Page 48 of His Noble Heart
The place had a nice, laid-back vibe. Hip hop and R&B music played in the background. There were only ten to twelve tables with a generous amount of space between them, so it probably never felt crowded. At the moment, there were six other pairs present.
“We haven’t talked about Sunday dinner,” Noelani said after a few moments of silence.
“Your family is big as hell, but they seem cool.”
“I didn’t tell you everyone’s connection to me when I introduced you, but everyone who was there isn’t blood-related to me. We just consider each other family.”
“I kinda peeped that. It’s a dope dynamic. My family ain’t like that. The only person I know on my mother’s side of the family is my uncle. Their parents are dead, and I guess she wasn’t close to her parents’ siblings. We got some distant relatives out there, but they live up north somewhere.”
“What about your dad?”
“Shit, I barely know him, so I damn sure don’t know his family. It’s probably better that way, anyway, considering he’s a piece of shit. You know what they say, the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree.”
“That is what they say, but it’s not always true. You said your father was sentenced to life in prison. He must’ve done something pretty bad, yet you turned out pretty good.”
I didn’t abuse women, and I wasn’t a cold blooded murderer, but some would consider the things I did criminal. I often wondered if Noelani knew about my extracurricular activities if she’d still fuck with me.
“I’m all right. Definitely nothing like my sperm donor.”
“You probably haven’t had time to make many friends since you’ve been here because you’re either working or with me.”
“I’m not big on hanging around with a bunch of niggas. Even in high school, I kicked it with niggas while I was at school, but that shit was over when the final bell rang.”
“My brother is a lot like that. His only friends growing up were our cousins, Adan and Zayn. Now he’s cool with Breeze and a few guys that Breeze introduced him to. His circle is small. Maybe you can chill with them sometimes.”
I shrugged because it didn’t really matter to me.
“You don’t seem to have any friends outside of your family either.”
She laughed. “I have a couple. Besides my sisters and the other ladies you met at Sunday dinner, I’m good friends with Yazmeen Ravens, who's a teacher and my only friend at work, and her sister, Jahzara Bentley. Their husbands play for the Blazers.”
I stopped painting for a minute and looked at her.
“You’re telling me you're friends with the wives of two of the best players in the league, and Bronx Ravens’ wife is a teacher.”
“I am. Raine and Melodie are their hairstylists, and my brother has been cutting Dakari and Bronx’s hair since they’ve been in the league. They play pickup games during the off-season. If you ever want to join them, I’m sure they won’t mind.”
“That’s crazy. I don’t get starstruck easily, but those niggas are the truth.”
“They’re super down to earth too. If I keep you around, you’ll meet them eventually.”
“If?”
“Yes. I like you, but it’s still early. You’re bound to fuck up.”
“Damn. Tell me how you really feel.”
“I just did.”
“So, basically, you’re waiting for me to fuck up so you can drop my ass.”
“No. I wouldn’t say I’m waiting.”
I put my paintbrush down, put my elbows on the table, and clasped my hands together.
“That’s wild as hell, Noelani. I’m not perfect, so eventually I’m gon’ fuck up, but you sitting around waiting for that moment is crazy muthafuckin’ work.”
“I said I’m not sitting around waiting.”
