Page 6 of This: Blake & Emon
“Nah, neva dat. I don’t play like that. You special. I wouldn’t bring no shit back to you. That’s another reason it took me a minute to spin the block on you. I needed to be sure.”
“About what?”
“About giving the person who saved my life my last name one day.”
“Is that right?” Blake asked, blushing. “I don’t even know your last name or your birthday…nothing, and your crazy butt talking about marriage?”
“What’s wrong with that? Y’all women always say y’all want a man who knows what he wants, but you got your nose turned up when I do. Make it make sense.”
“Nah, this is different. We don’t know each other. Marriage should be the last thing we think about.”
“Dowlen. Emontez Jarvis Dowlen. Born September fifteenth, 1992. That’s also the code to my phone and crib. I own EJ Car Detailing, the Slow Bucks car wash on 6th Street, and the location on Dickson Road. I have a little free pantry on 10th Street for the community, Be Fed. I’m an only child, born to a beautiful woman named ViceAnne, Vicey, for those lucky enough to know her. Didn’t know my dad. Got a helluva mother, and we got time to get to know each other. I ain’t in a rush. I’m just letting it be known I’m interested.”
“I’ve heard of that store. Nice to put a face to the act. And not if you get shot again.”
“Man, chill out on all that. I vow right now to quit gambling or living recklessly, but people get shot every day, baby. I don’t give a damn about none of it enough to put myself in that shit no mo’. Too old for this shit.”
“Don’t do all that for little ole me.”
“I’m a man interested in you. I’d do a lot more for you if you let me, and that’s how it should be. I’m just waiting for you to catch up.”
Here was the pressure she was talking about. Some men had it and some didn’t. Emon had it. It was the reason her and PJ hadn’t worked out. PJ was cool. He just wasn’t her forever and it happened like that. Sometimes love wasn’t enough, and that was okay.
There was power in walking away from what didn’t serve a person, in choosing themselves. Fuck who it offended. She believed in love, but she believed in herself more. Too manywomen worried about wasted time or what people might say, but life was too short for almost love and for maybe happiness.
She’d seen too many women settle for less than they deserved, trying to force situations that weren’t meant to be, but she’d made a promise to herself. She wouldn’t ignore her gut just to avoid being alone. When something wasn’t right, it just wasn’t right, and no amount of potential could change that.
Blake had been taught to never settle for anything in life. Her father let her know at an early age that if she wanted it, she could have it, would get it, and was smart enough to go get it. There was no ceiling for her in any capacity. She wasn’t settling in love, her career, her friendships, none of it.
“Blake Michel’e Bishop, March first, 1996. I’m a nurse and a student at Bastone University. I do a little hair on the side sometimes. My favorite color is orange. I’m not an only child,” she said, offering a little more but not wanting to go too far into her family dynamics. Some men ran off once they heard who her brother was.
“See, that didn’t hurt, did it?”
“It didn’t hurt. Thank you, by the way, for the new couch. It’s the one I’d been wanting.”
“Stop that. It’s the least I could do. Hopefully, you allow me to do more.” He winked, causing Blake to smile. The waitress approached the table to explain how brunch at Urban Griddle worked. They listened intently as she explained that the servers would soon be coming around with their brunch items until they could no longer eat. Emon kept stealing glances at her as he tried his best to pay attention. He wanted her to be his brunch buffet today, tomorrow, and possibly forever.
“Once you’ve had enough, you turn the block over to red.”
“Whew, I know a brunch spot hates to see me coming,” Blake admitted, clapping with excitement. She poured another mimosa and prepared to have a good time. She was no differentfrom anyone else. She loved a good brunch and chill spot. The music blasted in the place, and the final guest arrived, signaling it was time to get started. It was like a brunch buffet without the germs and getting up. Blake could get down with that.
“Yall enjoy yourselves and tell your friends about us.”
Emon was enamored by Blake. He loved seeing her excitement dance on her face, attack her eyes, and cause her to bounce. She wasn’t trying to be anything or anyone but herself.
“I like seeing you excited. It’s cute.”
“And why is that?”
“I don’t know.” he shrugged blushing. “I’ve never been the reason a woman smiled like this. It’s cute, you cute.”
It had always been his wish to be the reason a woman smiled. He just hadn’t been lucky to have found her yet. Well, that was until his Blake took care of him without a second thought. He didn’t feel as though many women would be on that type of time, and he appreciated her taking action. He appreciated her care and how gentle and considerate she was. What she did showed a level of trust that no woman had ever given him before.
“Can I see you again?” he asked, causing her to pause her excitement. Her gaze told him everything he needed to know, but he wanted to hear her say it.
“I’d love that.”
“Cool, how is school going?” he asked, leaning back. He could relax now that she hadn’t rejected him.
