Page 30 of When I Thug You Like That

“Exactly. So, again, I ain’t staying. You ain’t got shit to do anyway.”

“Nigga, neither do you,” I countered. “You know what? Let’s end this shit like men ‘cause going back and forth about who gon’ do what is childish as fuck. Rock, paper, scissors.”

He pushed away from the cases and put his hands out. “Bet. Best outta three.”

“Fuck no. One and done. No do overs.”

“Nah, fuck that. You known to cheat in this shit. Best out of three or I’m just leaving and we’ll sort that shit out with Aura later.”

I shook my head. “Hell no. I ain’t sharing in that responsibility witchu. We’ll do best outta three. Don’t start that crying shit when you lose either.”

“Man, shut up and come on.”

“Rock, paper, scissors, SHOOT.”

He slapped paper over my fist and smirked. “Let’s go, nigga. Best outta three.”

“Rock, paper, scissors, SHOOT.”

“Fuck outta here!” I yelled out, cutting the paper he threw again with my imaginary scissors.

“Let’s go. Last one.”

“Rock, paper, scissors, SHOOT.”

He threw scissors, and I punched his hand down with rock. “Inventory!” I pointed to the shelves. “Count that shit up and log it in, my boy.”

He flipped me off, shaking his head, not believing he had lost. I made my way to the elevator, feeling victorious.

“Aye, Tay, make sho that shit right. You know Key don’t play.”

“Fuck outta here! Get home safe, goofy ass nigga.”

“You too. Love.”

“Love.”

Stepping into the elevator, I rode it upstairs to the main floor. When it opened up, it was a different scene than the quiet I’d left downstairs. I didn’t expect anything less than the crowd gathered on a Friday night. Damn near every table was occupied, the bar was full, and the DJ was playing all the right R&B hits to make for the perfect vibe. Making my way over to the bar, I stood near the end and leaned up against it.

“What can I get for you, Jay?” Nori, the head bartender on Friday nights, asked, ready to cater to a nigga as always.

“I’m good, love.”

“You sure?” She leaned over the counter. “Y’all been downstairs for hours.”

I smiled. “You clocking my moves ‘cause you miss a nigga or just being ya normal nosey self? Don’t be scared to admit to either question.”

She rolled her eyes. “Boy, I do not miss you.”

“Oh, so you just being nosey?”

“See, I’ma stop being nice to you.”

“Aight. Just know if you stop being nice, I’ma have to stop doing that thing you like.”

She tried her hardest to keep a straight face, but the smile broke through. “Yo’ ass is not smooth.”

“Yours is though.”