Hell House by Brenda Hampton Page A

Jada. “I think she likes you. My suggestion is to sleep with one eye open.”
    â€œNah, she’s down with you. It’s in her eyes. Pay attention.”
    I went into the kitchen and grabbed a bag of Doritos from the pantry. When I closed the door, Jada stood in front of me with a spoonful of sauce in her hand.
    â€œRoc, try this. Let me know if the sauce is too sweet.”
    â€œSalty!” Jaylin yelled from afar. “Too damn salty, not sweet.”
    Jada lifted her middle finger. “Stick it, Jaylin. Far, far up there, okay?”
    He laughed.
    I tasted the sauce and it was pretty damn good. “It’s just right. Can’t wait to taste all of it. How much longer before some grub is ready?”
    â€œAbout ten…fifteen more minutes. I’m glad you liked it.”
    Something in her eyes said I could have her, and keeping it real, Jada was my kind of woman. So far, I liked her style and she seemed like she could be…fun.
    I chilled at the kitchen table eating Doritos. Shortly thereafter, Prince swooped in to holla at me. Sylvia did too, and Chase followed minutes later. Jaylin chilled in the living room.
    â€œIs everybody ready to eat?” Jada said, carrying the pot of cheesy spaghetti to the table. “The cheese garlic bread will be ready in a few minutes, but I’m not puttin’ my cookies in the oven until after we eat.”
    â€œThe spaghetti looks delicious,” Sylvia complimented. “Can’t wait to taste it.” She looked over at Jaylin. “Are you going to join us at the table, Jaylin?”
    He lifted the core of the apple he’d finished. “Nah, I’m good. Good luck with that spaghetti. I’m gon’ pray that it works out for y’all.”
    Jada put her hand on her hip and bit down on her lip. She didn’t say anything, but Sylvia asked Jaylin to come pray with us. “You don’t mind blessing the food with us, do you?”
    He got up, and then came over to the table with us. We all stood, but I couldn’t remember the last time I said a prayer before eating food. Desa Rae was always getting on me about doing so, but I didn’t make it a habit. I went with the flow and held hands with the people next to me, Jada on one side and Prince on the other.
    â€œClose your eyes and bow your heads,” Sylvia said. “And Prince, why don’t you lead us in prayer.”
    There was silence and then he spoke up. “Uh, excuse me. But what did you say?”
    â€œI asked that you lead us in prayer.”
    â€œNah, ma, I’m not good with that. Next.”
    â€œRoc? How about you?” Sylvia asked.
    â€œI’ll pass to Jada.”
    â€œDon’t be passin’ to me. If I say the wrong thing, somebody gon’ try to correct me. Besides, I don’t like prayin’ aloud with other people around. Let Chase say somethin’.”
    â€œOkay, y’all.” Sylvia sighed from frustration. “Why don’t we go around the table and say something that we’re thankful for. One at a time and I’ll start. Please close your eyes and bow your heads again.”
    Everybody bowed their heads, but I was peeking and so was Prince.
    â€œThank you, Lord, for the food we’re about to receive,” Sylvia said. “Bless Jada for preparing it and please watch over all of usas we take this long journey together for the next three months. Keep us healthy, safe and we pray that we can get along and respect each other. Next.”
    Chase spoke up. “Thanks for the food and for giving me an opportunity to be in this house with fine men. If you want me with child, now is the time to do it. I thank you in advance. Next.”
    â€œLord, don’t let nobody make no babies up in here,” Jada said. “But please give me the strength to deal with Jaylin. I pray that I don’t have to go upside his head with nothin’ made of steel and get arrested.