Page 8 of Intercept My Heart

“I’m looking forward to seeing the team take home that win against the Spartans, Dinero. Go out there and make us proud.” He patted him on the shoulder before turning his attention toMrs. Maverick. There was a rumor that the two of them were having an affair, and I wondered how true that was. From how close they were, I wouldn’t have been too surprised to find out they were knocking boots or whatever people their age called it.

They walked off, leaving Dinero and me outside. I wondered what type of punishment they would give the other girls. The idea of them being in ISD with me made me anxious because I knew it wouldn’t be a good idea.

“Let’s go get cleaned up.” Dinero smirked, glancing between the two of us. His white polo was wet at the bottom with the remnants of my juice assault. I expected him to throw a fit since his clothes were way more expensive than mine.

“Sorry about that. I don’t have any money. Otherwise, I would offer to replace it.”

“It’s all good, love. Trust me, I have plenty of clothes.” We walked back into the school together, and the students from C lunch were now in here. Many of the students were staring and whispering as we walked through the room. I wished we could have taken another way because I hated being the center of attention.

Dinero spoke to a handful of people, and I debated on whether I should walk off. He wanted to be social, while I was standing here with soggy clothes and juice covered panties. The only thing I needed was my backpack, so I walked off to my locker to go get it.

After a couple of minutes, I heard someone jogging up to my locker. My reflexes kicked in as I prepared for someone to try and hurt me.

“I thought you told Principal Lovett you were done fighting? You turned around like you were about to pop me right in my shit,” Dinero teased, showingoff his beautiful smile.

“I’m not violent, but I am a little on edge. Can you blame me?” I went to toss my backpack over my shoulder, but he snatched it from me.

“I’ve got it. Let’s get out of here. Principal Lovett gave me a pass for the rest of the day so I have time to eat, shower, and chill before practice.” Instead of responding, I nodded and followed behind him. Man, I wished Ciera was here. It’d been three weeks, but it felt like an eternity. She promised that it would be the two of us for life. We made plans to get jobs and get our first apartment together. Now I was stuck trying to figure out life by myself.

“Aye, I need to make a couple of plays. Do you mind?” My brows furrowed because I had no clue what he meant. He noticed the confusion on my face as he laughed.

“I sell drugs, shorty. I’m asking if you’re okay with me making a couple of runs while you’re in the car. Normally, I’m in class, but since I’m out and about, I want to make some extra money. If you’re in a hurry to get home, I’ll drop you off first.”

“No! I mean, umm, I’m okay with riding. I’m not in any hurry.” My heart raced, but I tried to play it off. Nothing good would be waiting for me at that house, so I wasn’t in any hurry to go there.

“Alright, bet. Put ya seat belt on. I don’t play about safety and shit,” he scolded. I rolled my eyes while doing what he told me to.

I’d never ridden in a car with a boy before, but the experience was one for the books. I thought Dinero was popular at school, but it was nothing in comparison to the people in the neighborhood. Everyone went out of their way to speak to him, whether it was the corner store clerk, a pastor, or a junkie on the street. Everyone seemed to love him. We stopped at a house, and Dinero got out and ran inside. He told me to stay put, so I pulled out my chemistry homework and got to work. I kicked myshoes off and crossed my legs Indian style in the seat while he handled business. When he returned to the car, I lifted my head up briefly, and I noticed him smiling at me.

“What? Why are you looking at me like that?”

“You’re different. It’s a good thing, though. Don’t ever change for anyone.”

His gaze sent chills down my spine. My words were caught in my throat, staring into his dark brown eyes. I recognized the pain in them because mine held the same sadness. His presence commanded the attention of everyone around him, but I could tell there was more to him than what he allowed others to see.

“What’s up, Money?” A man walked up to Dinero’s car, and the two of them shook hands.

“What’s good, Monk?”

“I’ve been meaning to chop it up with you about a few money-making opportunities. I see you’re out here getting it how you live, but I can put you on to something that’s really gonna bring in the bread.” I kept my head down so Dinero wouldn’t think I was intentionally trying to be in his business.

“I feel you. I’m straight, though. I can’t get down with that jackboy shit. It’s much too risky for me.”

“Aww, come on, man. You run on the football field, so it shouldn’t be a problem getting away. I lost my fourth man last week, and we have a big ass lick lined up. I’m talking eighty racks plus some jewelry.” Dinero listened intently without interrupting the man, making me wonder if he was considering it.

“Football is one of the main reasons I can’t do it. I’ve got too much on the line to risk it. All I need is one fuck up and my NFL dreams are down the drain. Shit, if we’re being honest, I’m probably about to be done with this shit I’ve got going on now. My future is too close for me to gamble with my freedom. I’llcheck with a few of my homies around the way to see if anyone is looking for an opportunity, but I have to pass on it.”

“I respect it. You’re gonna go out there and make something of yourself. Just make sure you don’t forget about us when you get to the big leagues.”

“Never. I’m a King Street kid till the day I die.”

“Always and forever. Alright, well, I’ll get up with you another time. I’ll be at the homecoming game, so make sure you show out because I’ve got some money on that game.” Monk and Dinero both laughed, then shook hands again.

“I’ll see what I can do. You stay safe out there.”

“No doubt.” Monk hit the roof of the car before walking away.

“You know you don’t have to pretend like you weren’t listening.” Dinero chuckled.

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