You Had Me at Hello Read online

  “You alright kid?” I nodded without saying anything else. “Say youngblood,” he looked me up and down. “You interested in making a little money?”

  “Hell yeah,” I said quickly, without thinking twice.

  I wasn’t a poor child, and no, I didn’t have a drug-addicted mother. My mother actually worked as a CNA and took care of my little brother and I, but I was interested in seeing what it would be like to make my own. I mean, whatever Dolla wanted me to do seemed to be working for him. I looked him up and down and noticed all of the fly clothes and jewels he was rocking. I wanted to be just like that.

  Dolla had me, Kyshawn and Daymeon running small packages for him and would pay us each one hundred and fifty dollars a week. I saved mine while Day and Ky spent a lot of theirs. I knew I couldn’t buy too many new things without my mother asking questions. By the time I was fourteen, I was standing on the block for a few hours a day dealing. It was around this time that I had met Miranda. She was a cutie. She played stuck up for a while, but once she realized that I wasn’t gonna chase her, she stopped the act. We kicked it with each other for about a year and a half before we made it official. I was a sixteen-year-old knucklehead, but she put up with me, and in turn, I spoiled her rotten.

  Dolla made sure that the three of us stayed in school. Many people thought it was odd how he wanted us to get an education but had us dealing for him. While everyone else might’ve seen him as a bad person, I looked up to him. I didn’t realize it at the time, but Dolla had taken me under his wing and began molding me to take over his spot.

  I didn’t think it would happen so soon, but Dolla was murdered a couple of months before my nineteenth birthday. It was a huge blow for Daymeon, Kyshawn and I, but we knew that Dolla would want business to flow as it normally did. Everyone knew that I was left to inherit Dolla’s business due to the fact that he only had a daughter, and I was the closest thing to a son he had. At first, it was tough getting people to continue with business with me being in charge, but after I had to prove to a few hard headed motherfuckas that I wasn’t to be messed with, the rest fell in line and business has been running smoothly ever since.

  I thought about Breionna again and smirked as I pictured her face. Yeah, baby girl is bad, I thought. Once I became comfortable, the thought of going to the club was gone. I tuned in to the sports highlights until I fell asleep.

  Chapter Three

  “So Into You” Tamia

  Breionna

  I woke up the next morning to my brother stomping through the house like an ignorant asshole. He must’ve not gotten his way with something he wanted because that happened to be the only time he became ignorant and didn’t care if he woke everyone up or not. I sighed deeply and tossed the blanket over my head. I knew if he was still here, it was still early as hell. I tried to go back to sleep, but it was short lived by a knock on the door.

  “What,” I groaned.

  “Where are your keys? I gotta bring your brother to school, and you’re blocking me in,” my father said, peeking his head in the door.

  I rolled my eyes under the blanket and tossed them back as I planted my feet on the floor and went to retrieve my keys out of my jacket. I handed them to my father and climbed back in the bed.

  “Leave them on the kitchen table,” I said, as I tossed the blanket back over my head again.

  I wanted to go back to sleep. I needed to go back to sleep, or else my day would be shitty.

  ***

  My vibrating phone woke me from my slumber. I stretched and looked at the digital cable box and noticed it was after eleven. I was glad that I was able to fall back to sleep. I ran my hands under my pillow to grab my phone. I had missed the call, but once I brought it to my face, I seen it was a missed call from Ziyon. I couldn’t help but smile. I slid my thumb across his name, dialing his number back as I stretched again in bed.

  “You screening your phone, pretty girl,” he answered.

  I blushed.

  “No, I just woke up.” I stifled a yawn.

  “Did I wake you,” he sincerely asked.

  “Yeah, but it’s cool. I needed to get up anyway.”

  Truthfully, I usually cursed people out for waking me up, but I made an exception since he doesn’t know how I operate just yet.

  “Nah pretty girl, if you’re tired go back to sleep and call me when you wake up.”

  I chuckled, “It’s okay.”

  “You want to go to lunch still,” he asked.

  “Sure,” I said yawning again. “When and where?”

  “How about Texas Roadhouse, and let’s say in an hour?”

  “That sounds cool. The one in Cranston, right?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Okay, see you soon.”

  We ended the call, and I laid in the bed still looking at the ceiling. I couldn’t wait to hang out with Ziyon. I wanted to learn as much about him as I could. I wanted to know what his likes and dislikes were. We chatted about it a little bit last night, but me being tired, it was cut short. I smiled as I thought about his face and especially his eyes. I loved them. My vibrating phone interrupted my daydream. I scooped it up and noticed a text from my best friend, Azariah.

  I had known Azariah for nine years. We used to be neighbors. The day she moved into the neighborhood was the day we became inseparable. We’ve had our ups and downs, but through it all, she’s remained my right hand.

  Zari: (11: 08am) – What the hell you doing?

  Me: (11:10am) – shit, just woke up, what about you?

  Zari: (11:12am) – about to walk up in class knowing damn well I don’t want to go

  I had to laugh at her. Zari always complained about going to class, but her ass hadn’t missed a day since we started.

  Me: (11:13am) – we’re only a few months away from our Associate’s degrees; too close to the end to give up

  Zari: (11:15am) – don’t I know it. I’ll call you after class. Love ya bish!

  Me: (11:16am) – Love ya too!

  I dropped my phone on the bed and went back to staring at the ceiling. Five minutes later, I climbed out of bed to begin getting ready for my lunch date with Ziyon. I walked across the room to my closet. Opening the door, I shook my head at my over-flowing sneaker collection. I was running out of space to put them, yet I always bought them. My parents complained, but truthfully, I didn’t care. People had the things they liked to buy, and mine was sneakers. I grabbed a blue t-shirt off of the hanger with a pair of light blue bootcut jeans, a yellow belt and my Laney 5s. I kept it simple. I threw my clothes on my bed as I headed to take a shower. I felt myself dragging, and I hoped this shower would wake me up a little bit.

  Fifteen minutes later, I climbed out and wrapped my black plush towel around my body. I headed back to my room and began walking around. This was a bad habit that I had. Whenever I got out of the shower, instead of getting dressed, I always walked around in a towel for a while. I stood in my mirror and stared at myself for a few minutes.

  As a child, I struggled with loving myself for who I was. Skinny people always surrounded me. Yet, I had always been on the plus size. I envied the smaller ones, but as I got older, I became more comfortable with myself.

  I smiled at myself as I proceeded to get dressed. Luckily, I had just gone to the salon two days ago, so I simply combed my hair down from the wrap and let it flow down my back. After giving myself the once over, I was satisfied with my simple look. Looking at the clock, I had ten minutes to get to Texas Roadhouse. It usually was a fifteen to twenty minute drive. Before pulling out of my driveway, I shot Ziyon a text.

  Me: (11:51am) – hey, I’m running a few minutes late but I’m on my way.

  I pulled off and headed to meet him. Seventeen minutes later, I pulled into the parking lot and began searching for Ziyon’s car. I spotted him and his car close to the end of the lot. He stood outside his car, puffing on a Black & Mild. I pulled my car next to his. I tried to calm the butterflies in my stomach. I killed my engine and stepped out.


  “Hey, pretty girl,” he greeted.

  “Hi. Did you get my text?”

  “Yeah. That’s why I’m standing here.”

  I blushed and looked away.

  “You ready?” He asked, putting out the Black and locking his car.

  “Yeah.”

  He surprised me when he grabbed my hand and led the way to the entrance.

  “Welcome to Texas Roadhouse,” the host greeted. “How many?”

  “Two.”

  “Right this way,” she said, as she grabbed two menus and turned to walk away.

  We were seated, and she told us that the waiter would be right with us.

  “Thanks for coming out with me.”

  “Thank my stomach,” I joked.

  “Oh,” he chuckled. “So if you weren’t hungry, then what would have happened?”

  “I would’ve suggested another place to meet up.”

  Ziyon simply nodded.

  “So tell me,” Ziyon started. “Why are you single?”

  Before I could respond, the waitress came and introduced herself as well as took our orders. The moment she walked away, Ziyon started the conversation again.

  “You’re not off the hook, pretty girl. Answer my question.”

  I shrugged.

  “I’ve had my fair share of relationship trouble and drama. I’ve also had my fair share of heartbreak, so instead of keeping on trying to get into these senseless ass relationships, I just stay single.”

  Ziyon nodded again as the waitress placed our drinks on the table.

  “What about you?” I asked.

  “I just got out of a four year relationship.”

  “What happened?”

  I truly was interested in knowing what happened. I mean, there has to be a reason he’s no longer with the girl.

  “She complained too much.”

  “Are you serious? You ended a four year relationship because you felt like she complained too much?”

  My face was filled with surprise. I wasn’t expecting that answer. He laughed and sipped his soda.

  “Nah. I’m not a heartless nigga like that. I mean, how much nagging can a nigga take? Miranda, my ex, knew what she was getting into and the type of dude I am. Whenever I was handling my business, she would blow my phone up and show up places she wasn’t supposed to; all kind of shit. She bitched about everything, and I had enough.”

  “Did you love her?’

  “Yeah. I mean, I still do. How can you be with someone for four years and not love them? We just outgrew each other. She moved to North Carolina. I was gonna go, but we split and that changed.”

  I nodded but didn’t say anything else. I was stuck on him still loving her.

  “Enough about the past. Lets…”

  “One question,” I cut him off. “Why are you looking for another relationship if you just got out of one?”

  “I’m not. I’m just simply enjoying the company of a beautiful girl who I’m hoping is willing to be a friend. Who knows what the future will hold,” he said.

  “Oh okay.”

  Seeing as how we only met a few days ago, I didn’t want to say anything to scare him away.

  For the remainder of the time, Ziyon and I enjoyed each other’s conversation. We ate, laughed and joked. I was feeling the man in front of me. Although he already told me he wasn’t looking for a relationship, I was cool with being just friends with him.

  Chapter Four

  “Shawty” Plies

  Ziyon

  Four Months Later…

  I walked into my apartment and sighed as I dropped my keys on the coffee table. Shortly after meeting Bre, I moved my moms out of the projects and into her own house, and I moved into my own little apartment. I kicked my Timbs off on the side of the couch and walked down the short hallway to my bedroom. Upon opening the door, I found Breionna sitting up in bed, flipping through channels.

  “Wassup ma,” I greeted, walking over to her and planting a kiss on her lips. “What you doing?”

  I stripped my shirt off as I walked into the walk-in closet to retrieve my bath towel so I could take a shower. I was dead tired and wanted to catch some sleep before having to hit the streets again.

  “Nothing. Tryna find something on TV. What’s up with you? You okay?”

  “Yeah, I’m good. I’m about to take a shower. Find a movie, order some food and when I get out, we’re just gonna chill.”

  “Okay.”

  I walked down the hall to the bathroom. My mind began to wander. Bre and I had been kicking it for the last few months. We weren’t together as a couple, but we both knew what it was. I fucked with her hard. Shortie was definitely like my best friend. She was always there when I needed her, and what fucked me up was that she never asked for anything. I loved her independence. I was so used to Miranda who wanted for everything, but Bre was different. Anything she wanted, she would get before I even knew she wanted it. I could admit, I loved her, but I wasn’t in love with her. With the way shit was going between the two of us though, I knew it wouldn’t be long before I was in love with her.

  I took a quick ten-minute shower and climbed out. I got dressed, went back into my bedroom and climbed in the bed next to Breionna. I laid my head on her lap as she slowly stroked my face.

  “You okay?” She asked.

  I sighed heavily. “You know, every day bullshit. I’ll be a’ight, ma.”

  “You know you can talk to me, right Ziy?”

  “Yeah, I know. Did you order the food?”

  “Yeah, they should be here any minute.”

  The moment she said that, her phone rang. She answered and said a few short words before hanging up and tapping me to move.

  “Foods here.”

  I sat up and reached for my nightstand drawer to give her money for the food.

  “I got it,” she smiled, as she pulled a twenty-dollar bill from her pocket.

  See what I mean? Shortie wouldn’t let me do shit when it came time to coming out of pocket. I had to damn near force her to let me pay at restaurants. I leaned up against my headboard waiting for Bre to come back. My phone vibrated alerting me of a text. I scooped up my phone and noticed Miranda’s name pop up. I sighed and opened the message.

  Miranda: (8:24pm) – what you doing?

  Me: (8:25pm) – shit, what’s up?

  Miranda: (8:25pm) – nothing, just seeing what you were doing. I miss you

  Here she goes with this shit, I thought to myself. Miranda always did this I love and miss you shit, and although I loved her, I didn’t want to be with her anymore. Before we broke up, I hadn’t even seen her for damn near a year before that. She was getting shit together for herself in North Carolina. She calls herself tryna get back together, but I’m not with that shit at all. I didn’t even respond as Bre returned with the bag of food in her hand.

  “Here,” she said, handing me a container.

  I opened it and was instantly hit with the aroma of the fried rice and fried chicken.

  “Thanks babe,” I told her before scooping rice into my mouth.

  We ended up settling on watching Boyz N The Hood. Halfway through the movie, Breionna was sleep. I looked over at her curled up on the bed and smiled. I couldn’t help but to touch her as she slept. I could admit, she was my happy place. Around her, I could be Ziyon. I didn’t have to be a boss nigga or the one making all the decisions in the street. With Bre, I could be laid back. She made me laugh, she made my dull days brighter, and she gave a nigga a reason to look forward to coming home. I had given her a key to my spot, but she respected me enough to let me know when she was going to be there.

  I loved coming home and knowing she was there. She cooked, cleaned and even did a nigga’s laundry from time to time. She was definitely a blessing. All my niggas asked me why I haven’t wifed her yet’ but I don’t want a relationship. I was glad Breionna understood that.

  Looking at her again, I leaned over and kissed her cheek, grabbed her food and headed to put it int
o the fridge. Instead of going back into the bedroom, I turned on the television in the living room. Bre was a heavy sleeper’ but I didn’t want to chance her waking up. I sparked up my blunt and flipped through the channels until I landed on a show discussing Hip Hop. I didn’t realize I had dozed off until I felt Bre lay her head on my lap.

  “You okay, babe?” I asked, stroking her face.

  She simply nodded her head and got comfortable on the couch. I focused back on the television. I knew it wouldn’t be long before she would be sleep again. I heard her phone go off in the room.

  “Ma, your phone’s ringing.” She groaned but didn’t move. “Bre,” I called again.

  “What?”

  “Your phone.”

  “Leave it,” she shrugged.

  Looking at the time, it was almost eleven. The only person that should be calling or texting her at this time is her parents, but I left it alone. For now anyway.

  My phone rang from the bedroom next. I slid from under her head and went to retrieve my phone. I slid my finger across the screen to answer before the voicemail picked up.

  “What’s up, Day?”

  “Open the door, nigga. Me and Ky are pulling up.”

  “A’ight.” I ended the call and went back into the living room. “Aye.” I shook Bre awake. “Go climb in the bed. Daymeon and Kyshawn are here.”

  She stretched and sat up allowing her eyes to adjust to the light.

  “I’m about to go home,” she yawned.

  “Nah, don’t leave, ma. You were just sleeping, and I didn’t want Day and Ky to wake you up. Go ahead in the room, I’m about to let them in.”

  I kissed her lips softly and slapped her ass. She walked into the room as I headed to open the door to let Daymeon and Kyshawn in.

  “Damn. It’s about time. If a nigga had to piss, I would’ve pissed on your porch,” Daymeon spoke up as he dapped me up and headed upstairs.

  I laughed as Ky did the same thing.

  “Make yourselves comfortable, not like I have to tell you that anyway.”