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“Where he at? Him and Juanita not together anymore?”

“In jail. He got a few more years to do, but yeah, him and Juanita still together.” Thinking about how hard it was growing up with one parent, I decided to ask him a question.

“How was it for you growing up after your parents died?”

“It was fucked up. I was angry, but my uncle made sure I was straight and didn’t need for anything.” His jaw tightened and I could tell this was a touchy subject for him. Reaching out, I grabbed his hand.

“At least you had him. Where is he now?”

“Dead.” Easing my hand off his, I grabbed my drink again. It was something about the way he said ‘dead’ that made me wonder if he did it. It didn’t sound like he was sad because he was gone.

“I’m sorry.” That’s the only thing I could think of to say.

“You good. I’m just not used to talking about my past. Haven’t spoken on that shit since I was a teenager.”

“You didn’t have girlfriends?” Anton looked at me confused.

“You think you my first girlfriend? Don’t flatter yourself.”

“What I’m saying is that’s crazy to me that they never asked about your past.” I ignored him calling me his girl.

“Who said they didn’t ask? I said I haven’t talked about it.” I shouldn’t have felt tingly from his confession, but I did.

“What’s your favorite color?”

“Girl, are we twelve? It’s black, but we not about to ask all those dumb ass questions. Shit like that, we get to learn about each other along the way.”

“You might wanna learn it tonight. I’m pretty sure you’re not going to see me again. I told you, I have a man. I can’t be seen on dates with you.”

“I got tint on all my vehicles. However, I don’t mind laying up watching Netflix and chilling. We never did get to the personal portion of the itinerary.” I slapped him on his arm, but the waitress brought our food, stopping me from talking shit back. Picking up our forks, we dug in. Even though we fell into a silence, everything somehow felt right. Once we started back talking, the conversation moved everywhere. Dumb shit, serious shit, family, things we liked, things we couldn’t stand. He had me laughing one minute and in serious thought the next. It was perfect. The waitress finally brought our bill, interrupting our moment. Anton began looking around for something, but I minded my business. I hope this wasn’t a test to see if I would pay because that shit wasn’t happening.

“I know you gone think I’m lying, but I either lost my wallet or left that mufucka at home. You gone have to grab the bill.” All I could do was shake my head in disbelief.

“Naw, I believe you.” He didn’t seem sure about that when I stood to leave without putting any money on the table.

“Bubbles, where you going?”

“Unless you wanna go your ass to jail for stealing a meal, you better bring your ass on.” With that, I walked out. Once I made it outside, I took off running. I could hear footsteps behind me, so I turned to see how many people were behind me. What I didn’t expect to see was Anton running. He caught up to me in no time and damn near left me. When we climbed in the car, we reclined our seats all the way back before falling into a fit of laughter.

“I can’t believe you got me out here dining and dashing. I’m too old and too paid for this shit.” Wiping the tears from my eyes, I turned on my side and just looked at him. This nigga kept sitting up to peek and see if anyone was coming. Seeing him in this light made me want to lean over and kiss him. Instead, I decided to put his mind at ease.

“My mama stole your wallet.” He looked at me to see if I was serious.

“What? Naw, I don’t think so. I never pulled my shit out, and we were talking the whole time.”

“I’m telling you. I don’t know how she did it, but her ass got it.”

“Your mama is something else.” He laughed as if it was nothing, but that had me thinking.

“You don’t have to convince me. All of this started because she took that money. I did all of that, but I’m still broke. I gotta figure out another lick or my ass gone be over there living with her scamming ass.” Anton shot up and looked at me with a mug on his face.

“Guess you better start packing your shit up.”

“Obviously, you forgot who you’re talking to. I’m a big dog out here. I robbed them niggas, kidnapped you, forced them to make a deal, and never had to give they bread back. Who you know can pull some shit off like that? You better talk to me nice. Your square ass wouldn’t understand since you out here bookkeeping. Some of us gotta put in real work.” Anton stared at me for about ten seconds before he started laughing. Not a little chuckle either. This nigga was laughing so hard tears streaked his face. Out of nowhere, his face went still. The smile was gone and I was ready to get the fuck out of his car. He was crazy.

“There was no deal.”

“Ummm, yes it was. How you think you got free?”