"I don't know. You know that boy is something else," I expressed, eyes focused solely on the screen until I landed on a romantic thriller. That was Travel's favorite genre when it came to movies.
Travel giggled a little more. "That I do know." She went quiet as the movie started.
Junior was right, though. Now was the best time to ask her out. First, I needed to see where her head was.
"Tell me, some days have gone by since you left Mook, so how are you feeling mentally and emotionally?"
Travel swallowed the mouthful of popcorn she munched on. Her eyes were still locked on the screen, but she responded.
"Honestly, mentally, I left Mook years ago. The hardest step was willing my body to physically follow my head. I held on to him for so long because he was all I knew. My heart hurts because he was my high school sweetheart, but I don't see myself going back, especially after the other day." Travel snapped her lips closed and looked at me with widened eyes.
My brows merged, and I gave her my full attention. "What happened? Don't leave anything out. I want the full truth."
Travel sighed and nodded. "When I got out of class a few nights ago, Mook was there waiting for me. He wanted me to come to him, but I refused because I knew he'd do something to me.
"Maybe he did want to talk, I don't know, but my fight-or-flight instincts kicked in, and I ran away. He chased me and ended up falling between two cars. That really made him mad.I have to figure something out because that only fueled the fire. I've seen him hurt men, but I'm not sure what he has planned for me. Again, I'm not sure what he has planned for me. I'd like to think that he'd never hurt me because he never has before, but his animosity toward you and me leaving him to come here has probably set him on a dangerous path."
Travel looked down at her folded hands. She looked up when I lifted her from her seat and placed her on my lap. I pulled the blanket over us.
She snuggled against my chest. A light sniffle escaped her. I tightened my grip around her slim, curvy body.
I kissed the top of her head.
"First, you are entitled to feel your feelings. Secondly, ain't no way in hell I'd let him harm you in any way. That shit is dead. Mook does have a temper, but he's still team pussy. I can't always be around, so in that case, I'm going to get you a small handgun. Travel, I know you're not team gun, but niggas with bruised egos will risk it all to get their lick back. You gotta take the gun. Don't worry, I'll show you how to use it. I know you and Mook got hella history, but you have to keep in mind to expect the unexpected. As you can see, he doesn't mind hurting you, so you gotta have the same mindset. It's him or you. You'd better choose yourself because you've got a son to live for." I lifted Travel's chin so I could look into her eyes. She needed to see how serious I was. "Do you understand me?"
She nodded.
"No, I need to hear you say it. It's me versus him, and I choose me," I directed.
"It's me versus him, and I choose me," she recited. Her eyes bore into mine.
"Good girl. You know I always got you."
"I know, bestie. Thank you." She leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on my cheek. Her lips lingered a little longer than expected.
Travel peered into my eyes. "Apple slices."
I gripped her a little tighter. "And cheese bites." I exhaled and looked away.
Travel's soft hand held the tip of my goatee and lightly tugged it so she could have my attention. I gave her my full attention. I had no choice.
The moment my eyes locked with her brown irises, I melted like butter on street corn. She had me mesmerized. It had always been that way. How she wielded her charm over me since age eight, I had no idea, but Travel always made me weak.
"What's on your mind? Give me the real."
I licked my lips. Her eyes slowly followed the innocent motion until my tongue disappeared into my mouth.Could she be affected by me like I was by her? Or was I reading too much into such a simple gesture?
"Handle your business."Junior's words floated through my mind. I looked at Travel, and I had her full attention.
"I-uh. Uh," I stumbled over my words.
"Take a breath, then tell me," Travel encouraged, nodding reassuringly. Her eyes and relaxed posture matched the encouraging tone of her voice.
"Uh-well. How about I take you out to clear your head?"
A small smile rose at the corners of her mouth. Her irises even danced around in a circle, as if she were excited.Was my bestie anticipating this date all along?
"I think that's a great idea. Ho-how should I dress? Like, are we eating dinner or doing something fun?" she questioned, excited and nervous at the same time.
