Page 15 of Low love Low fidelity

“Oh, word? She used to rock out to Troop? That’s what’s up.”

“I only know like two or three of their songs—oh!Like this one!” She pointed the remote, pressing into a button until the volume was high again.

“All I Do is Think of You,” played next. That one brought back memories of being in talent shows. This time, I found myself singing with her in between eating. Lennox lip-synched as though she’d written the lyrics straight from her heart. I understood. The track was that catchy. At one point, coming out of my playful state, it hit me again.

I’m here with Lennox. She’s here with me. For a little while.

You could have pinched me. Nah.Fuck that!Never pinch me when I’m dreaming of Lennox. Even when not in her presence, the thought of the girl, alone, was a fantasying-escape. But she was now here with me in the flesh, singing one of the most adorned, adolescent love songs in Black culture until its end. That was until she stopped to watch me, and her smile faded.

“What?” I was confused.

With a faint smile and low eyes, she answered, “You can really sing,” as the music faded.

Shit…

I straightened, going for the last bit of food on my plate. “I play around.”

“You can’t help your gifts, Tobias.” Lennox lowered the volume of the music as Guy’s “Groove Me” intro’d. “It just dawned on me that you don’t use that gift. I mean…” She feathered her hair, sitting on a sofa. “At least, not that I’m aware of. It’s not like I’m with you often at all.”

I nodded, hating that fact. “I work my gifts all the time. It’s given me a great life.” I spoke with food in my mouth.

Her dimples deepened as I placed the plate down on the coffee table. “You ate. Good.”

“I told you I would when I got back.”

“And now you’re back.”Fuck. Her smile did funny shit to my insides.

But I played it cool, gesturing to my empty plate. “What did you think of it?”

“Well!” She inhaled deeply, popping her lips dramatically, making the both of us laugh. “It was pasta and seafood. All of my favorites.”

“So, that’s it? It was a’ight because they’re your favorites?”

“Well!” Lennox repeated again, popping her lips. “The chef put his foot in it, though.” She gave a dramatic wink, making me crack the hell up. “How was the meeting? I don’t even know how long you’ve been back. You fixed a plate and all.”

“I pulled up about twenty minutes ago. Had to kick it with Danny G before he left. Then I washed up, and fixed something to eat. I was fuckin’ starving.” I rubbed my stomach.

“Awwwww! The Tobester was hungwee,” she teased, sounding like a toddler.

I snickered. “Fuck you, Lenny.”

“Get in line.” She motioned with her arm, rolling her eyes.

“Pause.”

She bit her bottom lip, dimples intensifying. Lennox clicked her teeth as she snapped her fingers. “Right. Bad response. Anyway…”

“Yeah. Anyway. What’s on the agenda for you and your girls this week?”

Lennox rolled her eyes, smirking. I didn’t mind. She was here. The girl could slap me and I wouldn’t be offended. “Well, tomorrow is grooming and relaxation. We’re meeting up atCrystal K. Spaaround noon.”

“Where’s that?”

“In Central Jersey.” I nodded, acknowledging her answer. She continued, “That’ll pretty much be an all-day affair. There are restaurants on the property with so many amenities. We have facials, massages, and meditation booked. Then Friday, we’re having breakfast at Mya’s before—”

“Mya.” I scoffed.

She shook her head. “That part. She was on her ‘Mya-tribe’ earlier today. Anyway…” Another deep breath. “We haven’t decided where we’ll land on Friday night. There are a few Greek parties happening. We said we’ll decide tomorrow at the spa.”

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