Page 224 of When Love Takes Root

“I put a breakroom in the sunroom too. Low lights, weighted blanket, fruit snacks, water, and no forced socializing.”

Leilani looked at me, then at him. “You asked me one question last week and built a whole accommodation plan?”

“I asked three questions. And Boss Lady deserves options.”

Onyx stared at him for a second, then pointed. “That right there is why I like you, bro.”

Jaya came over and looked Josiah up and down. “Do you have a snack table?”

Josiah nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Fruit snacks?”

“For Jamilah, yes.”

“Chips?”

“Yes.”

“Cupcakes?”

“Ask Aunt Hilary. Don’t tell her I sent you.”

Jaya smiled. “You’re useful.”

Josiah pressed a hand to his chest. “That might be the nicest thing anybody says to me today.”

Juice walked by with Lyric on his shoulders and a rib already in his hand. “That, and because he lets us come over and eat rich-people barbecue.”

Josiah looked at him. “You weren’t invited for the ribs. You were invited because Melody makes you socially acceptable.”

Melody, walking behind him with a tray of lemonade, nodded. “Accurate.”

Lyric leaned over Juice’s head, both hands full of glitter bracelets. “Uncle Siah, I made Miss Celeste one!”

Josiah bent so she could reach him. “Don’t poke my eye out, baby girl.”

“It’s fashion.”

“It’s dangerous.”

“It’s both.”

Skye, Zuri, and Jaya heard that and immediately adopted her as their president.

Within fifteen minutes, the girls had formed a chaotic coalition. The Coleman girls, Jaya, and Lyric became the C-Blacks, which made no sense until Zuri explained that it stood for Coleman-Black collaboration, and Skye added that Lyric was an honorary founding member because she brought glitter and leadership.

Maya looked at the group and shook her head. “This organization lacks bylaws.”

Lyric nodded seriously. “We can draw some.”

Zuri pointed at Maya. “Secretary.”

Skye raised her hand. “I’m treasurer.”

Kayden snorted. “You don’t have money.”

“I have vision.”