I smirked. “You good, Sweets. It’s not a big deal. But I didn’t mean to stare and shit. I could tell you might have needed that time to yourself.”
Solana’s shoulders lifted, and then slowly lowered while looking out at the River.
“If only you knew.”
“I’m always here to listen with no judgment or comments.”
I peered down at her to see she was contemplating whether she could share a piece of herself with me. So I stayed silent, not wanting to push her one way or the other. I wanted her to share because she felt safe with me and only then.
“Can I ask you a question?” she asked.
I returned my attention back to her to make sure I gave my undivided attention.
“What’s up?”
“Why’d you call me Sweets? I’ve never heard you say it before.”
I smiled and shrugged. “Just came to me. You remind me of everything that’s sweet.” I answered honestly.
She smiled and looked back at the water.
“You’re full of compliments tonight, huh?” she asked.
“I wouldn’t say all of that. I can’t tell you anything that’s not true.” I responded.
I glanced back in her direction. Her smile was contagious.
“You ready to stop beating around the bush and tell me what’s on your mind?” I asked, never taking my eyes from her.
She releases a sigh, then turns to look up at me. “Can you take me home?”
“I got you.Let me find Juelz real quick so he can step in for me.” Duke responded.
I nodded and allowed him to walk me back over towards Jessa and Aubree so he could find Julez. Once he was out of earshot, Jessa and Aubree pulled me down into the empty seat next to them.
“Ma’am, what were you over there talking to that man about?” Jessa asked.
I glanced over my shoulder at Aubree, her head tilted as she waited on me to say something. I rolled my eyes and settled back into my seat. I didn’t have the answers they were looking for.
“I don’t know what y’all want me to say. It wasn’t anything too deep. He offered to bring me back to the shop, and I took him up on it.”
“Solana, please. You were over there too long for the conversation to only be about that. But I’m going to let you have that. Ms. Hot in the pants.” Jessa responded.
“I second that. But, because you’re in your feelings, I’m going to leave it alone too.” Aubree added.
“Well, thank y’all so much.” I responded sarcastically.
Before either of them could say another word, Duke was walking back over. Now standing in front of me, he held out his hand. I reached out as he helped me stand. I turned to face Jessa and Aubree one more time.
“I’ll let you know in the group chat when I make it home. Stay safe.” I told them.
“Will do, and you do the same. In every way—” Jessa said, wiggling her brows, which made Aubree laugh.
I didn’t stick around to entertain their nonsense. I quickly walked away, Duke following close behind me with a smirk. Jessa and Aubree’s laughter carried even as we put distance between us.
I kept walking until we reached the designated gravel parking lot, then stopped and turned to look at Duke.
He chuckled and stepped around me. “I thought you knew where we were going with the way you were walking.”
