Following his voice, she exits the kitchen and walks into the living room. He’s on the balcony. Because she doesn’t want to just walk out and interrupt his conversation, she opens the automated roller shades covering the floor-to-ceiling windows. When the shades open, she sees him sitting with the weed box she gifted him on his lap. Their eyes lock, and even though he is on his cell, he waves her out. Gingerly, she steps toward the door and opens it.
“And why are you out of school today?” Akeem asks as she steps out. By his tone, she surmises it’s Quise. It’s confirmed when she hears his response through the speaker.
“Some teacher work day or something. I still got practice though this afternoon,” Quise says.
“What you gon’ do until then?”
“Finish my driver’s course online. I’m really trying to drive Talesia to the dance,” he admits, hopeful.
“Drive her in what and how?” Akeem asks. He moves the box from his lap and places it on the table on his side. Then he motions for her to sit. “C’mere,” he says lowly but Quise hears.
“That’s Miss Sunjiya?” Quise asks.
“Yes. Yo’ loud ass talking woke her up,” Akeem teases as she sits.
“Oh my bad,” Quise apologizes.
“No, it didn’t. I didn’t hear you at all. And good morning,” she says before pecking Akeem’s lips.
“Good morning,” Quise replies.
“But what about this driving? You’re fifteen, Quise. Even if you pass the test you’ll only have a permit. You can’t drive without an adult,” Akeem says.
“Talesia is sixteen,” Quise counters.
“Then she can drive.”
“Pops! I can’t let my girl drive me. How’s that gon’ look?” Quise barks.
“I can get you a private car with a driver,” Akeem offers.
“A Lambo?” Quise asks excitedly.
“Ay! Try again. I’m not getting a damn Lambo but you can go big. Think and send me three ideas. I’ll make one happen,” Akeem assures him.
“Thanks, Pops! Imma look some up,” Quise says excitedly. “This gon’ be lit. Sunjiya, you coming to my game? It’s next Friday and the dance is Saturday,” he asks.
Quise’s ask takes her completely by surprise. Her eyes instantly peer into Akeem’s, asking for permission. The last thing she wants to do is overstep. She knows how much Quise means to Akeem and she doesn’t want to insert herself if Akeem isn’t comfortable. Reading her eyes, Akeem smiles then nods, so she gladly answers Quise.
“If you want me there, I’ll be there,” she says.
“Good,” Quise says and Charis’s voice can be heard in the background.
“Marquise Deontae Br—” she yells and Quise talks over her.
“I gotta go, Pops. She calling my whole government,” he says.
“Go see what she wants and send me the cars later. Love you, son,” Akeem says.
“Love you too,” Quise says before ending the call.
After pressing the red button on his phone, Akeem wraps his arms around Sunjiya’s waist. He inhales her soft scent then plants a few kisses on the side of her neck.
“Ice for breakfast?” he questions.
“My appetizer,” she admits. “It’s so good but I’m cooking breakfast as soon as the bacon thaws.”
“You don’t have to cook. I can order something,” he says.
