The Block Is Hot | Oscar Diaz

25

"You look really good in black." Oscar announced, walking into the room.

I sighed. "This isn't about how I look. I'm going for Monse. She needs us more than ever right now."

"Are you sure you're okay with going?" Oscar questioned.

"I don't really know what I would say to her. But I'm going to be there for her, for emotional support, regardless of what happened with my mom. Even if, I know what it's like to have a dead parent. Even if I can't be there for her completely, she has-".

"Mia." Cesar said, walking into the room. I turned around. "What?"

"Umm, Ray did my tie... and I kind of messed it up. Can you help me?" Cesar asked.

I looked at Oscar. "I need a drink." He said, walking out of the room. I sighed. "Come here." I told Cesar. He walked over to me. "Is Oscar okay?"

"He's on edge ever since the stunt Cuchillos pulled with Ruby. She seems to really be about her shit. But at the same time she's playing games. And plus what 19th did to Dwayne, he's losing his mind." I explained, while fixing Cesar's tie.

"Are you okay?" Cesar asked.

"I'll be fine." I said. "All finished."

I put on my best dress shoes. The prestige white people would find it an insult if I wore sneakers to a funeral. Or anything not dressy. Relax, Mia. You're going for your friend. Not these privilege bitches.

My phone rang. "Yes Jasmine?"

"Have you heard from Ruby!?" Jasmine asked.

"No."

Jasmine groaned and hung up. I looked at Cesar. "I should get going." He said.

~~~~

"Thank you for your service guarding my body and our home." Jamal told Oscar. "I know it's a lot to ask and I hate to ask-"

"Then don't." Oscar interrupted.

"I need a favor." Jamal said. "I know you have faith in our skills to find Lil' Ricky."

"I don't." Oscar said.

"You do." Jamal replied. "It's... It's in your body language. Anyway, with Monse in mourning and Ruby triggered, our collective brain isn't operating at full capacity, and I fear we aren't gonna make the arbitrary deadline in a few weeks set by your boss. Emphasis on arbitrary."

"And?" Oscar asked.

"I say that with respect. In no way am I insinuating that Cuchillos is thoughtless in her decision-making-"

"What do you want?" Oscar asked.

"We need an extension. And I don't know how to ask for one. So I thought I could ask you to ask her." Jamal replied.

Oscar looked back at me. I pulled out my phone. "Not my problem." I said, putting in my head phones.

Guccihighwaters it is.

~~~~

"Will you be okay here?" Oscar asked.

I nodded. "Yeah. Besides, if anyone wants to think that I'm one of the house slaves, I'll just give you a call."

Oscar rolled his eyes. "I'm serious."

"I'm serious." I replied.

Oscar gave me a look. "I'm... gonna go inside." Jamal said, rushing out of the car and into the large house.