Save Me

9| Lauren

"Question, do you always sweat profusely and shake in your sleep? I've noticed that everytime I get there from work, you're in a cold sweat."

"It's nothing," he shrugged me off. "I sweat easily."

"Bam--Brandon, I'm a nurse and I know it could be something serious. That shit ain't normal. Maybe it's your vitamins."

Bam shook his head and stood up from the table with a dry expression. "See you later, Lauren. You got a ride to the house or you need me to come get you?"

I was slightly irritated that he was putting me off, but he didn't appear angry. That was different from how he normally responded when I would cross the line. "So, you're just going to ignore me?"

He simply nodded. "Yep. Now answer my question, I don't want you stranded here when you get off."

I arched my brows at him. "Wait, timeout. Why is I can't show interest in your well-being, but you can monitor if I make it home safely?"

"Double standards, I guess."

I playfully rolled my eyes. "Whatever. Did you like the food I made for dinner?"

"Yeah."

"Ugh, you're so irritating. Always with the one word answers and shit. Why are you anti-social?"

Bam opened his mouth to speak, but stopped himself. He just shrugged and put his hoodie back on. "I'm talking to you, aren't I?"

"Barely, but I'll get you to talk..."

"Mhm," he mumbled.

"7." Bam's gave me a look of confusion. "That's when I get off."

He nodded and pulled his phone out, I guess to set an alarm. "Anything else you need to lecture me about, mom?"

I narrowed my eyes at him got up from the table to throw my food out. "Very funny, I'm just trying to look out for you."

"I got me. Just focus on you and Nas."

"Must you always be a hard ass..."

"I'm a cop. It's in our nature to be cynical. Now let me go, I'm being too social." I cracked a smile and shook my head at him actually joking for once.

"Alright, see you later then."

"Bye," he said as he started to walk out of the café.

"Hey!" I yelled out before he got any further. Bam turned back with his brows crunched. "Thanks...for everything. I owe you."

"No, you don't," he uttered before turning back around to leave. Just as I got to the front desk, Glo was giving me a stare.

"What?" I questioned.

"You and Mr. Anger-management problems were gone for 30 minutes. I need answers."

I looked at Gloria and laughed about what she was implying. Bam and I are friends--no, we're roommates. That's all there was to it. "I had to talk to him about something involving health. That's about it."

"So, you're telling me that you wouldn't go there if given the opportunity? Let's not act like the man isn't fine."

I cringed when listening to her describe him. "Eh, he's handsome there's no denying that. However, he's not my type and I'm not looking I'm looking for a man. I got other problems."

     After Brooklyn's wedding, I made my way to the reception with my baby boy as my date. "Did you enjoy the wedding, lil head?" I teased him as I played with his braids