Chapter nine

Maila Kolbi
Atlanta, Georgia
September 7th, 2024 (Saturday)

Kolbi Residence
5:00 PM

“Broooo, Cameron is about to piss me off,” Kamiya huffed on FaceTime, rolling her eyes. “Why is he posting shirtless pictures like he’s some kind of Instagram model?”

I laughed, shaking my head as I folded my clothes. “He’s a boy. Micah does it all the time.”

“Not you paying attention to Micah’s posts,” Kamiya teased, smirking at the screen.

“Whatever,” I muttered, avoiding her gaze. “His pictures just happened to be the first ones to pop up. But anyways, I feel like you and Cameron just need a real conversation. Maybe actually listen to each other for once because—”

“Ouuuu!” Kamiya suddenly cut me off, her eyes lighting up as she stared at her phone. “This cute boy just slid up and asked for a two-man date off that pic we posted earlier.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Oh no, Kamiya. That’s not a good idea. You’re going on another date with another boy? What about Cameron’s feelings?”

Kamiya let out an exaggerated sigh. “That boy doesn’t care! If he did, he wouldn’t be posting thirst traps for all these girls to drool over.”

I stayed quiet for a second, knowing she had a point. Cameron definitely wasn’t acting like a guy in love, but still… two could play that game wasn’t always the best mentality.

“They wanna go to Denny’s,” she added, grinning.

I wrinkled my nose. “Ugh, I hate Denny’s. It smells weird in there. And besides, what do these boys even look like?”

“I’m sending you his Instagram now. He’s cute, girl. He runs track.”

I checked my DMs and clicked on the profile she sent. A mixed boy with curly hair and striking blue eyes stared back at me.

“Ehhh,” I shrugged, unimpressed. “He’s okay looking.”

Kamiya gasped. “Just okay? Girl, he’s fine!”

“Definitely not Micah fine, but he’s aight,” I said, scrolling through his pictures.

Kamiya smirked knowingly. “Mhm, okay. Anyway, I told them we’ll meet them there at 7:00 PM.”

I groaned, dropping back onto my bed. “Ugh, I really don’t wanna go on this date.”

“But do you have other plans?”

I sighed. “No.”

“Exactly! So get dressed and text me when you’re on the way.”

“Alright, alright,” I muttered, watching as she hung up.

As I set my phone down, a weird feeling settled in my stomach. Something about this just felt… off. Maybe it was the fact that I wasn’t even interested in this boy. Maybe it was because I knew Kamiya was only doing this out of spite.

Or maybe, just maybe, it was because I couldn’t stop wondering how Micah would feel about this.

I shook my head. Girl, stop. Micah doesn’t care. Y’all aren’t even together.

I sighed, pushing myself off the bed and walking to my closet. After rummaging through my clothes, I settled on a black Lululemon set and some fluffy slides. Nothing special—it was just Denny’s, after all.

I turned on the shower, letting the hot steam fill the bathroom before stepping in. As the water ran down my back, my mind drifted back to Micah. Would he care if he knew I was going on a date? We had already gone out twice, but did that even count for anything?

I scoffed at myself. Maila, get a grip. That boy does not care about you like that.

After my shower, I quickly did my mascara and lip gloss, then pulled my hair into a cute claw clip. Just as I finished at my vanity, my bedroom door creaked open, revealing my dad.

“Hello,” I greeted, flashing him a smile as he stepped inside.

“Where you going this late?” he asked, eyeing my outfit.

“On a date,” I admitted, adjusting my hair. “Kamiya’s setting me up with some boy so she can go out with his friend.”

My dad raised an eyebrow. “Thought you already went on a date. Your mom said you really liked the kid last time.”

I sighed, not expecting him to bring that up. “Okay, I might have a small crush on him,” I admitted, “but nothing major. We’re just friends right now, and I don’t wanna get my hopes up.”

He nodded knowingly. “I feel you, babygirl. Just be careful, alright? Don’t do anything you’re not comfortable with.”

“I won’t,” I assured him.

He pressed a quick kiss to my forehead before turning to leave.

“Dad,” I called out before he got to the door.

“Yeah?”

“Can you drop me off at Denny’s?” I asked, flashing my best puppy dog eyes.

He laughed, shaking his head. “Denny’s? That’s a cheap ass date,” he muttered, chuckling to himself.

I rolled my eyes. “Come on, Dad, please?” I pouted dramatically.

He sighed, pretending to think about it before nodding. “Fine, babygirl. But hurry up.”

“Thank you!” I grinned, grabbing my phone, purse, and keys before following him downstairs.

As I climbed into his truck and buckled my seatbelt, I stared out the window, my thoughts racing.

Something about this whole thing didn’t sit right with me. Maybe it was the fact that I wasn’t even looking forward to this date. Maybe it was because I knew deep down Kamiya was only doing this out of spite. Or maybe, just maybe, it was because a part of me wished it was Micah sitting across from me at that booth instead.

I sighed, shaking my head. Get it together, Maila.

As my dad pulled out of the driveway, I glanced at my reflection in the side mirror.

I had a feeling this night was going to be a disaster.

Denny’s
7:15 PM

My dad had just dropped me off, and now Kamiya and I were standing outside Denny’s, waiting for these boys to pull up. The air was thick with the smell of diner food and the distant hum of cars passing by.

Kamiya scrolled through her phone, then nudged me. “I think that’s them, bestie,” she grinned, pointing at a blue Kia pulling into the lot.

I folded my arms. “I feel like—”

“Yooo, what’s up, Kamiya?” a dark-skinned boy with deep waves called out as he hopped out of the car. He walked straight up to her, pulling her into a hug like they’d known each other forever.

“Heyyy,” Kamiya giggled, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

Meanwhile, the other guy—the one I was apparently here for—stepped up and gave me a slow, deliberate once-over, his eyes dragging over me for way too long.

“Damn, you fine,” he muttered, licking his lips before pulling me into a quick side hug. His cologne was mixed with the strong scent of weed and beer, and I had to force myself not to react. Not judging… but noted.

I barely had time to respond before he casually walked ahead and grabbed the door—only for it to shut right behind him as he walked in.

He didn’t even hold the door open.

Kamiya shot me a look but didn’t say anything as she followed her date inside.

“Come on, bae, what you waiting on?” the mixed boy, Kaduna, called over his shoulder.

Bae?? We just met.

Suppressing an eye roll, I pulled the door open myself and stepped inside. The warm scent of syrup and coffee filled the air as the hostess guided us to some high-top seats near the counter while Kamiya and her date slid into a booth further down.

I placed my purse in my lap and gave Kaduna a polite smile. “So, what’s your name?”

“My name’s Kaduna, but you can call me KD. Or Bae.” He nodded like he had just said something profound.

Yeah, that’s not happening.

“Aye, can we get a waiter or something, damn?” KD suddenly called out, making a few people turn their heads.

A waitress quickly walked over, her smile tight. “Hi, what can I get you two to drink?”

“I’ll have a beer. What you want, bae?” KD asked, turning to me.

“Um, I’ll just have a glass of apple juice, please,” I said.

The waitress nodded, clearly unimpressed with KD’s energy, before heading off to grab our drinks.

Trying to salvage the conversation, I asked, “So, I heard you run track. Is that something you’re passionate about?”

KD leaned back in his seat. “Yeah, it’s cool and all, but my main focus is rapping, you know?”

I raised an eyebrow. “Rapping?”

“Yeah, I’m really good. Imma spit something right now, okay?” He immediately started tapping on the table like a makeshift beat.

“I said f**k her, and she keep on running from me
So I hit her in the dummy
I said bae wait, but she can’t cum in addition
I said wait, hold Glock, the commotion coming
Because I got so much motion.”

My mouth dropped.

That was… the worst rap I had ever heard in my life.

KD grinned, looking proud of himself. “What you think, baeee?”

I forced a smile as the waitress placed our drinks down. “Umm… it’s okay, I guess,” I muttered, taking a sip of my juice to avoid saying anything worse.

KD licked his lips again, eyeing me. “Mmm, I heard you a cheerleader. That’s cool or whatever. You gone be my little cheerleader soon, ain’t it?”

I just smiled awkwardly, not sure what else to do.

Then he hit me with, “So, what’s your favorite position?”

I choked on my juice, coughing as I grabbed a napkin. “My what?”

“Don’t act shy,” he smirked. “But I like backshots. I don’t know, I just like the feeling of beating my sh*t in, you know?”

I blinked. HUH?!

“Um…” I cleared my throat, trying to process what he just said. “I don’t really talk about that kind of stuff with people I just met.”

“Cool, cool,” he said, nodding. “I’ll hear you later then.”

Hear me? I ignored it and sipped my juice again, trying to change the subject.

“So, um… how long have you been rapping?”

He leaned back, stretching his arms behind his head. “Couple years now. My homeboys say I’m the best outta all of us. Thinking about droppin’ a mixtape soon.”

“That’s nice,” I said, forcing a polite smile.

“But yeah, like I was saying…” He suddenly leaned in, lowering his voice. “You into threesomes or nah?”

I blinked. “Excuse me?”

“I mean, you mad fine, and I know a dude that would go crazy for you,” he grinned. “You ain’t never thought about tryna switch it up?”

I sat back, completely losing any last speck of interest I might’ve had.

“No,” I said firmly. “I don’t like sharing anything, really.”

KD smirked like he wasn’t taking me seriously. “That’s cool, that’s cool. But like, you sure? ’Cause—”

“Okay, what can I get you guys?” the waitress interrupted, thank God.

KD clapped his hands together. “Oh yeah, lemme get two stacks of pancakes, some sausage, a breakfast bowl, hash browns, and some bacon.”

The waitress wrote it down, then looked at me expectantly.

“Just a pancake and eggs, please,” I said.

She nodded and walked off.

KD leaned forward on his elbows. “Damn, that’s all you eatin’? You a little thing, huh?”

I ignored him, glancing over at Kamiya’s table. She seemed to be having an actual conversation with her date, smiling and engaged. Must be nice.

“You real quiet, bae,” KD said, nudging my arm. “What’s up? You shy?”

“No, I’m just—” I sighed, trying to keep it together. “I just feel like we’re having very different conversations.”

“What you mean?”

“I mean,” I said, choosing my words carefully, “I was hoping to get to know you, but I feel like all we’ve talked about is… other things.”

He chuckled. “Oh, I get it. You want me to be all sweet and ask you your favorite color and sh*t?”

“That would be nice,” I said dryly.

He laughed like I was joking.

I was not joking.

At that moment, my phone vibrated in my lap. I glanced down.

Micah: What you up to?

I stared at the screen for a second, then at the boy across from me.

Then I started typing back.

The waiter finally brought our food, and I silently thanked him for the distraction. At least now Mr. Wannabe Rapper would have something else to do besides talking.

As soon as KD started eating, I regretted my relief.

He chewed with his mouth wide open, smacking so loudly that I was sure the whole restaurant could hear. Bits of food fell from his lips onto the table, and I immediately lost my appetite.

“Whewww, that food was bussin’, bae,” KD said, rubbing his stomach like he just had a five-star meal. “I need me a good workout after this.”

He smirked at me.

Oh, he could drop that smile because he wasn’t getting anything from me.

Before I could respond, Kamiya and Connor walked over.

“Hey, y’all about ready? Connor needs to get home soon,” Kamiya said.

On the inside, I was screaming yes.

“Aight,” Connor said. “We’ll be in the car while y’all get the check.” He led Kamiya out of the restaurant.

Perfect.

The waitress returned and set the check on the table.

KD barely glanced at it before grabbing his beer. “Aye, bae, I got you next time, cool?” And just like that, he stood up and walked out of the restaurant.

I stared at the empty seat across from me.

Did he just—

No, he didn’t—

I looked at the bill. $45. Nearly all of it from his order.

I sighed, pulled out a $50, handed it to the waitress, and told her to keep the change.

I walked out, shaking my head. I am NEVER doing this again.

When I got outside, KD was leaning against the car, scrolling through his phone like he hadn’t just ditched me with the check.

“Hey, bae,” he called out. “Your friend said we taking y’all to her house, so come on.” He opened the back door.

Oh, now he wants to open the door?

I just nodded and slid inside. Not even five seconds later, KD climbed in next to me, shutting the door.

Connor started driving, and they blasted some hood trap music. I pulled out my phone and started scrolling on TikTok, tuning everything out.

A few minutes in, KD shifted closer to me. “Damn, bae, why you so far away?” He wrapped an arm around my shoulders, grinning.

“Oh, um… I just like my space, that’s all,” I said, forcing a polite smile.

He smirked. “Damn, you so fine. I’d drink your bath water.”

What the actual hell?

“Umm… thank you?” I said awkwardly, pushing my hair behind my ear.

“You know, I really f**k with you,” he continued. “I honestly can’t wait to see where we go in life. I want you to be the mother of my kids one day.”

I turned my head so fast I almost gave myself whiplash.

Mother of his kids?

“Oh… you think we’d actually be a thing?” I asked, my tone laced with disbelief.

“Fasho,” he said confidently. “I mean, you just gotta warm up to me a lil’ bit. And once I hit that ass a couple times—”

Before he could finish that nasty sentence, the car jerked forward violently, shaking like it was about to fall apart.

Smoke started rising from the hood.

“Oh, please, God, no,” I muttered under my breath.

Connor cursed and quickly pulled over to the side of the road. He and Kamiya jumped out to check the damage.

KD, on the other hand, stretched his arms like nothing had just happened. “Oh well… since we’re alone now,” he said, twirling one of my curls between his fingers.

I stiffened. Oh, absolutely not.

I quickly unlocked the door. “Uh, you guys need help?” I asked, hopping out before he could get any ideas. The cold night air hit me instantly, but I didn’t care.

Connor had the hood propped open, a frustrated look on his face. “Bro, KD, what’s wrong with your car, man?”

KD shrugged like this wasn’t even his problem. “Man, I don’t know. It’s my grandma’s.”

Then, out of nowhere, he pulled out a blunt and lit it like he didn’t have a care in the world.

I squinted. Where the hell did that even come from?

Connor sighed. “Man, this don’t look good. We might need to call a tow truck or something.”

“Mane, that’s gonna cost so much bread,” KD complained, exhaling a thick cloud of smoke.

Connor ignored him and turned to me and Kamiya. “Y’all know anyone who can fix cars?”

Kamiya perked up. “Wait, doesn’t Micah work on cars?” She grabbed my wrist and pulled me away from the boys.

I yanked my arm back. “Oh, hell no. I am not calling Micah to come here. He cannot see me with this clown,” I hissed.

Kamiya groaned. “Well, the only person I know is my brother, and if he catches me out this late with these boys, I won’t hear the end of it.”

I crossed my arms. “Kamiya, I haven’t even called Micah before. And this is when you want me to start?”

She gave me a deadpan look. “Do you wanna stand out here all night?”

Before I could answer, I felt an arm wrap around my waist.

I nearly jumped out of my skin.

“Don’t worry, bae,” KD’s raspy voice whispered behind me. “I think imma just call an Uber, and we can go to my place.”

I coughed, choking on all the secondhand smoke surrounding me.

Absolutely not.

I immediately pulled out my phone. “Okay, fine. I’ll call my friend and see if he can fix the car,” I muttered, rolling my eyes.

Kamiya smirked. “Thought so.”

I sighed and tapped on Micah’s contact, dreading every second of this. My thumb hovered over the call button as my heart raced. What am I even supposed to say? Hey, I’m stuck with some random dude and his broken car, can you come save me?

I glanced back at KD, who was now leaning against the car, still puffing on his blunt like he was in a music video. The smoke curled around him, mixing with the faint smell of burnt rubber from the car. This is a nightmare.

Taking a deep breath, I hit the call button and pressed the phone to my ear. It rang once, twice, three times. My stomach twisted with every ring, part of me hoping he wouldn’t pick up so I could avoid this whole mess.

But then, his voice came through, smooth and familiar. “Yo, Maila? What’s good?”

I froze for a second, my words catching in my throat. Here goes nothing.

“Hey, Micah,” I said, trying to sound casual despite the chaos around me. “I, um… I need a favor. Like, a big one.”

There was a pause on the other end, and I could almost picture him raising an eyebrow. “A favor? What’s up, pretty? You good?”

I glanced at Kamiya, who was watching me with a smug grin, then at KD, who was now trying to rap to himself under his breath. Lord, give me strength.

“Not exactly,” I admitted, lowering my voice so KD wouldn’t hear. “I’m kinda stuck. The car I’m in broke down, and… well, I heard you’re good with cars. Any chance you could come help us out?”

Another pause, longer this time. “Where you at?” he asked, his tone shifting to something more serious.

I rattled off the street name, my eyes darting to the smoking hood of the Kia. “It’s, like, really bad. There’s smoke and everything.”

Micah let out a low whistle. “Damn, sounds like a mess. Alright, I’m on my way. Just… stay put, aight?”

Relief flooded through me, but it was quickly followed by a wave of embarrassment. “Thank you, Micah. I owe you big time.”

“Nah, you good,” he said, and I could hear the faint smile in his voice. “Just don’t let whoever’s driving that car touch anything else. I’ll be there in fifteen.”

“Okay,” I said, my voice softer now. “See you soon.”

I hung up, my heart still pounding as I slipped my phone back into my purse. Kamiya raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “So? He coming?”

“Yeah,” I muttered, crossing my arms. “He’s on his way.”

“Told you,” she said, smirking like she’d just won some grand prize.

I shot her a look. “This is still your fault.”

She laughed, but I couldn’t shake the nervous energy bubbling inside me. Micah was coming. He was going to see me here, with this guy, in this situation. What was he going to think?

I glanced at KD, who was now trying to show Connor some dance move while still holding his blunt. The car’s hood was still open, smoke curling lazily into the night air. The streetlights cast long shadows, and the occasional car zoomed past, their headlights briefly illuminating the mess we were in.

This is going to be so awkward, I thought, biting my lip. But deep down, a tiny part of me was relieved that Micah was the one coming to save the day.