Chapter 27

27

M alorie

The Next Weekend

Neko had been avoiding me at work, so I was surprised when he texted me and told me to meet him at Brewed and Booked . I could tell he was starting to crumble when it came to his guards and how he felt about me. Since I wasn't sure if I should give him space or apply a bit more pressure, I decided to follow his lead.

When I arrived at Brewed and Booked , I couldn't help but smile at the sight of him. Even dressed down in sweats and a tee with his platinum grill, he was the finest nigga in the café.

"Hi." I spoke, resisting the urge to hug him, but that didn't matter, because he pulled me close for an embrace.

"Wassup?"

"You tell me."

"Come on. Let's go downstairs."

I followed him downstairs to the bookstore, even more confused. When we made it down, I asked, "What's going on, Neek?"

He shrugged and stuffed his hands in his pockets. "I woke up and wanted to spoil you." I was so caught off guard by his admission that I was speechless. Neko stepped closer, licking those juicy lips with a sexy smile. "Get whatever you want."

With a squeal, I looked around the bookstore. "Really?"

"Really."

"What's my limit?"

Neko chuckled and looked around. "Did I say there was a limit?"

"Bu—"

"Get whatever you want," he repeated, stepping back and sitting at the nearby table.

I couldn't move right away because I was still surprised. When I realized he was serious, I grabbed a basket and walked down the nearest aisle, making him laugh. Once I had it filled up, I made my way back to him. He looked down in the basket before taking it from my hands.

"Is this all you want?"

"Well no, but—"

"Mal." He stood, jaw clenched. "I said get whatever you want. Every fucking thing. Don't stop until you're done."

"If you're sure."

"I'm positive. Now go."

Throwing caution to the wind, I filled up two more baskets before I was done. He didn't even blink at the total when paying. I knew he had money, so it wasn't that. It was the fact that he was randomly spending money on me and something I loved.

"Thank you," I said as he put my bags in the trunk.

"You're welcome. What you wanna do now?"

"Oh. So this is an all-day thing?"

He smiled with one side of his mouth and shot me a wink. "You're bored of me already?"

"No, not at all. I'm just surprised."

"What you wanna do, sweet girl?"

"I was thinking about getting a tattoo, but I didn't want to drive all the way to Memphis, and I don't know any tattoo artists here."

His head bobbed as he closed the trunk. "You know if Aspen has any availability today?"

"I didn't check but I'm sure he doesn't. He's always booked and busy."

"Yeah. Why don't you head home, and I'll come scoop you up?"

"Uh… okay. Cool."

Neko was clearly amused by my confusion, but I let him lead. At this point, I felt like it would be pointless to ask him questions anyway. When I got in my car, I called Christina. As soon as the call connected on Bluetooth, I pulled out of the parking lot.

"Hey, boo. What's up?"

"I'm confused."

She chuckled. "About what?"

"Neko. He pulled up on me this morning and spent damn near seven hundred dollars on books for me. Then he asked me what else I wanted to do today. Now he's trailing me to my house so I can ride with him. I have no earthly idea what is going on and what we're about to do."

"Hmm," she said before laughing. "Uh, I'm just as confused as you, sis, but I say go with the flow. Maybe he's starting to warm up to the idea of being with you and he's testing the waters."

"Should I say something about that? I don't want to ruin the vibe, but I also want to know what to expect."

"I wouldn't say anything. I say go in with no expectations at all. If he doesn't say anything about it being a date or being with you, just get some free shit out of the nigga and let that be that."

With a sigh, I tightened my grip on the steering wheel. The part of me that wanted to be in control was struggling with not talking this out, but I didn't want to risk saying the wrong thing, so I agreed.

In Memphis

Aspen, in fact, was booked, but after a conversation with Neko, he opened his schedule for us. Neko had gone first because all he wanted to get was his grandmother's handwriting. He had a picture of a card she'd gotten him for Christmas. She'd signed it with, I love you, love Granny, and that's what he'd gotten scripted, on his heart, in her favorite color, purple. It was so cute and sentimental it made me cry.

I hated I couldn't be here for him when she died but I felt it was best if I continued to keep my distance, so being here for this moment felt fitting.

When it was my turn, I decided to get something for my dad on my arm. I'd planned to get books and flowers on my spine, but when I learned Aspen could do faces and script, I changed my mind. Since his death, I'd been carrying around a letter Daddy had written me. I ended up getting it on the last space available on my arm.

After that, we chilled in Aspen's lounge. We didn't do too much smoking and drinking since we had a three hour ride back to Rose Valley Hills. As I felt myself drifting off to sleep, I heard Neko say, "Let me get lil baby outta here. She look like she 'bout to pass out."

"Aight, cool. Bring sis back when she wanna get that spine tattoo."

"I will, for sure. I'll probably just get a room downtown, so we won't have to worry about driving back."

"Aight, sounds good."

I stood as they shook hands. "Also, let me know when you wanna talk about your art, man. I know you got an exhibit coming up at Divine's . Do you have representation?"

"Nah. I didn't think I was known enough for an agent yet."

Neko sucked his teeth and shook his head. "Fuck all that. Call my office Monday and set up an appointment. Let's talk."

Excitement covered Aspen's face, and it made me happy for him. He was a phenomenal artist and deserved visibility for his work.

"Say less. I will. Aye, there's someone I want you to look into as well. My OG Karrington. I'll bring some of his stuff for you to look at when I come. No pressure, though, but he's amazing."

"Aight, sounds good."

Aspen and I embraced, then Neko and I headed out. I couldn't stop myself from taking his hand into mine and leaning against his shoulder.

"Today has been fun. Thank you."

"You're welcome. I'm glad you enjoyed yourself."

I was hoping he said more about his intentions today beyond wanting to spoil me, but when we went the entire ride back to Rose Valley Hills without that coming up, I knew I was going to have to take matters into my own hands and do what Naomi said.