The Frequency Of Compulsion/GXG/ Grip The Series: Book One

NINE

K E E Y A

The sound of old school music echoed in my ears as I moved towards the crowded auto shop that was filled with people of all ages. A sense of glee engulfed the space birthing nostalgia while the smell of food became noticed by me, and I was suddenly left with gratitude that I came. My shift at the club last night almost had me staying in just to sleep, but the mere thought that Mr Gerald might be completely like my grand uncle had me getting ready and coming, just in case they held a grudge the same.

I greeted the people I passed by, all of which were either standing, sitting in lawn chairs with a drink or simply talking and rocking along to the music. My mind was caught on one thing, and one thing only.

Finding Mr Gerald.

That's all I came for, I planned to show my face, stay a few minutes then head home and sleep.

I ain't staying for this whole thing.

I followed the path of bodies to the back of the large garage to find this side of the parking lot filled with even more people, and I searched through the sea of bodies as I slowed my steps until I found Mr Gerald. The man wore his usual frown as he stood at a grill under the embrace of the sun, and I resumed my normal pace as I moved over to him.

"Younging," He greeted in his normal gruff voice as his eyes caught my approaching figure, and I sent him a small smile.

"Sir,"

"You and this sir business," He pointed out as I settled next to him. "You just got here?"

"Yeah,"

"You ain't had nothing to drink yet huh?"

"No, not yet," I told him and he nodded as he flipped another piece of meat.

"You grill?"

"Yeah I do,"

"Okay, watch over this thing right here for me," He ordered, while relocating the tongs into my hand before grabbing the small white towel off his shoulder, and wiping his sweaty face. "Imma go check on some things and bring that drink over for you, what you want?"

"Nothing alcoholic,"

"Okay," He said with a tap against my shoulder as he moved past me, leaving me to replace him in the spot before the grill. I could tell by the look and aroma of the meat on the grill that they had been here for a minute, which meant they were about to be done soon so I wouldn't have much to do.

Maybe after this I can just dip out.

"How you end up here?" I heard a familiar voice call out suddenly, and I looked to my right to see Loyal approaching me with Jerome trailing behind him. "Mr Gerald know you on his grill?"

"Yeah, he the one who put me to work," I told him with a chuckle as I began to flip a few pieces of chicken that Mr Gerlad didn't get to flip before he left.

"He must like you," He pointed out as Jerome reached a hand forward that I immediately took with my free hand to dab him up.

"I ain't know you was gon be roun here," Jerome confessed, as he grabbed a random chair, pulling it over to him and sitting down.

"Yeah, I met Mr Gerald at the club, and he told me to slide thru," I told him, while wishing I had brought the joint I had in the car with me.

"How much more on that meat?"

"You always worrying bout some food," Loyal told him, delaying my response as I let out a laugh since that shit was gospel, that's how Jerome's ass was gon get caught up, food.