“Does the city pay for this?” I could only imagine the bill.
“Nah, DP covers the costs.”
My brows furrowed. “Really?”
“Yeah. Regardless of how you feel about ’em, they’re big on giving back.”
Keyoni spoke to just about everybody, making his rounds up and down the block. There were people huddled into groups and others just freely walking the streets. Most of the adults had drinks in hand with the same style of cup.
I pulled at Keyoni’s arm. “What’s everybody drinking?” He scanned the crowd for cups. “Probably one of Ms. Emma’s mixed drinks. You want one?”
Why not?“Sure.”
We walked backthe other way, passing several families with young kids. All ages were out, enjoying what could be described as a family celebration. Because the way everyone interacted, you would’ve sworn they were all family. It was a calm vibe, one I wasn’t used to, since my dysfunctional family couldn’t find a way to get along. Anytime we were around each other, we argued over the silliest things, so it felt good to be around so many people without all the negativity. Everybody who was there wanted to be there. And their presence was appreciated. If just for a day, the focus was all things D-Ville. The banner hanging from trees at the entrance praised the area, proving that today was a day for people to just be themselves and have fun—something I could attest to. I was enjoying myself.
I zoomed in on several dogs on leashes. The animal lover in me couldn’t help but be concerned about their well-being, wondering if they were properly fed and hydrated. Their wagging tails provided clarity on how they were feeling. It was just as much their day as their human counterparts.
There was a line for a white tent advertising mixed drinks. I waited with Keyoni at the end, slowly making our way to the front. We were assisted by an older woman. Keyoni spoke to her with familiarity. When he introduced us, I learned her name—Ms. Emma—and ordered the same drink as Keyoni. They carriedon a brief conversation before we stepped to the side to wait. I became intrigued with the animated DJ dancing next to his equipment in the booth. He managed to mix beats and hype up the crowd all while showing off his moves. A group of people stood in front of his booth, revealing how they got down as well. I observed from the sideline, unable to partake in the same fun since I’d inherited two left feet from my dad.
“Go on out there,” Keyoni urged from behind me.
“Yeah, right.” I wasn’t embarrassing myself. “I’m fine being a spectator.”
Our drinks were ready moments later. One sip and I was hooked, refusing to let up the pressure on the straw as we walked.
“Sage!” I heard behind me and turned around to see Lanique walking with Cauvey. Kyree was with them too, in addition to three other men with different stages of locs I didn’t know. “Hey Keyoni,” she added.
He tilted his chin as I gave a soft greeting to my cousin. I saw her before leaving this morning and even cooked breakfast. I didn’t know if I would be seeing her at the block party, since according to Keyoni it always drew a lot of people.
“How long you been here?” I asked.
“We just got here,” Cauvey answered for her. “And we ran into my boys Ro, Kirk, and Blaze.”
I smiled at the trio. “Hi.”
After their quick replies, one stared a little too long, causing Keyoni to get out of character.
“Something wrong with your eyes?”
The culprit parted his lips. “Looking ain’t a crime, Officer Green.”
“It can be,” Keyoni challenged.
“Is that from Ms. Emma?” Cauvey cut in, pointing to my drink. “Where’s she set up at?”
“Down there,” I said, pointing, before revealing what I was drinking. “It’s really good too.”
“Oh, I bet,” Cauvey said with certainty. “Ms. Emma never misses.” He turned to his crew. “Y’all want drinks?” Nobody answered, but they didn’t object either. “Shit, I do.” He started walking toward Ms. Emma’s tent. “Y’all niggas coming?”
The loc heads followed a few steps behind and Cauvey smoothly eliminated a problem before it started.
“I’ll link up with you later,” Lanique told me, quickly catching up with her man.
Knowing it was a lie, I didn’t say anything, blowing off the falsity before it could fester. Lanique left me alone more times than she actually hung out with me, instead choosing to spend all her free time with Cauvey. I expected our relationship to grow stronger since we were already solid living in different cities. But moving to Diamond Falls turned out to be a reality check. I was on my own. It was nothing I couldn’t handle, but the purpose of me moving around family was to bearoundfamily. When I wasn’t at work, I was in the apartment alone with the animals, unless Keyoni hit my line wanting company.
Or just to talk.
He was starting to also be my listening ear, since my cousin was always off doing her own thing.
