Page 101 of When I Thug You Like That

“Hey, y’all,” she greeted, walking over to Chuston. “Let me check you out, son.” She spun him around slowly. “Yep, they did that.”

“Picture didn’t do it no justice?” I asked.

“It looked good, but I needed to see the hairline in person. That hairline is important.”

“Can’t argue with that.”

She finally released Chuston and looked to me.

“I know because if my baby came out lookin’ like Lebron, I’d have to see you about it. You know, seeing as you vouched for the barber and all.”

“Taina,” Jai’ana said, shaking her head.

“What? You know I never played about my baby.”

“Respect, gangsta.” I chuckled.

“Anywho, y’all look cute,” she said, pointing to the both of us.

Jai’ana rolled her eyes.

“We do, huh?” I concurred, putting my arm around Jai’ana’s waist.

Taina laughed. “This is why you’re good for her.”

“Didn’t you come here to get your child?”

“I did. I also came to say thank you to the man. For the haircut and for handling that lil’ situation with the backpacker.”

Jai’ana’s head dropped.

“The backpacker?”

“Yeah. Morgan.”

“Oh, you know everything.”

Taina nodded. “When it comes to Ms. Thang here,” she pointed to Jai’ana, “yes I do.”

“I called her when you went to the bathroom,” Jai’ana admitted.

“Oh, okay.”

“Let me get going though. Y’all enjoy y’all day. Oh, and one more thing.”

“Seriously, T?” Jai’ana stressed.

“Seriously. Jay, I’m rooting for you hard. Don’t let my cosigning go in vain please.”

I nodded. “I got you.”

“Don’t have me. Have her.” She kissed Jai’ana’s cheek and walked Chuston over to her car.

“Love you, Chus,” Jai’ana called out to him.

He glanced back and waved.

We watched as the car disappeared down the block, and I looked over at Jai’ana.