Page 61 of Senior

Jaeda: You said it, not me, so fuck you too. Keep it up and my husband and I are gonna drain both yours and Titan’s accounts.

Shar: LMAO! Not intellectual warfare. Senior, do something.

Me: Y’all can raise all the hell you want tonight. I don’t care. I have to go see a woman about a cat.

Jaeda: Daddy, please! That’s nasty.

Me: Goodnight. I love y’all and I will send a picture of Steph.

I didn’t bother to read their responses as I tucked my phone into my pocket. I headed downstairs and grabbed my keys. After grabbing the flowers I’d gotten from the kitchen, I headed into my garage. Tonight, I decided on a car I rarely ever drove, my Bentley Continental GT. I pulled off the covering and she sat there, glistening under the lighting. Unlocking the doors, I climbed in and cranked up, causing the engine to purr as it came to life. I pressed the button to open the garage and once there was enough space I backed out and started down the hill.

I shot Steph a text to let her know I was on the way, then put on some music and vibed the entire drive. Twenty minutes later, I was coming to a stop in front of her house. Grabbing the flowers, I climbed out of the car and strolled up to the front door to knock. About a minute went by before the front door opened.

My mouth watered at the sight before me.

Steph stood there in a red off the shoulder dress. It was asymmetrical, stopped below her knee, and had a split up the right side. Her face was flawless and makeup free. Her salt and pepper tresses were feather curled to perfection, and she smelled heavenly.

“My love,” I said, reaching for her hand. “You look beautiful.”

“Thank you, Stanley.” She did a slight twirl. “And it’s your favorite color.”

“Baby, every color you wear is my favorite color.”

She blushed as I pulled her into my arms for a hug. Briefly, I inhaled her scent and kissed her neck before pulling back.

“These are for you,” I said handing over the dozen white roses.”

“Thank, you, baby.” She pecked my lips as she took the flowers. “Let me put them in some water and we can head out.”

I waited in the doorway while she did that. As I turned to survey the neighborhood, I saw a familiar face walking down the street. It was Johnny. He smiled big as he approached my car.

“Dang, Mr. D! That’s a nice whip! That thing clean!”

“Thank you, Johnny.” He trotted up the steps to greet me. “You staying out of trouble?”

“Yes sir. You know I graduate this year. I’m gonna miss Ms. Stephanie when I go off to college. You gotta make sure she’s straight. Get one of these kids to cut her grass.”

“I got you, son. Don’t worry, she’ll be in good hands.”

“Good. You know how I feel about that lady.”

“I know you love her.”

“I do. She’s been the neighborhood auntie for as long as I can remember. I love her to death.”

“Awww! I love you too, Johnny.”

Steph appeared and Johnny’s eyes widened.

“Ms. Stephanie! Where yo’ clothes at?”

“Boy, don’t start your shit!” she warned him, closing the door.

He raised his hands in mock surrender. “I’m just saying! You look beautiful, but where your clothes? Deuce ain’t gon’ like this.”

“Johnny, if you mention a word of this to my son, I know somebody that will leave that little car of yours stripped down and on cinder blocks.”

He gasped. “You wouldn’t.”