He laughed. “I know this looks sketchy, but there’s a lounge here.”
I bunched up my face. “Amir, just so you know, my homegirl has my location—and I got a switchblade that I know how to use. No funny shit.”
“Damn, that’s violent,” he said, trying to laugh it off, but he looked a little nervous.
We crossed the lot and entered a dimly lit lounge with a DJ tucked in the corner. A few tables and booths were filled with folks drinking and puffing on hookah.
“Is this… a hookah lounge?” I hissed as we found an empty booth.
“Yeah,” he grinned. “This is my cousin Honcho’s spot. It’s a cool lil’ joint to vibe and chill.”
Honcho. That name sounded familiar. Monica used to mess with him and had been begging me to come here for months.
“Oh.” My shoulders slumped. I knew he saw the disappointment on my face.
“Oh?” he echoed, picking up my mood shift. “You don’t like hookah?”
“No, I don’t. And you would’ve known that had you asked me,” I rolled my eyes and grabbed the drink menu. “Let me guess—you got a hookah at your place too?”
He looked away, embarrassed. And he should’ve been. The nerve of him thinking I was the type to be impressed by mango shisha and a grass wall.
“My bad, Jas. It won’t happen again,” he said, resting a hand on my thigh.
“It’s fine,” I replied as I moved his hand. “Enjoy your lil hookah. I’m gonna drink on your dime.”
After a few espresso martinis, I was feeling a little less annoyed. Amir wasn’t a terrible conversationalist, but this spot still wasn’t my scene. I pulled out my phone to text Monica, hoping she could come save me.
Girl, Amir got me at Honcho’s hookah spot. You wanna come through?
Monica: Oh, now you’re at a hookah lounge?
Not by choice. I didn’t know he was bringing me here. Come spend his money with me.
Monica: Sorry, boo. No can do. Jelani’s coming over tonight
Ew, Cash’s brother? Y’all been talking?
Monica: Uh, yeah. That nigga is fine and paid. I’m tryna have some fun with him. I’m telling you, you should talk to Cash. Y’all looked real cute together.
Hell no. You forgot I got in a fight that night? I’m good off him.
I sighed and slid my phone back into my purse.
“I’m gonna run to the restroom, then we can head out,” Amir said, kissing me on the cheek. I forced a weak smile and nodded. As soon as he was out of sight, I let out a deep breath. That nightcap was off the table, and I was debating on blocking him after he dropped me off.
I threw back the last of my martini as the doorbell over the entrance chimed. I looked up and nearly choked on my drink when I saw Cash stroll in, that cocky-ass smile spreading across his face the moment our eyes met.
“What did I do in a past life to deserve this?” I muttered under my breath as he walked over.
“Sup, sweetheart?” he said, sliding next to me.
I groaned, trying to shift away from him. “Are you stalking me?”
I hated the way he looked sexy without even trying. He had on camo cargo shorts, a white Rhude Wear tee, fresh retro Jordans, and a big-face Rolex—the complete opposite of Amir.
“You not happy to see me?” he asked, draping an arm over my shoulder and pulling me in close.
“Um, Jasmine?”
