“I’m outside.”
I grinned and moved toward the button in the kitchen to open the garage. “You got here ’bout quick as hell, didn’t you?”
She sucked her teeth. “I was already this way, so don’t flatter yourself.”
“Too late lil Killa. I’m already flattered.” I pressed the button and moved to open the door that led to the garage.
She laughed.
Once she was inside the garage, I pushed the button to close the big door and continued to undress. I tossed my hoodie on the stool at the island, dropped my wallet and piece on the island, and pulled my tee off as she walked through the door.
“I didn’t ask if you had food because I didn’t think you could get it. I asked because I was around a lot of food and could have picked it up,” she said from behind me.
I shrugged. “Probably should have led with that.”
More laughter escaped those full, pretty lips. “So what are we eating, Iso?”
The way she said my fucking name enough to have me staring at her.
She didn’t back down but stared, waiting for an answer.
“Order something. I eat just about anything but fish.”
“Why not fish?” she asked.
“I can’t get over the smell.” I shrugged and led the way into the living room.
“Um… Okay.”
She didn’t say anything else, but found comfort on the couch, scrolling through her phone.
For a minute I just watched her. This was only her second time here and she was comfortable. She had this “secure in every space she stepped into” type of energy that caught me by complete surprise because I didn’t understand it. With the life she lived, how could she be? She was so relaxed around me that she’d told me I was her friend. Like I ain’t even have a choice. Fuck it, did I want a choice?
“What’s up?” she asked.
“Nigga goes missing. Where he at if not his mama or grandma’s house?”
“Simple. If he isn’t smart enough to be crossing somebody’s border, he’s somewhere stinking.”
I tilted my head to the side. “You think so?”
“I mean, unless there are tunnels you don’t know about, yeah. You want a burger or a Philly?”
“Philly, with mayonnaise. I don’t play that Miracle Whip shit.”
She nodded.
I left her in the living room to find my slides. I hated walking through the house in socks and sneakers even more. The entire time I looked, I couldn’t get my mind off what she’d said. If Bowas dead, what the fuck was next? Instead of overthinking my move, I needed to see Bo. I needed proof. I wouldn’t dare make the same mistake he’d made with me. It would be dumb on my part.
When I made it back to the living room, Liora was on the phone.
“I told you I was leaving, Lauryn. That man is annoying and you know it. I think you get a kick out of having me come to your events just to shut him down. No I am not at home and yes I’ll come by the shop tomorrow.” She hung up after that statement.
“You good?” I asked, not minding my business, instead minding hers.
“Yeah, I dipped out on my sister and she called to chew me out.” She laughed aloud to herself.
I nodded then took a seat on the sofa.
