Chapter 51 - Final

(Trey's POV)

A year passed, but it didn't feel like it. Time moved, but we stayed the same-Zay still my spoiled-ass baby, still glued to me like he need my touch to breathe, still pouting when I ain't paying him enough attention. And me? I still give him whatever he want.

Right now, we in the living room, Zay sitting across my lap, scrolling through my phone like he pay the bill. He do this from time to time-just grabs my shit, unlocks it with his birthday, and goes through whatever he wants. I don't stop him. Ain't shit for him to find.

His legs swing a little as he leans against my chest. "Damn, you don't be texting nobody but me and Aliyah."

I smirk. "Who else I need to text?"

He hums, scrolling a little more before setting my phone down. Then, as if he suddenly remembers something, he tilts his head up at me, eyes shining. "When we goin' out?"

I exhale through my nose. "You always wanna go somewhere."

"You always wanna stay in." He tugs on my shirt, voice softening. "Come on, Pa, lemme get dressed up. You know I look good when I pop out."

I grab his chin, tilting his face side to side. "You look good all the time."

He grins at that, leaning into my touch. "So take me somewhere then."

Before I can answer, my phone buzzes, and I glance at the screen. Aliyah.

I pick up. "What's good, baby girl?"

"Hey," she sighs, her voice light but tired. "You busy?"

I glance down at Zay, who's now pressing kisses to my jaw just to distract me. I grip the back of his neck lightly, warning him to chill, then focus back on the call. "Nah, what's up?"

"Just wanted to check in," she says. "Been a minute."

I nod, even though she can't see me. "Yeah, I know. You good?"

She hums. "Tired. Finals been eating me alive."

Zay suddenly pulls back, whispering, "Tell her she smart, she got it."

I smirk, repeating it into the phone. Aliyah laughs. "Tell Zay I appreciate the faith."

I put the call on speaker. "He can hear you now."

"Hey, Zay," she says.

"Hey, sis," he responds, grinning. "You stressin' over finals?"

"Always."

"Y'all needa just drop out and start a business," he jokes.

Aliyah snorts. "And do what?"

"Ion know. Open a dispensary, maybe."

I shake my head, squeezing his thigh. "Ain't nobody opening no damn dispensary."

Zay just laughs, leaning back against me. Aliyah sighs. "I swear, Trey, if it wasn't for you, I probably would drop out."

"Nah, you built for this," I tell her. "And you almost done."

"Yeah, I know," she murmurs. Then, after a pause, "You coming down for my graduation?"

I raise a brow. "That a real question?"

She laughs. "Just making sure."

"Wouldn't miss it."

Zay hums in agreement. "We wouldn't miss it."

Aliyah catches that. "We?"

I smirk, squeezing Zay's waist. "You know he coming too."

She chuckles. "Good. I need somebody to keep you from looking all mean in my pictures."

"Right, 'cause this nigga do not smile," Zay agrees, rubbing my chest.

Aliyah laughs. "Exactly."

I roll my eyes. "Aight, aight. You done ganging up on me?"

"For now," she teases. "I'ma let you go, but we gotta catch up for real soon."

"Bet," I say. "Love you, baby girl."

"Love you too."

We hang up, and Zay tilts his head up at me. "So... when we goin' out?"

I groan. "Damn, you don't let up, huh?"

"Nope." He grins. "You love it."

I shake my head, fighting back a smile. "Go get dressed."

He hops off my lap instantly, excited as hell, and rushes to the bedroom. I hear him digging through his closet, mumbling about what he wanna wear. Meanwhile, I sit back for a second, rubbing my hand down my face.

It's crazy. A year ago, I wasn't thinking about none of this. Wasn't thinking about loving nobody, wasn't thinking about taking care of nobody but myself and Aliyah. And now?

I glance down at my hand, at the promise ring sitting on my finger. The one that match his.

Now, I got him. And I ain't never letting go.