Page 37 of Krash & Bern

“If my sandwich would have been cold, I would have been pissed at you,” I stated as I bit into my meatball marinara sub.

“You won’t beat my ass, so what?”

“Maybe I would have.”

“Highly doubt it. All I’m saying is those teenagers at that store will remember this day for a long time. They got to meet a well-known celebrity who makesmillionsof dollars a year. That shit does so much good for the soul.”

“When did you become so wise?” I asked before I took another bite of my sub.

“Life experiences. I’ve gone through a lot since the last time we were a thing. I’ve learned to hold on to all the good because sometimes the bad can beverystrong.”

Her words made me want to ask more, but I didn’t want to turn the conversation to a negative place. I wanted to keep things light and fun. Now wasn’t the time to pry. I’d make time to do that later.

“How was your food?” I asked as I rolled the window down to air out the strong scent of our lunch.

“It was good. I’ve been to the spot a couple times. I always get the same thing, but I think next time, I’ll order what you had because it smelled so good.”

“I would have given you a bite if you asked.”

She scrunched up her nose. “You might have cooties. I see your name in these headlines. You’ve trended more times than I can count about a woman claiming you are her baby’s daddy.”

“You’ve been keeping tabs on me?” I asked with a smirk.

“Boy, please. You’re a famous boxer. Even I can’t avoid the trending topics when the whole world has an opinion on them. I do think when those employees post those pictures, it’ll help with the media’s perception of you. They don’t want you to be great.”

“I appreciate the concern,” I explained.

“Of course.”

We were quiet for a few moments. I didn’t want our time to end. I wanted to spend the rest of the day with Bern, but she had to finish her duties as owner of a successful company.

“I know your hour is almost up, so can I get your number to plan the next date?” I asked.

She smiled. “Sure.” She grabbed my phone from the dock and unlocked it.

“Now that I’ve got your number, I’m going to do everything in my power to make you my girl.”

“Apply pressure, and we’ll see where the wind blows us.”

“Fa sho.”

Bernice doesn’t know it, but I’m about to be her Prince Charming.

Krash:

Good morning, beautiful. I hope you have the day you deserve, and if you don’t I’ll knock everybody out until you do.

As I read his morning text, I shook my head and laughed. For the last fourteen days, Keyshawn had been consistent with his approach to making me his lady. He’d texted me good morning and good night faithfully. He’d sent me flowers, chocolates, and paid for my lunch most days. I appreciated the sentiment, but part of me had reservations.

What if my ex found me? What if we realized we weren’t meant to be together and wasted time trying to get a second chance? What if he realized I was too damaged?

Before I could dive deeper into doubt, my phone buzzed. The text from Krash popped up.

Krash:

Tell me about your schedule for the weekend. Do you have time to go out with me?

I’d gone out with him since the sub sandwich date a couple of weeks ago. My weekend was free, but I wasn’t sure I was ready to take the next step.

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