“Fuck it,” I said under my breath.
“Play it cool, bro,” Royce said. “It’s a public spot.”
“I am cool,” I lied.
They reached the table.
“Hey,” Melissa said, givin’ the group a small smile. “Y’all really brought him outside.”
I ignored that.
My eyes dropped to dude.
He stuck his hand out. “What’s up, man. I’m Sean.”
I didn’t shake it.
I just looked at it, then back at his face. “Why you touchin’ her like that?”
He blinked. “Excuse me?”
“Your hand,” I said, noddin’ at where it was still sittin’ close to her lower back. “Move it.”
Melissa frowned. “Roman, don’t start,” she said while rollin’ her eyes.
“I asked you somethin’,” I cut in, eyes never leavin’ him.
He looked at her, confused. “Mel?”
She sucked her teeth. “Can you not?” she snapped at me. “You not about to be on that right now.”
“On what?” I asked, voice low. “Watchin’ some nigga put his hands on what’s mine?”
Her eyes flashed. “I am not your?—”
Sean held his hands up. “Look, I don’t want no trouble, bro. We just came to get food.”
“You can go get food somewhere else,” I said calmly. “This not for you.”
“Roman, chill out,” Melissa hissed. “You actin’ crazy.”
I stood up slow, chair scrappin’ back.
Royce mumbled, “Aw, shit,” under his breath.
Truce and Trend both shifted, ready if shit went left.
I stepped closer to Sean, close enough for him to smell the warning.
“Nah,” I said. “I’m actin’ like a man who not gon’ sit here and watch some corny nigga play in my face. You know who I am?”
He straightened like he was tryna buck. “I don’t care who you are. She said y’all not together.”
I laughed, but there wasn’t nothin’ funny in it. “That’s what she said?” I glanced at Melissa. “That’s what you told him?”
She crossed her arms, chin high. “We not in a relationship, Roman. I can eat with whoever I want.”
That shit cut me deep, but I ain’t let it show.
