Free Pretty Girls in the Vip (9781617730283) by Daaimah S. Poole Page A

for his autograph or to take a picture with him. I guess it wasn’t every day a famous basketball player came on campus. A lot of guys automatically recognized him. It was hard to miss his six-five frame, chestnut eyes, and beautiful smile. He was wearing a fitted black shirt and jeans.
    â€œZakiya, I couldn’t wait until spring break to see you. You know I love you.”
    â€œI love you, too, Jabril.” I couldn’t keep the tears back and could barely speak. Jabril ordered me to stop crying and pulled me to his side once more, and we walked me out to an awaiting black Cadillac Escalade. The driver opened the door and helped me in the car. People had followed us to the car and were waving as we drove away. I wiped away more tears and then punched Jabril softly in his side.
    â€œWhy you come up to my school embarrassing me?”
    â€œI knew I was going to be in the city, so I had to see you. I wanted to take you out and surprise you.”
    â€œBut I have to go to work.”
    â€œI’m not taking no for an answer. You’re calling out of work and I’m taking you to dinner.”
    â€œThis is all nice, Jabril, but I can’t call out from work.”
    â€œSo I came all this way, and you can’t tell the people at your job that you are sick?”
    I looked over on the other side of Jabril and saw more flowers and gift bags.
    â€œOkay, I’ll call out, but you are crazy. What if you hadn’t been able to find me?”
    â€œNo, I knew where you were, in class. Why do you think I called you this morning? But then you were taking so long coming out, I was like, damn, I hope she came to school today.”
    â€œSo how long are you in town?”
    â€œUntil the weekend, then I’m going back.”
    Jabril had done all of this for me, I had to be thankful. I didn’t have a choice. I had to call out from work. I asked him to be quiet as I dialed my job. I never called out, so I didn’t expect it to be a problem. Someone from the customer service desk answered and I asked to speak to Lenora. Lenora answered and I said, “Lenora, it’s Zakiya. I’m not feeling well so I’m not coming in.”
    â€œOkay, I hope you feel better, but you know I had three other call outs today. But it is not your fault. Feel better. I have to call around to see who I can get to come in.”

    I made sure she was off the phone before I said, “Okay, are you happy? I’m not going to work.”
    â€œYes, I am. Thank you for allowing me to kidnap you.” He kissed me, his tongue tickling mine, going back and forth. I hugged him so tightly and kissed him back. Now that he was in front of me I couldn’t act like I didn’t miss and want him, too.
    â€œWell, I need you to open your first gift.” He handed me a box with a watch, then there was this huge brown, leather monogrammed Louis Vuitton bag and inside of that bag was a pair of diamond earrings in the shape of a butterfly, a matching bracelet, a watch, and an iPad.
    â€œThank you, Jabril,” I squealed, looking over all my gifts.
    â€œYou’re welcome, Kiya. My boy Lloyd told me I should get you a pair of red-bottom shoes, but I couldn’t remember your size and I forgot to ask you.”
    â€œJabril, I’m happy with all this. I don’t need anything else. I wanted an iPad. Thank you so very much. All of this is so nice.” I placed the watch on one arm and the butterfly bracelet on the other.
    â€œAnd that’s not all. I have one more surprise for you.” He pulled out another box. “And remember this? You left this.”
    â€œMy chain.”
    â€œNow, you have the earrings and bracelet to match it now. And I know I said that was it, but you said you needed something else when I talked to you this morning.”
    â€œWhat?” I asked as I watched Jabril pull a slim box from under the seat and placed it on my lap.
    â€œA new MacBook