Turnover

14.

        

"Are you coming or not?"

Aziah snapped as she looked at Kesi bundled up in her bed with her laptop. Kesi looked over at her and shook her head. Aziah had been short of patience with her since she told her what happened with Brandon.

Aziah just wanted her to come clean and tell him how she felt but Kesi said it wasn't that simple. She knew her best friend thought that was bullshit too.

Aziah's situation had cleared up , she'd settled out of court with Derryck and due to the connections his family had that had gone by fast and quietly including his transfer to UCLA.

She'd been doing much better but every time she saw Brandon and how unfocused he looked off the court she felt sorry for him. Everyone knew he loved Kesi but Kesi.

"It's been two weeks, you're killing that boy I swear. Whatever Kes, see you later."

Kesi nodded not looking up, when she heard the door slam she sighed. Her shift at work was in an hour so she should probably get going. She got up and got dressed before she made her way to her car to drive to the mall. She worked in MAC Cosmetics, she was an apprentice for now but that was fine for her , she just loved having something to do.

"Diana Bledsoe! Right on time , I'm done girl!"

Kesi chuckled at Tiara who quickly made her way from behind the counter, bag on her hand and all. She couldn't wait to clock out.

Kesi took her place and watched the time pass. They weren't really busy today , one or three customers and they all knew what they wanted so they just needed her to get them and cash them out.

Cartier and Carter passed the store not even noticing she was there until they glanced out of the side of their eyes and happened to see her. Then they walked in and hugged her.

"So this is the MAC you work at? Nice, I was right."

Cartier beamed and Kesi rolled her eyes.

"You almost walked straight past me though."

She countered but Cartier shook his head as he fired off a quick text.

"Nah ma , I just gotta get to that Nike sale, we'll see you later. C'mon Carter."

Carter nodded as he looked around. Kesi was intrigued, Carter was actually looking at make-up.

"Uh Kesi ,what's that sparkly shit you put on your face?"

He asked causing Kesi to chuckle.

"Highlighter C , it's highlighter."

"Aiight do you think you can guess which one would work for my mom , she liked it on you the other day and I want to give her a gift."

Kesi nodded at him as Cartier was already moving half way out the door and Carter was beginning to follow him.

"No problem Carter."

"Thanks Kesi!"

He walked out and she smiled after him. When did he become the sweeter twin?

"Who were they?"

Her co-worker Antonio chimed in , checking out Carter's retreating back shamelessly.

"Some friends, very straight friends."

Kesi chuckled and Antonio waved his hand.

"Whatever, I've turned 'em out before."

Kesi couldn't help the laugh that erupted in her and soon enough Antonio joined in. Her phone buzzed and one look at the first letter on Caller I.D. had her declining. She'd said she was leaving him alone.

Antonio looked down and pursed his lips before giving a low whistle.

"If I had that running after me, I'd at least meet him half way, bitch matter of fact when he opened his door I'd be at the welcome mat. No chase, my body is ready boo."

Kesi rolled her eyes at his dramatics but Antonio wasn't finished.

"Seriously Kesi I don't know why you trying to fool yourself , you know you want that damn boy. Shit , you may even be in love with him."

Kesi didn't reply , she was tired of hearing what she already knew but didn't act on.

That wasn't the end of the visitors because soon came in a guy with a big bouquet of flowers, roses, lilies and tulips. A variety of pink and white with a grey ribbon.

"Delivery for Kesi Bledsoe."

The deliveryman announced and Kesi was stuck in place.

"I'll sign for it."

Antonio volunteered as he moved from behind the counter giving Kesi a major side eye.

"Kesi's sort of stuck right now, I'll make sure these wake her up."

"Whatever man , I just need it signed."

One signature and one less person later, Kesi was staring at the bouquet that had a white teddy bear inside as well as a heart balloon with a pink note.

"You better call that boy Lady Diana."

Antonio sung as he picked a rose from the basket and put it behind his ear. Kesi gave him the look but he just pursed his lips at her.

"If you didn't have the balls to sign for the shit , don't grow them to stare at me like you bold. Your shifts up , take your basket and go get that boy."

He passed her her handbag and practically pushed her out the door. Kesi grumbled all the way to the parking lot. When she turned the corner to where her car was parked she nearly dropped her keys.

Her car wasn't there but Brandon's was, and he was standing in front of it.

"Where's my car Brandon?"

"Aziah took it back to Southgate , you're riding with me."

He answered coolly like it was nothing but it was really a lot , at least to Kesi. What the hell was her day?

"No I'm not , I'll walk home first."

Brandon chuckled at her as he opened the passenger seat.

"You thought that was a question , it's not, get in the car Kesi."

She skulked towards him and he took her things from her and put them in the back seat. She sunk into the passenger seat and he closed the door. He quickly went over to the driver's side and hopped in once he saw Kesi trying to open the door and leave.

He chuckled at her cute flustered face.

"Child lock , you're stuck with me cookie."

"Why are you doing this Brandon? Why can't you just leave me alone?"

She whined as she looked over at him. He looked directly in her eyes. His face showing its usual focus but this time his eyes were intense, sincere.

"It's because I love you Kesi , that's why. I always have and I probably always will , whether you like that or not or even feel the same way. I love you."