Moth to a Flame

The next day, the Atkins brought the hood to their prestigious affluent community as all of the hustlers in Benjamin's circle came out to show him love at Morgan's birthday cookout. It was something that they did every year, and somehow every single year, the children's party always transformed into an adult party. Raven and Nicky were both wearing swimsuit tops and shorts that left nothing to the imagination. It was unusually hot outside as the sun blazed brightly. Michigan didn't normally warm up until late June, but as she watched her little sister and the rest of the kids splashing around in the pool, she was anxious to sit around in her bikini and enjoy the beautiful day. Everybody in the backyard came from nothing, but was now working with legit businesses while holding rain over the city streets, all thanks to the leadership of Benjamin. Benjamin was the king, and the hustlers along with their wives and children were the courtship of his kingdom. What did your dad say when you came in last night? Nicky asked nosily. He was mad, but he's over it now. My mama invited Mizan to the party. I don't know if he's going to show up, though. I haven't heard from him yet. I don't know if he's going to call because my mama threw salt in the game when she told him my real age, Raven explained. Hey, you and Nicky come in here and grab some of this food. Y'all ain't just about to be standing around looking cute. Come help me. Justine called out to the pair. They went and grabbed the silver pans of side dishes that Justine had whipped up and carried them outside. Liquor flowed freely, and the smell of weed was potent in the air as old school music crooned from the inside of the house. The environment was all love because everyone in attendance was family. Raven, come over here. I want you to meet somebody, Benjamin called out. Damn, who was that? Nicky commented. Raven turned in the direction of her father and lifted her sunglasses when she saw the same dude she had seen the night before at the corner store. I don't know, but I'm about to find out, she told her friend. As she placed her glasses on top of her head and walked over to her father. Ethic, this is my daughter, Raven. Ray, this is Ethic. He works for me, Benjamin stated. Before they could say anything to each other, Justine called her father into the house. Ray, go to the store and grab some more ice for the coolers. I'm blocked in, she yelled. Benjamin pointed to Ethic. Ethic will take you, he's new in town. It'll give you a chance to get acquainted. You're from Missouri? Raven asked, making small talk as they walked to the front yard. He nodded his head as he led her over to his car and opened the passenger door for her. She hopped in and then slid over into the driver's seat. When he made it around to the driver's side, she held her hand out. I'll drive, she stated with a smile. He opened the door and said, a little girl like you can't handle my way, my, scoot over. I can handle it just fine, she replied, not moving an inch. What, you don't want your little girlfriend from yesterday to see me drive in your car? No offense, but somebody like you need to upgrade. I would think you would have a better bitch on your arm, Raven stated bluntly. Ethic scoffed and nodded his head. You should clean up that mouth of yours. As he handed her the keys, he got into the passenger side just as Raven started the car. She pulled away from the curb. Don't wreck my shit, my, this will drive itself. All you gotta do is steer, he instructed as he leaned back in his seat. I got you, I'm not gonna tear up your car, she stated as she eased into traffic. So was that your girl you were talking to yesterday? She asked, no, that wasn't my lady. He replied, so do you have a chick? She inquired. He laughed as he adjusted his fitted cap, holding it so low on his head that it almost covered his eyes. You ask a lot of questions, he stated. Why are you so interested in me? I'm a grown man. Don't you have little high schoolers or something checking for you? Yeah, but I'm not worried about them, I'm checking for you, she admitted. Nah, you checking for old boy you were with last night, he shot back. That whole ass nigga, you should watch the type of company.