Seventeen
AMARI
HEY LIL MAMA
Ruby had me feening for her after our call. I didn’t have much time to process everything she said since my team and I were so busy with repairs around the city after the storm. We were on call well into the night. Although I wanted to see Ruby after my long day, I dozed off as soon as I plopped on my couch.
I woke up around 1 a.m. and saw I had missed a voicemail message from her.
“You made me feel so good that I’m leaving early in the morning to visit my parents and my brother’s family in Raleigh. I’ll be back in time for your party. I know you’re really busy right now, but if you get a chance, use the key under my mat and fix what you can around the house. No. What I’m trying to say is that you’re welcome in my home anytime, even if you don’t fix anything. Have a good night, Amari. We’ll talk soon.”
I wanted to call Ruby back but knew it was too late. Instead, I’d take a hot shower and call her on her drive to Raleigh tomorrow. Our separation would give me the right amount of time to pull together several surprises of my own.
Over the next three days,Ruby and I texted and called as if we were already in a serious relationship. It didn’t matter what time or day it was; we were on the phone sharing everything, from news to stupid cat memes. On her final night at her parents’ house, she sent the cutest selfie of her brother and his kids sitting on the floor as they shook extravagantly wrapped presents under the tree.
Ruby: Hey, Santa Baby.
Me: Hey, Gem. You look festive.
Ruby wore a reindeer antler headband with small sleigh bells hanging from each antler. Her low-cut, red V-neck sweater reminded me of how perfect her breasts were beneath the soft fabric. I bit my lip so I would resist the urge to text her something nasty.
Ruby: I told my family about you.
Me: And????
Ruby: My dad says thanks for putting a smile on my face.
Me: Does he know how I put it there?
Ruby: No, but my brother says I’m glowing, like I FINALLY got some. *tongue emoji*
Me: Did you tell him that your Snow Day Santa stuffed your stocking during the storm? *wink emoji*
Ruby: No, cause Snow Day Santa is nasty as f*ck.
Me: You still can’t say fuck after what we did? And yes, he is. When you bringing Lil Mama home?
Ruby: I’m coming back tomorrow so she can purr for you before your party.
I smiled so hard I thought my face might crack.
Me: You serious?
Ruby: Yes. Gotta go. My family’s staring because I’m blushing hard and smiling like I don’t have sense. Bye, boo.
Me: Bye, love.
Later that night, Ruby sent me another selfie before bed. She wore a Grinch T-shirt and had her hair flowing around her face. I took off my shirt and put in my gold grill with my tongue out before sending her my photo.
When she called, I answered immediately.
“I can’t talk long because these walls are paper-thin, but who are you? A handyman, holy man, hood man? I knew I should have packed my toys.” She all but whispered the words as her breath caught.
“Put me on video.”
“Okay.”
Within seconds, she picked up. When she bit her lip, I was ready to explode.
