Page 87 of When I Thug You Like That

That conversation back at the pizza shop spoke volumes. Jai’ana was cool with dating a parent, so long as the baby mother didn’t still want the baby father. I knew the active role I still played in me and India fucking around from time to time. I also knew that since it started with me, it would have to end with me.

By six o’clock, the irritation from earlier had worn off, and reality set in that the days of fucking India on a whim may just be over. I’d taken a shower, listened to some music, and had a moment of clarity. Crazy how it happened just before I could leave the house to head out on my date. Standing in the mirror one last time, I ran my hand over my waves before grabbing my jacket, keys, and wallet. Since I’d told Jai’ana that she wouldn’t have to change for the date, the goal was to not overdress. So, I opted for a pair of Amiri cargo pants, a crewneck sweater, and a fresh pair of Timbs.

Casual enough so you knew I wasn’t trying too hard but fly enough for you to know I didn’t have to. Hitting my body with a few sprays of cologne, I grabbed my keys and headed out.

For once, traffic worked in my favor, putting me at Abilities First five minutes before six-thirty. Thinking ahead, I decided to park instead of pulling up in front to wait for Jai’ana. This was, in fact, a date, but I still wanted to be mindful of the meet up place. As if she’d sensed my arrival, my phone chimed with a text from her.

Jai’ana: Hey, are we still on for tonight? I’m straightening up my class and about to head out.

Me: Lmao. You thought now was the best time to ask me that, Ma? I mean, it ain’t like a nigga parked outside the school tryna be incognegro, all the while still tryna make a good impression.

Jai’ana: Lol, I guess you’re right. I just figured since I hadn’t heard from you that you decided to cancel.

Me: A no call, no show? Damn, what kind of niggas you been dealing with, Jai’ana?

Jai’ana: If I tell you, you wouldn’t believe me. I’ll be right out.

I laughed and locked my phone. Grabbing the flowers I’d brought from the passenger seat, I stepped out of my car.

A few seconds later, the front doors opened, and Jai’ana came out. I watched as she typed on the keypad alongside the door before walking over to me. I didn’t know what I expected her to look like after a long day of teaching, then a few more hours of after school, but tired wasn’t it. In fact, she looked like she’d dressed with a date in mind. Jeans, heeled boots, a fitted turtleneck, and a moto jacket. Her hair was pulled back in another designer headband, and her smile was big.

“Those for me?” she asked once she was closer.

I looked at the flowers then back to her. “Yeah. People don’t usually give me flowers.”

I handed her the arrangement, and she admired them.

“What’s wrong with a guy getting flowers?”

“Everything.” I chuckled. “And before you ask, I decline to elaborate.”

“Boy, whatever.” She shook her head. “So, where we going?”

“Sei Less.”

“Okay. I love their food.”

She paused for a moment, holding my stare just before slowly glancing down at my Timbs then back up to my face.

I smiled and couldn’t help but to comment on it.

“A nigga look good to you or somethin’?”

Her mouth fell open. Caught.

“You not even gon’ give me a chance to compliment you?”

I chuckled at her attempt to save face.

“You took your time looking back up. Shit, I thought that was the compliment.”

She grinned. “You look good. Can we go now?”

“Nah. I’m basking in my compliment right now, Ma.”

Laughing, she shook her head.

“Well, while you do that, my flowers are going to the car.”