Page 28 of Love & Streetball

“Who is paying this phone bill?” I quizzed, removing the pan from the burner and scraping the eggs onto the paper plate.

“Me. Don’t worry about that bill, Scottie.”

“What you was trying to say about my government phone?”

Kane chuckled. “Nothing. I don’t want no smoke. I’m about to FaceTime you.”

“Uh, okay,” I replied.

I answered the video call. Kane was driving shirtless. I looked away. Picking up my plate, I took it to the living room and propped the phone up against the fake flower arrangement Mama had on the chipped wooden coffee table.

“Where are you headed?” I asked, stuffing eggs in my mouth. “With no shirt on?”

Kane’s brows jumped up as a smile graced his lips. “Are you checking me behind not wearing a shirt or?”

“No! I don’t care, I was just asking. Don’t get this shit twisted between us. I already told you that,” I fussed, grilling him.

Kane laughed harder. “I know, Slim. We’re just friends. I like to tease you and shit ‘cause I know one day that it’ll be me more, but I’m patient.”

My eyes bulged. “I will hang up. Seriously.”

“Alright. Alright. I’m done,” Kane said, holding up his free hand in surrender, though his grin was wide as hell. “I’m just playin’ with you, but I’m headed to the gym to hoop with some of the guys. I would have asked if you wanted to come, but I know how you feel about some of the fools ‘round here.”

“Jerks, and I’m not trying to go to jail for fighting again, especially not on that side of town.”

Kane scratched the side of his face. “Yeah. Well, can I come scoop you after?”

I cocked my head to the side. “To do what?”

Kane shrugged as he turned, the muscles in his shoulder flexing with the movement. He licked his lips, and I had to look away again. What was happening?

“Whatever. Go eat. Chill or just ride.” He looked at the screen, his bushy brows dipping. “You know how to drive?”

I shook my head.

“I can teach you.”

“And then what? You’re gonna buy me a car?” I joked.

Kane didn’t respond quickly. I didn’t want him to.

“If I could get away with spending that kind of money and my folks not notice, hell yeah, I would,” he replied after a long pregnant pause.

“I wouldn’t want you to do that, Kane.” I shook my head and bit into my toast. “We can hang out today. Ma said it was cool with her. I just have to let her know.”

“Bet. I just made it to the gym. I’ll hit you up when I’m headed your way, Slim.”

“Okay,” I said, and ended the call, and stared at the blank screen.

My whole body was warm. This couldn’t be happening to me. I did not like this boy past a friendship.

After finishing my food, which had turned cold, I pushed myself up off the couch and took my plate to the kitchen. I tossed it and placed my fork in the sink. I needed to get a grip. Kane was a boy from Heart Heights with the mansion and a perfect life. This…whatever is was probably temporary. A distraction.

Kane picked me up and was now dressed in white jeans, a blue Ralph Lauren polo shirt with a white horse, blue and white Retros, with a blue LA cap turned backward over his curly mane. A blind female could see he looked good. He even smelled rich. Meanwhile, I was in grey sweats and a loose t-shirt, white socks, and slides. I didn’t even want to put on the shoes he bought me until I go back to school. I had to find something that would go with it. I wasn’t a pink girl, but I loved Aja Wilson.

He didn’t say anything about my fit, just gave me a once-over and a small smile as I slid into the passenger seat. “You look comfortable,” he said lowly.

“I am,” I replied. “You look like you’re about to go golfing or something.”