“You two are ruining my appetite. Some things don’t need to be shared,” Danessa said.
“Sounds like you need to work through some of that pent-up energy. I could talk you through it.”
One minute you’re enjoying your cheese eggs, and the next white hot rage had you shoving Dante out of the booth, knocking him to the floor. Towering over him, I screamed, “Do you think I was joking when I said don’t fucking overstep?”
Dante’s hands were up indicating surrender. “Aldi, chill out I was just playing.”
“Save your jokes for your motherfucking momma.”
“Now why does his mother gotta be a motherfucker?” Anika said.
Dante stood up, fists clenched, his eyes narrowing at the corners. If we got to bustin’ in the Waffle House, it wouldn’t be the first time this place saw that kind of action. And if I’m being honest, I had a ton of pent-up energy I could easily unload on his face, one punch at a time. Normally, I didn’t care about shit. Youcould say whatever and it would just roll off my back. But I did not play about Danessa, not now or ever. You would find your ass airlifted to the hospital over her.
“Bruh, you’re tripping. Order a drink or something to mellow the fuck out.”
“I already told you I do not play like that, so stop pushing me.” I was yelling and everyone in the restaurant was staring at us, cameras were out, TMZ had probably already been contacted, but I didn’t care. If Dante couldn’t catch a clue, we’d for sure end up on the local news.
“Aldridge, I’m not offended. It’s cool. Let’s just enjoy our waffles.” This was Danessa always the voice of reason. I was already on ten, so it would take very little for me to dial it up to fifteen and squabble up.
“I’m not really understanding what the problem is?”
“What it is is disrespectful.” I spat the words out. “And that’s all you need to know.”
Anika chimed in, “Dante he’s not gonna do nothing. Danessa’s his ex and he feels a way about?—”
I turned to Anika, she could catch my wrath too. “Feels what way? I don’t feel shit.” Turning back to Dante, I continued, “This is about the fucking principle of the thing. My friend … and I use that term real loosely … should not be trying to push up on my ex-girlfriend. Negro, this is simple bro code.”
“I didn’t know she was your ex, damn. Now that I do, I’ll move differently.” Dante wasn’t a punk and if it came to it, I knew he’d get a few licks in. An altercation was not worth the headaches that would follow, both online and from the Ramblers organization. I could hear Coach Justus now. “Boy you ain’t been in town for two solid weeks and you’re already showing your ass.”
“That’s all the fuck I’m asking.” Did I just have a temper tantrum in this late-night diner? Yes, yes I did.
“And this is exactly why I don’t do the Waffle House at three in the morning.” Danessa chugged her Diet Coke.
In the parking lot,there was a bit of confusion about who was going where. Dante was my ride but he was too preoccupied with Anika. “You still driving me home?”
“Umm, my girl is hot and ready and I’m not trying to let that simmer.”
“Wait Anika, I thoughtIwas driving you home,” Danessa said.
“No, I didn’t need a ride home, I needed someone to split the blueberry pancakes with.”
Danessa released an agitated breath. “Anika, I was at home, in bed before you called.”
“I know, isn’t this so much better?” Anika flashed a glance at me before grabbing her sister’s face and planting a kiss to her cheek. “I love you both. And welcome to Vegas Aldi.” She claimed Dante’s hand and the two didn’t look back.
Fake fucking friend.
“I’m going to have to drive you home aren’t I?” Danessa asked, irritation laced in her voice.
“I mean I could order a RideX, but what if my driver is a stalker fan who ends up locking me in a warehouse and cobbling my feet so I can’t get away? How would you live with yourself?”
“Ugh, get in but absolutely no comments about my driving.”
“You won’t hear a peep out of me, Speed Demon.”
I climbed into her passenger seat, relishing the role of passenger princess. The seat was positioned all the way back from the last time I rode in it. Which was a good sign, if youknow you know. Danessa exited the parking lot and turned onto the street. At the light she said, “Dante’s a character.”
“This was my first time hanging out with him outside of work and will probably be my last.”
