Chapter 17

𝙻𝚘𝚗𝚍𝚢𝚗

“We’re there for four days, Londyn,” Khalil huffed as he dragged my luggage toward his trunk. Half his trunk was already stuffed with Chelsea’s bags and his own. Meanwhile, Imani, Britney, and Essence had already packed their stuff too, leaving me standing there with my suitcase and nowhere to put it.

Which is crazy. ‘Cause one, I don’t have a car. Two, I don’t drive. And three, I refuse to learn. I’m a passenger princess by birthright, by choice, and by God’s design. I sit, I look cute, and I complain about directions. That’s it. That’s the job description.

So yes, somebody was gonna figure it out. It just wasn’t gonna be me.

Suddenly, a car pulled up, smooth and expensive-lookin’ enough to make Khalil straighten up like he was about to salute.

My brows furrowed. “Is that my damn dad?” I asked, already preparing myself for unnecessary questionin’ and a lecture I ain’t ask for.

But then the driver’s door opened, and Aries stepped out instead.

Khalil let out a low whistle like he just saw a luxury commercial in real life, and I raised a brow, foldin’ my arms. Of course she would pull up like that. Her bodyguard tendencies are kickin’ in.

Essence wasted no time, walkin’ right over and leaning’ in to hug her.

I crossed my arms over my chest so fast it could’ve been a reflex, my eyes narrowing on them

Khalil snickered beside me. “Jealous?”

“Shut up.” I flicked him off without even looking, then walked straight over like I had somewhere to be. I grabbed Aries by the wrist and pulled her away from Essence mid-hug like, ‘Wrap it up.’

“Come carry my bags,” I said, already turnin’ like I wasn’t about to be told no.

She sighed, stoppin’ in her tracks. “No ‘hi,’ no ‘hello, how are you’?”

I turned back to face her, glancin’ over at everyone by their trunks. I mean… it wouldn’t hurt to do it again, right?

I stepped forward and opened my arms just a little. She smirked immediately, like she knew exactly what I was doing, and I rolled my eyes, already regrettin’ it—but before I could say anything, she lifted me clean off the ground.

“Aries—put me down,” I warned, real serious, because now—now we doin’ too much.

She chuckled like I said something cute instead of a threat, then adjusted her grip, hands slidin’ under my thighs to hold me up like I weighed nothing.

Khalil, being the instigator he is, passed her my luggage too, like this was normal behavior.

“Why am I being carried?” I huffed, lookin’ around like somebody needed to explain this immediately.

My eyes landed on Imani, who was already smirking like she just witnessed premium content.

I flicked her off immediately.

Next to her, Essence rolled her eyes, and that? Oh, that made me feel a little better. I smirked right back, sticking my tongue out like I was five.

And since I was already committed to being annoying. To make it worse—for her, not for me—I leaned into Aries, lettin’ my hand slide up to the nape of her neck, my nails grazing lightly against her skin.

She stopped walking immediately, pullin’ back just enough to look at me. “What—”

“Aye… don’t be doin’ all that,” she husked, her voice dropping low out of nowhere.

Oh, hell nah…

My eyes widened, and I cleared my throat fast, suddenly very aware of everythin’. “Yeah,” I muttered, tapping her shoulder. “Put me down.”

She set me down this time, quick, but her hand lingered at the back of her neck like she was tryna reset herself.

Imani’s jaw dropped somewhere behind me, and I waved her over like, come here, come witness this properly.

I walked over to the front of Aries’ car, and she rushed over in her slides, already grinnin’ ear to ear.

“I saw that shit!” She swatted my arm, and I rolled my eyes while fixing my shirt like she was being dramatic.

“She definitely liked that…” Britney added from behind her, wrapping her arms around Imani like they were a commentary duo.

I leaned to the side just enough to peek past them, watchin’ Aries at the trunk stackin’ my luggage with Khalil, looking real calm for someone who just… reacted like that.

“You know how niggas be lowerin’ they voice when they into something?” I asked, keeping my tone low but my point loud like I was presentin’ evidence in court.

Britney cackled immediately, Imani nodding so hard I thought her neck was gonna give out.

“Mhm. Mhm. Exactly that.” I hummed, crossin’ my arms again like the case was closed.

‘Cause I know damn well what I heard.

Essence then walked over to us like she was clockin’ in for a shift I ain’t ask for. “Who am I ridin’ with?”

I didn’t even hesitate. I pointed at both Britney and Imani with both hands like I was directing traffic. “Them.” I smiled, real sweet, real fake, real not up for discussion.

She rolled her eyes, subtle but not subtle enough, then turned to them. “I lowkey wanna ride with Aries—”

“Oh, girl—” Imani and Britney said at the exact same time, cuttin’ her off like a rehearsed choir. “We know.”

Essence smirked, foldin’ her arms like she wasn’t even embarrassed. Meanwhile, I crossed mine right back, mirrorin’ her energy.

“Ain’t no space up in there. Sorry,” I said, smilin’ again, sweeter this time. Like syrup. Like lies.

And right on cue, Aries slammed the trunk shut behind me.

Perfect timing. Love that for me!

We all grouped up, tryna figure out the route, our next stop, who’s drivin’, who got snacks, who complainin’. The whole BET Awards opener. Everything. The ride was about ten hours, which already felt like Atlanta traffic levels of disrespect, and it was pushing 5 p.m., meaning we were definitely getting to the Airbnb late as hell.

“By 7 we should be making a food stop,” Khalil said, already actin’ like he was lead coordinator for a Beyoncé tour.

Aries nodded, tappin’ away on her phone, pinnin’ spots on the map. “I’ll send this to you real quick.”

I stepped closer and tugged at her black tee, just a little. “You got snacks in yo car?” I asked, leanin’ into her space like I belonged there.

She looked down at me and paused just… starin’. My whole body froze up like somebody hit pause on me.

The fuck she keep lookin’ at me like that for? Like I’m something to think about? ‘Cause I sure as hell ain’t??

“Yeah, I got you your snacks. Youn gotta worry,” she said finally.

I looked away fast, actin’ like I wasn’t just mentally buffering, but Britney caught everything. She slid up beside me, side-eyeing me, as she hooked her arm through mine and pulled me in close.

“She lookin’ at you like she wanna fuck—” she started whispering. I pulled back immediately, ready to swing. But she yanked me right back. “—Londyn she flirtin’ with you though,” she corrected, barely containin’ her grin.

“She not,” I said quick, firm, and defensive.

Britney gave me that girl, be serious look.

I ignored the look she gave me and turned back toward Aries, who just happened to look up from her phone at the same time. Our eyes locked again, and I swallowed, tryna act normal.

“Thank you,” I murmured.

She nodded, slow, her gaze droppin’ to my lips for a split second before comin’ back up to my eyes. “You know I got you, ma.”

Now why the hell would she say that so casually? Like it didn’t just set my entire fuckin’ nervous system on fire?

My eyes widened, and I swear my whole body heated up over one little word. One. Little. Name.

I looked away so fast I’m convinced I unlocked a new chiropractic issue. Before I could even process it, Imani came outta nowhere, grabbin’ both me and Britney.

“Hold on, I need these two for a second!” she said, already draggin’ us off like we were in trouble.

She pulled us behind her car, then immediately started squealin’ like she just witnessed a live proposal.

Meanwhile, I was still stuck on one thing.

Ma.

“She just called you ma!” Imani smacked my arm, loud and unnecessary.

I grabbed my arm. “Girl, what is wrong with you!? Why is you hitting’ me!?”

Britney stood there with her lips pursed like, yeah… exactly.

I rolled my eyes, tryna stay serious, but the smile I was fightin’ finally slipped out. “Okay… shut up,” I muttered, lookin’ away.

That was all it took. They both started squealin’ like I just confirmed a relationship. “She says it real good, too,” Britney added, shakin’ her head like she was impressed.

“You know I got you, ma,” Imani mocked, grabbin’ my waist like she’d been waitin’ her whole life to act this out.

I pushed them both away, laughin’ despite myself. “Y’all so annoyin’.”

“Say it again,” Britney teased. “Go ‘head. Practice.”

“Don’t start,” I warned, pointing at her.

“Ma—”

“Imani!”

They both lost it again.

From across the lot, Khalil shouted, “Y’all done over there!? We gotta go! The cars ain’t drivin’ on they own!”

I straightened up immediately, fixin’ my face like I wasn’t just back there giggling like a fool.

“Relax!” I yelled back then I walked over to Aries like nothin’ happened. Like my friends ain’t just expose me in 4K.

Aries started up her car, the engine roaring like it had money in its savings account, and I slid into the passenger seat like I belonged there. First thing I did was twist around and check the backseat, because priorities. Of course.

Bags. Multiple bags filled with snacks.

“Oh, you love me bad,” I muttered under my breath, already reachin’ back like a raccoon in a pantry.

I turned back around, settlin’ into my seat as we pulled off, rollin’ past my gates like we weren’t about to be on the road for ten whole hours. Ten. Hours. That’s long enough for me to rethink my life choices, my choices in exs, and my relationship with Aries’ GPS.

“Are you cooking breakfast for us in the mornin’?” I asked, glancin’ over at her like this was very important business.

“Yeah,” she said easily. “What you want?”

I hummed like I had options, even though I was definitely about to say anythin’ she suggested. “I don’t know. Surprise me.”

She chuckled, pressin’ the gas a little harder like she was excited about somethin’. “Alright—”

I slapped my hand over her mouth so fast it surprised both of us.

Silence quickly filled the car and I slowly pulled my hand back. “My fault,” I muttered, starin’ straight ahead like the road was suddenly the most interestin’ thing I’d ever seen in my 22 years.

Her brows furrowed, confused as hell, but she didn’t question it. Bless her. ‘Cause I wasn’t ’bout to explain that I panicked over one specific word like a weirdo.

“Anyway,” I cleared my throat, tryna recover. “What’d you and my dad talk about?”

She kept her eyes on the road, real calm. “He’s waitin’ for you to get an actual boyfriend.”

I snorted. “He can keep waitin’.”

She slowed down just a little, glancin’ over at me. “Or a girlfriend…”

I waved my hand dismissively. “Oh, Ion swing that way.”

She laughed, and not some cute little chuckle either. No. A real laugh. Like I told a joke.

My brows pulled together immediately. “What’s funny?”

“Nun,” she said, still smilin’.

I reached over and pinched her arm. “Hey—”

“Youn believe me, huh?” I accused, squintin’ at her.

She glanced at me again, clearly amused. “You ain’t ever thought a girl was attractive?”

I grumbled, shiftin’ in my seat. “I mean, I thought you was fine as fuck until I realized you was a girl—”

She whipped her head toward me so fast I thought she might swerve. “Mane, what the hell—”

“Whattt?” I sang, shruggin’ like I didn’t just drop that information casually.

She shook her head, laughin’ under her breath, still lookin’ confused. “Do you still…?”

I glanced at her for half a second, then stared out the window like I suddenly understood the meaning of life out there..

Wow! Buildings. Cars. Grass!? How fascinating….

“Maybe…” I murmured, real low.

She hummed like she heard everythin’ she needed to hear. And I mean… I still do. But that’s a conversation for another lifetime. Not this one. Not in this car. Absolutely not.

“So I’m your type?” she asked, like she had all the confidence in the world.

I rolled my eyes, extendin’ my hand out like I needed her to relax immediately. “Let’s not go too far.”

She laughed, takin’ a smooth left turn like she didn’t just try me.

“You a lil… cute or whatever,” I added, real casual, like I wasn’t handin’ out high-value compliments.

She hummed, unconvinced. “Mm.”

“Don’t ‘mm’ me,” I muttered.

“How does it feel to be stuck with me for ten hours?” she asked, speedin’ up just enough to pass Imani and Khalil’s car. I abruptly rolled the window down and stuck my hand out, flippin’ them both off with enthusiasm.

Khalil honked immediately, loud and offended, and I snickered, rollin’ the window back up.

“Horrible,” I continued, leanin’ back in my seat. “I gotta listen to you yap the whole time.”

She hummed, and then her voice dropped. “You know you like hearing me talk.”

Now what the fuck was that?

The fuck she got goin’ on?? Why did it sound like that? The second she said it, something in my brain short-circuited.

My ass started gigglin’. Out of nowhere.

Like I lost control of my own body.

I slapped my hand over my mouth, turnin’ away immediately. Nah, we not doin’ this. Matter of fact, I couldn’t even sit still anymore. I shifted, crossed my legs, uncrossed them, then reached over and just blasted the music in her car.

Loud. Disrespectfully loud. Because yeah—no. We not doing that voice again. If she kept talking like that, I would’ve been mentally gone by hour two, and we still had eight more to survive.

I leaned back some more, pretendin’ I was focused on the music, on the road, on literally anythin’ but her.

Because if I was gonna be stuck in this car for ten hours? I needed to protect my peace.

And my sanity.

𐃯

Once it hit 7, we finally pulled up to our first stop and piled into this little diner like we hadn’t just been trapped in cars for hours. Everybody was hungry, tired, and a little too loud for no reason. We all squeezed into one booth, and when I say squeezed, I mean squeezed.

Britney ended up sittin’ in my lap like it was assigned seatin’. “Girl, you heavy,” I muttered, adjusting her like she was luggage.

“Shut up, you love me,” she shot back, gettin’ comfortable anyway. I rolled my eyes but didn’t push her off.

“What’s the next stop?” Essence asked, flipping through the menu like she wasn’t about to order the same thing as everybody else.

Khalil leaned forward immediately, already irritated. “Yeah, ’cause ain’t no damn bathroom here,” he huffed, his jaw tight like he was fightin’ for his life.

I blinked. “Nigga, then stop refillin’ your damn drink??” I pointed at his cup.

He extended his finger at me like I was a misbehaving child.

I rolled my eyes then squinted at him. “Oh, so now you mute?”

“So sassy,” I added, rolling my eyes.

Imani folded forward, wheezing like she couldn’t breathe, gripping the table for support.

“You gon’ pass out over my joke or what?” I asked, side-eyeing her.

Aries sat there scrollin’ through her phone, calm as ever. “There’s a gas station not too far from here. Hopefully the washrooms are in service.”

I leaned over to look at her phone, because obviously I needed to see too, but she leaned into me at the same time, her shoulder pressin’ against mine like that was just… where she belonged.

I blinked.

Okay. What the fuck is goin’ on today?

Essence cleared her throat loud as hell.

I looked up at her slowly and rolled my eyes.

Oh, brother. She really cannot stand me being near Aries. It’s like it physically pains her. She needa relax, oxygen is free.

“Aries, do you have any snacks?” Essence asked, all sweet and casual.

Aries nodded, jerking her thumb behind her. “Yeah, in the car. Wassup?”

Essence stood up like she’d been waiting for that exact answer. “Can I have some?”

I mumbled under my breath, already irritated, as Aries nodded and got up to follow her outside. The second they walked off, I leaned back in the booth and said it out loud. “Okay, she’s so damn obvious with it.”

The whole table paused, then Khalil snorted. “Green-eyed hoe.”

I flicked him off immediately as I shot back. “I’ll take your girl. Shut the hell up, nigga.”

He gasped, clutchin’ Chelsea. “You wouldn’t dare.”

“Mm,” I hummed, noddin’ slowly. “That’s what I thought. Hold her real tight.”

Chelsea rolled her eyes but stayed right where she was, and Imani was wheezing again, barely holdin’ herself up while Britney just shook her head, laughing.

“No, seriously,” I continued, pointin’ toward the door. “She actin’ like they dating. Like, girl. Relax.”

Imani’s laughter suddenly cut off, her jaw droppin’.

I frowned. “What?”

“Uhm.” She cleared her throat.

I whipped my head toward the entrance like I already knew something was wrong.

And the second I saw it? My eyes widened.

“Oh, what the fuck…!?”