Streetz 2: The Tried

18. Valentine and the Bros

"You said the blue one?"

"Mhm," I spoke into the phone, knowing Ari wouldn't find what she was looking for, "It should be by the power drills but if you can't find it ma, ask somebody that works there."

I knew that would piss her off. I hung up the phone and laughed to myself, I just needed her gone for a few minutes to pull some things off. I knew she wouldn't be down for all that walking around but she volunteered.

As I finished spreading the rose petals across the floor, I placed the wine bottles in the freezer, letting them chill until we needed them. I neatly wrapped her gifts and arranged them on the bed. See, I don't and have never gone all out for anybody on Valentine's Day. To me, it was just another day.

I didn't care for moments like that because, well, it was always underappreciated. Women would rather me curse, threaten, and all that before showing any ounce of vulnerability and emotion. And I'm not even going to say her name because y'all already know who I'm talking about so let's move on.

After decorating the Westin hotel room, I sat on the couch and called my Uncle Calvin.

"What's up, nephew?" He answered on the first ring, "Happy V day my nigga,"

"What you doin' for Auntie?"

"Shit," He scoffed, "I'm in the dog house man,"

"Every time I call you in the dog house," I snickered, "What you do now?"

"Went to the strip club with Pookie and nem,"

"Without me?" I rolled up a joint and kicked my slides off.

"Yes fool, yo girl ain't goin' for that."

"She don't care about shit like that," I spoke honestly. As long as I brought home food, she really didn't care about me going out, even though I really went anywhere, "That be yo girl with that shit, and just because she says yes that doesn't mean yes forreal."

"Then say that, hell, I'mma very direct person. If you say yes, then shit issa yes."

I chuckled, understanding him completely.

"You and Ari decided what y'all gon do? Y'all slidin' or what?"

"Yeah, we comin." I figured it would be a great way to tell my family all at once about Ari carrying my baby, so I was glad that she agreed to come out with me. More importantly, my mama would want to see her. It had been a while since she had seen my family and even though I knew it was some folks she really ain't care for, I was hoping that everyone could be on their best behavior.

After catching up with Calvin, I called my mama to get her flight information. I wanted to be the one to pick her up so we could spend some time together. After I did that, I waited on Ari's phone call.

When she called, I smirked, knowing she was about to chew my ass out.

"You ready love?" I spoke nonchalantly, putting my slides back on.

"Shut the fuck up," She snapped, "I looked up and down this damn store for fucking cables and everybody looking at me like I'm stupid," She started to cry. "Just come get me. My feet hurt."

"Give me a few minutes and I'll be there,"  I chuckled.

"You knew what you were doing." She hung up the phone. I put the blunt out and grabbed my bag. I wouldn't return to this room until later tonight so I grabbed everything I needed before heading out.

I knew not to keep Ari waiting so I quickly made my way to Home Depot. I spotted her seated on the bench outside. I pulled up at the curb and unlocked the door. I could tell she was pissed and had been crying.