Page 24 of Jagged Edges

“I don’t understand.”

“Why that look all of a sudden?” I needed to know.

“No reason. I have no qualms about how you choose to survive. I’m more concern with the condition of your heart… and your mother’s. That’s all. I’m no stranger to surviving.”

“I am, which is why it broke my mother’s heart. I’ve always had everything my heart desired. My parents were determined to make sure I didn’t follow my dad’s past, but I guess that shit was just in me. And, I’m sorry, Brisk, that you’re no stranger to surviving. Tell me. Tell me why you’re so familiar with it.” That humbleness that had been apparent all night was within her gaze as she stared back at me with batting eyes.

“I don’t want to ruin my birthday,” she smiled through the obvious pain the subject caused, “but with time I will tell you.”

Satisfied, I nodded but decided to steer the conversation in a much lighter direction.

“Tonight, though, I want to know why you’ve never kissed a guy.”

She sucked the skin of her teeth before bursting into laughter, tossing her head back and sending my heart into overdrive. Brisk was glorious and I was grateful to spend time with her on her special day. There wasn’t anything she could request at the moment that I wouldn’t grant her.

“I didn’t think you’d catch that.”

“How couldn’t I when you left your saliva all over my face?”

“Did I?”

“You did, but it’s all good.”

Her lack of experience concerned me, but it was intriguing simultaneously. At twenty, I had been inside of so much pussy I’d lost count. I was in college, where pussy was plentiful and easy, having the time of my life.

“I have some things to learn, Bello. I’m hoping you can teach me,” she purred, finally taking a bite of the crab cake to ward off the nervousness she must’ve felt making such a bold statement.

“Indeed.” Nodding, I made a mental note of exactly how she sounded, her posture, and how she looked when she said the words that she’d wish she could take back later down the line.

“Can I have some of what you’re drinking?” she asked, staring at my glass.

“Today is your twentieth birthday, Brisk,” I reminded her.

“I know.”

“Have you ever had a drink?”

“No.”

“Then, you won’t start, today. My influence won’t ever come from possible toxicity. Alcohol can be just that, love. Besides, something tells me that you’re not the type of person who’d enjoy one, anyway. It makes your chest burn and your belly swell,” I chuckled.

She felt nothing of my decline, simply smiling in return. “I hate the smell of it, even. Always have. It just seems to have you in a good move and I think it would help calm these nerves of mine. I feel like I’m all over the place.”

“You’re right here, baby,” I found myself calling her without regret, “Right where you need to be.”

The rest of dinner was a blur, but very clear and concise at the same fucking time. Though I remembered every detail, time smeared along the way. After our entrees, we stayed for dessert. By then, we were both hanging onto the back of our chairs hoping to stretch our bellies enough to accommodate the food we’d stuffed them with.

Twelve

I pushed openthe door to my place, allowing Brisk to go ahead of me. Once she realized I wasn’t coming behind her, she stopped mid-stride and turned to face me. She tilted her head in confusion, masking it with a sly smile.

“Aren’t you coming in?” She wondered.

“Unfortunately, not. This is where our night ends, Brisk. I really hope that you enjoyed it.”

She tiptoed over to where I stood, then relieved her feet of the YSL heels that I’d bought her. That was her jam. She looked splendid in her shit, but that expensive shit looked like it was what she was designed for. If it meant spending much more money than I should on her, then I had had every intention to.

“What if I’m not ready for my night to end? I’m still on a birthday high and you leaving me would only make me come down. I’m not ready to come down, Bello,” she whined, now close enough for me to smell the minty fresh breath that the gum she’d chewed had given her.

---