Page 213 of When a Soul Cries

I opened my driver’s door.

“I’m done with you.”

Then I climbed inside and left her standing there.

When I got back to Sugga’s, the house was quieter.

I stepped into the living room and found Halo asleep across my mama’s chest, her cheek pressed against Sugga’s shirt and one tiny fist curled into the fabric.

I stopped in the doorway.

“Mama.”

Sugga looked up carefully, keeping her voice low. “What?”

“You know she got somewhere to sleep, right?”

Sugga glanced down at Halo like I’d asked the dumbest question possible.

“She got somewhere to sleep right here.”

I laughed quietly and placed my keys on the table.

“How long she been out?”

“About twenty minutes.”

I stood there for another second, watching them.

Then Sugga noticed the flowers in my hand.

Her entire face lit up.

“Ooooh.”

I immediately pointed at her. “Don’t.”

A grin spread across her face. “Look at my baby buying flowers.”

“Mama.”

“Who knew?”

I shook my head as she looked back down at Halo.

“Ask Sol if she can stay tonight,” Sugga said.

My eyebrows rose. “Stay the night?”

“Yes.”

“This her first time over here.”

Sugga shrugged carefully so she wouldn’t wake Halo. “And?”

“She’s her mama’s baby.”

“Then ask her mama.”