“She is not. She’s being rude. Any other day she wants to play with Derek and Ashley, now she wants to act all brand new. I’m not allowing them to come over anymore. That’s not how you treat your neighbors, Jahara. Treat people the way you want to be treated.”

“Jay, we spoke about this before, didn’t we?”

“I know, Dad. But you said I didn’t have to play with them when I didn’t want to. And today I don’t want to because I have enough kids to watch.”

Angel rolled her eyes. “I need to be in the loop on some of these conversations with our daughter, Kaylin. Go back outside, Jahara. And treat people how you want to be treated,” Angel snapped.

“Yes, ma’am.”

I grabbed Angel’s hand, and she tried to snatch away from me.

“What?” I gave her my most innocent look.

“Don’t what me, Kaylin. You already know what.”

“Come here, baby. Dance with me.”

“You can’t be going behind my back, Kaylin. You’re not around when she’s begging their parents to let them come play with her. And now I’m hearing that you said she don’t have to reciprocate?”

I tried not to laugh. “Red, it’s no big deal. Her family is over; she doesn’t need them today.”

“Kaylin!”

“Come here, baby.” I embraced her. “Can your husband have this dance?” Ro James was playing quietly in the background; he was crooning about asking for permission. That song was dope to me and reminded me of Red and the first time I got the draws. “I just want to spend a little time with you,” I sang into her ear as she tried her best to squirm away. She eventually decided to relax into my arms. I massaged her back and pressed up against her. Ro James had me waiting on permission and wanting that green light.

“Awwww, how sweet,” Jaz teased as she walked by us, licking an ice cream cone.

“So what’s up? You givin’ me that green light or what?”

“Depends.”

“On what?”

“If you behave yourself for the rest of the day and don’t piss me off. Later tonight, I may allow you to do whatever it is you want to do to me.”

“Whatever?”

“Whatever.”

We swayed back and forth. Both of us caught up in the moment.

“It’s a blessing and a curse that I know you so well, Kaylin. Your dick is hard, but you’re tensing up. What’s up? What’s on your mind?”

“Who is and what’s with the chick who Kevin came with?”