Page 70 of By Your Side


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Denver rolls his eyes then takes Sadé from me. She starts hollering immediately and reaching for me, but I'm damn near running late.

“Boots! Grab a bottle!” he yells, before walking toward the kitchen, passing Ms. Sheryl.

“I’m back for good, so we gotta catch up soon, Ma.”

She smiles at me and pats my arm. “You be safe, Shaddy. I’m not going anywhere, and you don’t need to be either.”

I duck out of her observant stare and pass the kids, disappearing out the back to my crib above the garage.

I got the perfect fit to send a message.

It’s time to play ball.

Macy

Isuckthestrawof my margarita like I’m about to die in fifteen minutes. And if this nigga don’t stop acting so damn simple, that statement might ring true.

The Atrium is a huge dome-styled venue, with a mezzanine that acts as a VIP area with its own bar, and merch stand. Since we all have VIP tickets, we can stay up here, or watch the show in a predesignated area to the right of the stage for friends and family.

I’ve never been here before, and I can admit I’ve quietly taking in the space and electric energy in the air, but the operative word here is quietly. This big dumb nigga is acting like he’s never been no where nice before, and the way Reem and Ty keep smirking and snickering at me, I’m liable to throw this nigga over the railing.

I almost start shouting like I’m in church when he excuses himself to go to the restroom. It’s not lost on me that everything this nigga does is magically getting on my nerves today, but I can’t decide if I just didn’t have anyone to compare himto and he’s always been lame, or if my brain recognizes that Harry Houdini ass nigga Rahshad is back and Brandon just isn’t cutting it anymore.

I down the rest of my marg and set the empty cup on the bartop. I’ll figure it out tomorrow.

Totally not trying to lose Brandon, I make my way downstairs to where everyone else is. YT eyes me, but I stick my nose up and sit next to Dal. That’s not gonna detour her though, especially since YC plucks me by the knot in my halter top and drags me back to where YT is standing, arms folded, having the nerve to look hurt.

“How long are you going to be like this? He’s back, so your anger should cancel out.” Her crazy ass whines every time she doesn’t get her way, right before she does something absolutely insane. I know the only reason why she hasn’t tied me up is because I’m me.

“Where was he?”

She rolls her eyes and juts her jaw out. “Deeze, it’s not my–”

“Place,” I finish for her. “I get it. I’m not mad, really True.” I smirk as she gasps, knock YC’s hand off me and walk over toward Reem and the other guys. It’s his turn to try and kill her in their weird sexually charged cat-and-mouse game, so I know at least for tonight, she won’t get close.

I feel the Triplets’ eyes burning holes in my back, but I don’t care. YT chose up, and her brothers, though older, follow her lead. They’re a dangerous enemy to have, but shit, Mika ain’t raise no punk bitch.

“Shad and YT come up in our meeting, knock us all out, and then he disappears for three months after telling us Sincere the one who shot you. You ain’t let us make no moves, and now we all out in public at this concert?” I hear Nutty lament as I walk up. Reem glances at me and pulls me into the circle, letting his arm rest on my shoulder.

“Look,” Set says, rubbing his waves, “nigga said he got it under control, so let’s let him rock. Earlier, he seemed better than he’s been for awhile. Nigga more than capable.”

“Bright eyed, bushy-tailed. Nigga ready to work,” Reem agrees.

“The nigga knew the name of Mace’s new boyfriend. How in the hell does that mean he’s okay?!” Autumn bucks her eyes at the group.

Reem pulls me in more when I stiffen, but Turk just chuckles. “Shit, that means he’s in prime shape to make shit shake. Hope you ain’t too attached to him, sis.”

Nut waves Turk off for me. “That nigga a mark. Macy be bored I’m convinced… still, you prolly should dump ‘em before he end up missing.”

I buck my eyes. “Why are y’all just talking about this out in the open?”

“You the one brought an outsider, tryna make my brother jealous. You petty, Macy.” Set cuts his eyes at me, making me bristle.

A loud cackle from behind me grates my nerves, especially when I look and see it’s that bitch Sahara with one of her costars of that dumb ass show talking to Brandon’s fanned out ass. I turn back around, and everyone’s smirking at me.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Set,” I say through clenched teeth.

“Ay, yo nigga acting real friendly, Deeze. You might wanna check that before my brother reminds him who he’s here with.”