“Girl, what are you talking about, crazy?” Rae was the first to ask.
“Ooooh, I think I know what this is about,” Joyy smirked.
“Well, somebody fill me in cuz this bitch is geeked,” Cherrice chimed in last.
“Y’all… I met the love of my life yesterday at the wine bar, and we spent all night on the phone. Just a few minutes ago, he got a bouquet of cookies n ‘ cream bars delivered to the shop. I don’t even remember mentioning to him that this is my favorite candy.” I sank into the chair, sighing wistfully.
“Awww, that is so sweet. And I’m really surprised at you. You done had niggas buy you Dior bags and all types of designer, but a candy bar got you over here blushing!” Cherrice laughed, and we all did too.
“Awww, that is sweet, Rei. We stan a man who listens, even down to the smallest detail. Did you call or text to thank him yet?” Rae asked.
I shook my head. “Not yet, but I am. How long should I wait?”
“Girl.” Cherrice rolled her eyes. “You and these crazy ass rules. Text that man and tell him thank you for the token of appreciation, Reina. I promise you won’t look thirsty.”
I chewed on my bottom lip, feeling like I was gonna throw up. It was something about sayingthank youto a man that just didn’t sit right in my spirit. But I liked Vasiah.
Ping.
Vasiah: I know you might be slaying some girl’s hair but I hope you take my small token of appreciation as a sign that I’m thinking about you.
“Look at her, y'all. Just skinning and grinning! That man must’ve texted her,” Joyy teased. I ignored them to text my man back.
Me: I gotta say, I like a man who listens.
Vasiah: I could listen to you all day and night.
“Y’all…. Nerd Boy got game,” I smirked.
Vasiah: Got one more surprise for you, though. Based on your next off day, I’ve scheduled a date for us. Dress comfortably; no heels. I’ll see you at 11 AM sharp.
I screamed.
“Ya’ll! We going out on Monday! You think anime niggas got good dick?
“REINA!” they all yelled in unison, as if I were the one who said something crazy. The gag is, I was dead serious. But something told me that Vasiah definitely had good dick and, more importantly, some good love to give too.
4
VASIAH
My palms were sweaty, and I hadn’t felt like this since middle school. It was Monday, and I chose to work remotely to focus on our date. It had to be perfect, and to be honest, I wanted to impress her. She was unashamed about her love for designer purses and luxury travel, but I could also tell that she appreciated when people listened to her and paid attention to the things about her that weren’t always tangible. After staying up all night researching and calling my Pops multiple times, I decided that we would go horseback riding at this Black-owned ranch called Cash Money Acres and then have a picnic on the grounds.
She mentioned during a FaceTime session that when she was five, her Nana took her and her twin brother to a petting zoo, and some Black cowboys were there. They performed, and she got a chance to sit on a horse, but never ride one because her Nana felt that it was unsafe for her age at the time. For food, I learned that her best friend was the owner ofMz. Earline’s,a fire-ass soul food restaurant that my Pop and I went to a few times before. She ate there pretty often, but they were rolling outan Asian fusion menu that combined soul food with traditional Asian dishes. I ordered the salmon egg rolls, gumbo sushi, lump crab edamame, and Cajun shrimp fried rice.
I could build software in my sleep, so after 2 PM, I clocked out of my job and got dressed. I decided to rock an acid-colored Boondocks graphic tee and some jeans, with some low Chicago 1s. I switched my black glasses for my favorite orange pair and sprayed some cologne. Giving myself a once-over, I nodded my approval and made my way to my truck. Reina insisted on driving herself, much to my chagrin. She explained it was one of her rules, though, so I respected it. One day, she’d feel comfortable enough to ride with me because I just knew that she’d look good in my passenger seat. I arrived first, 15 minutes early, actually, to get my nerves together. My thumb hovered over my Pop’s name to call him, but instead, he called me.
“Yeah, Pop?”
“You there early?”
“Yup,” I sighed. “Can’t even hold you; I’m nervous.”
“Son, you already did the hard part. Now, everything after this should be smooth sailing. She already likes you,” he added.
“You think so?”
He let out a frustrated puff of air. “Lawd. I swear this new generation is a lil’ slow.Yes,son, she likes you. You said it yourself that she walked up to you at the book bar. She responds to your texts, y’all talk on the phone, and she asks you things about yourself. Most importantly, she allowed you to take her on a date. A gal like her with her own money ain’t just going out with niggas just because she wants a free meal. Plus, youmyson. Ofcourseshe likes you!”
