Page 25

“I did.”

I instantly bury my face in my hands. It’s honestly not even a surprise she did that. Destiny is the only one in our family with a soft enough spot in her heart for Rayne to still want to help him. It’s actually what I feared would happen. If he can’t get through to anyone else, he’ll always get through to her.

“Destiny, what the fu-” I’m attacking her with a stare of shame.

“You promised you wouldn’t get mad,” she reminds me, rolling her neck. She’s always had my mother's spunk. It intensifies the older she gets.

“Oh, I’m not mad. A little ticked off, maybe. What the hell were you thinking?”

She leans forward, “I was thinking he’s still my brother. Just as he is yours. You know he told me about that little tussle y’all had over on Hampton too.”

“Oh, it wasn’t a tussle. If it were a tussle, his teeth would be somewhere in Green Bay.”

“Okay, still, bro. It was a disagreement.”

“And you’re on his side?”

“No. But I don’t like seeing my two big brothers not getting along either. Just like I don’t like seeing my brother roaming the streets. It’s too dangerous out here for that. So, yes, I handed him a little money to get a hotel until he figures shit out. I’m just trying to make things easier.”

I take a second to take it all in. I’m not mad Destiny wants to help. It’s one of her greatest qualities. Reason number one she was perfect for the managerial position. My issue stems from her endless empathy decreasing Rayne’s accountability.

“Des, I love you. I really do. Every day you show me how much you’ve grown. But some things you just have to let happen. Alright? Rayne is a grown ass man. He shouldn’t need his little sister’s cash to advance in life. He should be giving you money. Not the other way around. Plus, Rayne could be right here working with us. He chose to stay out there on the streets. Don’t give that nigga any more of your hard-earned money. That’s your income. Hear me?”

Destiny is too busy texting to respond. She’s smiling and blushing. And I know my little sister. She’s only ever all goofy like that for two reasons. And since Usher tickets are all sold out for the month, it’s definitely a nigga.

“Aye? Hello?” I bark, loud enough to get her attention. She pops her head up, eyes wide like she’s surprised at my volume.

“Oh, sorry. That was Skizzy.”

“Are you fuckin’ with him again, Destiny?”

Destiny plays off the question with an eye roll. Eye roll, my ass. I recognize those mannerisms. That girl’s nose is wide open. No matter how much older she gets, a hard head will always make for a soft ass. I’ve grown to respect the young man Skizzy has become since I had to practically run his head through a wall. But I don’t know about those two dating again. A rattlesnake may shed its skin, but its bite can still be deadly.

“We’re just friends, big brother,” she says, matter of factly, “You already said you approve of it.”

Yeah. After Skizzy decided to go back to school and actually present himself like a decent young man, I did. Friendship though. Not anything else.

“Fasho. He’s alright now. I guess. As long as he keeps his head on straight. Which I’m sure he will after our little talk a while back. But are you listening to what I said?”

It’s her turn to sigh dramatically, “Yes, I hear you, Damien. No more giving Rayne money.”

“Good. Now, I have some paperwork to handle before we leave tonight. Go check on Daph and Bri, please.”

My stern tone causes her to scoff, “...Yes sir, boss. You got it.”

Destiny stands up with attitude, making a beeline for the door. My eyes center on the aforementioned paperwork, ears still wide open. Instead of leaving straight out, she stops, closing the door back. It causes me to look back up, seeing her there wearing a look frostier than Alaska. Now she really resembles Mom.

“You know something, bro,” she starts in a scolding tone, crossing her arms, “You always think you have everything under control. Until it comes to Rayne and you’d rather avoid the obvious. But some things can’t be fixed by just avoiding it. Some things you have to confront head-on. In order to be the change, you have to be willing to change. Basically, I’m saying, you and Rayne really need to get your shit together. Find common ground. There has to be something that can stop this familial war between y’all. But hey, what do I know? I’m just the manager here.”

This time she does leave, letting the door close with a thud on her way out. It makes me drop my pen, thinking over everything. She’s wise beyond her years. It’s just that certain situations don’t require her advice. No matter how correct she may actually be. I know what I’m doing. Maybe it’s arrogance. But if arrogance ceases familial affliction, that’s fine by me.

I’m home around nine. Stopping first at Morgan’s favorite florist on the Southside to get her some fresh red roses. No banquet is complete without a few blue faces stuck in between the flowers though. Only the best for my baby. The house is lit, looking like the inside of a lantern on Halloween night. Morgan’s car is parked to the left, leaving room for me on the right. After parking, I spot the neighbors in their yard having a picnic of all things.

It actually brings a smile because to my knowledge, they’re the only ones doing anything like that in our neighborhood. We wave at each other on my way up the driveway. The door swings open before I even reach the front stoop. Morgan’s sexy silhouette then appears in front of me, striking a seductive pose across the door. Her full figure becomes clear the closer I get.

She’s wearing a tight red dress, no shoes. The dress says fuck me and her eyes are dancing with lust. Her lips are five percent tint, hair dropped to her shoulder blades.

“There’s my husband.” She pulls me in by my right hand, smelling like she’s wearing Heaven in a bottle on her wrists and neck. My eyes take a trip from her eyes down to her toes. Every inch of her looks extremely appetizing. I just want to drip honey down her back and spend an hour licking it off.