Here in the States, I have an uncle in the FBI, one in the Senate, and another in the judicial system and that’s just Mommy’s older brothers. She’s the only girl out of eight children. We have several other well-positioned relatives by blood and marriage.
My cousin Antonia is a federal prosecutor with her crazy ass. She has had her eye on a judicial seat since we were little. I’m so proud of her and all she’s overcome to be where she is.
Justin is my other cousin. He just made detective on the force.
“Car, thank God. These old folks are in here tripping. If you didn’t get here soon, I was about to shove some biscuits in my purse and cut my losses,” Toni says.
“Antonia, keep playing with me, eh? I’m not too old to bop your ass with that mouth of yours. I don’t know why your mother and I allowed you to be so outspoken,” Uncle Rick says and sucks his teeth as he glares at Toni.
Toni rolls her eyes. “It’s this mouth that got Stephan junior out of his little situation last week and this same mouth helped Augustus keep his wife from leaving him and taking that baby with her.”
Justin and I groan. This is why everyone runs from Toni. She means it with love, but she’s not going to allow anyone to forget how much they use her—I can’t blame her though.
Some of my mother’s family can try to look down their noses and act like their shit doesn’t stink, but when they need something, Toni is the first one they call to clean things up for them.
I learned a long time ago; money doesn’t exclude messy. Anyone who says otherwise hasn’t experienced real life and wealth, they’re just running their gums. The only difference is the ability to pay the price to hide the mess. My family is extremely good at that.
“Toni,” Uncle Rick warns.
Toni pinches her lips and rolls her eyes. Oh, lunch after this is going to be interesting. Toni is already on one and Blake is always good for a laugh. She’s sure to match Toni’s energy. I try not to laugh at my cousin.
Uncle Rick comes over and kisses my forehead before he pulls me into a tight hug. Of all my uncles I’m probably closest to Uncle Rick. He’s the judge in the family and the youngest brother of the older four.
“Oopies,” he croons with his gravelly voice. I can’t help smiling at the old nickname. As a young girl I always tripped over my own feet. The name Oopies just stuck, don’t ask. “You look well. Getting a little thick and things. You still going to the gym?” He releases me and holds me out at arm’s length.
“Yes, religiously, Uncle Rick.” I pat his belly. “You need to come to the restaurant so I can feed you. I can’t have you out here looking this fine. My friends are already lined up to make you their sugar daddy,” I tease.
“Oopies, I’m not interested in none of them pissing-tail little girls you and Toni call friends. Like I haven’t noticed their fast asses joining my gym. If I would have known what the dating scene had to offer once I got out there, I would have worked harder to work things out with my wife.”
I laugh and look to Toni. She has a scowl on her face. We both know which friends he’s talking about. My uncles are handsome, wealthy men with their dark-brown skin, silky curly hair and honey-amber eyes. Uncle Rick is a catch, he’s just not with the bullshit.
“Where’s Dario?” My Uncle Talon asks as he types on his phone before he puts it away. This is my FBI uncle. Justin’s father.
“Wow, Uncle T, and here I thought I was one of your favorites.”
“You are, Oopies.” He smiles at me as he calls me by my nickname. “You two are always attached at the hip and I wanted to talk to him. I thought I’d see him here today.”
“He was coming but was called away at the last minute.”
My father scoffs, drawing my attention. I can no longer ignore his glare as he sits in his favorite chair watching me. I turn to him and give a wobbly smile.
“Hey, Daddy.”
He stands. “We can eat now,” he says and turns for the dining room.
I look to my mother with pleading in my eyes. I don’t want to be here. It’s been five years and he’s still not over my decision for my life.
The last time we fell out over the topic was bad, really bad. That was six months ago, I haven’t come back since. I thought it best to agree to disagree.
“He’s stubborn, but he does miss you. He only wants the best for you,” my mother says.