but before I can reply, she turns and disappears down the hall.
So I close and lock the door, plant myself in the middle of the bed, and check my email.
From: Washington, Rahshad
Subject: By Your Side
As a rule, I don’t sing for free, for anybody. But you and Beanie aren’t just anybody. I know musicals are your thing, but I hope when you need me, and I’m not around, you listen to this, too, and play this for our daughter.
Yours,
Shaddy
My hands shake reading his email, and I’m barely able to tap the media file. It starts playing automatically. There’s some static, and rustling, and then acoustic guitar chords begin filling the room. I recognize the song immediately–By Your Side by Sade. My heart is galloping hard as fuck in my chest.
And then… andthen…
I mean, I’ve listened to every song Shaddy has put out. Even on SoundWave. I’m a real Shotta fan, so I’ve heard him sing before.
Not like this.
His voice is angelic as he covers the song. And I’m fucking floored. I didn’t know he knew how to play the guitar. Does he?! But I don’t see him letting anyone help.
Oh my God.
Tears flow down my cheeks as I listen to him sing to me and Beanie about how he’ll always be there for me. I actually have to pause the song because I start hiccuping like a child.
My phone pings, and I’m not surprised it’s Shaddy. He’s probably hacked into my camera, watching my reaction live. I doubt Brina and Set have cameras in their guest rooms.
You like it?
