Page 72 of Anything Necessary for Her
“Yes.” I sniffled, hating how today had gone. Not only did my brothers have beef with Low now, but it seemed like my other brothers were angry with Asif. This whole time I expected for them to band together and go at Low, but never did I think they would be upset with Asif, which made me feel even worse.
“What y’all ’posed to be? Boyfriend and girlfriend?”
“It’s notsupposed, Sif. That’s my man.” I hiked a brow at him, and he nodded very slowly, shock evident in his face. “What?” I asked since he was just studying me like a weirdo.
“Nothing. I thought you grew out of the crush you had on that nigga, B.”
“I did. This is not a crush though. I like him a lot. I’ve spent time with him and had talks with him. If anyone knows how dope of a person Low is, it should be you.”
Asif glanced off at my words before running a hand down his fade, lips tucked in, in thought.
“It’s real, huh?”
“It is. Contrary to what you all may believe, I didn’t just wake up and decide to date a drug dealer because it seems cool. I took my time and got to know him. I made it clear how shit was gonna go between us, if it turned into anything at all. This not some good girl meets bad boy bullshit.”
“I know. Chill out. Give me enough credit to know how much credit I give you. You wasn’t raised to be no dummy—not in school and not for these niggas.”
“So what’s the problem then?”
“Back then, you was too young, and he was too reckless. Now . . .” He exhaled. “I fuck with Low, but he got a lot going on, and he likes to bury his problems in vices. That’s just not what a nigga pictured for you, baby girl.”
“Yeah, I witnessed that part of him, but the important thing is he wants to do better and is working on that part of himself.”
Asif bobbed his head, frowning a bit because of the sun.
“He must like you ’cause I ain’t never heard that nigga say or even attempt to stop spiraling when he have a bad day.” Licking his lips, he asked, “How he treat you?”
“Nice.”
Chuckling, he said, “Baby girl, it gotta be more than nice. Most niggas with a brain areniceto women they like, at least initially. However, it takes a man, an intentional one, to treat you how you deserve. So I’m asking, what is he doing? You know what is expected of a nigga, right?”
“I do.”
“So answer.”
“He’s very respectful, thoughtful . . .” I pinched the necklace he’d given me between my fingers, which Asif caught. “Sweet, chivalrous, never pressures me to do anything, and I love how much hetries. And from getting to know him, Low is not the type of man to try to do anything or better himself, especially for a woman.” I watched Asif nod in agreement. “But also the way he watches me, looks at me, makes me feel,” I listed. “How he kissed me in front of y’all, showing where he stood. It’s shit like that. I have never met a man like Willow.”
My brother grunted, making it obvious this was difficult for him to hear. “He make you cry?”
“Sif.”
“Banks. Answer the question. It’s important.” He glanced off, shaking his head at someone who clearly wanted his attention.
“No, but you know it takes a lot for me to cry. He pissed me off though,” I admitted, smirking.
Asif nodded, then quizzed, “So you sure about him? ’Cause this is about to be a problem for a lot of reasons, and I want you to be sure that nigga is worth it and grasp what you getting yaself into, baby girl.”
“I understand all of that and am very sure about him. Whomever doesn’t like it, including your brothers, that’s too bad.”
“Calm down, thug passion.” He sighed, making me do my best not to chuckle. “If you so sure about the nigga, why you keep the shit a secret?”
“Because I knew shit like what happened today would transpire!”
He rocked his head, frowning some as if he only partially believed me.
“Wanna know what I think?”
“No.”
