Page 33 of Off the Charts
“Did you like the smoothie?”
“It was good, but yours was better. That avocado was ten out of ten. I need that recipe,” I looked at our empty cups. He’d madeus our own, but I liked his better, so I had half of mine and all of his.
“You make me a sweet potato pie, and you got yourself a fair trade.” Vayce glanced at me then back to the road. “What you smiling at, man?”
“I can’t look at you?” I smiled. Reaching over, I stroked the side of his face and through his healthy beard. “You are a handsome man, Vayce Denver.”
“You think so?” I nodded, probably looking dumb as hell from smiling so much. “’Preciate you, J.”
I could feel his cheeks heat under my touch, letting me know that a blush was under his beautiful pecan skin. Grabbing my hand from his beard, he brought it to his lips and kissed it twice, the second one lingering a bit. I couldn’t stop giggling. He laced our fingers together and I held on a little tighter.
I was preparing to turn some music on, but his phone started to ring and before I could see the name, he’d already clicked ‘answer’.
“Nigga where the fuck is you at!” The woman’s voice boomed through the speaker.
My head snapped in his direction then over to the radio as if I could see the woman. When I looked back at Vayce, this nigga was just cheesing. I was about to punch the smile smooth off his lips and he must’ve felt it, because he held my hand tighter. I tried to pull away, but he held on, so I started thumping his knuckles. He was unfazed.
“I’m a grown man,” he responded.
“Nigga because you older don’t mean shit. Why didn’t you tell me you were on the road, Bubby?” The last word made me stop thumping him and place my free hand over my mouth. Vayce’s focus was still on the road, but his smile widened.
“Valen, I'm on the road. Is that better?” he chortled.
“Yeah, whatever nigga. How far away are you?”
“About an hour in. Say what’s up to Jersei.”
“Oop! So, she did say yes. I know that’s right. Hey Jersei girl!”
I lowered my hand, chuckling. “Hi Valen,” I repeated the name I’d just heard him say.
“She thought you were somebody else.” I popped his hand.
“Girl, don’t nobody want that muscle head nigga!” There was some shuffling in her background. “It’s just me. I call him one hundred times a day. But anyway. I hope to meet you one day. Maybe we can get some food the next time I’m in town. I don’t have any friends in that lil’ hick town, so I need a gossip buddy or sum. I get tired of looking at my man and eventually you gone get tired of looking at that gremlin beside you.”
“I already am,” I giggled and Vayce twisted his lips. “I would love to link. I will have Vayce send me your number and we can plan it.”
“Sounds good to me,” she sang. “I got a showing here in a minute. It’s over in Tahoe Springs. Jersei, it was nice meeting you girl. Bubby be careful. I love you. Text me when you make it?”
“I got you sissy. Don’t cut them no deals. I looked over her shit last night. They got the money but I love you more. Go kill that shit.”
They exchanged their goodbyes and when he ended the call, I ignored him side-eyeing me.
“Aight. I’m the oldest. She’s four years younger than me and the only sibling I have that I know of through our mother. I already told you I never knew my father and as I get older, I’m discovering that I’m just learning who my mother is,” I gave him my attention not expecting him to open up. “She’s been in and out of jail since we were young. Like Zion’s age, young. She’s into theft and fraud, so jail is about to turn into prison at our big ages,” he shook his head before continuing. “I only know howto protect ‘cause I learned that shit when I was supposed to be playing with action figures and shit. My mother is alive, but she’s not there. Valen is all I really have blood wise.”
“I’m sorry about your mom,” I stroked the back of his hand with my thumb.
He shrugged. “It’s cool.”
I nodded, deciding to not press him. I couldn’t imagine life without my mama, but listening to Vayce showed me that nobody’s life was the same.
“On the bright side, you and Valen seem to be really close. I love the names, bubby and sissy. That’s so cute.”
“I guess. We’ve been calling each other that since we were kids. I never knew you could love and hate somebody so much,” he chuckled, and I smirked. “She’s my world. Nothing I wouldn’t do for her.”
“I feel the same way about my sister. I had my mama and grandmama, but Jade was my first role model. I wanted to do everything like her or nothing at all. I thank God for her. She’s truly my rock.”
“Zion told me that was his favorite person outside of you.”
