A Trial of 2 Hearts

24

I always liked the number 24.

It was the amount of questions I had gotten right on the MTA exam ... out of 75.

It was the amount of job applications I had submitted last week and the current dollar amount to my name.

It was the amount of dates I had been on in the past 2 months ... not including this one.

It is the percent my phone is on ... and I have an hour and a half long car ride home.

Who am I kidding?

I fucking hate this number. Oh and guess what else? That is my age and the date of this month. Maybe I should play this number. Or maybe I should stab myself in the ey...

"So how did you like the restaurant?"

Thank god this car is dark 'cause he might have seen me roll my eyes to the middle of my brain .

"It was cute. I've never seen so many different ... chopsticks."

Even though I had been to Canal St./Chinatown about a billion times. This was just a bigger restaurant in a different state, New Jersey. I always thought Jersey was so much better than the City ... until tonight.

"I know that, that's the first date restaurant. There's better one's in our future."

Our? Really nigga? We've only been talking for about 3 days and I wanted to escape Harlem for a bit. There is no our sir. Not with him still in the picture ...

"Hehe I hope so." [Not Really.] "So like I was saying at dinner, I'm tired of the empty promises. I just want to take things slow."

"No problem baby. Just know I got you. I'm only a call away .. heh well a text away 'cause I know you're a *text master*. I'm cool with that though baby. As long as I get to talk to you, I'll be fine." He says as he puts his hand on her thigh. She cringes.

Eww. I'm about 24 seconds from throwing up all on his windshield.If this man don't take his ashy ass hand off my cocoa buttered skin..

"May I ask what happened to your last man? I mean what man in his right mind would let go of such a beautiful lady like you. I mean unless you're crazy, 'cause then we might have a problem." He says as he chuckles and a big grin appeared across her face.

Again, thank you black Jesus for the darkness. I can feel my face growing hot. Oh shit and I think I just got a little moist. Dammit I'm blushing. He might see this shit and make my ass walk home. Let me switch this up. Quick.

"He's the past. Let him stay in the past. Let's talk more about our future." She damn near gags.

Bitch that was corny as fuck, but it will make this less of an awkward ride.

"Tell me, what are you looking for?" April ask, trying to change the subject.

Only 30 minutes left. Not including these damn stop lights.

"That's what I'm talking about lil mama. No more looking back. From now on we looking forward. I'm trying to find me someone to settle down with. I need a companion to travel with .."

I'm surprised he knows such a big word.

".. my career allows me to travel at least twice a month and I get lonely. I want someone by my side on these mini vacays, you feel me?"

No

"And what exactly ... is your "career"?"

He's probably a fucking drug dealer.

"I'm a businessman, baby."

Yup. I fucking knew it.

"A businessman? Really?"

"Yea a businessman. An entrepreneur if you will."

"So you're a drug dealer, cool." April says with a hint of sarcasm.

Why you gotta say it like that?" He said starting to grow upset.

"Cause you beating around the bush and I'm trying to get to know my man."

I don't want to upset this man. Not in a moving vehicle at least.

"Na baby. I told you. I'm a businessman. You don't need to worry about the messy work, just let me spoil and take care of you. Be my little princess baby. I got you."

April: April, what did you get yourself into? This man is either flipping bricks or turning $100 to $1000. I know you don't want to go to jail .. but then again. Being spoiled don't sound too bad ...

Grace: GURL DO YOU HEAR YOURSELF? April, what is up with you? Get your head in the game. This isn't you. How would "He" feel..

Tracee: Listen here. Fuck "Him". Do you gurl! Do what you gotta do to get yours. Besides, he had his chance and he doesn't have to know.

April: Honestly y'all she got this ... Right April?

April smiles as she stares off into the glove compartment. She hadn't a clue if she would actually talk to this man after tonight. She was emotionally drained from all the previous dates. All the dudes that promised her a future. It's not like she never heard from them again, it was the fact that they didn't fill that void. The void that "He" left..

"April. Is everything okay? You haven't said two words since Lincoln Tunnel and we are on 102nd and Madison. What's bothering that pretty little head of yours?"

Oh Shit. I've been quiet for that long?

"I'm sorry hun. The food is starting to kick in. I'm just a little tired is all. Thank you so much for tonight, really. I had a wonderful evening. We should do it again soon." She said as they pull up to building 60.

April reaches for the handle and is pulled slightly back into her seat.

" I was serious about us traveling overseas baby girl."

April smiles and proceeds out the car.

*Maybe I will text him tonight*