XXIII: IKYFL

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A/N: Hi my loves Chapter 23 is finally COMPLETED. I hope you all enjoy.
- Beth ๐Ÿ’•

Chapter Twenty Three

"Bring your ass Nala, we already late!" I yelled for Sage as she took her time getting ready.

"Ass can't never be on time." I sighed and plopped down on the couch, ready to go. It was pushing 7:30 and Christmas Eve dinner was set to begin at 6.

"Daddy." Aubrey's face contorted into a frown.

"Sorry baby." I apologized and kissed her cheek.

"Uhn uhn, I want my money." She wiped my kiss off of her cheek and held her hand out.

"Man here." I pulled out my wallet and snatched out the smallest bill that I had, a twenty.

"That's my type." Aubrey sung as she added the bill to her miniature LV purse.

"Yo mama gon' have to see me, teaching you that ratchet shit. And no I'm not giving you nothing else today, fuck that." I shook my head and sent a quick text to Avery. I was not about to raise one of these little "City Girls."

"You got a nasty tude." She huffed before running off into the back hallway.

Feeling my phone vibrate in my pocket I quickly retrieved it to see Razi calling.

"Yo." I answered after the fourth ring.

"Where you at?" He asked as he stepped outside to what seemed to be my grandmother's backyard.

"Still at the crib, waiting for Sage." I sighed and looked at my watch for the time once again.

"Women." He sighed, sharing my exact sentiments.

"Exactly, but it ain't nothing new. Mommy not done cooking?"

"Yeah, everything is good to go, but she's waiting for everyone to get here. We're still waiting for you, Eric, Granny, and Leomie."

"Leomie?" My eyebrows furrowed upon hearing my little cousin's name. Leomie was a few years younger than Razi, but let her tell it she was a grown ass woman and had been since she was 16. My mom took her in after my aunt had finally had enough of her wild antics and kicked her out the beginning of her sophomore year of high school. Our home was hers until last year when Razi found her room cleared out with no explanation. No one had been able to get into contact with her until recent when she reached out saying she was safe in Memphis. Apparently she had found herself and was deadset on becoming starting a new chapter. Leomie was a free spirit and when she wasn't being reckless she was easily the chillest person in the room. I would always have love for her, she was my baby cousin, but I would be a fool to turn a blind eye to her antics, wherever Leo went trouble followed and that's how she liked it, she would never say it, but it excited her.

"Yeah Leo is back, she hit up Granny a few weeks back and told her she would be in town. I guess they forgave her for that little disappearing act." Razi shrugged his shoulders carelessly.

Razi and Leo had a rocky relationship. Growing up they were two peas in pod, they rocked with each other heavy and nothing or anyone could get in between the bond they shared. They were the definition of ride or die. It wasn't until Leo started smelling herself and found her way into some mess with a couple of dudes from the Southside that shifted Razi's perception of her. She was no longer sweet little Leomie, she was coming into her "own" and moving shaky, not thinking or caring of the consequences that could easily dismantle her and everyone who stood within a fifty foot radius of her. Leomie's bullshit landed Razi in the hospital after a bullet meant for her found a home in Razir's shoulder. That bullet changed everything between them and I couldn't blame him.

"You gon be good?" I asked my little brother genuinely.

"Yeah, Leo know I don't rock with her." Razi waved me off.

"Aight, well let's try to make this a peaceful gathering I don't need no drama the day before Christmas and Granny don't either, you know Christmas is her favorite holiday."

"Yeah I know, trust me I'm not the one you should be talking to."

"Heard ju." I eyed him closely. Razi put up a good front, but I knew deep down he would do anything in this world to get his Leo back, that was his blood.

"Let me know when y'all on the way bro." He spoke before hanging up quickly.

"I'm ready." I looked up just as Sage's long legs sashayed their way down the staircase.

"Bout time!" I hopped up immediately, ready to go.

"Looking this good takes time my love." She threw me a sly grin before striking a quick pose.

"You look good mama." I enveloped my arms around her, taking in the sweet mist of Dolce & Gabbana that blessed her silky skin.

"Thank you Daddy." She purred into my ear before looking me over. "You don't look too bad yourself." Dressed down in a black floral get up I was handling my own tonight, we both were.

Pulling her into me I took her pouty lips into mine, kissing her deeply.

"I love you." I palmed her ass roughly, my large palm gripping it to no end.

"I love you too Raheem." A moan escaped from between her lips as my hands seem to get lost beneath her dress.

"Ewwww!" Our lips disconnected immediately as our focus shifted to a sassy Aubrey who stood before us, her little hand settled on her hip in distaste.

"Sorry baby." I rushed to scoop her up, placing a kiss on her cheek.

"Daddy clean your lips." She mushed next before my lips could connect to her cheek.

"Damn, it's like that?" I laughed as she continued to push me away.

"You got cooties and Uncle Izzy say cooties are deadly."

"You got it mama." I chuckled and stood her to her feet.

"You got everything Pooh?" I asked Sage as I grabbed my wallet and headed to the door to lock everything up before we departed for the night.

"Purse, phone, keys." She mumbled before her gaze met mine. "Yeah I got everything babe." She smiled taking her place beside me.

"Aubrey let's go mama." I called for her as she quickly ran out of her room with her favorite stuffed animal in tow, Mr. Tubby.

"I'm ready daddy." She smiled brightly before taking Sage's hand into her's.

"Aight let's go." I stood back in awe. In this moment life couldn't be any better.

_______________

Pulling into the driveway of my grandmother's circular driveway I sighed deeply and thanked God for allowing me to see another holiday with my loved ones.

"Look at the reindeer!" Bre gushed with excitement pointing out the mechanical reindeer dazzled in white golden lights, bringing the doe to life.

"Wow, Granny went all out."

"Now you know Koko." I chuckled to myself. Katherin De la Cruz was a holiday junkie. She loved the essence that holidays brung, joy, gratitude, and new beginnings. Koko made sure every holiday was magical.

"Come on Bre, let's go inside mama." I called after her as she ran around the front yard in awe at all the decorations.

"I tired." Her small body collapsed into my knees as she fought to catch her breath.

"I got you baby." I chuckled and lifted her into my arms, before making my way inside the large two story home.

"Unc." Domo greeted me immediately as I stepped into the foyer.

"Wus good phew." I pulled my nephew into a side hug as Aubrey clung to my shoulder.

"Hey Sa." Domo waved shyly, his smile growing by the second.

"Hey boo!" Sage hugged him tightly. My nephew melted into her embrace as she giggled like the shit was cute.

"Aight that's enough, get off my woman." I pried the two apart, slapping the back of Domo's head in the process.

"You're so mean." Sage laughed as I sent Dominque on his way.

"I'm selfish, I want you all to myself." I sung into her lowly, squeezing her tightly.

"Ok Pnb." She chuckled before pecking my lips quickly.

"Is that my big cousin!" My ears perked up to a familiar voice.

Turning around my eyes settled on my little cousin.

"Wus good Leo." I stepped around Sage to hug her small frame.

"Oh my gosh, it's been so long." She hugged me tightly until her eyes landed on Sa.

"My bitch!" Leo squealed before Sage attacked her with a hug.

"Why didn't you tell me you were coming!"

"Baby I decided last minute, Koko been blowing up my phone so I decided to come and see about her, I missed my girl."

"Mhmm, we need to catch up miss." Sage side eyed Leomie playfully. Leo and Sa had always had a cool little bond.

"We really do, I need to get you down to Memphis, you'll love it Sa."

"I do need a little vacation." The two laughed before turning to enter the living room that held the rest of our family.

"Hold on girl, my date just pulled up." Leo quickly ran to the front door, a wide smile on her face as she went to let her guest in.

"Date." Both Sa and I stood confused and waited for her return.

Soon Leomie returned with her date in tow.
With her wide smile still present Leomie sauntered over with her date who's back was turned as he finished up a phone call.

"Rah, Sage this is my date." Leo announced, causing her date's head to finally shoot up.

"I know you fuckin lying." Rah mumbled beside me.

"Giovanni, hey." I smiled politely, my cheeks warm from the awkward exchange.

"Wait y'all know each other?" Leomie's brows knitted together in confusion.

"Ye-."

"We use to." Gio interjected before taking Leomie's hand and walking into the dining room with the rest of the family.

"You gotta be shittin me." Rah chuckled to himself in disbelief.

"Bubba, calm down and let it go. Let's just enjoy our night babe. It's Christmas Eve."

"Exactly it's Christmas Eve, I'm tryna be with my family not that bitch ass nigga, stiff ass dreads."

"Baby stop." I yelped, unable you contain my laughter.

"This shit is wild b. Of all niggas she chose that one! I'm sick yo, I need a bottle." Raheem pulled me into him, caressing my lower cheeks as he rested his head into the nape of my beck.

"We'll get you a bottle daddy I promise." I snickered and kissed the top of his head.

"He better be happy I'm high or I would've beat his ass on sight."

"I know you would have baby I know." I took his hand and led us to the dining room.

"About time!" Eric sucked his teeth as soon as we entered.

"My fault y'all." Rah pulled out my seat before sitting in his own.

"Well now that everyone is here, let us say grace." Koko smiled.

"Everyone join hands and bow your heads." Mama Kim spoke before leading us into prayer.

"Father, Praise You for the nourishment the You provide. Thank You for meeting our physical needs of hunger and thirst. Forgive us for taking that simple joy for granted, and bless this food to fuel our bodies forward into Your will for our lives. Thank You for bringing us together today to share a meal. The people in our lives bring us such joy, and we are grateful for time spent in fellowship together. Help us use this time to bond closer as a group, and learn to love each other more. In Jesus name we pray, Amen!"

"Amen." We sung in unison before digging in."

"Aye phew pass me the macaroni." Razi nodded to Domo.

"Preciate it." He thanked him with a smile, his diamond encrusted grill gleaming in the light.

"Boy take that shit out yo mouth before you eat." Ms. Kim swatted at his neck as she walked passed the table, refilling her champagne flute.

"Good looks ma, I forgot." Razi blew her a kiss jokingly before turning to the left of him.

"Baby you want some?" Razi asked Nairobi as she sat to beside him.

"Yes please." She smiled grabbing the bowl of macaroni from him.

Watching the two together I couldn't help but sigh, my best friend was a dog ass nigga, that poor girl.

"Leomie, how are you baby. You almost sent ya Koko to the hospital when you left without saying bye."

"I know and I'm apologize. It was in the heat of the moment and I left without even thinking. I missed you all though, more than you know. I'm finally doing everything that I said I would. I'm getting ready to open up my own shop at the top of the year and i would love if y'all could come." Leo smiled widely. She looked happy and it seemed like Memphis has really helped turn her life around.

"You know I'll be there chile!" Koko waved her off before smiling her way.

"Of course niece, just get me right with the bundles."

"I got you auntie!" Leo giggled wildly at her family's support.

"I'm proud of you Leo." Mrs. Khareece reached across the table to grab her daughter's hand.

"Thank you mommy. I know I wasn't the easiest child to raise but I'm getting it together I promi-."

"Anyways what's for dessert?" Razi rubbed his stomach in distress, cutting off Leomie.

"Razir! Don't be rude!" Nairobi turned to him in disbelief.

"How am I being rude? A nigga just wanna know where the peach cobbler at damn."

"Imma jaw your ass in a minute, watch your mouth little boy." Mama Kim spoke through gritted teeth.

"I'll fix it myself. Anybody want a plate?" Razi scoffed, excusing himself from the table.

"I do." Leomie smiled softly. I knew she wanted to make amends with Razi but she had to understand that he was still hurt. It was going to take time.

"Anybody else? ANYBODY!" Razi's lip curled in disgust.

"Man bring your ass." Rah pushed him into the kitchen before he could say anything else.

"He'll come around eventually Leo." Mama Kim assured her.

"Next topic, who is this little boy you done brought into my mama house." Mrs. Khareece cleared her throat before turning to Gio.

"This shit finna be good." Eric mumbled before taking a sip of his cognac.

"Aubrey let's go play with the reindeer outside." I whispered into Bre's ear and watched her face light up.

"Yes! Finally!" Aubrey quickly grabbed my hand and led me away from this ghetto mess.

__________________

"Bre give me your coat mamas." I held my hand out for her coat as we stepped back into the house.

For 30 minutes I let her play outside and name the reindeer. Just enough time for me to miss the foolishness that was being discussed at the dinner table.

"Sa can we get hot coco before we go home." Aubrey batter her eyes at me.

"Idk boo, we have to ask daddy." I smirked, taking in her features, she was her mother's twin with her daddy's eyebrows for sure.

"Ok well you tell daddy that we get coco tonight." She tossed me her coat and ran off.

"That child." I laughed to myself before hanging up the both of our coats and heading toward the kitchen. I had the sudden urge for apple cider and I needed to satisfy my craving ASAP.

"Yes it's empty!" I dougied walking into the unoccupied kitchen.

"Let me get right." I grabbed a cup and filled it with the liquid gold and cut a slice of peach cobbler.

"NUTTT." I laughed at myself, having a food orgasm.

"I should not be this happy over apple cider and peach cobbler, what is wrong with me." I shook my head, taking another sip.

"Sa! Why didn't you tell me I was fucking the enemy!" Leo appeared behind me, causing me to jump.

"Girl what!" I choked on my apple cider.

"Gio! I didn't know he was ex bae!" She crosses her arms in disbelief.

"It's fine Leomie, I figured you didn't know." I chuckled. I couldn't fault her, I never brought him around her so I could understand the confusion.

"Yeah but now I feel like I broke girl code." She pouted.

"Sweetie if you want him have him, I'm with your cousin remember? If y'all like each other have at it."

"Are you sure?" She eyed me suspiciously. Deep down I wanted to scream BITCH HELL NO! But Gio was no longer my concern, he could date whoever he wanted - even if it was man's baby cousin....

"Leomie, yes I'm sure." I nodded, officially giving her my blessing.

"That's a relief, because he's such a nice guy. Totally opposite of the niggas I usually deal with."

"You're glowing." I watched her smile grow wider as she talked about him.

"It's only been a month but he really makes me happy Sage. It's like he's my night in shining armor." Leomie's full cheeks reddened with bliss.

"I'm happy for you love." I hugged her and made my way back to Rah to spill the tea.

"Whew chile the ghetto." I exhaled, before taking another sip of my cider."

________________

WHAT ARE YALL THOUGHTS?
Leo?
Gio?
Razi?
What do you all want to see in upcoming chapters?

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- until next timeโœจ

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