Page 18 of Full Court Press

“Detroit. Born and raised.”

“That’s what’s up. I love Detroit. I went down to visit my aunt, and she took me to see Chris Brown’s concert at the DTE Energy Music Theatre. Mannn, it was so hype!” Jessica exclaimed in excitement.

Braelyn laughed. “Oh, Piper loves Chris Brown.”

I side-eyed her as she laughed.

“Shit, who doesn’t? He’s fine and can sing and dance. And from that dick pic a long time ago, he definitely got the package to go along with that slick mouth,” Gennel said, fanning herself.

“You’re not lying,” I agreed as we slapped palms and laughed. “But he ain’t messing with us brown chicks. He has a preference now since that Rihanna scandal.”

Braelyn pointed at me. “You know, I did notice that. All the chicks he’s dated after her are foreign and light-skinned.”

We all nodded in confirmation before Braelyn’s boyfriend, Xander, walked up to our table. I could definitely see why Braelyn was smitten by him. He was tall, dark, and beautiful, and he was the star of the football team. His cocky build and the way he towered over Braelyn was a sight to see.

“Sorry to intrude on you ladies. How y’all doing?”

“Good,” we all replied.

“That’s what’s up. Baby, you got those notes I let you borrow?” he asked Braelyn.

“Oh! Yeah.” Braelyn reached inside her satchel and handed him a folder. “Thank you, babe. Those notes definitely came in a clutch.”

“You know I got you.” When he picked her up by her underarms and kissed her lips, I thought it was the cutest thing. “And fuck that nigga Chris Brown. I’d beat his dancing ass if you ever cheat on me with him.”

We all laughed as he kissed her again then said his goodbyes.

“Y’all are too cute, Brae. I wish I had a man who can pick me up like that. Jerome’s weak ass can’t even lift my damn leg,” Gennel said, rolling her eyes. That prompted us to laugh again. Before I knew it, it was time for us to go our separate ways. I didn’t have class this afternoon, so I had agreed to meet with Khalil to start our paper.

I was so not looking forward to being around him.

“See you later, Piper. I’ll probably be spending the night with Xander tonight, so you’ll have the room all to yourself,” Braelyn said.

“Oh, joy!” I exclaimed sarcastically and laughed. She laughed and gave me a hug before she and the other ladies walked off after saying their goodbyes. I actually liked them. Their energy seemed genuine, and they actually made me laugh today, which felt good to my soul.

My phone chimed, alerting me of a text.

I opened it and frowned in confusion at the message I saw.

734-554-1224:

Meet me in front of the library in ten minutes.

Me:

Excuse me? Who the hell is this?

734-554-1224:

My bad. It’s Khalil. I should have started off with a greeting first, so please forgive me. Hi, how you doing today, beautiful?

My stomach felt queasy, and I could feel my cheeks heating a little.

No! Don’t you dare blush over this nigga. It ain’t even that type of party. I scolded myself.

Me:

How the hell did you get my number?