Page 52 of Hellcat Barbies: Imani
“Nah. Presha goes the speed limit, not a mile below or above it,” Hazel says with a titter.
Our server approaches, a pretty sista with feeder braids to the back. Since Presha isn’t here yet, we just order our flights and a few appetizers for the table, garlic herb lamb lollipops and chicken fried cauliflower bites.
“So, have you picked out a costume yet?” Moon asks Hazel.
“For what?” Tiece asks and my nosey ass tunes in. I want to know too.
“My boss is having a Halloween party at his house. His wife is big on parties and we all have to come dressed. Brick and I are going to be Sticky and Dijonay.”
“Who the hell is Sticky and Dijonay?” Tiece asks and I squint my eyes.
“From the Proud Family. You didn’t watch that?” I ask in total disbelief. Imari and I loved the Proud Family and the Boondocks.
“No. Never,” Tiece says and I fake fainting back on the booth. “Girl,” she says as Moon and Hazel laugh. “I guess I better look them up.”
“Please do,” I sigh. “That’s going to be cute.”
“You should come. Daymir would love to see you there,” Hazel says.
“See who where?” Presha asks as she slides into the booth. I didn’t even see her walking towards the table.
“That’s some stealth shit you just did,” I admit with a laugh. “I didn’t even see you.”
“I didn’t want to interrupt,” she says.
“Says the lady asking a question as she sits down,” Hazel teases. “I was talking about the Halloween party.”
“Oh yeah. You should come, Imani. Daymir would love to see you and you can see how he looks in daddy mode. It looks good on him,” Presha says.
“What happened to not talking about him? I told ya’ll we are on a break,” I insists, trying to mask my genuine curiosity. Of course I want to hear about him. I miss him.
“Girl, fuck that break,” Hazel snaps. “That man is doing good with DJ. He started school Wednesday and they have a whole little routine. He’s taking care of his son and is good. You better get that man before one of these other women do. There’s something about those big, fine Crew men. Ask Tiece, she was on Daymir before you got here,” Hazel says then cuts her eyes at Tiece. Hell, a tinge of jealousy and my territorial instincts have me cutting my eyes at her too.
Defensively, Tiece says, “That was a long time ago. Besides, nothing ever happened.”
“Nothing happened,” Hazel adds. “I’m just saying. If you don’t want him, someone else will grab his ass.”
Not on my watch. Not today.
“I’m not worried. He and I are just on a break, for now. He is definitely my man; there’s no room for no other woman,” Isay as my mind churns.If he and DJ are doing fine, why should I deprive myself of him? That shit makes no damn sense. The break ends tonight.
Our server returns with our drinks and appetizers and we order our food and hookah. The conversation is fun, light, and centered around the men who are and aren’t in our lives. My attention is mid at best. Although I’m engaging, I’m also trying to figure out my plan for the evening. After my delicious food, a few puffs of the hookah, and two of my flights, I compose the perfect plan and leave DayLux, mission focused.
Dressed sexy but kid appropriate in cargo pants, my orange and beige crop sweater, and Miu Mius, I’m sitting in my baby, parked in a visitor spot at the Millennium, stalling for some unknown reason. After leaving DayLux, I didn’t waste any time. I took my ass to the Marketplace and picked up the ingredients to make honey-pepper chicken tenders, macaroni and cheese, glazed carrots, and sautéed broccoli. Food always makes a great peace offering.
I had to do something. Hazel’s words and the look on Tiece’s face was enough to set me in motion. Too much of a break might cause me to lose the beautiful thing we were building. I like him and I really like us together. And, hell, I miss the shit out of him. I’m just praying he and DJ haven’t eaten yet. Everything is still hot and packed in my insulated thermal bag. I just need to get out of my damn car. So, I take a deep ass breath, check my face in my visor, then text him.
Me: Do you still want to see me?
His response is damn near immediate and it causes me to smile like a teenage girl.
Daymir:Always
Me: Then, tell the security to let me up. I’m in the parking lot about to walk in your building.
Daymir:I’m coming down to get you
Daymir:Don’t come in yet
