Okay.
I finished my breakfast of eggs, waffles, and chicken and headed to the airport to get ready for our flight. I was dragging like crazy though. I hit the strip last night and saw a couple of shows, then went to a couple of casinos. I thought the night would be a loss, but I ended up winning my money back plus acouple of thousand. That was what I got for trying to gamble at the blackjack table. I should’ve known better. I wasn’t a gambler. I brought my ass to the slot machines after that and that shit paid off.
I headed to the shuttle and pulled my phone from my pocket.Good morning, Ma. We’re about to leave Vegas. Love you.
Love you too baby. Safe travels.
Once we’d gotten to the airport, I texted Arlie again.I’m coming straight to you when I land.
Her response was quick. I frowned as I read it.
Her: No.
Me: Yes.
Her: I said no, nigga.
Me: I said yes, nigga.
Her: I don’t feel like fucking, and I’m not finna go back and forth with you, Graham.
Me: Who said anything about fucking? I’m glad you not finna go back and forth with me, Arlie, because shit ain’t up for discussion. I said it and that’s what it’s gon’ be. See you later.
She had all that lip by text, but whenever she was in my presence, that mouth was on hush. I slowly shook my head. She was gonna be a problem. I just wanted to be there for her. The shit was unnerving to say the least. Just the fact that I gave a fuck about somebody I was simply fucking was what bothered me. AllI knew about her was that she was a Houston rapper, her age, and just recently, that she had a brother.
Kimaji told me that ever since Arlie’s breakup in high school, she’d been private. She didn’t share personal shit with nobody. I supposed that was the reason she didn’t tell me her brother had died. I thought she would have since I knew something had happened to him. I guess I wasn’t as open either. She only knew shit about who I was connected to, and that I was adopted since her best friend was my sister.
I huffed as my phone chimed.You show yo’ ass up here and I’m calling the cops.
I rolled my eyes.Say that shit to my face when I get there.
I called Happily Ever After Florists in Beaumont to deliver a bouquet to her tomorrow. Thankfully, they serviced the Houston area. I paid extra for the rush and travel. Her bouquets were exquisite, so I knew it would be gorgeous. I didn’t know why I was trying to force myself on Arlie. That was a form of begging.What in the fuck?
I decided at that moment that I wouldn’t go. The flowers would suffice, then I would mind the business that paid me. When we arrived at the airport, I headed to the private area of the terminal. For the first time, I didn’t scope out the scene to see who I could see. Arlie had my mood fucked. When I got on the aircraft, I sent Kimaji a text.
I won’t be there. I’m not forcing myself on nobody.
She didn’t respond right away so I found my list and started getting ready for the flight.
“Nigga, I had to make sure yo’ ass was amongst the living,” Cooper said as I stepped aside and let him through the door.
“Whatever. I went to Beaumont during my last couple of days off. I chilled with the parentals. We went bowling, seen theMichaelmovie, and had dinner at TRUST.”
“Sounds like y’all had a full day. That’s what’s up,” he said as he flopped on the couch.
“You good? It’s been a minute. How’s work and shit?”
“It’s cool.”
I frowned slightly. Cooper was younger than me, but not by much. I wanted to say he was thirty-two or thirty-three. He’d gotten a master’s degree at TSU in computer programming or some shit like that. The nigga was smart as fuck. I mean, I wasn’t a dummy, but it seemed Aunt Serita’s kids were next level smart. Shane, Sharee, Kyla, and Cooper all were straight A students. They made that shit look easy too. I got good grades, but I had to study hard for that shit.
“You sure? You having problems at work?”
“Naw. Me and my girl broke up. She was full of shit though, so I’m irritated. I came here because I knew you could get me out of my funk.”
“Well, nigga, you picked the wrong one this time. I been fucking with SOLA lately. She said she don’t want a relationship or no shit like that . . . no attachments. That was how she said that shit. But guess who done fucked around and got pussy whipped?”
I slowly shook my head as Cooper’s eyes widened. “I know you fucking lying.”
