“So, why did you hit me up so late?”
“I told you, I wanted to see you.”
Caresha wasn’t impressed. Leaning in, she rested her elbow on his console. “You could’ve hit me up all day, but you wait until nighttime?” She shook her head slowly, disappointment etched on her face.
“You work Monday to Saturday and do overtime on Wednesdays and Thursdays. I knew you were busy, so why would I reach out then? I couldn’t see you.”
Caresha paused, recalling that she had shared her schedule with him on Crown’s driveway while giving him her number.
“That’s true. But a simple ‘good morning’ or ‘how you feeling today’ would’ve sufficed. That could’ve led to this, you know? It’s the little things…it’s the respect. Don’t just hit me up at night. I’m not one of those.”
Danger considered her words, understanding her perspective. “Noted, ma. That’s my bad. Forgive me. This my first time.”
“First time what?”
“Trying to actually get to know a girl beyond the bedroom. Spending time. A nigga ain’t never been on that. But I hear you and it won’t happen like this again.”
“You wouldn’t have given me real time either if I hadn’t told you no about coming up in my spot.”
“Nah, it’s not even like that. I wanted to come through because I wanted to see you and talk to you.” Danger said earnestly. “But you have boundaries, and I respect that. I’m learning, so stop fussin’ and keep teachin’ me.”
They exchanged glances, caught up in one another when Caresha noticed something odd about him.
“You okay? Your eyes are bloodshot red.” She reached up to tap the light above for a better view.
Danger didn’t even try to hide it. He shook his head. “Nah, I ain’t alright.”
“What’s wrong?”
“Lost someone real close to me recently. My best friend. Shit hurt like a muthafucka.” He cut the light off as he merged onto the freeway.
“Shit. I’m so sorry to hear that.” Caresha felt a pang of empathy. The first thought that came to her was Nivéa; she’d go crazy if something happened to her best friend, so she could feel his pain.
Danger nodded as he got up to eighty in speed. The ride was twenty-five minutes long, and they fell into a comfortable silence, enjoying the music and the wind blowing through the open windows. When they finally pulled up to Brims, he asked,
“You wanna eat out here in my whip or you bringing it back to the crib?”
“What? We can’t eat inside?” Caresha asked, flashing a cute smirk. “You don’t want your lil women, you claim you don’t have, to see you with me?”
“Dawg,” Danger chuckled, shaking his head at her argumentative nature. In the short time he’d known her, she stayed going back and forth with him, thinking he was on some bullshit.
“Nah, I thought you would’ve wanted to eat here 'cause I know you tired. But you know what? Get out the car. We gon’ eat inside.”
“No, no. I’m just messing with you. You right. I’m exhausted. I’d rather eat here.” She laughed.
“Nah, too late for that.”
Danger hopped out and walked to her side, opening the door. As he lifted her from the seat, Caresha playfully tried to pull back. But she was no match for his strength.
“No, I was just messing with you. It's too many people. I’d rather eat in here.”
“Nah, you comin’ yo’ ass in.”
“Please.” She pouted, glancing at the crowd walking inside, then back at him with pleading eyes.
“Aight, man.” Danger looked down at her, unable to keep up the fight.
“Stop all that shit you be talking then. What you want me to order you?”
