Power of the Pum Pum (From Guns to God)

Chapter 13

Standing in the parking lot of the police  station for 15 whole minutes made me regret agreeing to have lunch with Bobby. I was a nervous wreck and I hated waiting. Why didn't I take his number? Why didn't he ask for mine? Maybe he was just pulling my leg.

I buried my face into my right palm as embarrassment wiggled its way into my consciousness. Then suddenly a Silver Mark X pulled up beside me. As the window slowly went down I place a hand at my hip.

"Princessa!" Bobby blurted and a wide grin plastered his face.
"Sorry to keep you waiting"
"Traffic in halfway tree was hectic"
"Look like everybody has lunchtime during this hour"
He glanced down at his watch
"Ready?"

I nodded and walked to the other side of his vehicle. I entered the car and Bobby gazed at me and licked his lips before he drove off.
"Can't believe that I get to see you after all this time"
"Single at that... Wow"

Shit, I needed to correct that lie but how?

When I didn't respond, Bobby glanced at me for a split second then redirected his attention to the road.
"What you doing for yourself now Princessa?"
"Any kids?"

I scratched the side of my head as I gathered my thoughts.
"I'm working at the Digicel on Trafalgar road"
"Well I was working there"
"Haven't been there in a week"
"I plan on quitting"

Bobby remained silent. So I continued.
"Maybe I'll finally enroll at Uwi and study Psychology"
I glanced over at Bobby but he still said nothing. He kept his eyes on the road and it made me uncomfortable so I stopped talking.

After a moment of awkward silence, Bobby finally decided to speak.
"Uwi you say?"
"That's nice!"
"Always think you would study business thou since you were a hustler back in those days"

I smiled
Bobby sure remembered all the little details about me.
"Well I've thought of that but I've also always wanted to be a Clinical Psychologist"
"Business can be my side hustle"

I fondled with my bag on my lap. I couldn't shake the anxiety I felt when Bobby grew silent. I couldn't read him and I hated that very much.

"So Bobby, fill me in on what's happening in your life"
"Married yet?" I didn't care but I was willing to ask anything to limit the scope of silent treatment.

"Not Married Princessa"
"Me nuh find that girl yet" he grinned at me and his eyes crinkled at the side.
"Still a search thou!"
"Maybe she's you, I don't know"

We both laughed.

"I don't think so Bobby"
"Why would you want to marry me?"
"I'm not the same girl from high school dear"
"I...."

"That's why I want to get to know this new version of you" he interrupted.
"This thicker, sexier person you've become seems rather interesting if you ask me"

Bobby was making me feel uncomfortable again or was I nervous? Yes, I was nervous but I guess it's normal since it's been a minute since a man flirts with me. The guys I knew also knew Tafari and you know how that goes.

"Where we going for lunch?" I opted to change the subject.

Bobby chuckled
"You skill sah!"
"Change the subject pon me eh?"

I folded my lips to stop myself from smiling.
"Yes you are moving way too fast"

Bobby tapped his fingers on his steering wheel while we waiting in traffic.
"We going to a little jerk center on Ardenne road "
"They have the wickedest Jerk chicken"
"You still love Jerk chicken?"

I couldn't help but grin. Bobby was being more and more remarkable with the way he was recalling the little things about me.

"Your memory good man"
"It's a shame I don't remember much about you"

Bobby gave a dry laugh
"Ha! You soon get your memory dragged"
"You remember that kiss I gave you on the bypass one evening?"

I held my belly and laugh
"Had me shocked for days"

Bobby didn't laugh rather he watched me through the corner of his eye.
"It sweet you?"
"Took me months to sum up that courage eno man"

The traffic eased up and Bobby drove at medium paste to the Jerk center. When we got there I was in deep awe of how welcoming the ambiance was. Bobby placed his hand on my lower back and guided me to a table. As soon as we sat down a waitress approached us.

"Hi Officer Lynch!" she greeted and Bobby grinned at her
"What for you today?"

"Give us some time Chinel, I'll signal when we're ready" Bobby replied.

She liked Bobby, I could tell by the way she blushed when he said her name. It amused me. Bobby must have changed a great deal for the Bobby I knew was a geeky geek.

"So Princessa..." bobby sounded off and interrupted my thoughts
"How has life been?"
"You must be going to all those hot parties I see posted all over the place"

I chuckled
"No sah!"
"Me is a church girl!"

Bobby's eyes widen
"Say what?"
"Nice!"
"So that means you are looking for a settle-down partner then?"

"Definitely!" I responded without thinking.

"Oh nice!"

I browsed through the menu. I could feel Bobby's eyes glued to me.

"Ready to order?" he questioned.

I nodded
"What do you suggest thou?"

"Definitely the jerk chicken pasta or loaded fries"
"Unless you are watching your sexy figure"

I chuckled
"Nope, I'm still a foodie"

"Good!" Bobby motioned to the waitress and she walked over and took our orders.

Bobby and I chatted and catch up for about an hour before he suggested that we leave. I must admit I was enjoying his company after all.

"So Princessa, when again?"

I shook my shoulders
"Anytime"

I was doing it again. I was forgetting that I had a man.

Bobby clasped his hands in excitement
"Yes! Can I have your number?"

I laughed and gave it to him. Nothing wrong in giving a friend my number.

I directed Bobby to my house as he had insisted on taking me straight home. I wondered what it would be like to do a full 360 on my life and preferences. It felt good driving in Bobby's expensive car and I liked that I didn't have to spend my own money on lunch.

Bobby pulled up at my gate and let out a loud sigh.
"Wish the date wasn't over"

Wobbles of laughter expelled from my throat, "date?"
"What date?"

Bobby tittered. "Yes date!"
"Two people enjoying each other's company is a date"

I snickered
"If you say so"

Bobby turned and gaped at me. Our eyes locked and he leaned towards me and whispered, "can I redeem myself?"

A sweat broke out on my forehead. 'Noooo' my brain screamed. A knot built up in my throat and I swallowed. Before I could respond my phone buzzed.

Unknown number: B you reach up yet? Just want to let you know I am happy I saw you today. You steady my head again. I love you, girl.