She printed off the list and stood when soft taps came to the glass door. She looked over and smiled at Rolani standing on the other side.
“Come in.”
He came in, and she could immediately tell the day was having its way with him.
“You busy, Ken?”
“I should be, but I’ve been slacking,” she giggled.
“You know I’m the boss, right?”
“I’m aware. I’m also aware that you basically said I get special privileges because I’m carrying your son.”
He chuckled and pulled her close, nuzzling her neck. “You right. Who gon check you?”
“Exactly.”
“Ride with me.”
She grabbed her purse and followed him to his truck. The ride was quiet as he drove. Sometimes he’d rap a little with the music, but for the most part, he stayed in his head, and she let him. She watched Coupeville pass outside the window and felt the particular comfort of knowing every street they turned down. She was still getting used to that feeling, not scaring her.
They ended up at El Grullo on the north side. She’d learned that when Rolani was in his head, he fed people first and talked second. She ordered the birria tacos and a horchata. He got a plate of everything within arm’s reach, and they took the corner table by the window and spread it all out between them.
She stole a chip from his side without asking.
“I’m getting used to that,” he said, watching her. She loved eating his damn food.
“You have forty chips.”
“That’s not the point.”
“What is the point, Ro?” She dipped it and ate it, looking at him with the patience of a woman who knew he’d get there eventually. “You came and tapped on my door in the middle of a deadline. I’m assuming there’s a reason.”
That pulled a reluctant laugh out of him. He sat back and rubbed the back of his neck. “The city grant got held up.”
She put her taco down. “How held up?”
“The good ole boys want to gentrify but wanna control who gets in on it. They’re pushing to redirect the community development funds. Some redevelopment initiative, but it ain’t for us. So our shit is taking a backseat and sitting in review until the next vote, and nobody can tell me when it moves.”
She could tell when a thought had been sitting in his head too long.
“How long have you been sitting on this?” she asked.
“A few days.”
“A few days?” She dipped a chip and ate it slowly. “Rolani.” She waited until he looked at her. “I need you to hear me. You can’t bring me halfway in. Either I’m your partner, or I’m not, and if I am, then that means the stuff that’s got you rubbing your neck is exactly what I’m here for.” She set the chip down. “I can’t show up for you if you’re still deciding whether to let me.”
He was quiet for a second. Then he exhaled.
“Who is it?”
“Webb, I think. I ain’t got time for the bullshit. I been on the phone all day trying to get answers.” He shook his head. “Shit, I’ve been code-switching all day to get nowhere. I’m finna get on bullshit to see if that gets their attention.”
“Ahh, bae.” She laughed, and he laughed too in spite of himself. “Webb.” She turned the name over. “I know that name. He ran against Dorinda Chambers a few years ago.” She was already pulling out her phone. “How much is the grant?”
“Eighty thousand. It’s not the whole budget, but it’s enough to stall the electrical and the HVAC installation. We push that back, we push the opening back. We push the opening back?—”
“The kids lose another summer.” She was already scrolling. “I hear you.”
