Page 27 of When I Thug You Like That

“The one in the Chrome Heart hoodie I hope ‘cause the other one is ugly.”

“Yeah, the one with the hoodie. He was at the school earlier with his son. I gave them a tour.”

“Oh, okay. Is the mom deceased?”

“What? No. Why you ask that?”

“I mean, you said school tour and potential new student. I figured that’s something both parents, if not the mother at least, would show up for something like that.”

“Oh.” I shrugged. “She wasn’t there, and I don’t know why.”

“Okay, cool. That’s your way in.”

My brow raised. “My way into what?”

“Girl, I’m lookin’ at that fine ass nigga from here; you done seen him up close. Please let’s not act slow. Unless you still thinking ‘bout scissoring, then that’s a nigga you need to be getting to know.”

“Ummm, outside of knowing his child, no I don’t. You know I don’t cross that line with parents. Don’t matter how fine they are. I keep it professional at all times and friendly to an extent.”

“Well, put on your friendly face, sis, ‘cause he on his way over here now.”

My face froze while I willed my body to stay as natural as possible. “You lyin’.”

“Nope. You want me to walk off and grab us a drink?”

“Now, why the hell would you walk off and leave me by myself?”

“Ion know.” She shrugged. “You know I ain’t no hater. I was just tryna give you a private moment.”

“Girl, just act normal,” I whispered through tight lips.

“You the one standing there talking to me with the butthole lips and telling me to act normal.”

“Tai…”

His voice cut me off before I could snap on her.

“You know what’s wild? The teachers in school when I was growing up never looked like this outside of their work clothes.”

I turned toward him, allowing myself to take him in up close.

“I would challenge your theory, but then that would be me admitting that there was a teacher in your day that was as fly as me.”

A slow grin spread across his face.

“I don’t recall them being as fine either.”

Taina snickered beside me, mumbling loud enough for me to hear. “Talk that shit, nigga.”

I smiled and nodded. “Thanks for the compliment.”

“No problem. Didn’t think we’d see each other so soon before Jay’s first official day.”

My smile widened. “You’re enrolling him?”

“Yeah. You left a lasting impression on us with the tour. I was gonna send an official email Monday morning, but here you are.”

“That’s good news.”