BFF

my time Part 7

David - POV

I had to meet up with Benny—said it was important.

I pulled up to one of our safe houses and scanned my fingerprint. But something was different this time. The system said "complete access." That ain't never popped up before. Usually, only Benny had that kind of clearance.

Benny was already there, calm as ever.

"What's up, East?"

"What's up, man?" I said, trying to read his face.

"I brought you here because it's time."

"Time for what?" I asked, but I already had a feeling.

"It's your turn. You already running everything anyway. I'm getting too old for this game."

I didn't say nothing at first.

"These are the contacts. Everybody answers to you now. Here's your key cards for out-of-state connects. But listen... you the connect now. The product moves through you. Here's the shipment schedules for the next three years. Make whatever changes you need. Is this too much for you?"

I looked him dead in his eyes. "I'm twenty-five. Been doing this with you since I was fifteen. I got it."

He nodded. "I taught you everything I know. Harlem runs in your blood—don't forget that."

"You know how I come behind Harlem."

We laughed. I dapped him up and got in my all-white Audi. But as I pulled off, all I could think about was Tia.

Yeah, I wanted to sleep with her tonight. It had been weeks since we had. I ain't give a damn about her dude, but I didn't want her dealing with that clown because of me.

I called her.

"Hello?" she said.

"What you doing up?"

"I can't sleep. What you doing out?"

"Handled some business. Yo nigga there?"

"No, Dave. Stop gassing."

"I'm pulling up," I told her.

"Alright." She hung up.

When I got to her place, I hugged her. She smelled like Chanel—my weakness. I hit the shower, tossed on some underwear, and climbed in her bed.

"You wanna watch a movie?" she asked.

"Yeah, what you wanna watch? You need a bigger TV in here though."

"This 50-inch is just fine," she laughed. "Just 'cause I ain't got a 70-inch like you."

We picked a Kevin Hart movie. Eventually, we both passed out.

Next Morning

I woke up to a phone blowing up—but it wasn't mine. It was hers. I looked and saw who was calling.

I smacked Tia's ass. "Answer yo phone. Yo nigga calling."

She got up and took it, arguing from the hallway.

"It's nobody, chill the fuck out," she said.

"You trying to play me," he snapped. "I heard somebody in the bathroom. You think I'm dumb?"

"Relax, man. No one's here."

"You think I'm stupid. Be ready tonight—we going to the club." He hung up.

I ain't even say nothing. Last time I voiced my opinion, it turned into a full-blown fight. But that dude's disrespectful as hell. I swear, I wanna shoot that nigga.

"You want me to make you breakfast?" she asked when she came back.

"Nah, mama. I'ma make you breakfast."

I didn't feel no way about her being with him—not officially at least—but I hated how he treated her. And I didn't know how deep my feelings ran for her yet, but everything was moving fast.

While I cooked, I called my grandma. She's the only one who knows what I do, helped me with legal stuff more times than I can count.

"Hey, baby," she answered.

"What's up, Ma. You good?"

"I'm okay. Been worried, but Tia told me you're alright."

"Yeah, just busy. Call her if you need me, okay?"

"You know I will. But... your nephew's with me now."

"Corey?"

"Yeah, his mama died. I been keeping him. It's a lot with a teenager."

"If you need a break, I'll take him. Just say the word."

I always wished I could've stayed with her, but my pops forced me out of New York. She stayed in Harlem. He was a bitch, too selfish to raise me—only wanted to party and chase women.

"You're an amazing man," she said. "I love you."

"I love you too, Ma."

Tia came downstairs lookin' so damn good.

"Come eat," I told her.

"I'm gonna tell Sean after the club tonight that it's over."

"Okay. He better not act hype... or he dies. You hear me?"

"I hope it don't go that far."

"It better not. He's pushing it. Call me tonight, alright?"

"I will."

She looked down at her food, hesitated.

"So... what's going on with you and Ashley?"

"Ain't nothing going on," I said.

"You not fuckin' her anymore?"

I laughed. "Nah, baby. Me and her not fuckin' no more."

"Just checking."

"Don't be acting crazy now."

"I been crazy over you, Dave. I just tried to hide it because of this best friend stuff. But I don't care anymore. I want you. You treat me like a queen."

I looked her in her eyes. "I want you bad too, always have. Somewhere along the line that best friend role took over. But now... let's focus on us and see where this goes. I'ma always treat you like royalty."

"I love you, Dave."

"I love you too, Tia."

Tell me what you think so far?

Are you guys enjoying the book?

Excuse any mistakes

Tell your people about this book

Please share, like, or comment

Get ya reading on!!!

Edited 6.14.25