Page 220 of Worth the Trip

“Usually better.”

Malcolm nodded slowly. “Oh, you got that shit bad.”

“Got what?”

“That confidence I like.”

“You’ve known me six minutes.”

“Six productive minutes.”

I had officially become unnecessary to this conversation.

Nyla slid his cup toward him. “Eight dollars.”

He tapped his phone against the reader.

“You take tips?”

“Yes.”

“Phone numbers?” Her eyes lifted. Malcolm raised one hand. “Relax. I ain’t asking for yours.”

“Good.”

“Right now.”

Nyla folded her arms. “And what makes you think later improves your chances?”

“I don’t.”

That made me look back.

The grin remained, but nothing careless sat behind it.

“You keep talking to me, so I’m gonna keep flirting. You tell me you ain’t interested, I move around. Simple.”

Nyla held his eyes. “And if I don’t tell you that?”

“Then I’m finna enjoy my ice cream and mind the little bit of business you allowing me.”

My sister stared at him.

I relocated a stack of napkins three inches to the left.

Malcolm took another bite. “You always got this much mouth?”

“You always ask women questions you know the answer to?”

His attention moved over her face. “Nah. I’m just trying to figure out how somebody like yo’ lil’ pretty ass got room for all that mouth.”

Nyla blinked again.

He got her twice.

I could not wait to abuse this information.

She pointed toward the field. “Go coach something.”