Page 42 of Ms. Mosley

“Decent. It’ll be even better when I end the night in you, ya feel me?” He winked, and I laughed at his shenanigans.

Fifteen minutes later, we arrived at Burger Park, a little food spot in Prosper’s hood that he claimed to love. He ordered us burger baskets and two blue raspberry slushies. While we waited, he sold a few new pieces from his clothing line to people he knew, as well as curious passersby who thought his stuff looked nice. I couldn’t help but admire him for making his money, but I also felt a bit uneasy. All sorts of people were walking by, including some that looked like crackheads.

Jesus. I wasn’t judging; I was just observing.

Luckily, everything went fine, and we made our way to the skating rink after eating. I wasn’t sure why I let him talk me into this either. He said it was something he enjoyed in his younger years and promised it would be a good vibe.

Once inside, we bypassed the lengthy line because Prosper knew the owner well. They chatted for a few minutes before I watched him slide the older man a thick wad of cash. The guy then dapped him up and got our sizes for the skates.

I wasn’t surprised by their interaction. I’d learned that although his parents were financially well-off during his childhood, Prosper’s mother inherited her home from her parents, which meant he grew up in the hood. He knew all the best spots, and everyone seemed to know him.

When we retrieved our skates, my nerves crept in. I hadn’t skated in years and hoped I wouldn’t fall flat on my face in front of all these people; it was super packed.

“Why did I let you talk me into this? I’m too damn old to be skating, Prosper.”

“Baby, chill. You ain’t old at all and you damn sho ain’t too old to skate. Look around. People of all ages and different walks of life come here.”

“Like you,” I teased. “The big bad gangster on skates.”

He chuckled while lacing my skates, giving me a chance to glance around at the mix of older folks mingling with the younger crowd.

“If I bust my ass, I’m going to get you.” I threatened.

“Now we gettin’ somewhere. That’s the real problem, you scared.”

I shot him a playful glare and whispered,

“If I bust my ass, no goodies for you tonight, sir.”

Prosper whistled as he helped me up from the bench. “Well, shit… we can’t have that. Come on. I got you.”

He held my hand as we stepped onto the rink. I started a bit shaky, but to my surprise, I wasn’t as rusty as I thought. By the third lap around the rink, I was channeling my teenage self again. Smiling, I watched Prosper as he effortlessly blended in with the crowd. He moved with such smoothness on the skates that it was hard to keep up.

Once I got comfortable, he pulled me into his arms, and we caught a vibe to the beat of “Her Way” by PARTYNEXTDOOR.

“I didn’t know you were this good, baby.” I said against his ear.

“I told you me and my niggas used to come here often.” He bobbed his head to the beat.

“I know, but you’re really, really good.” I smiled as he spun me around, gliding gracefully across the rink.

“You ain’t too bad either, baby.”

I wrapped my arms around his neck as we hit another turn. The lights eventually dimmed, and I got lost in the moment. This was so dope, and I was glad I didn’t shoot the idea down like I initially wanted to.

“I’m really feeling you.” I blurted out to Prosper, all in my feelings.

“You been saying that to me all week. When you gonna act on those emotions, mama?”

“I am acting on them. I’m with you every day, ain’t I?”

“That ain’t enough for me no more, Nia’Rose.”

I stared at him as he effortlessly guided me around upcoming traffic. The rink had gotten even fuller just that quickly.

“I need you to be my lady.” Prosper added, and I thought it was so cute.

I blushed, realizing I wouldn’t be taking my time with him after all. He made it way too hard. “Okay,”

---