Page 36 of Krash & Bern

“I am. We need to make sure we’re on the same page about our relationship.”

“We haven’t even been reunited for three days and you’re talking about a relationship.” She shook her head.

“Bern, do I need to refresh your memory?” I asked as I pulled out of the parking garage and pulled onto the busy streets of Downtown Houston.

“Yes.”

“About eight years ago, I told you I was sorry for letting distance break us up. I told you if I ever got the chance, I wouldn’t fuck it up,” I explained.

“Hmm. That did happen, huh?”

“And I vividly remember you telling me you hoped I cashed in on the opportunity. This is me putting in the work to cash in on the opportunity.”

“I like the initiative,” she replied.

“You’ve always been my first love, Bern. You were my safe space, my best friend, my soulmate. Shit hasn’t felt right since you left me, baby girl. I want us to get back to that point.”

“It’s a lot to process so quickly, Key. I want to feel the same way, but I have a lot going on in my personal life.”

My grip on the steering wheel adjusted as I took in her appearance. She was beautiful and smelled so damn good. The urge to kiss her wastoostrong, but I didn’t want to overstep any boundaries.

“I thought you said you weren’t dating anybody,” I recalled.

She nodded. “I’m not… It’s just complicated…”

There was a story behind her response, but I didn’t want to press the issue and push her away before we even got to the food spot. I pulled into the drive-through of the sub sandwich spot. I ordered and pulled around to the first window to pay.

“Oh… Oh my God! Y-You’re?—”

I chuckled at the young lady’s response to seeing me. Her mouth was formed into the perfect O.

“Yes. It’s me. How much is my total?”

“Um… I… It’s um…” Her gaze turned to the register as she tapped the screen. She read the total off to me, and I pulled out two twenties. As a celebrity, I always carried cash when I went to certain spots. The last thing I wanted was to have someone take a picture of my card and think they could cash out on my bank account.

She counted the change and held it out to me. “Here’s your receipt. Can I take a picture?”

I nodded. “Sure.” She pulled out her phone and leaned out the window to snap a quick selfie with me. I examined the picture to make sure Bernice wasn’t in the shot and gave her the phone back.

“Have a great day,” she said.

“You too, beautiful.”

I pulled up to the second window, and the employees were all staring out the window to get a glimpse of me. I shook my head.

“Hey,” I greeted them.

“Hi!” The youngest looking girl squeaked a reply as she held my bag out to me.

“I know you all want a picture, but I don’t have time to take individual pictures. I do think we can take a group selfie really quick,” I offered.

“If you want, I can take the picture in front of the store. Everyone, come out really quick,” Bern offered.

“Yes!” They all cheered.

I shook my head as she smiled. “I’ll see y’all in the front.” I pulled out of the drive-through and turned into the main parking lot. We parked in front of the building, and all eight or nine employees stood outside waiting.

When we got out of the whip, Bern grabbed their phones and snapped a couple pictures for everybody. They hugged me and asked a couple questions. I did my best to speed things along, but Bern insisted I have a moment with them. After about ten minutes of this impromptu meet and greet, we finally made it back to the parking garage. We drove up to the top and looked out at the city as we finally got to dig into our meals.

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