Sadé’s POV
The block was lit.
Essex had been completely shut down, and people from up and down the street filled every available inch of space. No cars lined the curbs; instead, the Chicago Police Department had blocked off the entire area, forcing everyone to park on nearby streets. Marco’s SUV sat a few blocks away, but Sadé’s Audi was right there in the driveway, covered in deep tints. The DJ had the speakers thumping, jumping from old-school bangers to the latest hits, and the smell of barbecue thickened the air.
Coolers were lined up along the driveway, packed with drinks. Kids ran wild between the bounce houses, water slides, and sidewalk games, and the playpen had been set up for the babies. Sadé’s whole family was here. Marco’s whole family was here. Everybody’s family was here.
