Page 81 of When I Thug You Like That

“Yeah, yeah. You love me.”

For the rest of their visit, we ate and watched a movie. There was no further mention of Jay, but every so often, my eyes found their way back to the card that sat on the counter next to my flowers. When eight o’clock rolled around, Taina announced that they were getting ready to go.

“Thanks for hosting us, sis,” she said through a yawn and stretch.

“Of course.”

She grabbed her jacket and turned to me while putting it on.

“Call that man, Jai’ana.”

“I’m gonna text him.”

She put her hands on her hips and squinted. “Why I don’t believe you?”

“I don’t know.” I laughed. “But I’ma text him. I promise.”

“Alright. I want screenshots tomorrow.”

“Okay. I love y’all.”

“Love you too.”

Chuston was already at the door with his hand on the handle.

“Rushing to get in, rushing to leave,” I said, walking over and pulling him into a hug. “Goodnight, godson.”

“Night.”

“Text me when y’all get home.”

“Will do,” Taina assured.

Once I closed the door behind them, I went straight for my phone that just so happened to be still sitting by the card. Unlocking it, I started a new text thread with Jay’s number. My thumb hovered over the message box for a few seconds before I typed.

Me: How come you didn’t send a pizza?

Smiling at the message, I hit send.

The phone chimed a few seconds later.

917-653-3738: So, it’s fuck the line now, Ms. Jai?

I laughed out loud before replying.

Me: Don’t make me regret it.

917-653-3738: You ain’t gon’ regret nothing wit’ me. I promise.

Me: Don’t promise because then I’ll have to hold you to your word. It’s a little too early for that.

917-653-3738: It’s never too early. What you doing Wednesday night?

Me: After school program until 6:30. Why?

917-653-3738: Can I feed you after?

I started to type then paused. My mother’s words replayed in my head. Pay attention to how he moves. Pay attention to how he handles your boundaries. That’s important.