Page 21 of Still Yours

“Walmart is out of the way, but I can take you to Target since it’s in the neighborhood.”

Lunden drove to his neighborhood and took her to Target to get her what she needed. After she had a new comforter set and toiletries, he took Pretti to a seafood restaurant in the heart of Harlem. She mentioned shrimp while they were shopping for what she needed.

“This neighborhood is where me and my manz Dexz grew up,” Lunden stated as he parallel parked in front of a small corner restaurant. A few people were walking and hanging out while it was still daylight. Everyone was dressed for the weather, walking around like it wasn't snowing.

“Dexz told me the food was good out here.”

“Yeah, this place has some fire ass seafood and a lot of other shit. Here, take my coat and get out with me so you can pick what you want.”

Pretti slipped on his jacket and stepped out. When he stepped on the curb with Pretti, it was as though the whole neighborhood got a smoke signal. People walked to Lunden as they made their way to the restaurant door.

“What's up, Lunden? Who's the babe?” A chick walked up to Lunden and asked while they were standing in line waiting to order their food. She was a short, brown-skinned chick bundled up in a black fur coat. She looked like she had taste in fashion, but Pretti minded her business. She said nothing as she looked at the menu in front of her, but she was all ears for his conversation.

“Her name is Pretti. She's that nigga, Dexz’s best friend from Cali.”

“Dexz as in Dexten? Damn, I ain't seen him since he was a kid. Is he here?” the girl beamed.

“That nigga locked up on the West Coast, but she's finna be living here until that nigga get out in three years. She's about to open a female-staffed barbershop with a hair salon and nail shop in it as well. She might have a job for you.” He looked over at Pretti and nodded for her approval.

Pretti smiled. She was pleased that he knew so much about her. Dexz had filled him in about her every time he called Lunden about the plan.

“My name is Storm, Lunden's big cousin. I braid hair and do weaves, so if you need a braider or a lace front specialist, let me know.” She walked up to Pretti and extended her hand.

“That's what's up. I'll definitely keep you in mind.”

They shook hands, and Pretti kept looking at the menu. There was so much on there; she got overwhelmed and went with the fried shrimp basket as planned and lobster fries. After they got their food, Lunden drove to her new apartment in Harlem. He chose a nice, quiet neighborhood for her. It was a fully remodeled two-bedroom brownstone apartment. When Pretti walked into the apartment, she smiled. It was so nice. It reminded her a little of her apartment in California.

“I hope you like it,” Lunden said as he set her bags on the floor.

“It's really nice. I can't wait to decorate.”

After they walked around, she and Lunden walked into the living room.

“I hope you don't mind me eating my food with you. I’ve been running around all day. I need to chill for a second,” Lunden admitted.

“Uh, sure, I don't mind. I was just going to hook up my Fire Stick to this TV and look online for stuff to buy.”

They sat on the living room floor, ate their food at the coffee table, and got to know each other a little bit. Lunden told Pretti how he and Dexz met in elementary school and never lost touch, even when he was forced to move to California.

“So, why that nigga Dexz ain't make you his girl after all this time?” he asked, curious since Dexz never told him the truth.

“He has a girlfriend that he has been with for a long time, and he thinks I'm too fresh for him. That's what he says, so we vowed to be best friends forever.” She shrugged.

“Word? He told me how y'all became friends a few years back, and how you had a little crush on him when y’all were fifteen, but that's typical Dexz. Never wants the pretty girls. He likes gutter rats.” He chuckled, thinking about all his best friend’s exes. He also knew his boy liked older women.

They laughed. Pretti knew that all too well when she met Kayla.

“You ain't gotta tell me. I know exactly what he likes.”

As they were talking, Lunden brought out his weed from his pocket and rolled a few blunts. After Pretti told him she smoked too, he stayed there, blowing a few blunts and talking to her some more as the TV watched them. She had never talked to another guy as she did with Lunden, other than Dexz. It was soothing to talk to him because he reminded her so much of Dexz. He didn't make her feel uncomfortable. He was down-to-earth and could hold a conversation.

Before they knew it, they were asleep on the floor, high. She was snuggled under her new comforter while Lunden slept sitting up next to the door. Pretti woke to Lunden talking quietly on the phone, sounding angry or irritated.

“If you leave, I’ma choke the shit out of you, bitch. I told you I fell asleep at her house... Noooooooo, we didn't do nothin’. You trippin’ hard, Reena... A’ight, a’ight, I'm on my way, damn.”

She could tell he was talking to a woman, and the girl wasn't happy. She looked at her phone and saw it was five in the morning. Feeling sleepy, she lay back down. Knowing that it was jet lag, she knew she had to get used to the time change.

“Aye, ma, I gotta get out of here.” Lunden stood up. “I left some money and weed on ya’ coffee table. I'll come back in a few hours.”