“Yes. You know I don’t do nighttime driving. Now can I get a plate and not talk about this anymore? How is everyone else?” I quickly forced the conversation off of me and onto someone else. I needed that. For the remainder of the night, we talked and ate. My mind continued to flow over to this whole stalkingthing, then my mind went to Oden. Was I assuming too much and leaving what I didn’t know to assumptions? Was I too busy going off vibes rather than concrete facts? I liked him, right? Not just the way I felt around him.
“So, I take it that things with Oden are going well?” Beyah asked when it was just her and me in the kitchen. My brothers had retreated poolside for Reminisce to smoke and Caya was asleep. That baby she was carrying made it impossible for sis to hang.
I laughed. “And why do you say that?”
“Because that’s one secret you’re holding onto. Usually you can’t hold water.” Beyah laughed at her own joke. “But all jokes aside, you’re happier, even with this stalker shit going on. You’re not all frazzled, but instead annoyed like it’s an inconvenience.”
I shook my head. “Because it is. I’m not famous. Why in the hell would somebody stalk me?”
“Because you’re smart, beautiful, and most of all, not easily attainable like everyone else. You don’t have to be famous to have a stalker, Jade. Unfortunately, people find a reason to latch on. And you, mama, are the shit, lowkey and all.”
I smiled.
“Now tell me about your ma?—”
“Tell you about what?” Dimitri entered the kitchen, narrowed, nosy ass eyes locked on me.
“None of your damn business. We were having a closed conversation that didn’t involve you,” Beyah responded before I could.
“Damn, that’s how you feel, baby? Are you out here keeping secrets with your girl?” He closed in on his wife with a fake mug plastered on his face.
“It’s not a secret. It’s her business and she isn’t ready to share it. When she is, you'll know. Now move around, Mr. Hines.” She was trying her hardest to remain serious, but that failed her.
“Bet.” He nodded at his wife before focusing on me again. “So, I know this nigga, huh?
I was immediately confused. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Means every time it’s somebody new; I at least get a name out of you. You're holding that shit hostage.”
“Bye, G.” I waved him off.
“Just answer me then. Do I know him?”
“Yes, you do. Now can we move along?”
“Then how did you meet him?” He tilted his head to the side, waiting for an answer.
“Minding my grown ass business. He isn’t in the streets and has his own stuff going on before you ask. Now can I please get some more time with my friend before she has to go back to being your wife?”
Of course he laughed. “That’s me forever, but I get your gist. I’ma let you slide for now, but sooner or later I’ma know who he is.”
“And when you do is when you do.” I spent a while longer talking and laughing with Beyah before she and my brothers departed. I ended up cleaning the kitchen and putting the leftovers away before I retreated to the guest room. The entire time I felt myself overthinking.
I was lyingin bed when my phone started ringing. I had lowkey overthought myself into a bad mood. When I glanced down and saw his name, I couldn’t fight the smile. Out of all that thinking I’d done, I was still giddy ’bout this nigga.
“Never been laid up and couldn’t sleep because I missed a soul. Not even when I was married. Now here I am wondering what the fuck you’re doing and pissed at the thought of you being able to sleep not next to me.”
I was smiling before he finished his spiel.
“What are you grinning and shit for, Jade?”
“Because you’re cute. Instead of calling me and telling me you miss me, you call me fake grumpy with a gripe.”
“Well, I think I did tell your dramatic ass I miss you.”
“You did? I didn’t hear that part.”
He laughed into the camera; his smile so contagious I couldn’t help but smile as well. He was so handsome with those tight eyes.
