Page 183 of Curvy Girl Summer

“I’m stopping by my parents’ house to see my grandmother. She didn’t end up making it to the dinner last night because she wasn’t feeling well. After that, I’m pretty open,” I told him. “What are you doing?”

He shook his head. “I was hoping I could have a few minutes of your time later so I can give you your birthday gift.”

I placed my hand on his crotch. “I’m quite fond of the gift you gave me.”

He snickered, pulling me into his arms. “I’m glad to hear it, because I’m trying to give you more of that, too. But I’d like to give you an actual birthday gift.”

A smile tugged at my lips. “What is it?”

“You’ll see. Can we link up tonight?”

“We absolutely can.”

He brought his lips down to mine and kissed me softly. “Good. Let me know when you’re on your way home so I can set things up.”

“You’re not going to give me a hint?”

“The hint is that it’s your birthday present.”

“That’s not a hint.”

He laughed, kissing me again before letting me go. “You’ll have to wait and see.” He opened my car door for me. “You’ll find out tonight.”

I eyed him suspiciously. “You can’t tell me because you don’t know.” My eyes widened as it hit me. “You haven’t gotten it yet.”

He laughed harder. “In my defense, you weren’t speaking to me, and the last gift I gave you, you tried to return to sender.”

I nodded as I got into the driver’s seat. “That’s fair.”

He leaned into the car and kissed me again. “Let me know if anything changes on your end.”

“I will. But what are you doing?” I wondered, looking around. “Get in so I can drive you to your car.”

“It’s not that far…” He looked far into the distance where his car was parked. “You right.”

I laughed as he climbed in on the passenger side.

“Let me know when you make it home,” I told him as we pulled up to his car.

In the light of day, I was able to get a good look at it. His car wasn’t necessarily flashy, but it looked expensive. I didn’t know cars, so I just knew it was pretty.

“And let me know when you make it to your parents’ house.”

“Thank you… for showing up and making my birthday everything I wanted it to be.”

“I was always going to show up for you.” He searched my face. “I willalwaysshow up for you.” Leaning over the middle console, he kissed me. “God, you’re beautiful,” he whispered.

I felt warm all over.

And that feeling stayed with me as I arrived at Mom and Dad’s. I saw my uncle’s truck, and not even his bullshit attitude was going to bring down the high I was on. Pulling out my phone, I sent Ahmad a text.

Aaliyah:Just made it to my parents’ house. Looking forward to 7pm.

Ahmad:I can’t wait to see you again tonight.

“Hey, hey!” I yelled, announcing my arrival. “It’s me.”

“Aaliyah!” Mom called out from the kitchen. “I’m in here.”

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