“You want me to lay her down or what? This shit is new to me. I’m sure she can chill in one of his guest rooms.” Miego looked down at his shoulder, into Ray’s face. Her eyes were now closed and she looked so cute to him that he couldn't help but smile.
Yami looked around and pointed to the love seat. “You can just put her there. She doesn't know where we are, and I don't want her to wake up afraid.”
Miego did as instructed, but had to pry Ray’s body from his. She whined a little in her sleep but snuggled up on the sofa when he laid her down. After she was situated, he sat down next to where Ray was lying and grabbed Yami’s hand, pulling her into his lap.
“I shouldn't be long. You good here until I get back?” His hand automatically moved under her shirt, like he always wanted to touch her body.
“I don't really have a choice, do I? I don't have a car, and I don't know where I am, so I can't leave.”
“Damn, shorty, don’t say it like that. Sounds like I kidnaped your little ass.” He grinned and lifted her shirt so quick she couldn't stop him, and proceeded to examine her body. “You trying to set me up on some kidnapping charges. You got a wire on, Yami?”
Yami snatched her shirt back down and rolled her eyes. “You have a problem with personal space, don't you?”
“Man, chill with that. I was just playing with your little ass.” Miego leaned back and peered at her. “Check it, though, we’ll talk when I get back. I’ll get us a room for tonight, and before you say shit, I’m not gon’ try to have sex with you, unless that’s what you want. We can just chill.”
Yami wondered why she wasn't at his place now. She wanted to ask when he mentioned taking her to a friend’s house but didn't know how, so she just kept it to herself. Her first thought was that he lived with someone. If that was the case, then she wasn't about to get stuck in the middle of that.
“Why didn't we go to your place? Do you live with someone, and is that why you were looking for an apartment?”
Miego looked at Yami with a grin, but she didn't see any reason for him to be smiling when she was serious.
“Yeah, I live with someone, and yeah, that’s why I wanted you to go look for an apartment with me. But your little ass bailed on me, so that’s why I brought you here.”
Yami looked back at him like he had just lost his mind. “You are insane. Why would you bring me here with my daughter if you live with your girl? Well maybe she’s not your girl, or I don't really know what your situation is, but I’m not about to be your side hustle. I can't believe you...”
“Man, chill for a minute and let me explain,” Miego said in a way that let her know he meant business. “Damn, you are already assuming shit. The person I live with is my mother, and before you get on that why is a grown man living with his mother, it's temporary and a long story, but we can talk about it later.” He lifted his arm to check the time. “Right now, I have to head out with my man to this meeting. Just chill, and we'll talk when I get back. Can you do that for me, please?”
She wanted to object, but knew it was pointless so she nodded and tried to stand, but he held onto her.
“Damn, you’re mean as hell. I can see now, I’m gon’ have to check that shit.” He grabbed her chin and kissed her.
Yami resisted at first, but eventually kissed him back. She couldn't help it. His lips were so soft and welcoming.
“That’s better.” Miego grinned and lifted her small frame from his lap so he could stand. “Call me if you need anything, and I’ll hit you back when I can.”
“Is she good, you want a blanket or anything?” Miego looked over at Ray, who was sleeping peacefully.
“No, I have one in her bag.”
“I’ight then, I’ll be back.”
Miego left the room and joined Train. The two of them were out the door, and after Train locked up, they headed to Train’s ride.
“Yo, she worth it?” Miego looked across at Train as he whipped it on the highway, heading to meet his guy.
“Worth what?”
“The bullshit that's about to pop off because you’re claiming her.”
“No guarantees, but I feel like she is.”
“I’ight then,” was all Train said.
That was all the confirmation needed. He was down with Miego no matter what, and if being with Black's girl was about to start a war, then Train was going to be right by his side fighting it with him.
*****
Miego stood in the room across from Train’s new plug, Joseph. He had to be in his late fifties but didn't really look his age. He actually didn't appear to be much older than his mid-forties because of his fit status and features, but most of that could be attributed to his attire. Dressed casually in a pair of jeans, Timbs, and a button up shirt that hung freely, instead of being tucked in, he had the appearance of an older man who was trying to remain relevant. The style didn't necessarily fit him, which made him look awkward.