Treat
“Don’t go crazy,” Ma says. “We’re on a budget.”
“We’re always on a budget,” Jason half mumbles under his breath.
“Come again?” Ma’s voice rises to challenge Jason’s sarcasm.
“Thank you, Ma,” I say before Jason can answer. I’m always the referee between the two of them. “This is my favorite place.”
“You’re welcome, Brian. Jason, I see you still have an attitude.”
“Nah.”
Jason’s in a funky mood because Ma said his girlfriend couldn’t come. “Did she graduate from anything?” Ma asked him earlier.
We’re at the buffet on Central Avenue. We usually pay one price and get the all-you-can-eat food, but since the good stuff can only be ordered off the menu, that’s what we decided to do. It’s mad late, because instead of waiting for her day off, Ma decided to take me out after her shift.
