“I’m doing so much better now. This pneumonia crap ain’t no joke. I felt like death was coming upon me.” She giggled. “Enough about me. Where is my Sweet Pea?”
I turned just as Truce walked over with Scottlyn in his arms.
“Oh my God! Look at her. Hi, Auntie baby… I’m your Auntie Jas.” When Jas went to reach for her, Scottie recoiled and held onto Truce’s neck tightly.
That broke my heart. Scottlyn was a friendly baby. She was always open to others holding her. Seeing her react to my sister like that made me regret my decision to leave them for Damien for the thousandth time.
Truce rubbed her back gently. “Chunks, you gon’ diss your auntie like that? Come on, baby girl. Be nice.” He tried handing her over again, but Scottie withdrew and began whining.
I sighed, rubbing my arms. “I’m so sorry, sis. She doesn’t usually act this way. She may be tired from the drive.”
“It’s okay. She doesn’t know me yet, so I expect it.” Jas had a smile on her face, but I knew her feelings were hurt.
My mom sat up in the hospital bed. “Bring her to me. She won't resist her Nammy.”
Truce moved over to the bed and handed her over. Scottie went with no problem or protest. Scottlyn lay her head on my mom's shoulder just as I had previously.
“Oh, for real, Scottlyn? That’s how you do me? I’m jealous!” Jas pouted.
“She’s so precious, Jela. I’m so glad to put eyes on you. It’s been a rough year without you, but God answered my prayers—he sent you back to me.” My mom held out her hand, and I took it, kissing it.
“I would ask if you were the father, but I know what that ho-ass nigga look like. I’m Jasmine, and you are?” I heard Jas say, and could see her checking Truce out.
I laughed inside, watching her size him up with lust dancing in her eyes.
“I’m Truce. Jela’s friend.”
“Friend, huh?”
I sniggered. “I’d sure hate if he was anything else to me with the way you’re eye-fucking him. Excuse my French, Mommy.”
Jas shrugged with a grin. “I mean… look at him. Like… God didn’t play about you, that’s for sure.”
“He still doesn’t,” Truce responded, licking his lips and tucking them, trying to suppress his smile.
“Whew, chile!” Jas said, fanning herself, and I giggled harder.
“Behave, Shanae,” my mom told her.
Pointing to Truce, I said, “Mommy, meet Truce Stone. Truce, this is my mother, Draya Jackson.”
“It’s lovely to meet you, Mrs. Draya. I see where your daughters get their looks from.”
My mom blushed, tucking her hand behind her ear.
“Aye, now. Not too much,” Alex said as we all laughed.
“Nice to meet you, Truce. Thank you for bringing my baby back to me.”
“It was my pleasure,” he replied. “I’m going to go grab something to eat. Did you want something? I think I saw a Burger King downstairs on the way in,” he asked me.
“Yes. I’ll take anything except their chicken,” I replied.
“Got you. Anyone else want anything?”
Jas shook her head. “Nah, we’re good.”
“All right. I’ll be right back.” He rubbed his thumb across my cheek and smiled at me.
