Page 20 of Still Yours

Pretti sat on the edge of Dexten’s bed, staring at his letter again. Teardrops had stained the paper, smearing the ink. She was so happy he had a plan for her because the one she had on her own was disappointing. She always wanted to go to New York, and now she was going to live there and open her own barbershop. She was pleased Dexten had set up an apartment for her, so all she had to do was call his best friend in New York and book her flight.

She stood up and walked over to his closet. Opening it, she got on her knees and started pulling up the carpet. When she ripped it up, she saw the loose piece of wood. She pulled up the board and found stacks of money. She pulled it from the floor and put the wood and carpet back in place. She decided she would book her flight and deposit the money first thing in the morning. But first, she had to call Lunden. She didn't even know Dexz had a best friend in New York. He had never spoken about him, but she knew he didn't like talking about his past life. Too many memories of his mother and father.

She walked to her room and dialed the number that was in the letter. After a few rings, she looked at the time. It was nine in the evening, so she knew it was midnight on the East Coast. She was just about to hang up when Lunden answered the phone.

“Yo, baby love. My bad, it took me a minute to answer. I was standing outside my car, and my phone was in my driver's seat. I've been waiting for you to hit me up, though.”

Lunden was smirking slightly on the other end of the phone. Dexz had shown him pictures of her before. He thought she was beautiful, so finally speaking to her had him feeling good to match a voice to the face, and her soft voice definitely matched. It was sweet and a bit bellowed.

“It's okay. I just thought I was calling too late. I just needed to process all that happened today before I called. They gave him three years,” she stated bitterly.

“Well, you don't have nothing to worry about. You're in good hands. That nigga gon’ be okay in jail. I’ma keep his books fat so he don’t starve. Those three years gon’ fly by fast, and our best friend is going to be home because I know that was your boy too. So, book your flight and call me back. I have everything settled for you, ma.”

She sighed. “Okay, I'll call you tomorrow around noon. I'm so excited; I've been dying to leave California and start over.”

“Well, now is your time, but I have to go. I can't wait to see you, Pretti.” He dismissed their call.

Pretti could hardly sleep thinking about her move. She knew everything in her life was about to change for the better, so she didn't have a second thought about Dexten’s plan or his best friend in New York. She knew Dexz cared about her and would never put her in harm's way.

She woke up the next morning and went straight to the bank when they opened. After the bank, she went home, booked her flight for the following Monday, and then went to her school for paperwork. She knew she could find a school and finish in New York since she only had a couple of months left. She decided to use her last week to pack everything she wanted to take and get rid of everything she couldn’t. Therefore, she sold all the furniture in the house. That week, she had finally gotten a phone call from Dexz. He told her to sell all his clothes and truck, and he would replace everything when he got out.

Once she cleared out her apartment, it was finally the day for her to fly out. The week had gone by so fast, but she was feeling accomplished. She walked through her apartment one more time, soaking in memories of her and Dexten. She was going to miss her first apartment and Cali, but she knew this move was best for her. She took an Uber to the airport and made it just in time for her flight.

“Goodbye, California,” she uttered as she sat on her flight on her way to New York.

Chapter 10

HELLO HARLEM…

Pretti stepped off the plane and looked around. This was her first time flying, and she thought it was okay. Her nonstop flight was long and exhausting, even in first class, but she was happy it was over. She walked through the terminal and made her way to baggage claim.

After finding her luggage, which contained six bags, she loaded them onto a cart and headed outside to find Lunden. She bundled up in her sweater as she looked around and walked through the crowd. She couldn’t believe it was snowing, and she didn't even think to check the weather.

“Damn, it’s cold,” she uttered to herself as she looked around.

That's when she saw a tall, caramel-complexioned guy holding a sign with her name on it, slightly slanted to the side. He wore a black North Face bomber jacket, black fitted jeans, and black Timberland boots. He also wore a black beanie. The way he was dressed reminded her of Dexz.

Damn, he’s kinda fine, Pretti thought as she walked towards him. He wasn’t as cute as her bestie, but he was definitely a looker.

Lunden spotted her immediately and walked over to her to help her with her things.

“Damn, girl, I know you cold in that.” He smirked at her.

She wore leggings, a hot pink pullover Chanel sweater, and Louboutin stilettos. She figured the heels would make her look cute in first class; now she looked like a cold fool.

“Heck yes, I'm cold. Is this your truck?” she asked, walking up to his cocaine white Mercedes G-Wagon truck with the dark tint.

“Yeah, you get in, and I'll get your things. The heat is on.”

Pretti wasted no time hopping in his passenger seat while he tossed her luggage in his hatchback. The heated seats warmed her up immediately. After he loaded everything, he got in and wasted no time merging into the airport traffic.

“So, how was ya’ flight, love? You hungry? Or need to stop anywhere before I take you to your new crib?” he asked as he kept his eyes on the road. Pretti looked out the window as the snow fell. It was beautiful seeing New York, even with the bad weather.

“Food would be fine. I don't need anything as of now. Is the apartment furnished?”

“Naaahhh, just a new bed and coffee table. I got the bread to let you go hook it up, though, when you’re ready.”

“Well, I guess I can stop at Walmart and get a new blanket and some toiletries.”