“Yeah. Yeah.”
“You let a nigga put they phone in yo’ purse, Key?”
I glanced down at Ari, who stared back at me with wide eyes, like she was waiting on my response too.
“I didn’tlethim do anything. He just kinda slipped the phone in there without me noticing,” I said the last sentence a little quieter because I knew Pryce was about to do the most.
“That was stupid as fuck. How a nigga get his phone in ya purse without you noticing? Nigga could be tracking you and some mo’ shit.”
“Shut up. Ain’t nobody tracking me. And I’m grown.”
“Grown and dumb if you let a nigga get that one off.”
“Okay, Pryce,” Dai cut in.
“Girl, I ain’t paying his overprotective ass no attention.” I rocked Ari and played with her curls.
“You still got the phone?” he asked.
“Yep. I actually need to head out. I’m meeting up with him to give it back.”
“Where?”
“The diner.” Standing, I baby talked with Ari before handing her back to Dai.
“Mutual place.” Pryce nodded, stroking his goatee. “That was smart.”
“I know. With my dumb ass,” I said sarcastically and grabbed my bag from the couch, tossing the phone inside. “See you later,sis.” I kissed Dai’s cheek and the baby’s forehead. “Bye, nucca.” I mushed Pryce.
“Love you, dummy!” he yelled out to my back, making me laugh. Pryce got on my damn nerves.
I madesure to get to the diner before Mehki. I thought about doing the exchange in the parking lot, but then, my stomach growled. It usually did that when I was in the vicinity of Sullivan’s. My stomach knew I needed to satisfy my Belgian waffle and maple bacon craving. I had no way of texting Mehki to let him know the plan but figured he’d do the smart thing and just come inside once he arrived. At least I hoped he did. It would completely turn me off if he didn’t have any common sense.
I walked inside, and the diner was semi packed as always. Amil had built a gem. Most would even say Sullivan’s Diner was on its way to becoming a staple in the community, a hub for people to come out and enjoy good food and a family atmosphere. I was greeted by warm smiles from the elderly, kids laughing, and the smell of honey, maple, and cinnamon. How the cooks managed to keep the place smelling like fresh hot breakfast all day was a mystery I still couldn’t understand.
Spotting Danae at the register, I made my way over to her.
“Hey, boo,” she greeted, walking around the counter and pulling me into a hug.
“Hey, my Nae. What’s going on?”
“Work, girl. It’s been non-stop since I got here this morning. I love it though. It beats standing around idle, cleaning stuff that’s already clean.”
“That’s ‘cause you a busybody,” I joked.
“That too,” she agreed, giggling. “You picking up or dining in?”
“Dining in. I’m waiting on somebody.” Before she could question me, I started to walk off, only for her to follow me.
“Oh, uhnt uhn. Cover the register for me, Trish,” I heard her say to one of the waitresses. “Not you thought you was gonna slide that last part in and not spill tea, Ms. I Like To Be In Everybody Business.”
I laughed and couldn’t dispute the label, but I was only in everybody business because they always told me their business. I couldn’t help that. Pretending to ignore her, I slid into a booth in the middle of the diner, facing the front door. I liked to see the people coming in before they saw me. Nae slid her happy ass right next to me.
“Aren’t you on the clock?”
“GM, babe.” She pointed to her name tag. “I don’t punch a clock. Talk to me.”
“I know dats right!”
