I Remember You

Chapter 1

It was the middle of August and it seemed like summer hit out of nowhere. We went from temperatures in the mid eighties to the high nineties. It was so hot my sweat was sweating. My sleek black Mercedes with the black leather interior was sexy, made me look sexy until I plopped my behind down on the sweltering seats and practically singed the skin off my thighs. Like I was saying, it was hot. That's why when this heffa called and invited me to a barbecue at some man's house I'd never heard of, my response was a lip smacking, neck rolling, no.

First of all whenever Janine invites me to something at the last minute it's because her original ride ditched her and I'm her back up plan. Second of all is the reason why she didn't just invite me in the first place. Janine is my girl and all, but other than kicking it with each other we run in totally different circles. We've been friends since our nap time mats laid next to each other in kindergarten. Even back then she had a way of running her mouth to the point where I had no choice but to come out of my shell and talk back. We were inseparable right up until 9th grade where her boisterous center of attention personality constantly had her in a spotlight that I preferred to shy away from. Even still I loved her to death.

I knew there was going to be shenanigans going on at this barbecue that just wasn't my cup of tea. I mean California made weed legal and now black folks couldn't have function without getting high. Besides that, the last party Janine drug me to was damn near an orgy. So forgive me for not wanting to spend the evening with a contact high and getting my booty randomly tapped my strange men—and woman, cause we're trifling too—just because I've thickened out a little since high school.

Then this heffa said the magic words she knew would have me driving all over the city for her. "I'll braid your hair for free." That 'no' shrivelled in my mouth and disappeared. Janine was one hell of a braider and her prices matched her capabilities. Even as tight as we were she was never one for the home girl hookup. As she shouldn't be. I happily paid every last cent. I hopped my tail in the hot car and sped on over to Hidden Meadow Apartments to pick her up.

She stepped outside and I had to roll my eyes. Where as my cute little romper left something to the imagination, Janine's outfit had 'come and get it' written all over it. I can't lie though, my girl looked good. Thick and curvy with that deep chocolate skin that made you think of Hershey bars. Combine that with a perfect Cupid's bow, defined cheekbones, and almond shaped eyes brothers were always trying to take a bite. Despite my modesty I yelled out, "Yassss hunty." Janine responded accordingly, sticking her tongue out and rocking her hips in a slow circular motion, her waist length golden braids swaying with her movements. I couldn't help but laugh. She was already lit, which meant she was getting into something tonight and dragging me right along with her. Just like in kindergarten her good time having behind was contagious. "Get your crazy behind in this car."

"Shoot girl let's go. I've been doing hair nonstop. I'm ready to turn the hell up." She put a joint to her lips and I snatched it before the lighter even sparked.

"You're out of your damn mind if you think you're about to light up in my car."

"You right," She giggled and put her hand out so I can give it back. "My bad Beth, I forgot your little boujie behind don't smoke. You must be like a damn unicorn these days."

Free hairdo, free hairdo!

I had to remind myself to keep from putting her out at the light. "Where are we going?"

"Girl you remember quick Nick from high school."

My eyes nearly popped out of my head. How in the hell could I forget, star quarterback that took our school to the CIF championship our junior and senior year, fastest brother on the track team, and the only guy I've ever crushed on. Thank God neither he or Janine knew. Recognition was all over my face.

"Well I met his older brother a few weeks ago and he's been jocking me hard ever since."

I wasn't even about to analyze the relief I felt that she wasn't hooking up with Nick. I'd let that crush die freshman year of college after an unhealthy season of stalking his college football games hoping to get a peek at him. That crush needed to stay dead, but the way my heart raced wondering if Nick was going to be at this barbecue said otherwise. Janine went on talking about this mystery brother I never knew Nick had, and I'm pretty sure at some point she told me his name, but my mind was stuck on Nick and how great—no terrifying—it would be to see him again.

I wonder if he'll be there
Will he remember me
Girl how? He barely knew you existed.
He was so fine?

"Make a left!" Janine yelled, snapping me out of my internal conversation. I tapped the breaks and skidded into a turn. "Bethany!" She cried out my name in perfect pitch as she slammed into the door. Horns blared and Janine gripped the door handle, mumbling, "Lord Jesus, save me!"

I kept driving like I hadn't almost ended the both of us. Janine mumbled something about me being a no driving skinny heffa, but I let it slide

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