“What? Me calling you out?”
“Nah. You laughing and smiling,” he admits. “It’s beautiful to witness. I’m glad we found Aunt Pri.”
“Me too.”
Before turning onto 22ndStreet that leads to Mexico Beach, he glances at her. “You need something here before we head back to the hotel?” he asks.
“Actually, I do. The beach is so pretty. We’re not coming back here until later this evening. I want to walk down to the water but I need a swimsuit.”
“There’s a gas station at the light. While I fill up, you find the place,” he says.
“Are you going to swim with me?” she asks. “I don’t want to go out there by myself.”
“I’ll go with you.”
“I like how you did that. You answered without answering but that’s not going to fly, sir. Akeem, are you going to get in the water and swim with me?” she asks, amused at his slickness and her comfort level with him. She’s relaxed and secure enough to be silly, smile, and even laugh. Aunt Pri’s words are absolutely correct.I really like him.
“If that’s what you want, you got that,” he states and her smile widens.
“Trunks or Speedo?” she asks, really amused. The Akeem she’s getting to know wouldn’t dare wear a damn Speedo.
“Shorts,” he spits, not amused at all. That only intensifies her laughter. “Not funny,” he utters as he tries to camouflage his budding smile. This playful side of her is truly beautiful to witness.
He turns into the gas station and pulls up to the pump. She pulls out her phone as he exits. Because he’s using cash, he ventures inside to grab bottles of water and see what kind of ice the store might have.
After grabbing the water, he steps toward the drink machine. The ice looks small and cloudy so he takes a chance and fills the largest cup. At the register, after estimating the cost of the gas needed to fill a half a tank, he grabs a lighter and pays. She beams when he hands her the cup of ice.
“Mm, the right kind too,” she gushes after removing the lid. His estimate of the gas was pretty good. He’s only off by ninety-eight cents but lets the store keep the difference. The moment he’s back in the car, she says, “I found a little clothing store less than ten minutes from here. From the website, they carry things for men and women.”
“I got shorts just get what you need and lead the way,” he responds before starting the car.
After a few turns and about eight minutes, they make it to the small boutique located in the plaza downtown. The selection is much smaller than the website indicates but Sunjiya manages to find a cute tw0-piece, slides, a pair of shades, and two pretty sundresses. Her options are starting to fizzle with her one piece of luggage.
He didn’t follow her inside the store but he can clearly see through the large windows. When he sees her standing in the small line at the register, he gets out and meets her inside. She notices how the three women in line all stare at him and smile. He has that effect, even on her. One woman has the nerve to stare too damn long. Sunjiya leans in and kisses him possessively.Back off, bitch.
“Changed your mind about the Speedo?” she teasingly asks him while cutting her eyes at the thirsty blonde.
Not even bothering to respond, he asks a question. “Did you find what you wanted?”
“Yes. I figured I needed to get two more dresses just in case,” she responds and he nods.
His hand moves to the small of her back and he stays beside her until they reach the counter and he pays. Fifteen minutes later, they are back at the hotel and she’s in the bathroom, changing into her new swimsuit. While she gets ready, he treks onto the balcony for a quick smoke. The hotel has a no smoking policy but he takes a chance on their corner balcony. As he smokes, he decides to update his brother.
Axton answers his call. “How’d it go?”
“Good, actually. You came through,” Akeem says appreciatively.
“Was it the first one?”
“Nah. The last one, Pritha.”
“Damn. I didn’t call that right.”
“The list was right though. We found her. Tanjaya isn’t here but Pritha thinks she might have something we can use. We’re heading back there tonight. I just need it to be something. The nigga checked in today and I’m really ready to end my connection to his ass.”
“Just stall him out until you find her. He can’t rush you when she’s been gone for a minute,” Axton says.
“I did but my patience is about to run out. My fingers are itching, bruh,” Akeem admits.
