Page 15

“Well, good. Where are the two of you going?”
“TWO Urban Licks.” I knew Julius was persistent, but I did not expect him to text me hours after I’d left him at the club witha dinner reservation. How he was even able to secure one at that time of the night was puzzling to me. But he had and therefore tonight he and I were going out.
“I love their salt and pepper calamari.”
“So do I.”
“Back to this little date. How’d he get you to agree?”
I’m glad my mama knew me well enough to know that I didn’t give niggas the time of day. Again, it wasn’t because of a bad relationship I just didn’t have the time. “He’s persistent.” I giggled. “Him being handsome didn’t hurt.”
“You got a picture?”
“I can find one.” Swiping my cellphone, I unplugged it and searched for the internet for a picture of him. Selecting a good one I held the phone out.
“He is cute Nariah.”
“I know. Charming as hell too.”
“Most of them are.” Getting up from the bed she passed the phone back. “Is he coming to pick you up?”
“No ma’am. I don’t know that boy to be giving out my address. I’m going to meet him.”
“Mama taught you well. I hope you kids have a good time.”
“We better cause this is the only time I’m going to go out with him.”
“As cute as that boy is I doubt that.” She winked her eye and left the room.
Going back to what I was doing I finished my makeup and pulled the rollers out of my hair. I didn’t want to look like I was going all out for the date, so I decided to keep it simple by throwing on a pair of light denim jeans with the rips at the knee, a plain white baby tee, and my pink Giuseppe Zanotti Cruel Summer heels. After grabbing my denim jacket out of the closet I hit the lights, said bye to my mama, and left the house. The restaurant was twenty minutes away from my house so forty-fivewith traffic and I wasn’t a late person, so I was leaving an hour early.
Right as I was pulling up to the restaurant my phone started to ring. When I glanced down at it, I smiled. “I didn’t stand you up.” I clarified once the call connected.
“I wasn’t worried ‘bout that shit. I saw you pulling in. Bring your car to the valet stand.”
I glanced around trying to see if I could spot Julius, but he looked to be nowhere in sight. “Where are you?”
“You’ll see me when you pull your ass up over here.”
“Ugh bye.” I ended the call and drove to the front of the restaurant. Before I had the chance to open my door Julius was pulling it open.
“Hand me your keys.” He demanded.”
“Excuse you.”
“Hey Nariah.” He smirked and leaned in to snatch my keys out of the ignition.
After passing them off to somebody behind him he held his hand out. I looked at it a few seconds before letting him assist me with getting out. As soon as I was upright, he placed his hand in the small of my back and ushered me inside of the restaurant.
“Julius.” I stammered, having noticed the bouquet of roses sitting on the table beside a green gift bag.
“Have a seat.” He emitted after pulling my chair out.
Swiping my tongue across my lip I placed my bag down in the chair next to me and sat down.
Julius walked around the table and sat directly in front of me. “Ma Dukes told me not to show up empty handed so I hope you like what I picked up.”
“You didn’t have to get me anything but I’m appreciative. I’m more curious as to how you pulled this off in such little time?” Not only did Julius get us a reservation but we also had a private room. Not gone lie I was impressed.