Carl Weber's Kingpins by Smooth Silk

direction of his house. He knew I was behind him, but then we got stuck in traffic because the police had several streets blocked. Numerous people were standing around. I lowered my window to ask a lady on the corner what had happened. She informed me that a teenager had gotten shot. I shook my head, said a silent prayer, and waited for about thirty minutes until the police directed several cars in another direction. By then, Bones had beat me to his house. When I got there, he was standing on the porch tying his tennis shoes. His head shot up; then he cocked his neck from side to side. He smooth walked his way to my car, presenting so much swag. He bent over to look inside the window.
    â€œI can already tell that you gon’ be a pain in my ass.”
    â€œAnd I can tell that you really like me, but you prefer to be an asshole. Now, please get in the car so I can finish what I was about to say.”
    â€œWhat you say don’t matter. You already admitted to being a liar, and now I won’t believe anything you say.”
    â€œThat’s fine and dandy. So with that being said, will you please get in the car?”
    â€œI don’t like to see women begging, so—”
    Bones opened the door and got inside. I could see his grandmother peeking out the window. When she saw me looking at her, she opened the curtains wider. I started to mention it to Bones, but I kept her overprotectiveness to myself.
    As I drove off, he lowered the visor to look in the mirror. While brushing his waves, I started to answer his question from earlier.
    â€œI drove by your house earlier and didn’t see your car. I didn’t stop, but to my surprise, I saw your car parked on the Civic Center’s parking lot. I started to keep it moving, but then I wanted to see you again. Been thinking a lot—too much about you—so I went inside to see what was up. That there is the truth.”
    Bones flipped up the visor, and then put his brush back in his pocket. He looked over at me, didn’t dare smile. “Bullshit. Next question. Where are you taking me?”
    â€œHow you gon’ call me a liar and—”
    He reached over and placed his hand over my mouth. “Let it go. Where are you taking me?”
    He removed his hand. I changed the subject by answering his question. “I would like to go to the movies. But you over there acting like you really don’t want to be here. Why are you so cold like that, and must you always be so serious? I mean, damn. I have barely seen you smile.”
    â€œWhat movie?”
    He was cut and dry. I just shook my head before pulling the car over to the curb. “Okay, let’s settle this shit, once and for all,” I said. “Are you feeling me or not? Am I wasting my time, or is it okay for us to kick it every now and then? I’m not trying to be your girlfriend or anything like that, but I prefer to hang with niggas who want to have some fun.”
    Bones sat silently for a few seconds, then spoke up. “Let’s go have what you consider fun then.”
    â€œBut you didn’t answer my questions. And if we’re going to have some fun, I need to know your real name. Mine is Renita, but please continue to call me Red.”
    â€œRenita,” he said, stroking the hair on his chin. “Interesting.”
    â€œWhat’s so damn interesting about it?”
    â€œIt’s interesting that Bones is going to the movies with Renita. I suggest that you hurry up and make a move, if you don’t want to be late.”
    â€œI will, if and when you answer my questions and tell me your name.”
    Bones’s eyes narrowed as he gazed straight-ahead while licking his bottom lip. He was bothered. Thinking. Plotting. And irritated. I didn’t give a fuck. He cleared his throat, then turned his head in my direction.
    â€œI’m not gon’ tell you my real name, and I’m never interested in women like you. So, to sum it all