“Draco…”
“Nah.”
Groaning, I rolled my eyes playfully and smiled. “Pooh, what are you talking about? You’ve never asked me on a date, so how would I be going on a date with you?”
“That’s what I’m saying. If you ain’t going out with me, who you going out with?”
“Well, his name is Donovan. We just met. He’s taking me out to dinner so we can get to know each other tomorrow.”
“I don’t know him, so I don’t want you going out with him. Quite frankly, I don’t want you going out with anyone.”
I decided to tease him with, “Aww,… are you jealous, pooh? You don’t want to share me?”
“Hell no,” he answered quickly, making me cackle. “When he calls you, tell him I said you can’t go. He’ll know my name, and if he don’t, it ain’t nothin’ for me to let him know who the fuck I am.”
“Oh God. Please get off my phone. I’ll talk to you later.”
“I feel like you think I’m playing, Cordova.”
“Goodbye, Him. I’ll see you later.”
“Who do you love?”
“You.”
“And who loves you?”
“You.”
“That heart my heart?”
“Forever and always. I love you, pooh.”
“I love you too.”
After ending the call, I chuckled and shook my head. One thing I’d never deny was how crazy my best friend was. As much as I teased him, I was territorial about him too. He didn’t date often, but he did fuck a lot of women. Let Him tell it, all he wanted and needed from them was sex because he had companionship with me. It still used to drive me crazy when he did date or commit to women over the years, and I used to besoglad when it was over. Which, in itself, was crazy, because I should have been happy that he was in a relationship. That territorial feeling was how I knew I wouldn’t be able to be his friend when he got married though. Seeing as I didn’t see that happening any time soon, I brushed the thoughts away and devoured my fries while I waited for my salad.
The Next Evening
Donovan seemed like a cool guy, but I didn’t want him to know where I lived, so I told him I’d meet him at the restaurant. He’d texted and asked me what my favorite food was. I told him pizza but that I also loved a good steak, so he made reservations at Side Porch Steakhouse. Donovan and I had been seated long enough for him to gift me with roses and for me to order a chocolate espresso martini before my phone was vibrating. Since the only person whose texts and calls could get through while it was on Do Not Disturb was Draco, and he knew I was on a date, I excused myself to go to the bathroom, figuring it was important. As soon as I made it inside of the bathroom, I read his texts.
HIM: You turned your location off?
HIM: You with that nigga?
HIM: I’m outside. Come here.
My heart dropped when he said he was outside. I’d intentionally turned my location off because Draco was the kind of man who had no problem pulling up. To be safe, I told Lilywhere Donovan and I were having dinner, but I did not want Him to know where I was.
I called him instantly, and he answered while simultaneously lowering the volume on his music.
“Yeah?” he answered, and I could hear him blowing out smoke.
“You’re outside where?”
“Side Porch. C’mere.”
A nervous chuckle escaped me as I started to pace and play with the necklace around my neck. “How did you know where I was?”
