“Thanks.”
I dapped my brother up. I was booked for the rest of the day so time flew by.
I closed the shop promptly at six and didn’t even wait for the rest of the guys to head out. JV had a key to lock up the shop so I knew they were good. JV dropped the flowers off straight at my spot. As soon as I got home, I took care of my hygiene needs, smoked a blunt, got dressed and heeded out.
Allur opened the door and looked me up and down. I grinned. She crossed her arms and poked her hip out.
“So, where are you taking my cousin?” she asked.
“Bowling.”
“Will there be food included?”
“I would hope so.”
“Good and what are your intentions?”
I chortled. A smile tried to take over Allur’s face. I watched her fight it.
“We’re just hanging out and getting to know each other. I’m sure you’ll be one of the first people to find out what’s up though.”
“I better be,” she said. “And what time are you going to have her home?”
“Club closes at two,” I joked.
She rolled her eyes.
“Please note I’m older than her,” Novi said as she hip bumped Allur to make space for her in the doorway.
“Barely.”
“Two weeks and three days,” Novi said matter-of-factly.
I could tell from the look they exchanged that this was an argument they had frequently.
I held the flowers in my hands out. Novi’s eyes jumped and she blinked at me for a moment before her hands rose to grab them.
I’d gone with three dozen roses. They were a safe bet and classic. I didn’t think you could ever go wrong with them and Novi looked like she thought they were beautiful too.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
She handed them to Allur who looked between the two of us and grinned.
“Have fun you guys,” she sang.
“Don’t wait up,” I countered.
She pushed me with one hand and I laughed as I offered Novi a hand as if she needed help getting down five steps. I opened the car door for her and let her decide on what music to play in the car.
The bowling alley was only twenty-ish minutes from the house and it was a cool and smooth drive. We got shoes and aspot within ten minutes of walking in and I plucked the typical dark blue ball that I felt I always used. Then, I collapsed at the little screen to put our names in while Novi went in search of a ball. I watched her go from one side of the building to the other, plucking up different balls and testing their weight before she finally decided on one.
I’d put her name in first so she rolled first. It only took that first round for me to know this wasn’t something she was good at. I did my best to tone it down and meet her where she was. Ultimately, I lost the first game by ten points.
Novi collapsed on the seat beside me. She nudged me with her elbow.
“You’re full of shit.”
