“I’m asking an honest question, Jabari. I really do wanna see it.”
“You think I’m stupid, or something?”
She shrugs. “Or something.”
Alright, enough.
“Right.” I step away. “I’m leaving.”
“Okay.”
No panic in her voice. No grabbing my arm.
“I’m serious, Frankie. I’m done with you.”
“Okay.”
“I’m gone.”
“Bye.”
Seriously? ?What a waste of my time and my energy and I would’ve stayed at practice if I knew she would act like this.
I should go now and save what’s left of my dignity. But… I just stand there.
The flat is quiet except for the hum of a computer in the other room. There’s a faint glow of LED light spilling down the hallway. I wonder if she’s getting enough sleep. She must be tired and that’s why she’s acting like this. That makes sense.
Why else would someone treat me this way? She cares about me right?
I bet she’s screaming at herself on the inside with regret. Still, neither of us moves.
It’s childish. It’s stubborn. It’s very us coded.
My jaw slackens first. “Why’d you invite me over, Frankie?”
She laughs under her breath like she knew I’d fold and has been waiting for that question all evening.
Yeah.
She knows exactly what she’s doing as she inches closer to me.
Every step she takes feels like she’s testing how long I’ll hold my ground.
By the time she’s in front of me, I can smell her again and lost all resolve. My brain says walk out but my body doesn’t move.
“You wanna play a game with me, Jabari?”
“No,” I lie.
She tilts her head, eyes bright with mischief. “Do you mean yes?”
“I meant no.”
There it is. That challenging smirk.
“Try again,” she says softly. “I’m sure the right answer will come to you.”
“I’m not playing a game with you. I’m being serious.”
