Durand had no idea the depth he and Meco shared. There were endless memories; shared DNA and a bond so knotted that it would be impossible to sever. That’s what Lo possessed with Meco. It was so momentous to him that he wouldn’t be able to profess with words how much he meant to him. Words failed him often, but his actions didn’t. Picking Meco to be his best man over Durand was a statement that he would never apologize for.
“Nigga, it don’t get no closer than sharing a womb together.” Lo stood, growing tired of the conversation. “I’ll holla at y’all later. I gotta go meet with my brothers.”
Durand stood. “I’ll come with you.”
“Nah.” Lo shook his head. “This is Mob business.”
Durand’s lips curled before he sat back down in the chair. Bringing him would be a sure way to piss Meco off since they didn’t get along. Lo was in no need to play referee at the moment, so Durand would have to remain on the sidelines.
The Arrangement
Meeting with Meco and Devyn was always a treat for Lo. He would never admit it but when he was in the presence of his brothers, he felt at ease. They were a reminder of what used to be. A past that he wished to relive so he could savor a bit more before his transformation took place. They argued like children, fought like soldiers, but they loved like it was their duty. As if they had been assigned personally by God to adore each other with every breath in their body. They were Crown brothers, Dax’s sons, and Ada’s babies.
“Here go this fake-ass nigga,” Meco joked.
Lo chuckled and took a seat at the bar. They typically met at Meco’s club or their garbage company when it was time to discuss business.
“Now, why I gotta be fake?”
“‘Cause you're volunteering to get married like it’s in your character to do,” Devyn bantered, adjusting his cufflinks.
“Knowing this nigga ain't the husband type,” Meco added.
Lo snorted. “You ain't the husband type, either, but look at you. Married to Kay Baby’s thick ass.”
The humor faded from Meco’s features immediately. “Don’t play with me, Lo. Her name is Kaylona to you.”
Lo turned to Devyn. “Aye, did you know when I first met her, she wanted me?”
Devyn’s thick brows rose. “Yeah right.”
“I'm for real. This is when Kaylona was just his surrogate. She was all over a nigga.” Lo grinned, knowing he was pissing Meco off.
“Only ‘cause she thought you were me. Stop putting on.”
Devyn chuckled. “Wait, she didn’t know you had a twin?”
Meco shook his head. “I didn’t tell her ‘cause I ain’t want her in my business like that.”
“You know this man was hating, too,” Lo instigated. “Kaylona was interested, and he didn’t like it.”
“Bro, change the subject before my finger start itching,” Meco ordered.
Lo found his brother’s warning hilarious, especially when he threatened to shoot him.
“So, we got some things to discuss,” Devyn inserted, being the leader he was known to be. “You sure about this marriage? This shit ain't no game.”
“Dev, why you acting like I just enlisted in the army? Marriage ain't tough.” Lo flicked his hand dismissively.
“Marriage is serious, Lo.” Devyn offered an austere stare. “Don't go into this thinking it’s a role or game you play. You about to be responsible for another person. She’s going to be yours to protect and provide for, nigga.”
Lo wasn’t surprised by Devyn’s speech. He was the husband type. He had been waiting for his wife for years with hopes that they would someday be together. Lo thought that was some sucka shit but he respected his brother’s quest. He even helped him with the process to acquire Tori.
On the contrary, being a husband was something Lo wasn’t afraid of. He knew what it required, however, he wanted to do marriage his way. Lo refused to be bound by the title of husband. His wife wasn’t going to be a person he answered to. This would only work if she followed his lead. It had to be done on his own accord.
Lo rested his elbow on the counter. “I know you my older brother, but I don't need your advice. I can handle this shit.”
“This man says that now.” Meco chuckled. “He thinks it’s a game.”
