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“With Lloyd,” Jaharee added when she walked into the kitchen.

“Lloyd is a good dude,” my mother-in-law said. “How was it?”

“Lunch was good. The food was worth the hype.”

Shameek was walking in the kitchen as I was talking about it.

“Sounds like a nice lunch.” His voice dripped with sarcasm.

Then Jaharee had that look again. The same look she had when he was acting an ass when Lloyd was in my office.

“It was great. We stayed for about two hours. I was having such a good time, I didn’t know that much time had passed.”

Shameek’s jaw started twitching, and Jaharee caught it. My mother-in-law was completely oblivious as she handed me two containers.

“I’m glad you’re getting out. Rah trusted him, and that says a lot because my son didn’t trust everybody.”

“He’s becoming a good friend.”

“A friend,” Shameek repeated.

“Is there an echo in the room?” I mocked.

Jaharee laughed before looking down at her phone.

“Meek, why you sounding like that girl said she was getting married?”

“Nah, it’s just weird.”

“Yes, you do,” Jaharee added. “Every time that man’s name comes up, your whole energy gets weird.”

“Son, stay out her business,” his mama said.

“I’m not in her business.”

“Then why did you call when I got five minutes up the road about him kissing me?” I asked, staring at him. All he had to do was stop the hating shit and let me tell his mama about the lunch, and we wouldn’t be here.

“He kissed you?” My mother-in-law turned around.

“On my forehead.”

“Oh,” she said. “That was sweet.”

“Thank you.” I rolled my eyes at Shameek.

Jaharee squinted. “Meek, why the hell you care if Lloyd kissed her forehead?”

“That’s the thing. I don’t care.”

“Jah, leave your brother alone.”

“Okay, ma, before he explodes,” Jaharee teased.

“I ain’t gonna explode over shit.”

“Well, on that note. I’m going home,” I said, grabbing my containers.

“I’ll walk out with you. I need to leave anyway,” Jaharee said.