Chapter 30
Dribbling the ball, I stared down at Boogie.
He was doing what he did per usual—talking shit and trying to get in my head. He swore up and down that if he didn't major in pre-law he would've made it to the NBA. I had to remind his ass the reason he even chose law was because he wasn't making it to the leagues.
I saw an opening, hit him with a quick crossover, then blew past him for an easy lay-up.
"That's game, my boy," I checked the ball to him with a cocky smirk.
"Go to hell." He caught it easily—and just as quickly, launched it at my head.
Ducking with a laugh, I shook my head at him. "You always were a sore loser, frat."
"Fuck you and that weak ass crossover," he called out jogging over to grab the ball.
Heading over to the bleachers, I grabbed my water bottle, plopping down.
Boogie joined me a few seconds later. "So—" He took a swig from his water bottle, tapping my knee.
"So…what?" I turned my head to face him.
"Nigga you know what I wanna know," he smirked. "You been all quiet about you and Gianna for the last few weeks. Fuck is going on?"
I couldn't help the smile that dragged across my face. "We're good man. She's…amazing. Melo loves her. My family is growing to love her." My voice dipped lower. "I love her," I mumbled.
Boogie's eyes widened, bottle hallway to his mouth as he stared at me. "What was that?"
Exhaling I nodded slowly. "You heard me. I love her."
"Rem—" he breathed out, setting the bottle back down and focusing on me. "You for real?"
"Yeah." I nodded again. "It just happened.
I mean…I knew it was happening, but I wasn't expecting it to happen as quickly as it did.
" Looking off for a moment I gathered my thoughts before returning my eyes back to him.
"She just fits into my life so effortlessly, Boog.
I swear…it's like she was made for me. And you should see her and Melo together.
Shit makes my heart swell. When she's not around, he's asking about her.
And as soon as my phone rings he jumps up hoping it's her.
She Facetime's every weekday morning to speak to him before school and every night she calls to tell him goodnight. "
"Damn," he muttered in surprise. "I knew y'all your vibing hard, but I didn't know it was I love you hard."
"Life hits fast sometimes." I shrugged.
"That it does." He nodded. "So…you tell her yet?"
I shook my head. "Nah. I don't want her to feel like I'm moving too fast, Scare her off and shit."
"Maybe." He folded his arms across his chest. "Or…she could feel the same way. You never know until you tell her."
"And what if she doesn't?" I asked concern bleeding out unintentionally.
"That doesn’t mean she won't eventually, bruh," he replied. "You tend to lead with your heart. She may lead with her head more. It may take her longer to get there, but the shit is still valid regardless."
I leaned back, elbows propped against the bleachers taking in his words.
"What about the other shit though?" Boogie asked.
I swallowed, looking off into the distance. "We still have some work to do in that area, but we're getting there," I answered quietly.
"But for how long are you gonna be cool with that?" he asked directly.
Running a hand down my face, I shook my head.
Seeing Bishop at my restaurant had been bothering me a lot more than I was letting on.
I had picked apart the entire interaction.
In hindsight, I noticed the way his eyes stayed on her far longer than I would have liked.
At the time, I was just assuming it was because she was pretty.
Men looked at her everywhere we went, but now I knew it was more.
He was probably remembering her intimately.
Remembering how she felt.
How she sounded.
But I kept those thoughts to myself. Didn't want to give fodder to Boogie for him to insert any doubt into an already delicate situation. Letting out a sharp breath I responded honestly, "I don't know, dawg," I shrugged slightly. "But I'm trying. I don’t wanna lose her."
He let that sit, nodding. "When do you see her again?" he asked after a brief silence.
"Tonight."
"I think you should tell her, frat." He turned his head to me. "So she knows where you are and how real this shit is for you."
"You think so?" My brows raised.
"Yeah." He nodded. "Plus, I know your ass probably dying to confess your love anyway," he teased with a smirk, nudging my knee with his.
I chuckled. "Maybe I will."
"Good shit," he smiled. "Report back." He held out his hand.
"Got you." I dapped him up.
Standing, he grabbed the ball next to him. "Aight, one more game. I need to redeem myself." He dribbled the ball with a grin. "You know if I didn't major in law I would've been in the leagues." He dribbled the ball between his legs.
I shook my head with a snort, snatching the ball from him mid-dribble. "Nobody believes that shit but you, Boog." I smirked. "Hurry up and dust off those knees so I can call my lady."
"Sprung ass nigga." He rolled his eyes. "Let's get it."