When we made it to the Brooklyn Target, Crew found parking and killed the engine. I thought he would be staying in the car, so when he got out with me, it definitely surprised me.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
He noticed my confusion.
“Because you don’t give me, you’re a person who likes to shop.”
“I’m really not. More of a delivery order type of nigga, but you can’t think I’m letting you come in here by yourself.” Crew looked over his shoulder as we rode up the escalators. I shrugged my shoulder and when we made it to the top, I grabbed a shopping cart and headed towards the personal hygiene section.
“Yo, you know which aisle the slippers will be on? I don’t have any at Hov and Ci’s place.”
“I don’t know, check the signs overhead, or ask someone.”
“You're right. I’ll be back over here asap. Don’t wander off from here.” He gave me directions like I was a child.
I agreed and then walked up and down the aisle, getting everything I needed from shampoo, to conditioner, to a blow dryer. I’m sure Ciara had all of this stuff, but I didn’t want to bother her too much since we were already living in her house. Ciara was so damn sweet she would never say we were getting on her nerves, but I’m a woman, and I want to be independent in some parts of my life.
I hit the corner to go to the soap aisle when my cart hit a man’s cart who was standing in front of theMethodmen’s body wash section.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hit your cart.”
“Oh, that’s no problem. Let me move out of your way.” He moved his cart to the side, and I strolled past him. I saw him double-take over his shoulder twice, and once my back was turned to him completely, he called out for my attention.
“Excuse me, ma’am.” I turned around to face him. He was a decent looking guy. Much shorter than Crew, with dark brown skin. He was in workout clothing, and he gave me trainer vibes from his build.
“I’m Dennis. I thought I would introduce myself to you because you are such a beautiful lady.”
“Nice to meet you, Dennis. I’m Pernelle.”
“Pernelle, that’s a pretty name.”
He almost got a smile out of me.
“I see you out in this cold like me, but I refuse to give DoorDash anymore of my money.”
“I get that. I was just thinking the same when I came out.”
I replied, reaching for the sugar-cookie-scentedDovesoap nearby on the shelf next to me.
“I don’t want to waste your time or interrupt your shopping, but do you mind if I ask if you have a boyfriend or a husband?”
“Um, neither actually,” I answered the question quickly with the truth.
Crew and I hadn’t made anything official, and from what he is saying, we are coparenting. Plus, I know he’s out fuckin around, so I’m not going to stop my groove for him.
“So, can we exchange numbers? That way I can get to know you on better terms and not when we are both out shopping for hygiene products.”
“Sure.” I smiled, taking my phone out of my pocket.
“Go ahead.”
“My number is 718-555-3790.”
I dialed his number into my phone. Everything was all lighthearted until I looked up, my heart dropped because Crew was standing behind him like Michael fuckin Myers.
“P what the fuck do you have going on?”
“Crew just don’t okay. I’ll talk to you later, Dennis.” I pushed my cart around Dennis as quickly as I could to get away from Crewshon Myers.
