“You think I’m missing the opportunity to say ya’ fine-ass daddy bought me dinner?” she answered, beaming. She quickly turned to Alani. “Sorry, Alani. I love you, I do, but you know your husband is fine, and he’s clearly married and got a billion kids, but he still fine. Speaking of fine”—Aria turned to Morgan—“where is ya’ fine-ass uncle? Will the good pastor be coming to bless the food? He can bless this plate all day.” Aria lifted a hand like she were praising Jesus, and Alani snickered as Christiana cleared her throat in discomfort. Aria was always the life of the party. The smallest at the table with the biggest personality, she shone in every room.

“Where is Ny?” Morgan asked.

“Can’t show up to Morgan Atkins’s graduation dinner empty-handed.”

Everyone turned their attention to the door, and Morgan rose from her seat. Nyair stood holding a silver Saks bag.

“Ny!” She ran into his arms.

“My bad, Mo. I know I’m late. I had to stop off and make sure I came through right for you,” he said. He held up an envelope that was so thick it wouldn’t close. It was stuffed with hundred-dollar bills. “A bag to stuff the bag,” he said as he handed over the Saks bag. Morgan beamed as she peeked inside to see a new YSL purse.

“I miss you,” she said. “I’m so happy you came. Thank you for the gift, Ny.”

“Wouldn’t miss it, Mo. We real proud of you, baby girl,” he said. “I want to see you more often now that you’re home. Like we used to. Once a week, Mo.” She nodded, and he kissed her cheek and then graciously infected the room. The scent of his cologne made the ladies at the table swoon as he shook hands. A kiss to Alani’s cheek and a gangster’s salute to Ethic before kissing Bella and Eazy. Nyair was energy. He always commanded all eyes when he entered a room. Good looks, charm, and regality followed him everywhere he went.

Morgan watched him work the room. Nyair was still the same. Gracious and welcoming and comforting. She loved him, and as he took a seat on the other side of her empty chair, her heart swelled. Ethic had built a small village for her, for all of them. They had made it to the other side. She remembered her other graduations. At her sixth-grade graduation, only Ethic had been present. At her high school graduation, it had only been Ethic, Bella, and Eazy. Today, however, this table was full of support, and even if only half of it was wanted, she had to give them all credit for showing up. There had been so many days when no one had shown up at all. No one but Ethic.