Page 200 of Own It

“Wow, what a gentleman,” I joked, and chuckled when he gave me a sidelong glance.

“I won’t even dignify that shit with a response.” He pulled off from the curb once the coast was clear.

I knew the drive would be slightly lengthy, especially because there always seemed to be a lot of traffic on the 405 heading toward Santa Monica.

The entire way, Mylo and I vibed to some music, and the silence between us wasn’t awkward at all, which was unexpected.

I thought it would be weird considering we hadn’t talked much unless Rakim sent him to do something for me or give me a ride. I felt like Rakim was doing that shit on purpose because he knew what happened between Mylo and me. Or, Mylo was doing the shit on purpose and Rakim was allowing it.

Finally, we made it to the promenade, and Mylo parked as close to an elevator within the structure as he could before we made our way out and to the actual area where pedestrians would walk freely.

We decided we’d go see a movie since it was so bright and early, then we’d grab some food at the cantina, because I had a hankering for something greasy, cheesy, and filling.

“How you like the movie?” Mylo questioned as soon as we were seated at Cabo Cantina.

We’d chosen the Night Walker film, and it was so good despite the fact that I wasn’t into the action or superhero genre. I enjoyed the storyline of it, and it didn’t hurt to watch the lead actor Unique Compton’s fine, chocolate ass strut around with no shirt on in several scenes. I would keep that last part to myself though.

“It was actually interesting.” I ate a chip covered in the chunky salsa. “I thought I would be bored out of my mind.”

“Then why you choose it?” Mylo frowned, confused as he drank some of his strawberry lemonade.

“You don’t wanna know,” I said, smirking as the waitress set down our nachos that we’d ordered for an appetizer. We’d both gotten the surf and turf tacos for our entrée.

Mylo shook his head as I laughed, focusing heavily on moving some of the nachos to my small plate.

“So that’s yo’ type, huh?” he questioned, referencing Unique.

“I mean, I think he’s every woman’s type, so don’t be offended.” I laughed, shielding my mouth after pushing some food into it. “You’re fine too, though, so don’t even worry about it.”

“Good to know then that if I made you my girl, he couldn’t snatch you.” He ate some of the nachos. When I made a face, his brows heightened, causing me to laugh. “That’s fucked up.”

“I didn’t even say anything!” I couldn’t stop grinning as he shook his head, feigning disappointment. “I would pick you. I promise. He’s married anyway with like fifty kids.”

“So that’s the only reason?”

I giggled, but before I could say anything, some man approached the railing next to our outside table, making both Mylo and me look over.

“I—”

“Can I help you?” Mylo inquired, immediately on the defense.

The man kept his attention pinned on me long enough for recognition to set in, making me immediately swallow the lump that formed in my throat.

“Mylo—”

“Nah, you can’t,” the man responded, never taking his eyes off me. “I’m just sad to see my favorite ho is out of commission.” He gestured toward my bulging stomach.

Before I could say anything, Mylo was up out of his seat and over the short railing, breaking his foot off in the man’s ass.

“Mylo!” I screamed, shooting to my feet and knowing I was too big to climb over the gate, so I rushed around.

“Call the police!” I heard someone yell.

I tried to think of how to stop this brawl that was drawing a crowd, but the two big men were fighting so hard that even other grown men refrained from breaking it up. Seconds flew by before I heard sirens, reminding me where we were and that police literally drove around the area, waiting to be called.

“Move!” One white officer barked at the surrounding crowd as he and his partner barged through, snatching apart Mylo and the man whose name I couldn’t remember.

“Bitch ass nigga! Fighting over a ho!” the nameless man hollered, making the officer chide him as he shoved him against a tree to cuff him.