“I might slide through.”
“Do you think that’s a good idea?”
“Why would it not be? I never got the chance to explain shit.”
“You really feelin’ Dawn, huh?”
“Man, she straight. I was making good progress with her. Shorty and I have decent conversations and have been getting to know each other. I’m telling you; I was close to hittin’ that, ‘cause now our conversations be headin’ towards sex talk and questions. Plus, she’s a very beautiful girl. She had me the first time I saw her. I’m feeling her, but she can come off as superguarded sometimes. I feel like she has been hurt really bad, and I’m not sure I’m up for dealing with emotions from her behind what some other nigga did. It had me feeling a little hesitant at first, but it’s something about her.”
“I can understand that. Look at my situation,” I said. “I have gotten to know Ava on a deeper level by being there and allowing her to vent and be emotional. I would be lying if I said her past hurts didn’t concern me. What she went through was enough to make anyone feel guarded, so I get how you feel.”
“Exactly. I know that she’s guarded from heartbreak ‘cause she has been opening up a little about it. You know how I could be about women, they come a dime a dozen. Normally, I wouldn’t be checkin’ for a woman, but there is something about Dawn that I’m drawn to. I don’t want things to end before they can really get started.”
“Then you gon’ have to open up to let her in. Had she known about TJ and how Monica gets down, she could have been prepared to deal with her answering your phone. But she didn’t know, so I could see why she’s so pissed off. I’m sure you can understand that.”
“Hell yeah! I would have been pissed had it happened to me, so I get it.”
“Well, if you feel that she is someone you can really see yourself with, then fight for it.”
“Do you think I should pop up on y’all tonight?” Troy asked.
“Well, that’s something I’m not too sure of!” I laughed. “If you wanna walk into the lion’s den, then be my guest. Just don’t look to me to have any parts to how it goes.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Troy laughed.
“It means my name’s Bennet, and I ain’t gon’ be in none of that shit!”
“You a fool, Kev!” Troy laughed.
“I’m serious! I know that it’s none of my business, but if you not gon’ do right by Dawn just leave her be, man. But, if you’re serious about her, then you gon’ have to move a little different.”
“I’m not gon’ do shorty bogus. I get what you’re saying, plus that’s Ava’s sister. I get how that can make things awkward with y’all, especially whenever I come around.”
“That would be uncomfortable as hell. Like tonight was supposed to be a double date, but now that’s out the window.”
“I know you and shorty gon’ be straight though. I can tell y’all feelin’ each other by the way y’all be lookin’ at one another. Right now, I’m back at square one. I’m the one that needs help with getting Dawn back into my good graces.”
“Good luck with that.”
“Where y’all gon’ be at later?” Troy questioned.
“Bob Chinn’s. I got a reservation for seven. Just ask for my table when you get there... if you decide to come. When I first made it, it was for four people, so you’ll be fine. I never called them to take you off the list.”
“Okay, bet! Thanks, cuz.”
“Fo’sho.”
“Ava got you wide open I see.”
“Nah, man, not at all. Her and her sister are just good people. You know how I’m coming with Ava already.”
“Don’t I know. Dawn’s diggin’ me just as much as I’m checkin’ for her. At least she was, so I know she should be open to hearing me out if I pop up tonight. I wasn’t planning on hittin’ and quittin’ unless her shit is trash or smells. Otherwise, I was open and still am to see where things could go with us.”
“Bye, fool! I’m out. You didn’t just say not if her shit smells or is trash! You too much, fool!” I laughed. “I gotta stop by the store then head home to get changed for later.”
“Okay, bet. I’ll see y’all later. More than likely, I’ll show up around eight. That way it gives you ample time alone with themin case they need to vent about me and shit. You can also get a vibe from them. If you think it’s straight, I’ll still come. But, if it’s gon’ cause any drama, I won’t show up. That way your girl’s night isn’t ruined.”
“I appreciate that. I ain’t tryna let anything get in the way of us celebrating this long-awaited divorce.”
