Free Slick by Brenda Hampton Page A

Steven brought in all my flowers, I thanked him and stood at the door listening to him hint about us having sex.
    â€œMust everything you do for me always have to end up with us having sex?” I whispered.
    â€œNot always, baby, but you know you be putting something on a brotha’s mind.”
    I looked over at Britney who was all ears, listening to our conversation. “Maybe next time, okay?” I said, looking back at Steven.
    â€œI’m cool with that. Just don’t have me waiting so long and I’m right next door.”
    â€œI won’t, Steven, if maybe next time you figure out a way not to come in two minutes, darling. And even though you’re right next door, I’m a tiny bit more excited about the brothas who last a lot longer than you.”
    â€œWell, next time, you get them to help you with your shit. Don’t be calling—”
    His voice rose, so I slammed the door. “Tired, truly tired,” I said, walking back over to the couch and sitting next to Britney. She was cracking up. When I saw that she ate the shortcake, I snatched the empty container from her.
    â€œGreedy, child. What in the heck happen to all of my shortcake?”
    â€œYou were running your mouth too long and I was hungry.”
    â€œWell, go home and eat.”
    â€œI don’t like being at home.”
    â€œOkay. You don’t like being at school, you don’t like being at home, and you don’t like my friend Dana. Who or what do you like, Britney?”
    â€œDana is not your friend. And I don’t like anyone but you and my daddy. I wish y’all had somehow hooked up. That way, I could have lived with y’all.”
    I was quiet because that was not only her wish, but my wish as well. Thinking about Jonathan, I went to the kitchen to get Britney an ice pack for her eye. While I was getting it, she came in and sat at the kitchen table.
    â€œSylvia?”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œWhat’s up with this sex thing? I mean, I’m still a virgin but I have thought about it.”
    â€œAnd that’s all you need to do is think about it,” I said, giving her the ice pack. She placed it underneath her eye. “Britney, sex is a beautiful thing. But beautiful things aren’t meant to be shared with any- and everyone. As a young lady, you need to have respect for yourself. I’m not telling you not to have sex because I have a feeling that you’re going to do what you want to do. I’m just saying that life is about making choices, some good and some bad, but the bad choices are the ones that hurts us every time. We both know that it is not a good choice for a girl your age to be having sex, so with that being said, just know and understand the consequences.”
    Britney smiled and laid the ice pack on the table. “Do you love my daddy?”
    My mouth dropped open. “Wha . . . Why did you ask me that?”
    â€œI don’t know. I guess I kind of see something in you when he’s around you and when you talk about him.”
    â€œYes, Britney, I love your father,” I said, standing up. “But, I’m not in love with him, if that’s what you’re asking.”
    â€œIf you say so.” She stood up and walked off to the bathroom. When the phone rang I answered it.
    â€œWhat kind of friend are you?” Dana shouted.
    I was silent for a second and my heart raced. “Wha—”
    â€œDidn’t I tell you I had something I wanted to talk to you about?”
    I was relieved to hear that it wasn’t about me and Jonathan. “Girl, I’m sorry. I completely forgot.”
    â€œCan you meet me at CJ’s in about an hour?”
    â€œNo, I can’t. I have company right now.”
    â€œWell, tell that Negro you got something else to do.”
    â€œI will do no such thing. If you can’t talk to me over the phone then it’ll just have to wait until tomorrow.”
    â€œSome damn