“I think it’s a wonderful opportunity,” he answered after taking a swig of his beer. “The question is, what do you think? This is your time, Sweetheart. I’m just here to fan ya flames.”
Zoo’s comment warmed my spirit.
“So, are we going to proceed or would you like more time to think it over? Either way, I’m on your side.”
As much as I wanted to shout yes and get the process rolling, something halted me.
“How about I think about it? I’m ecstatic to be mentioned in the conversation let alone selected, so I’m definitely leaning on the side of yes. However, I want to sit with myself and make sure I’m prepared to be everything they need. My image is everything, and I don’t want to subject myself to that type of publicity if in the end, I’m not up for it.”
I remembered how rough my season was. Mentally, the pressure I had been under caused me to go into a dark place one too many times and caused me to almost lose one of the best people in my life. Shaking off those dreadful memories, I realized I was making the right decision to hold off.
“I completely understand and agree,” Dame concurred. “When you’re ready, you let me know. This deal isn’t going anywhere until you tell me otherwise.”
Feeling better about it, I let the table fall into comfortable talk as we continued eating. Zoo and Dame knew each other, so of course, they talked about shit I knew nothing about. Zoo was so knowledgeable in his career that I was thoroughly impressed listening to him talk about his passion and the love he had for his family’s business. Just as much as he’d been there for me during the season and with my schooling, it was time for me to reciprocate and show my boo that I was invested in the things that brought him joy. It was only right that I made him just as happy as he was making me.
ZOO
Instead of looking over contracts, my eyes perused the map of downtown Pensacola, marking off the last spot Brooklyn and I had looked for Teddy. I’d never known a crackhead I couldn’t find. It was like someone was hiding his ass—someone who had a whole lot of money. With that thought, I started looking into those connected to Teddy. He wasn’t originally from the area but had built a few friendships. Brooklyn and I had visited two of those friends already, and tonight, we would visit the third friend. Mocking me, my shoulder ached with the thought of putting a bullet in Teddy’s ass.
Micah was a deacon at a church on the outskirts of town. How the two met was evident. It was Wednesday, Bible study night.If Micah wasn’t saved before, he would be by the time we were done with him.
“I promised Bronx I’d be home before midnight.”
“Why the fuck would you do that?” I glanced up from the map to eye my cousin.
He shrugged. “It’ll keep her off me for a minute. The past week has been crazy, and she’s on my case. We not gon’ let up until that nigga is sleepin’, though.”
“Agreed. Pen hasn’t said anything about me comin’ home late, so I’m good.”
Speaking of Pen, my door opened, and she walked in with a basket dangling on her arm.
Surprised to see her here, I quickly put the map away and changed the subject. “Yeah, but I’d go by the barbershop and make him give you ya money back for fuckin’ up ya hairline.”
Confused, Brooklyn’s eyebrows shot up. “What?”
“Don’t worry, Brooklyn. I know y’all were in here talking about something foolish. Your hairline is fine.” Pen placed the basket on the desk, then propped her hands on her hips.
“Are you going out again tonight?” she questioned.
Brooklyn chuckled, reflecting on the words I’d spoken not minutes before Pen walked in my office.
“I’ma slide out y’all way,” he said and made his exit.
“Hey, Baby.” I opened my arms to allow Pen to come sit in my lap. “What did I do that brings you here?”
She cupped my face and kissed all over me like I would do her. “I can’t surprise my man for lunch?” She slid out my lap and went back to the basket.
“Of course, you can, Love.”
She retrieved wrapped sandwiches from the basket followed by two bags of chips.
“Turkey for you, tomato for me.”
Balling my face up, I said, “Ain’t no meat on that shit?”
She shook her head, giggling as she handed me my sandwich. I flipped it over, inspecting it.
“You take a bite, first,” I requested, causing her to scoff. She reached for the sandwich, but I snatched it back. “I’m just fuckin’ witcha.”
