Page 111 of Chemistry: The Chemist

Prada was a success. It was abundantly clear it was a store I’d fallen head over heels for. The plethora of black pieces sold me almost immediately. Tanks, blouses, tees, dresses, pants, and skirts… I’d snagged a little of everything. By the time we exited, I was ready to call it a night. The sun would be setting soon and there were more bags than fingers on our hands combined.

“I’m going to put these in the truck. Stay put, Choc.”

“I can he–”

“Thomas is on the way out with the rest of the bags. He’ll help. Just don’t let nobody snatch your pretty ass.”

“What would my man do if they managed to pull it off?”

“Start the bloodiest war of our time. It would be noted in Black history for decades to come. The War of Eden. No one will be safe until your return. No one.”

He pecked my cheek and took off in the direction of the truck, leaving me flushed with a giddy smirk lining my lips. I believed every word that came from his mouth. When he returned to grab more bags, I couldn’t help myself. I pulled him closer.

“The Battle of Eden sounds better.”

“Whatever the fuck you want to call it.” He scoffed with a shrug.

Thomas pushed through the doors of Prada with hands full of bags. He followed Chemistry to the car where they began organizing the purchases. A hand on my shoulder startled me. Simultaneously, I was hit with a whiff of a familiar fragrance.

“Tired yet?” Anna asked as she rounded me, finally putting me at ease.

With a hand on my chest, I sighed. “You scared me.”

“My apologies.”

“What a coincidence? Chem is just over there, trying to stuff what he can inside.”

“No coincidence, babe. Malachi came to steal your man for a quick second and I came to free you from their unanimous shopping addiction. It’ll go on for hours more if we don’t intervene.”

“Thank you!” Breathlessly, I pulled her into a hug. “Shit, I didn’t know I’d ever need saving from a shopping spree, but God.”

“I won’t be around to save you every time, but consider it done if you’re here in Berkeley.”

“Again, thank you.”

“Don’t sweat it. Have you eaten? There’s a really nice spot just a few feet north of here. The drinks are amazing, too.”

Chem approached us with a scowl on his handsome face.

“Where is that nigga and what does he want?” he questioned Anna just as we heard a horn honking.

A stunning, green G-Wagon stole the breath from my lungs.

“Get in, loser. We’re going drinking.”

“I’m busy!” Chem hollered toward the truck.

“You done tricked off enough for the day!” Malachi yelled back. “There’s always another day.”

Chem turned to me. The hesitation was appalling. He was waiting for permission. Chemistry wasn’t one to wait for anything and ask for nearly nothing. Quickly, I nodded, encouraging him to take his brother up on the offer.

“I won’t be long,” he promised, kissing my forehead and then my lips.

“I’m not worried. See you later?”

“Without a doubt.”

“I’ll be sure to get her home safely. Just make sure my husband makes it back to me in one piece, okay?”

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