Page 19 of Fire & Roses: Harli

I tossed them each a duffle before we did our handshake and left out. As I made my way to Valley Steakhouse, I prayed I didn’t run into Trench with his other bitch. Now I may have had control with his mama rude ass, but I wouldn’t with him. I’ll show my whole ass in this establishment if he were here on a date. When I pulled into the parking lot, I did a scan for his car and came up empty. I bypassed the people waiting to be seated and went to place my to-go order.

“To-go order for Harli,” the waitress called out.

“That’s me,” I accepted the bag before heading to the exit.

“Harli,” a voice called out when I turned my eyes landed on Trench’s mom, Tiffany, stepping into my view.

“Can I help you?”

“I was hopin’ I’d be able to run into you one day.”

“Listen, I only held my composure off the strength of your son. So, you get to talkin’ crazy today, ain’t no tellin’ what I’ma do.”

“No, no, I’m not gonna do that. I actually wanted to run into you so I could apologize. I am so sorry for all of the awful things I said and how I behaved. I hope you could find it in your heart to forgive me.”

“Wow! I, uh, didn’t expect that. I accept your apology, Tiffany.”

“Thank goodness. Could you do me a favor?”

“I just forgave you two point two seconds ago and you really fixin’ yo’ mouth to ask me for a favor. That’s that upper class mindset, huh?”

“I know I’m pushin’ it, but if you could also find it in your heart to forgive my son for his unruly mother. He really does like you, and I’m sorry I got in the way of that.”

“I thought he was datin’ a CEO’s daughter.”

“I may have been lyin’. He was and still is single. So, if you’re ever lookin’ for him, you can find him Monday thru Friday at the sneaker store from twelve to six. I can really see why he likes you.”

“Uh huh. I gotta go.”

“Ok, well, hopefully I’ll see you again.”

“Uh huh.”

Chapter 12

Trench

As I fought against the water, I turned my head so I could take in air. When I made it to the wall, I grabbed hold of it while I rested. I’d been taking full advantage of the pool offered to the residents here. The water helped me feel lighter when life felt a little heavy. Getting out of the pool, I grabbed my towel to dry off. After I dried my body, I made my way to the elevator while drying my hair. It felt good coming and going as I pleased without being monitored by my parents. The freedom I was experiencing had me excited to see what else the world had to offer.

“Oh shit,” I gasped as I bumped into someone. Dropping my towel, I came face-to-face with this light-skinned cutie. “My bad, I wasn’t watchin’ where I was goin’.”

“It’s fine,” she smiled. “I’m Lola. You don’t look familiar, so you must be new around here?”

“Yeah, I just moved in. I’m Trench.”

“Trench? That name sounds like some trouble I’d like to get into.”

“Is that so?”

“It is. You gotta girlfriend?”

“Nawl, I don’t. Why you ask?”

“Cause I’m tryna fill that position.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yep. Here’s my number. Give me a call sometimes. Maybe we could go skinny dippin’.”