He briefly glanced my way. “Why do you care?”
“Because they're my family and we’re close.”
“If they don’t like me, will tonight be our last date?”
I could sense where this conversation could go by the tone of his voice if I allowed it.
“No. It’s not like I plan to marry you.”
He glanced at me again. “Damn. It’s like that?”
“It’s like what?”
“You already know you don’t want to marry me?”
I laughed to ease the tension.
“It’s not you personally. I don’t want to marry anyone. I have no desire to ever get married.”
“Oh . . . really? I’ve never heard that from a woman. Interesting.”
“I decided I didn’t want to get married when I was fifteen.”
“I guess that takes the pressure off me, huh?”
“No pressure here. I’m just having fun.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
“Then why haven’t we fucked yet? That’s the fun part.”
“Damn, Preston. Tell me how you really feel.” I laughed.
“My bad, baby. That was a little forward and harsh, but it’s a valid question.”
“It’s valid and fair, but we’re still getting to know each other. I like to have fun, but I don’t bust my pussy wide open for every nigga I go out with.”
He nodded. “That’s fair.”
“Plus, we’re not exclusive.”
“We gotta be exclusive to fuck?”
“I mean, that’s what I prefer. What I look like sucking your dick, and I know you’ve been fucking other women? Are you gon’ eat my pussy if you know I’ve been fucking other men?”
“Damn. You got a dirty ass mouth, but you’re making some valid points.”
“I’m just being honest.”
“I don’t even be thinking about that shit. I mean, I ain’t really been seeing nobody else since we connected, but I can’t lie, I’ve gotten a few numbers and planned to reach out when I had some time.”
“And you’re well within your rights to do so because we haven’t had a conversation about exclusivity. If offered, I may go out with some other guys too. When you’re ready to be exclusive, we can revisit this conversation. As for now, we’re just hanging out.”
We arrived at the gala, held at theRush Brothers Youth & Recreation Center. After parking, Preston helped me out of his car, and I looped my arm through his as we approached the building. Two men dressed in suits opened the double doors, allowing us entry. After giving our name to the person at the check-in table, we were told our table number and headed to the gym.
At first glimpse, I was impressed with the décor. The space had been completely transformed and no longer looked like agym. I was sure Rocky and Russell paid a pretty penny to the decorators, because they worked a miracle.
