Page 24 of Ember

“This the man that’s been hogging all your attention and keeping you away from us?” Casimir questioned, snatching Danica’s phone out of her hand and hopping up onto the counter.

“Cas, give me my phone, NOW!” She tried to snatch it back, but he held it out of her reach, irritating her to no end.

“Stop acting like you’re ashamed of me.” He frowned at her before going back to the call. “How you doing? I’m Cas, Dani’s brother.”

“Tucker,” he nodded at the screen. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“And we’ve heard a lot about you, but Danica’s been acting stingy like she doesn’t want to bring you around.”

“Cas, I swear to God, I will put a pillow over your face and smother you in your sleep if you don’t give me my phone!” Danica growled, thoroughly embarrassed.

“Why you acting all uptight?” He smirked. “I’ma give you your phone, damn. I’m just trying to invite your man to the house for Sunday dinner. You like yams?” Casimir turned his attention back to the phone.

“Love ‘em,” Tucker confirmed.

“As long as they’re the ones made from sweet potatoes, and not my sister’s, you’re cool in my book. Dinner is Sunday at six, see you then.”

Hopping from the counter, he tossed Danica her phone and disappeared out of the kitchen with the bowl of popcorn that was sitting on the counter. With all types of murderous thoughts racing through her brain, Danica lifted the phone to get a visual of Tucker’s laughing face.

“Do not laugh at his ignorant ass,” she snarled, trying to hide her embarrassment. “He’s so goddamn annoying.”

“He’s your brother, be grateful you have one. Some of us wish we did.”

“You know you don’t have to come to dinner, right?” She changed the subject, trying to give him an out. “It’s not really a big deal.”

“Do you want me there?” His expression grew serious. Nibbling on her bottom lip, Danica thought about lying for a moment, but opted for admitting the truth.

“Yes, but only if you want to be there. There’s no pressure.”

“Then I’ll see you then.” He confirmed, getting a smile out of her. “I gotta go, we’ll be at the station in a minute. I’ll text you later, alright?”

“Okay.”

They said their goodbyes, and Danica marched straight into the living room to read Casimir his rights.

“Have you lost your damn mind!?” She fussed, popping him upside his head. “What the hell was that?”

“You hit me like that again, and your man is gonna be first responding to this address to pick you and your damn teeth up off the ground.” His eyes narrowed while rubbing his head.

“I cannot believe that you would embarrass me like that!”

“What’d he do?” Miesha questioned, now in possession of the remote and scrolling for something to watch.

“This idiot invited Tucker over to Mama and Daddy’s on Sunday for dinner.”

“You goddamn right I did. You think you're gonna be running around town with him and not bring him around so we can get a feel for who he is? Nah, sis, it doesn't work like that with me, and you know it.”

“You have been spending a lot of time with this man,” Miesha cosigned, leaving Danica to gawk with her mouth open. She couldn’t believe her sister would dare side with Casimir, as if the two of them hadn’t been at each other’s throats a mere ten minutes before. “I know we gave you our blessing to have feelings for him, but you don’t think that we should get a chance to meet him properly?”

“No, because he’s just a friend. I don’t recall anybody pressing you to meet anyone that you’re friends with, or busting Cas’ balls about whomever he’s spending time with.”

“That’s because anyone I entertain never lasts long, and nobody gives a flying monkey’s ass about who Cas wastes his time with.” Miesha answered with a wave of her hand.

“I beg your pardon?” He cocked his head to the side.

“Bro, I love you, but let’s not pretend that you’re anything more than a hoe, okay? We don’t want to get to know any of your one night stands.”

“You little…”