Page 20 of Arris, Jayme & Dyani
“I’m sorry if we wasted your time,” I offered.
“You didn’t.” He stretched. “So, what’s up? Y’all called an iDrive to get out here?”
“Yep.”
He turned toward Illiana “You want me to call you one?”
“You ready, Dyani?” she asked me.
“I—”
Arris cut me off. “I’m taking you home.”
“What?” I blinked at him.
“I’m taking you home,” he repeated. “I was calling it a night anyway.”
“Are you sure?”
“Positive.” He tapped his phone. “So, what’s up? You want me to call you an iDrive or what?”
“Uh, I can call it.”
Illiana pulled out her own phone and booked her ride.
The three of us gravitated toward the front of the shop. Arris excused himself to go talk to the other artists. I was already looking at them when they looked at me. I averted my eyes immediately.
“Want to stand outside with me so I can smoke?” Illiana asked. I nodded and we headed outside. She grinned like a maniac as soon as the door shut behind us. “He wants to take you home alone. Girl, you are in there.”
She nudged me lightly before digging around in her purse for a cigarette and a lighter.
“I doubt it.” I laughed. “Thanks for the belief and encouragement though, and helping me seal that deal earlier, and for the amazing drinks.” I exhaled. “It was nice hanging out with you and I’m glad I know someone who isn’t my brother out here.”
“Well, if you ever want to hang out again, let me know. And if I have any art business I think can benefit us both, I’ll keep you in mind.”
“Deal.” I offered her my hand and we shook.
Illiana smiled as she lifted her cigarette to her mouth.
We stood in silence until her iDrive pulled up.
“Have a good night,” she sang and gave me a quick hug.
I sucked my teeth.
“Bye, Illiana.”
She shimmied and giggled then hopped in her ride and I headed back inside.
Arris was leaning over another artist’s sketch and pointing at something. His head lifted at the sound of the door.
“You ready?”
“Whenever you are.”
“Alright.” He stood up straight. “Let’s go.”
He grabbed his keys from the counter, dapped up the artists behind the counter with him, and came around to meet me.
