Page 63 of Solomon’s Temple

“Pleasure to meet you, Gabriel,” Temple said, holding out her hand to shake his.

“Pleasure’s all mine, Ms. Temple.” Gabriel kissed the back of her hand just as Lessyn and Sky entered the circle.

“Solomon. It’s so good to see you!” Lessyn exclaimed, pulling me into her arms. She was dressed in a gold romper that favored a majorette outfit. Her hair was in loose curls with a crown on her head.

I kissed her cheek. “It’s good to see you too, beautiful. How are the kids?”

“They’re good. Boss Baby Giselle just turned two going on twenty-two, and Ava thinks she’s grown now since her daddy caved and got her a car against my wishes.” She playfully rolled her eyes.

“She deserved it, baby.”

“Hush. She was on punishment, and I said no.” I chuckled. “Anyway! Who do we have here?” she asked, her eyes going to Temple.

“This is my lady, Temple.”

“Hiii, happy birthday!” Temple handed her the gift bag. “Just a little something from us both.”

“Awww. Thank yoouu! I know expensive when I see it.” Lessyn laughed.

“Oh my goodness! You’re Lessyn Taylor. The owner of Miamor’s Dance Company,” Temple noted in shock.

“It is I! You’re so pretty! Solomon, you did good.” Lessyn made a funny face at me, and I tried not to smile too hard.

“I think I did amazing if you ask me.”

“Caking-ass nigga,” Karon said, stepping over to us.

We laughed. I gave him a hug and turned to Temple.

“Baby, this is my cousin Karon, and his wife, Skylyn.”

“Nice to meet you both.”

“You as well. I have to say, I’m happy to see my cousin in something stable. I can see you got this man looking real different.” Karon grabbed my shoulder and shook me while laughing.

“I hope that’s a good thing.”

“It’s a beautiful thing.”

Skylyn leaned into Temple. “Are you saved too?”

Temple chuckled. “I’m getting there.”

“You ain't there yet, so come on. Have a birthday drink with me!” Lessyn pulled Temple away as Sky followed.

“Aye, don’t try to corrupt my girl.” They laughed as I turned to the fellas. “Where’s Dom?”

“Somewhere around here following Payton around. You good though?” Karon asked.

“I’m better, man. Ya auntie really ticked me off tonight. She invited Temp and me over for dinner and threw shade at her for the thirty minutes we were there. Then she had the nerve to invite Shareece over.” I shook my head.

“You lying, bruh.”

I chuckled. “You know I don’t lie no more.”

“That’s crazy. What did Temple do?”

“She held herself together, for the most part. She already said she won’t be kicking it with moms no more. I don’t know what’s wrong with that woman. I truly don’t get it.”