Frenemies by L. Divine Page B

Sarah looks like she’s about to snap. That’s Simply Wholesome. It’s never without customers for long, and that’s also what makes the day go by fast. Hopefully it’ll stay busy until I get off at five. That way, Marty won’t have a chance to get on me for stupid crap, and I won’t have a chance to think about Rah kissing me again.
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    It’s a quarter to five, and I already sent Rah a text saying it’s time to wake up and get here soon. The rest of the day flew by, thank God. And now I’m ready to shower and chill for a while.
    â€œJayd, can I speak to you for a minute?” Summer says. Shahid’s already gone for the day, and Summer’s on her way out with me. Alonzo and Sarah got off an hour ago.
    â€œSure, Summer. Let me just grab my purse,” I say, removing my apron and hanging it back on the hook next to the time clock before following her into the small office between the restaurant and the store. I take a seat in the chair next to hers across from the desk.
    â€œJayd, Marty says you have a problem with insubordination,” Summer begins. “And being that she’s your supervisor, you’re going to have to start showing her a little respect.”
    â€œSummer, I’ve been working here for over a year. Have I ever caused any problems?” I say, feeling my temperature rise. If it’s one thing I can’t stand, it’s a trick starting some mess that could affect my money. I can’t afford those kinds of games.
    â€œNo, Jayd, and we love you,” she says, speaking for both herself and Shahid. “But Marty’s going to be taking over the weekend shifts for us. We’ll still open, but she’ll come in at lunch and finish the day. So you’re going to have to find a way to get along with her,” she says, giving me a hug. “Just make it easy for yourself, girl. You don’t have to fight every battle.” As she releases my vexed frame, my phone vibrates. It’s Rah saying he’s here.
    â€œCan I go now?” I say. I’m not really mad at her, just fed up for the day.
    â€œSure sweetie,” Summer says, rising to leave the office with me. “See you in the morning.” Don’t remind me. I’m starting to hate this gig.
    As I walk outside, the warm evening air caresses my cheeks like a soft shawl. It feels good to be off and to have a ride home. My feet are barking, and I could use some loud music with lots of bass to get my troubles off my mind. The red Acura Legend’s speakers are blaring Alicia Keys and Cham’s “Ghetto Story,” calling me to be healed. Reggae always does the trick for me. I might have to make this my new ring tone. Or just use it as a personal one for Rah.
    â€œWhat’s up, Jayd?” Kamal says, jumping out of the passenger’s seat to get in the back.
    â€œHey, boo,” I say, giving Kamal a bear hug before he squeezes into the backseat. I flip the passenger’s seat back up.
    â€œHow was work?” Rah says, securing my chair before I sit down; I fully absorb the new-car-scented tree and listen to the music. I feel on top of the world right now.
    â€œWork,” I say, not wanting to bring myself down. “How was sleep?” I cut my eyes at him. He looks so good in his red Phat Farm polo shirt and jeans with his silver chain blinging against his chocolate skin. If it weren’t for his Muslim upbringing, he would probably be sporting platinum and diamonds like everyone else. But Rah’s father raised him to be more humble than that.
    â€œSleep,” he says. “I wanted to know, if you had time, could you hook a brotha up with some braids?” He rubs his hands through his untamed Afro. “I told them we’re starting the session at eight. So that gives us a few hours to chill before.”
    â€œYeah, but it’s going to cost you,” I say, locking my fingers in his thick hair and