Frenemies by L. Divine Page A

like him, I’m sure there’s a price to be paid.
    â€œWhy now? What’s the catch?” I say, suspicious of his good deeds, as usual. Mama taught me well.
    â€œWell, I just want you to get your license, that’s all. Then maybe we could see a little more of you over here.” I knew it. He wants to be able to tell his family he’s a great dad and that I owe him my driving freedom because he paid for it. I know it. But, whatever. If it’ll get me off the bus and keep me from being dependant on others for my ride, then so be it.
    â€œCool. Thanks,” I say, trying to sound appreciative. “If you could just leave the info on my voice mail, I’ll call when I get off.”
    â€œWhy can’t you write it down now?” he says, conveniently forgetting I’m at work, even if I am on my lunch.
    â€œBecause I don’t have a pen right now,” I say, telling the truth. And, this barbecue veggie burger is too messy and damned good for me to stop eating and write anything.
    â€œOkay, Jayd. But you’re getting too spoiled,” he says before hanging up. I wish that were the case. If my dad only knew all the shit I do on a daily basis. And then I work all weekend, too. If this is spoiled, then I’d rather be ripe. I think I’ll call Rah for that ride after all.
    â€œJayd, you plan on working today?” Marty says, ruining my whole vibe. Why does she have to sweat me so hard? They’re aren’t even any customers right now, and I still have five minutes left before clocking back in.
    â€œYes, when it’s my time to work,” I say, returning to making my quick phone call to Rah.
    â€œJayd,” she says, leaning up against the unstable metal table, making my smoothie tilt slightly, dripping on its side. “You’re going to have to learn to work as a team if you want to grow here.” Is this trick serious? Like it’s my life’s aspiration to be a cashier—please. Both Summer and Shahid want us all to rise above the norm.
    â€œLook, maybe this is the job you prayed for when you were a little girl,” I say, picking up the napkin next to my cup and wiping up her mess. “But not me. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I still have four more minutes left, and I have another call to make.” I push Rah’s name on my phone, ignoring Marty completely. She has no choice but to leave me alone now, or so I think.
    â€œWe’re going to have to talk more about your attitude, Jayd,” she says, finally walking away and giving me some privacy. Damn, she makes my butt itch.
    â€œJayd, what’s cracking?” Rah says, sounding like I woke him from a good nap.
    â€œI’m sorry. I was just taking you up on your offer, but if you’re asleep, it’s all good,” I say, feeling bad for calling. I know he’s a nocturnal being.
    â€œNah, girl. I just dozed off for a sec,” he says. “Yeah, I got you, girl. Call me right before you get off and I’ll be there.”
    â€œThanks, boo. Now get back to sleep,” I say. I’m so thankful Rah’s back in my life, even if we can be only friends. The thing about staying friends is that there’s no danger in crossing over to the other side of love: hate. I never felt both emotions so strong until I met Rah. Besides, they say the grass is always greener, or in this case, the water’s bluer on the other side. But I don’t know. If Rah didn’t have a girlfriend and I wasn’t with Jeremy, who knows where we’d be.
    â€œYeah, I’ll see you later, shawty. Peace,” he says, hanging up the phone. Now I have to get back to work. I can’t wait until my shift is over in a few hours so I can see Rah. It feels like it’s been forever. I hope he’s doesn’t try to kiss me again. I’ll try to resist, but I can’t make any promises.
    As I walk back into the restaurant, the line is very long, and