Ricky And Jackie

6. Jackie

"Bye Jeffrey, bye Mary!" I wave goodbye at my favorite coworkers and leave.

I just finished late because it was crazy at the front desk just when I was supposed to be done. At least I have my day off tomorrow. And it's Friday!

I changed into something comfy, which means for me baggy jeans overalls, yellow T-shirt and matching flip flops. I also got a ride from my brother so I have to wait for him outside.
"How's the American doing?" says a low toned voice in my ear.

Ricky...

"I was doing just fine, thank you very much. What about you, Creole boy?"
"I'm bored as can be. Call me tonight?"
"Sure, I don't have something scheduled. And I need to get my laundry done, so I'll need my thumbs."
"Laundry on a Friday night? You don't go out?"
"To go where? All my friends are out with their date or moving out for college. No, I rather just sit and wonder what I wanna do with my life."
My brother chooses this moment to honk me from his car.
"That's my ride, see you around."
"He's your brother, right?"
"Well Royalty isn't my daughter that's for sure!"
"Royalty?"
"That's my niece's name."
"Lovely."
"Ugh, just get lost, Creole boy."
"Always a pleasure to talk to you."

I roll my eyes and walk over to my brother's ride.
"I've seen this dude before..."
"Lids, about a week ago?"
"Maybe. He's not bothering you, righ?"
"Oh no, he's such a sweet guy! He's the prince of Hispaniola."
"The heck is that place?"
"A country in the Caribbeans."
"He's not planning on taking you in his country to become his royal hoe?"
"Jake, this isn't Coming to America, your baby sister isn't a hot rich chick."
Jackson stops at the red light and looks at me.
"You like him, don't cha?"
"He's cute, okay!"
"Oh no!"
"Jackson I'm almost 18, I can handle myself just good! I don't remember you being so overprotective of Janet."
Janet being my older sister.
"And she came back home pregnant so that gives you an idea!"
"Unlike you two, I didn't give up on my faith, so it won't happen, I promise!"
The light switches to green, so my brother looks back to the front as he presses the gas pedal. I look back to Royalty, but she's sleeping.
"You can still make mistakes, Jackie. You're not invincible." says Jackson after a long sigh.
"Of course Jake, and be sure you'll get to meet the guy if it gets serious, ight?"
"Deal."
I smile and we fist pump.

"Come watch the match against the Lakers with me, Jackie!" yells Janet when I carry the basket full of clean clothes past her.
"Coming!" I yell back.
Here in Oakland, we're full out Warriors.
The door bell rings.
"I'll get it!" I say to no one in particular.
"Take your time, it hasn't started yet." says my sister.

I unlock the door and pull it open only to be meet with Ricky's tall figure.
"R-ricky? How did you..."
"I did some research and found your address."
"Well that did not sound creepy at all."
He chuckles. Ah, he has a really nice laugh.
"I just happen to pity your awful night and was wondering if you wanted to come with me watch the Warriors." he says like it's the most natural thing.
"W-what?" I stutter.
Steph Curry is my bae, I'll faint before I get to see him. A match? Like, not on TV??!!?
"Who is it, Jackie?" asks Janet from the living room.
She walks to the door and peeks her head out.
"And he is?" she wonders.
"A friend of mine. Ricky, this is my sister Janet."
"Nice to meet you." politely says Ricky.
Janet doesn't respond right away.
"And where are you taking her again?"
"To the Warriors game."
Janet's jaw drops off.
"Well what are you waiting for, hurry up!" she screams, pushing me outside.

I growl, embarrassed. I don't want the prince to see me like this.
"So, shall we?" Ricky says, motioning to the car.
" Wait, you drove here? Do you even have a license?"
"No." he chuckles again.
"Nah huh, ain't gonna make it, prince. I'll drive."
"No you can't. I'm the one taking you on a date."
"I'm not even dressed properly!"
"You look just fine."
"You're just saying this to please me."
"I wouldn't be here if I didn't want to please you."
I can totally feel myself blushing at his words. I hope I'm not getting the wrong idea.
"I could go on and say you're the only girl I can recognize without makeup but clock's ticking." he teases.

I pinch my lips to suppress a grin and follow him to his car. He opens the car door for me and I mumble a thank you.
"Who's car is this?" I wonder.
"Alexandra is renting it. And yes, I asked for her keys."
I giggle. She probably doesn't know he's taking me out.
"Where is your brother?"
"I don't know, he just said he would go chilling with his lads."
"I was looking forward to meet him."
"Ha! Ya right!"

We remain silent for some time, but I don't find it akward. I don't feel like I have to fill the silence and it comforts me. I like people like that.
"You seem to have a thing for salopettes."
It is the French word for denim overalls.
"They belong to my older siblings. I'm saving up for later so I don't have a lot to spend on clothes."
"You look good in them nonetheless." confess Ricky.
"For real?"
"I'm not a liar, Jackie."
I had never paid attention to his accent, but I find it kind of cute now that I do.
"Thanks then."
He pauses, licking his lips, then asks:
"Do you only have boy friends? Like, opposite sex friends?"
"No, but I do hang out with a lot of guys. They're less complicated and more straight up about things. Why you ask?"
"I don't know, just wondering if you had a crush on one of them."
I shake my head. "No, they all picture me like their homie anyway."
"How do you think I see you? As a 'homie' too?" he smirks when he says homie.
"I don't know, you tell me your Highness." I tease.
He rubs his chin with his fist then put his hand back on the steering wheel.
"As a matter of fact, Jackie, guys don't take their homie on a date, even a laid-back one."
I blush and don't add anything.

Wait, does he mean I'm not his homie as in... he wants to be more than friends?
"For how long have we known each other?" I ask him.
"About two weeks. Why do you ask?"
"Nuthin." I mutter.
I must say, I'm getting a little nervous. I feel Ricky's hand grabbing mine, and I feel all weird in my chest when he does so, like my heart slammed my rib cage or something.
"Am I making you nervous?" Ricky asks.

Oh God, he can read minds too.

"M-maybe a little." I admit.
I can see him smile even though he's not facing me.
"I hope Stephen Curry will make you forget it, then." he says.
Jesus, he even made me forget where we are going.