“Stop it.”
“You like it?” He asked, genuinely curious.
“I love it. Thank yoooouuuuu.”
I leaned over, pulling him near enough to kiss.
“I got you that other one, too. The one you can plug into the wall. That motherfucker at the house.”
“Shut up!” I shrieked.
“Real shit. You been at the library late and shit. I don’t mind it cause it gives us some quality time, some chill time together, but I know you’d rather be at home. In your own world. Doing your thang. Making sure you’re not missing any deadlines.”
“Yes… To all of that.”
“Strap up, baby.”
As the words came from Flocco’s mouth, he shifted gears. I pulled my seatbelt over my body and pressed my new computer against my body. The fresh wind whipped my hair in every direction. I didn’t care. Not about messing up my silk press or the humidity. I didn’t care much about anything. For once, nothing mattered. Nothing at all.
EPILOGUE
To thatSummer in Dooley
Honk.
Honk.
“Coming girl!”
I rushed out of my front door, surprised to find Flocco at the wheel of the car in front of my home. I was fully expecting Saga. He’d promised he’d be tied up at the shop all evening.
“Honking? Really?”
“If I didn’t then it wouldn’t have been a surprise,” Flocco explained, grabbing me by the throat and shoving his tongue down my throat.
“I thought you’d be at the shop all day.”
“That shit can wait. You can’t.”
I’d managed to get through my first semester of school and there was only one way I wanted to celebrate.
“Can’t let you hit The Boulevard alone.”
Three and a half months had passed since it had all happened. I was better. Mentally. Physically. Emotionally. Flocco and I were in a better space. I’d taken off my sneakers. I wasn’t running anymore. Neither was I afraid anymore.
“You good? You hungry?”
“I am. I figured I’d get something from the food truck.”
“Which one?”
“Wingzzz.”
“I’m always down for a fifteen-piece.”
“All flats. Fried hard. Tossed carrots. Extra ranch dressing. Buffalo sauce on the side.”
“Just like that.”
