Runner

by Lexi Reign

  "What the fuck you mean? You damn right I'm mad" Lorenzo said.

  "Yo, Lo, calm down. We're good, everything’s good" CJ said trying to calm him down. Everyone just watched us.

  "Whatever, Lorenzo. I'm over this" I said to him. I could feel my breathing hitch. This is why I don't want to be with him. I'm already jealous and upset with him. I'm so annoyed right now with everything. I could feel Lucky's eyes on me, too.

  "Man, you my first cousin. And she’s with me. So chill" Lorenzo said to Lucky.

  "We'll see," Lucky said cockily laughing as he turned his attention back to me. He smiled showing his dimples in his cheeks as I could feel his eyes roaming my body. I sat up in my seat and tried to ignore his staring.

  Lorenzo's POV

  I could feel myself get angrier as I sat at this table. I'm about to fuck everybody whole weekend up and beat Lucky's ass. I grabbed my glass and poured some Hennessy. I quickly gulped the drink down and looked at Lucky. He was still staring at Nia.

  Normally I don't let shit get to me, but he’s striking a nerve. I have been watching his ass all night smile and shit in Nia's face. Yeah, Nia and I are just friends, but I don't like that. Lucky's my first cousin and even if we weren't related, I still wouldn't like that shit.

  "Lo, can you help me fix my plate and find out where everything is," Amber asked while my mama walked up. I looked at my moms like she was crazy. I looked at Amber and she was just smiling at me.

  "Let me answer that for you, Lo. HOE, HELL NO, HE DON'T WANT TO SHOW YOU SHIT. WHAT'S WRONG WITH YO DAMN FEET" CJ asked yelling. Everyone's mouths flew open and everybody tried to hold in their laughs.

  "CJ shut up," I said to him.

  "Man, I'm s-sorry. Just tryna help" CJ said as Violet hit him. I looked at my mama and she really had this look on her face as if she thinks she’s right. I shook my head at her.

  "Mama, with all due respect, I don't know what you trying to do here but you know this shit dead. You know what happened between us but you still called this hoe and allowed her here as if she’s family? Then, I brought Nia here and you acting like she ain't even existing" I said to her as I stood up to her.

  "I don't like her and she's not for you" she spat at me. I turned around to look at Nia and I saw the hurt on her face.

  "Mama, you wrong," Lauryn said to her. I chuckled.

  "You don't even know her. You haven't even tried to talk to her. How you know who's for me" I asked.

  "She's just your friend, right? I shouldn't have to get to know one of your friends when your friends seem to come and go like the seasons" my mama said. I chuckled.

  "You've been like this all my life. You sit on this pedestal as if you’re better than everybody and living a sin-free life. I don't get you. You a hypocrite" I said honestly as she slapped me hard. I don't care cause the truth hurts. I ran my tongue across my jaw.

  "Don't disrespect me like that, Lorenzo. I am still your mother and if I say I don't like something, I have the right to voice my opinion as freely as you voice yours. This is my house. You are so much like your father it's ridiculous" she said shaking her head at me as she quickly stormed off.

  I looked at Nia and she just stared back at me. I should've not brought her here cause I know how my mama is. But I had faith that she changed a little bit. I don't know why she likes Amber. Me and that hoe will never be together again. She really hurt me and she better be glad I didn't cuss her stupid ass out.

  "Where pops," I asked Maurice. He shrugged.

  "I think he went on a business trip, that's probably why mama is tripping," he said shrugging. I shook my head. If I was him, I wouldn't come back either.

  "I'm sorry, I brought you here," I said to Nia. She shrugged.

  "It's ok. I'm just tired, Lorenzo" she said.

  I already know she doesn't want to stay here tonight and I damn sure as hell don't.

  "Y'all, we're about to head out," I said to everybody.

  "Y'all coming back tomorrow ain't it," Lauryn asked. I looked at Nia and nodded.

  "Yeah, I guess," I said as Nia walked in front of me.

  "Aight, ima fuck wit' ya'" Lucky said dapping me up as Violet and CJ followed us out.

  "Damn, how you feeling," CJ asked chuckling. I shook my head.

  "Fuck that hoe" I mumbled lowly as I watched Nia get in the car with Violet.

  "I thought I'd never see her again, though," I said to CJ.

  "It's been a crazy night," he said laughing.

  "And tomorrow will be crazier," I said as I walked to CJ's car to get Nia

  "Come on, ma," I said to Nia.

  "We might as well ride with them, Renzo. We're going to the same condos " she said as I nodded. I locked my car up and got in the back with Nia. CJ cranked the car and sped off downtown. I lit a wood and passed it to Nia.

  I pulled Nia into me and she kind of pushed me off.

  "I'm sorry, ma, bout tonight," I said to her looking down at her. She rolled her eyes and inhaled the smoke.

  "Ni-" I started to say.

  "I'm not even your girlfriend and I've been disrespected so much tonight because of you," she said.

  "You know if I would've heard it, I would've handled it. You know I don't give a fuck about nothing or nobody when it comes to you" I said to her. And that's the truth. I got a soft spot for this girl and shit just makes me mad.

  She sighed as she handed it to CJ. He swerved in the middle of the road trying to grab the wood.

  "Oh shit, my bad," he said, making me laugh. I swear he doesn't need to be driving. I turned my attention back to Nia.

  "It's fine though, whatever. Maybe tomorrow will be better" she said as I pulled her into me. She relaxed in my arms and I rubbed my hands through her hair. I felt so comfortable with her. I ain't never felt this way about no woman and I ain't even fucked yet. I slapped the back of her neck and she pinched me. I started to tickle her.

  "Stop playing, Lorenzo," she said in between laughs. I stared down at her and she made my heartbeat slow down. She just doesn't know the effect she got on me. She could have me wrapped around her finger. I wanted to kiss her so badly, but I know she ain't with the shit.

  She slowly got off of me. I sucked my teeth.

  "You have a girlfriend, Lorenzo," she said sternly. She looked at me in my eyes and I licked my lips. She sighed.

  "I don't give a fuck about her. My heart ain't with her" I said honestly. She shook her head.

  "Still. You've been with her. And I'm sure you mean something to her, even if she doesn't mean anything to you. I don't want to be a part of your sadistic ass fuckship" she said, making me laugh. Damn.

  "Fuckship," I asked. She nodded.

  "Yes, cause you say you don't want her or whatever, but y'all still having sex. Ain't no way you pull me into that and have me hurt. And there's no way I'll get close to you knowing that" she said.

  I don't get Nia. Before I ever started messing around with Tia, Nia didn't want me at all. She kept pushing me off just like she's doing now. And I wasn't even fucking with nobody back then. But now, she'll want me if I get rid of Tia. I chuckled to myself. Women crazy, man. She's just jealous and doesn't want me with anybody. And I know she wants me, she's just fighting it. I laid my head back on the seat and sighed as CJ pulled up at the condo.

  Chapter 13: Family Reunion (Part 1)

  Nia's POV

  July 5th

  11:55 am

  I woke up to Lorenzo playing music loudly on the tv. When we got here last night, I found out that Lorenzo rented 2 condos. One for him and me and the other for Violet and CJ. At first, we both thought he was wasting money cause he said we could've stayed with his mom. And I'm glad I pushed him to rent it cause ain't no way. But of course, everybody was ok with the 1 bedroom, except for me. The condo is smaller than most condos but they are nice as hell. I put his ass on the couch in here, though, since he wanted to be slick. I don't know what he thought.

  "Lorenzo, turn that shit down. I'm trying to sleep" I semi yelled
while throwing a pillow at him. He was dancing and smoking a blunt with his shirt off and boxers on. He had the room smoked out. All I saw was white.

  I smiled at him. He was really feeling himself. I know last night I got mad at him about Tia, but I can't help but to. I hear them have sex and shit. Of course, I get a little jealous. He's just too fine and too good of a man for her. She's a hoe. She has a synthetic ass sew-in. Her hair just is so matted up and she always comes over in booty shorts and her ass is always hanging out. And she is loud as hell.

  I don't know honestly, though. I know I can't be jealous because we're friends. But I can't help how much he has grown on me. I'm just afraid of being hurt.

  Pullin' out the coupe at the 'lot

  Told 'em "Fuck 12, fuck SWAT"

  Bustin' all the bales out the box

  I just hit a lick with the box

  Had to put the stick in a box, mm

  Pour up the whole damn seal, I'ma get lazy

  I got the mojo-deals, we been trappin' like the '80's

  She sucked a nigga soul, got the Cash App

  Told 'em wipe a nigga nose, say slatt, slatt

  I won't never sell my soul, and I can back that

  "And I really wanna know, where you at, at?" I sang along with him. He laughed. I actually like that song: The Box by Roddy Rich.

  "Goodmorning," he said as he paused the music. He was smiling hard.

  "Goodmorning," I said as I raised my eyebrow at him. As many times as I've seen him with his shirt off, he looks even better today. His skin is covered in tattoos. But he was very toned and them abs, Lord. I feel high as hell. I probably am from breathing in all this smoke.

  "What," I asked.

  "Nothing," he said, smirking.

  "Boy, let a window up," I said as I quickly got up and let the window up. I could feel his eyes on me. I had on a black sports bra with some black shorts. He licked his lips at me.

  "Stop staring," I said as I looked in the mirror.

  "My bad. I can't help it.. all that ass" he said as he smacked it. I slapped him.

  "Keep your hands to yourself," I said as he looked at my shoulder. I followed his eyes and saw that he was looking at my tattoo on my right shoulder.

  "You ready to tell me about it," he asked as his eyes started to roam my body. He grabbed my right arm and looked at the two I got on my wrist leading to my hand. He grabbed my left hand and looked at the one on my wrist.

  I stayed quiet as he caressed my skin. His touch felt so good. I sighed and looked up at him. I shook my head.

  "I like how ink looks on you. You look good. You need more" he said. I smiled.

  "I really want at least one more," I said, trying to go on with the conversation.

  "Where," he asked.

  "Probably on my chest, like right on top of my breast," I said. He smirked.

  "Oooh, you gotta let me come with you," he said cheesing.

  "I might," I said smiling as I walked off. But he grabbed my hand.

  "And you ain't gotta tell me about it now, I understand I guess" he added as he lifted my chin up. Sometimes I forget the tattoo on my shoulder is even there. I pushed all that pain to the back of my mind and made myself forget about it.

  "It's nothing and not important," I said sighing as I grabbed my bag and walked inside the bathroom. I hopped in the shower and relaxed as the hot water ran down my body. Lorenzo asked me about my tattoo before and I told him I didn't want to talk about it. I'm scared he'll judge me. I bathed myself and then hopped out to brush my teeth.

  I slid on my bra and panty set. I looked through my bag and found my tan off the shoulder dress. That would be cute today with my diamond, crystal and rhinestone-encrusted sandals that Lorenzo got custom made for me. I put on my diamond earrings and slid on my dress. I flat ironed the little pieces of my hair and I applied a little makeup on. Lastly, I sprayed perfume on me.

  I walked back into the room and Lorenzo was staring at me. He looked like he was in deep thought.

  "You could've let me sleep in the bed," he said. I laughed as he walked towards me.

  "Oh, no. You might have some" I said scrunching my face up. He gave me a stale look.

  "I ain't got shit. I'm clean. I always use a rubber" he said. I rolled my eyes.

  "I'm tired of playing games with you, Nia. You know how I feel" he said as he caressed my shoulder. I sighed.

  I feel so weak to his touch and he makes me feel so safe. I didn't want to fall for him, but I can't help but care and have love for him. I've been with him for the last 7 months every day. We are around each other all day long. He's like my best friend. He knows me without me even having to say anything and I know him.

  I could see the sincerity and care all in his face. He's so patient and attentive. How can he care so much about me?

  "You know you can trust me, right," he asked, staring into my eyes. I nodded. His eyes make me melt. I cannot ever stare at him for long.

  "You look good," he said smiling.

  "Thanks, you do too," I said, smirking. I looked at him from his head to his toes. He had on his diamond earrings and 2 gold chains. He had on a white t-shirt with jeans.

  "You ready," he asked me. I nodded. I grabbed my purse and my bags since we were hopefully getting out of here tonight.

  We walked outside and CJ was already out there sitting in his truck. I got in the back and Lorenzo got in the front. He was hotboxing. He passed the blunt to Lorenzo.

  "Where's Violet," I asked.

  "In the bed. She claims she doesn't feel good" he said rolling his eyes.

  I looked at him questionably. I hardly ever see Violet and CJ show love. At first, I was thinking maybe by them acting up is how they show love. But it really ain't. I honestly think CJ doesn't like her.

  "Why are you rolling your eyes," I asked him.

  "I'm just tired of her shit. She pissed me off so bad last night" he said as he sped off down the highway.

  "Man, y'all always arguing. That's y'all" Lorenzo said. CJ shook his head.

  "That's the problem. I'm sick of it. She can't even be nice to me. I know I fuck around a lot but y'all know I just like to have fun and laugh and shit. She always with that negative shit" he said as he got onto the interstate.

  I like Violet, but she does have some ways I don't like. I hang out with her only when CJ is around. The last time I went out with her was for my birthday and that was 2 months ago. She pissed me off that night anyways. I would honestly rather just hang out with Renzo and CJ. I actually enjoyed Lauryn and Maurice, though, last night. They're very chill like Lorenzo.

  "Well, CJ, I can't tell you what to do, but all I can say is do what your heart says. If you're not happy, you have the right to exclude yourself" I said.

  He looked at me through the rearview mirror as Lorenzo handed me the blunt. CJ smiled at me. His teeth are so damn white and straight.

  "Look at you trying to give advice, bald head," he said, making me laugh as Lorenzo laughed, too.

  "Oh, that's funny," I asked laughing while looking at Lorenzo. I slapped him.

  "Fuck y'all," I said as I inhaled the smoke. They continued laughing like it was so funny.

  "Real shit, though, I appreciate it, Nia. You need to take your own advice, though" he said winking while cutting his eyes at Lorenzo.

  "Watch the road and quit looking back at me," I said laughing as he got off on the exit. We pulled up into Lorenzo's mom's house and there were more people here today than yesterday.

  "Damn, it's packed," CJ said as I handed him the blunt. He pulled it a few more times and finished it, then threw it.

  "I look high," I asked them. They laughed.

  "Nah, you good" CJ said laughing as Lorenzo laughed, too.

  "Y'all asses think everything is funny," I said as I looked at myself in my phone's camera. My eyes were slightly red. I swear I hate the fact that my eyes get bloodshot when I get high. Lorenzo's eyes only are low, they're never red. CJ's were red, though.

  "I don't
give a fuck cause I know mine red. They will smell the gas on me anyways. Hell, if I don't smoke I'll been of spazzed" he said, making me laugh. He had on a Lakers jersey with his red bandanna and jeans. He always has a bandana on.

  We walked inside and the smell of barbecue instantly hit my nose. It smelled so good. We walked through the house and a few kids were running around, but everyone was outside.

  "Hey girl" I heard Lauryn say as she hugged me. She hugged Lorenzo, then she and CJ just had a staredown.

  "Lauryn," he said.

  "Calvin," she said tryna hold back her smiles.