The Public Safety cookout was alive with the sound of chatter and laughter, the warm aroma of barbecue and baked goods wafting through the air. You stood off to the side, clutching a plate that was still empty, unsure of how to navigate this mandatory gathering. Just as you considered retreating into the shadows, a voice as smooth as honey and twice as sweet called out behind you.

“Now why are you over here looking like you don’t know nobody?”

You turned to see Makima approaching, her stride slow and deliberate, a wide, knowing smile on her face. She had swapped her usual polished demeanor for something a little softer, yet no less commanding—like a favorite auntie who ran the family reunion and kept everyone in line.

“Hey, baby,” she said, her voice dripping with warmth. “I was wonderin’ where you wandered off to. You’re not planning to leave early, are you?”

Before you could even think of a response, she looped her arm through yours with a gentle firmness that told you there was no escaping. “Come on now, don’t be shy. I made a lot of food, and you’re gonna sit down and eat some before you try sneaking out of here. I’ve been working too hard in this heat for you to not even try my macaroni and cheese.”

Her tone was teasing, but her eyes carried that familiar weight of expectation—disobedience wasn’t an option. She walked you over to the table laden with food, her presence magnetic enough to part the crowd as she passed. “Now, I know you’ve got a sweet tooth,” she said, already piling a plate with a little bit of everything. “You better save room for my peach cobbler. You’ll be asking me to make it every week after you try it. I promise you that.”

Makima set the plate in your hands with an air of finality and gave you a look that felt equal parts affectionate and intimidating. “Now, go on and eat, sugar. I’ve got my eye on you.” She patted your back lightly before strolling off to mingle, leaving you with no choice but to comply—and maybe even enjoy yourself.