LEMONADE 2||

Chapter 31: Before I wake

10 years ago

"Pressed as shit to be with that little white girl" Cortez laughed patting his back. "Fuck you ain't nobody pressed," Ricky said as they walked into their favorite diner after a long night of cleaning up their father's mess. "Y'all two always go back to back," Ronnie said. "Your young ass ain't even suppose to be out," Cortez said. "I'm grown, fuck you talking bout" Ronnie said. Ricky laughed "Barely," he said. He eyed down the finest waitress he saw trying to get her attention. "Boy you still got ma's titty milk on your tongue" he smiled rubbing his head. "I love you bro," he said. Ronnie rolled his eyes " I love you too" he said. "Ay Mama" Ricky called. She turned around "I have a name" she walked over. "Trixie? Were just a little hungry baby no hard feelings" he said. "What can I get for you? She asked. Ricky bit his lip looking down at her voluptuous curves. Cortez looked behind their table to see a pretty woman sitting by herself doing homework. "Damn she fine," Cortez said. "Who? Ronnie asked looking straight ahead. "Oh yeah she's cute," he said

"Imma get her just watch," he said. "Fuck  you looking at? Ricky asked. "Her fine ass over there," he said they all turned around getting Victoria's attention. Confused she looked their way quickly looking back at her computer screen. "Ha, she wanna play shy? Cortez smiled. Ronnie whistled and Victoria looked straight at him but this time with an attitude. Cortez smooched a kiss at her shortly making his way over to her.

"How you doing cutie? He asked sitting across from her. She looked up "I'm alive," she said. "Why you here by yourself on a Friday night? He asked. "Studying" she answered. Cortez wasn't used to the one-word phrases. "What's your name? He asked. She placed her pin down giving him her attention. "My name is Victoria," she said. "I like that name," he said. "Oh really? Why? She asked

"It reminds me of a royalty, like Queen Victoria," he said. Victoria nodded impressed

"My name is Cortez and I think you're beyond gorgeous I'd love to take you out sometime" he smiled.

"I appreciate it Cortez but I'm chillin right now," she said. "You're lying" he laughed. "Excuse me? She asked. "You know damn well you ain't chilling you just scared to say yes, what is it? Huh? He asked.

"Honestly you seem a little self-centered and I didn't like your bros whistling at me. I'm not a dog" she said. "Forgive my little brother he's young as shit. Imma check him" he said. She just looked at him hoping he would leave. "You know I'm not leaving without your number," he said. She rolled her eyes "Roll them pretty eyes all you want" he said. "I'm not interested," she said. He stared at her biting his lip. He loved that she played hard to get. "Ard lemme pay for your food then," he said. "Excuse me can you bring her bill over here I got it," he said. Surprised she didn't know what to say. Victoria didn't date much every time a guy found out she was a Virgin they would run away and she got tired of that heartbreak she distanced herself. "You don't have to do that-

"It's already done"' he said grabbing the bill. "So what school do you go to? He asked

"Jacksonville," she said. "Oh okay, what you studying? He asked. "Early childhood education" she answered. "Aww, you gonna teach our babies? He asked. She laughed "That's a reach"' she chuckled. "Well Im glad I could finally make you laugh," he said. "Well thanks for covering my bill I gotta go," she said quickly packing her stuff. "Whoa whoa, I thought we was having a good convo you just gonna walk off like that? You cold girl" he said

"It's been nice-

"What you scared? He chuckled. "Of? She asked. "Me, I don't bite unless you want me to... respectfully," he said. "I don't even know you," she said. "All jokes aside I think your beautiful and you look so good being all studious. I'd be a fool not to take you seriously" he said. She sat back down slowly blushing. "How old are you? He asked.