Page 45 of The Key To His Soul
Amil was bullheaded and didn’t like to be told what to do. And maybe that was because she hadn’t found the right one that made her want to listen. She was still trying to figure that out.
“It’s just for the sake of winning the game. Don’t look too much into it. I just met this nigga a few hours ago.”
“I hear you,” I replied, knowing what my eyes had seen when they weren’t on my cards.
“Uh huh. Here they come. You need to back up a lil’. We’re opponents.”
“Oh, bitch, please. I’ma ‘bout to spank that ass with love. Then you gon’ have to hear about it the whole drive home.” I blew her a kiss and went to stand next to Mehki as he and Mav walked up.
“Aight, y’all,” he spoke to the crowd, “this the final round. Me and Amilly versus Mehki and Key. First team to 300 takes it all.”
I glanced over at Amil and mouthed, “Not you got a nickname.” She gave me the finger in response. We went to sit down, Mav next to Mehki and Amil next to me.
“Aye, you betta lock in no matter what,” I heard Mav tell Mehki.
“Nigga, I’m locked in. Don’t be tryna psych me out. Me and my partner ready.”
“I’m just putting it out there,” Mav replied and looked past me and Amil. “You got company walking in.”
Always on guard, I turned my head at the same time as Amil, following his line of sight. Two women were headed our way, neither looking out of place as far as being familiar with the people in the park. Attire… well, that was something different.The taller, dark-skinned female was dressed in heels and a romper with a deep V-cut, like she was ripping the runway. The fit was cute, something I’d wear, just not fitting for the setting we were in. The lighter one moved with ease, smiling at people as she passed, in a pair of jorts, Prada sneakers, and a crop top.
The taller one reached us first, heading straight for Mehki. “Hey, baby,” she greeted as he stood.
They embraced one another, sharing a light peck on the lips. He did the same with the other woman who uttered similar sentiments.
“Ahh, shit,” Mav muttered under his breath, while Amil stared a whole in the side of my face.
All the while, I kept calm. It was obvious who the women were the moment they shared the intimate exchange. Besides, Mehki wasn’t my nigga, so I had no choice but to hold it down or leave. The ladder wasn’t an option. Not without my three.
“Y’all winning or cheating?” the dark-skinned female asked. “Bae, how you sitting next to your partner? I may not know how to play, but I know the basic spades rules,” she joked.
“I’m his partner, love,” I spoke up. “And yeah, we’re winning. We were just about to get into the last game.”
“Oh,” she said, clearly taken aback.
Her sister wife didn’t look the least bit surprised. In fact, I could’ve sworn I saw her flash a small grin.
“Karima, Ju, this is Key. Key, this is…”
“Baby and JuJu.”
The Karima chick frowned but quickly caught herself before Mehki could notice. JuJu was the first to extend her hand with a warm smile. I took her hand and shook it.
“I’ve heard about you. And he didn’t lie.”
I tilted my head to Mehki, who didn’t look nervous or like he was caught. Instead, a slight grin sat on his face as he watched the exchange, kind of like he’d planned it.
“I’m sure my partner spoke good things only.”
“Only the little that he knows.” Karima threw shade that I caught.
“I’m sure that little was interesting,” I countered.
“Aight,” Mav let out, tapping the deck of cards he held on the table. “Now that everybody knows everybody, let’s get to this game. Me and Amilly ready, ain’t that right, beautiful?”
“Deal the cards,” Amil said, and he smirked and nodded.
I tuned Mehki and his women out as he quietly exchanged a few words with them before settling back in the seat across from me. When his eyes found mine, I didn’t shy away from his stare. In fact, I held it quietly, not even reaching for my cards until the last one was dealt. This time around, as the game got underway, the jokes disappeared, and strategies were conveyed in head nods and quick glances. Judging by the smirk on his face each time I made us a book, I knew he was feeling good about the win on the way.
