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I wasn’t finished, I thought, grabbing the towel and bottle of body wash to scrub my skin.
Lost in my head, I managed to shower, clean the bathroom, and make a quick sandwich to ease the hunger pains I was beginning to feel. I sat at the table with a glass of squeezed watermelon and strawberry juice to wash down the bread and veggies I’d stacked my sandwich with.
The sound of my phone ringing in the distance stopped me from taking the first bite, slightly aggravating me because starvation seemed possible at any second, though I knew that revelation was untrue. Fortunately, the phone was in reaching distance, making it easy for me to maintain my position and pull it over in my direction.
Portland’s name sat on the screen. I contemplated answering his call, but knew I couldn’t let it ring. He was one of the few who would simply call again.
“Yeah?”
The speaker was activated. I needed my hands free so I could hold on to my sandwich and finally fight the roaring of my stomach.
“I’m in the area. I’m pulling up on you.”
“Portland. This isn’t an area anyone frequents unless they own property in these parts.”
“Maybe you’re right. I cleared my schedule for a few hours to check in and that’s what I’m going to do. Be there in less than ten minutes.”
It took nearly eight minutes to get across my land to reach me. Telling me when he was only ten minutes out meant he was likely already in my neck of the woods. He’d only put in a courtesy call to let me know he’d arrived.
I waited for the line to die, busying myself with the food in front of me. For the first time in a while, I didn’t give a damn about him or anyone I loved visiting. As long as the visits were short and kept at a minimum, I’d survive.
The minutes ticked away as I finished my sandwich and fresh juice. I made my way out of the door and onto the porch just as Portland’s new toy pulled up. The pitch black Bentley truck was sweet.
“Pheeeeeeeeew,” I whistled as he stepped out.
“Fuck this set of wheels, homie, who has awakened the beast from hibernation?”
He slapped his hand against mine four times before pulling me in for a hug.
“It’s really fucking nice to see you’re looking much better, man.”
“Yeah, I’ve been hiding underneath it all, but there are brighter days ahead.”
“There are. You have no idea how much I’ve prayed for the day to hear you say anything even remotely close to that. The last two years have been hard, my nigga. Watching you go through and not being able to do anything to bring you out of that place.”
“I already know, but I appreciate you for sticking around.”
“Of course. I hope I’m not pushing it when I tell you to hop in the driver’s seat and let’s hit the nearest establishments that has never-ending drinks and something I can put on my stomach really quick.”
“I’m not drinking, Portland. That shit turns me into a monster. I’m cool for a few months, but I got the perfect spot for you, dog, and I don’t mind driving.”
“Good enough.”
“How long are you in town?”
“For the next few hours. I’m shipping this thing back home and I’m getting out of here, too.”
“In and out.”
“In and out.”
While he walked around to get into the passenger seat, I slid into the driver’s seat. The crimson-colored interior was sickening. From the large dash to the custom floor mats, I was feeling his new whip. Pulling out of the yard, across the open land, and onto the road was a breeze.
“A clean, smooth ride, too, huh?”
Nodding, I agreed with his observation. Jay Z pierced my ears. His lyrics from “Black Effect” garnered a few head nods and synchronization every other second. As we pulled intoRanking, a brunch spot that was closer to the city, but not too far from home, I recognized the olive G-Wagon immediately.
“Damn, that motherfucker sweet. Almost reminds me of the joint you copped Anna.”
