Stream Of Love

18

I had just settled into the Airbnb in ATL, tossing my bags by the bed and kicking off my shoes. The place was nice — nothing too fancy, but cozy enough for the week I'd be spending here. I pulled out my phone, clicking on my mom's contact to check in.

She picked up after the first ring. "Hey, Ezzy," her voice all sweet and familiar through the phone.

"Hey, Mom," I replied, leaning against the dresser. "Just called to let you know we made it to Atlanta safely. Got to the Bnb with no problems."

"Good, good," she said. I could hear some noise in the background, probably her busy as usual. "How's the place? Everything comfortable?"

"Yeah, it's cool. Not as crazy as Paris, but I'm just tryna chill for the week," I said, glancing around the room. "You good over there?"

"I'm fine, just doing some work and relaxing. Don't forget to take care of yourself while you're there, okay? And stay outta trouble." She threw that last part in, like I didn't already know.

"Yeah, I got it, Mom," I said, smirking. "I'll be good. I'm about to head out with Lorenzo to grab something to eat in a bit."

"Alright, baby. Be safe and let me know if you need anything. I love you."

"Love you too, Mom," I said, hanging up.

I tossed the phone onto the bed and sighed, took off my airport fit, deciding to just roll on some deodorant and spray of cologne. I threw on a simple tee and Eric Emmanuel shorts, not trying to do too much, just something comfy for a quick bite downtown. After washing my face and fixing my hair, I grabbed my wallet and portable charger, slipping them into my pockets.

I stepped out of the room, meeting Lorenzo in the hallway. "You ready, Ez?" he asked, giving me a quick nod.

"Yeah, let's roll," I said, and we made our way out of the Bnb, heading towards the car parked out front. Lorenzo stayed by my side like always, looking out for me as we made our way to the car. 

We pulled up to this soul food spot I'd heard about—known for its fried chicken. The line was crazy, folks packed inside, chopping it up, waiting on their food. Lorenzo and I slid in quietly, trying not to draw too much attention, but you know how that goes. As soon as people clocked who I was, the whispers started, and next thing I knew, I was posing for pics with a few fans. Lorenzo stayed close, giving his usual "don't get too close" energy, but it was cool, I didn't mind.

It'd been damn near four days since Demitra and I last spoke. I acted like it wasn't bothering me, but it was. The silence was heavy, and I was just trying to distract myself from it all. While waiting in line, I pulled out my phone, deciding to text Jodie that I'd landed safely. I shot the same message to Demitra too, just to let her know I was thinking about her. Felt weird, though. Like, I was reaching out, hoping for something, anything.

We finally made it to the front of the line, and the dude behind the counter gave me a head nod, his name tag reading "Owner". We dapped up, real chill vibes. "Yoo, Ez, what can I get for you?" he asked, all smiles.

"I'll take the combo with the blue koolaid," I said, glancing back at Lorenzo who was ordering the same, but with the iced lemonade.

I paid and we slid to the side, waiting for our number to be called. As we were standing there, my phone buzzed in my hand. For a split second, I thought maybe, just maybe, it was Demitra finally hitting me back. But it was Jodie, texting me to have a great time in Atlanta. I smiled a little, texting her back quickly, just some light banter. But then, the message I'd been waiting for popped up.

"glad you're safe," Demitra had finally texted.

I couldn't lie—my heart did a lil' flip. I typed back, "Thanks, babe. Can we talk? Please."