Falling for a Hustler: A Benton Harbor Love Story by Jerniqua K. Page B

pulled out an acid washed pair of skinny jeans, a coral blazer and a white cami. Grabbing my robe, I left from my room and went into the bathroom to shower. After I finished, I sprayed a little perfume on and lotioned my body up good. I slid into a red panty and strapless bra set before putting on the outfit I had thrown together. After putting on my heels, I pulled my hair from the bun it was in and ran my hands through my curls. When I was satisfied with my looks, I left my room and went downstairs.
    Yandy was no longer in the living room, and I was thankful for that. I was still pissed with her, and didn't feel like arguing with her again. When I walked outside, I saw Destiny on the porch smoking a blunt with Dominic, a lil nigga that lived two houses over.
    “Where you going looking all cute and stuff?”
    I smiled at my sister, glad that she wasn't still mad at me about earlier.
    “Girl, nowhere but to Applebee’s with Khalil.”
    “Ohhh can you bring me back some boneless BBQ wings? I’ll love you forever!” she said, batting her long eyelashes at me.
    “I’ll see what I can do.” I looked at my phone and saw that it was eight. Khalil would probably be upset that I was late, but I honestly didn't care. He was on my time, not the other way around.
    ***
    “Damn! I almost thought you was about to stand me up,” Khalil said before I even had the chance to sit down.
    “Now why would I do that?”
    He smiled, and I almost got lost in it. Khalil was undeniably a gorgeous piece of man; he just was too clingy for someone like me. His chocolate skin was so smooth and edible looking that the thought of going home with him had crossed my mind. It had been awhile since I’d last had sex, and I knew that he could scratch that itch. I just didn't know if I was ready to deal with the aftermath of it.
    After we ordered our food and drinks, we made small talk. Well, he made small talk. All I did was sit and look at him, while nodding my head and smiling every so often. Thank God he never asked for my opinion about anything, because I didn't even know what the fuck he was talking about half the time.
    “All this liquor is running straight through me boo. I gotta run to the ladies room. I’ll be right back.”
    I got up from the table and went toward the restroom. Using public restrooms was a big no-no for me, but I needed to get away from Khalil. He was so full of himself it was ridiculous. Shit, I didn't even want to fuck his ass anymore; he had turned me completely off. Right before I made it to the bathroom door, I walked into someone and their drink landed on my blazer.
    “I am so sorry! I didn't even see you right there, ma.”
    “It’s ok.” I didn't even bother to look at him as I ran into the bathroom.
    I had paid almost $60 for this blazer, and I didn't want the stain to set in so I grabbed some paper towels, wet them, and dabbed at the spot on my jacket, which only seemed to make the stain even bigger. Taking my blazer off, I checked my hair and make-up and walked out the bathroom.
    “Ms. Lady, I want to apologize to you again. I really didn't mean to fuck up your jacket.” He reached into his pocket, pulled out three hundred dollar bills, and tried to give them to me.
    “It’s ok, really.”
    “Take this and get a new one on me. That shit looked good on you.”
    I don’t know why, but I began to blush at his compliment. I accepted the money from his hand and thanked him before making my way back over to Khalil.
    “I’m sorry about that.”
    “It’s cool. Can I ask you a question, Lyric?”
    “Shoot.” I took a bite of my garlic-mashed potatoes.
    “How come you never gave us a real chance?”
    Here we go with this shit! I knew this nigga had an agenda when he asked me to go out with him. It was the same damn thing every time.
    “I’m not looking for a relationship right now, Khalil. You know this already, love.”
    “So you’d rather shake yo ass for a few dollars than to let a nigga take care