Runner

Meeting the Family

I won’t be home until later. I’ll make sure you have something cute to wear tonight. Read the text sent from Amara. I sighed as I read it. I had just got back from my morning jog and the condo was beginning to feel empty to me. I needed to find a job soon or at least a hobby that takes a lot of my time.

I walked back into my room to grab the Dell laptop I got during my junior year of college before heading back to the living room. Even though it was Saturday, I still wanted to check my emails to see if I had any interviews or job offers. And of course, I did not.

Every time I checked my emails, it made me regret only commuting while I was in college. I was not involved in any extracurriculars, I did not join a sorority or a club, and I did not have a job. Whereas Amara joined a sorority, was a part of her college’s mock trial team, and had paid internships.

My phone began to ring. I was hoping it would be Amara saying she was bringing home some food, but it was my mom. s**t! I thought, before answering it, “Hello, Mommy?” I answered softly.

“Solana, why has it been almost a week since we’ve talked?” She nagged then gasped, “Did you get a job yet?”

I sighed, “No, Mommy. But I have had many interviews this week.” I embellished, I only had one interview this week and I am pretty sure I won’t get a callback.

I could hear her grinning on the other side, “Well that’s great! See you were worried you wouldn’t find anything because you didn’t do all of that fancy s**t while in college.” She commented. s**t! I thought again. If I were being honest, she would have realized that because I didn’t do all the fancy s**t, I’m not getting any callbacks.

“Yeah, but idk, if I don’t find a job soon, I might have to lower my standards.” I hinted.

“Hmph.” My mom grumbled, “This is why you should have stayed here, now you have your bills and you have to have a job. That was stupid of you to just go there without a job, Solana.” She lectured me as I rolled my eyes.

“I’ll be fine, Mommy. Even if I have a little setback.” I plead my case, “Besides, I have some money saved up.”

“But Oakland is expensive.” My mom cut me off.

I bit my lower lip, “Yes Oakland is expensive, but I’m being frugal.” I said, leaving out the fact that I don’t pay any bills as of now. Before she could continue to talk about my moving was a bad decision, I had to get off the phone, “Hey, Mommy. I should go. Amara wants me to go with her to get a new suit.”

“How is Amara?” She asked, ignoring my request.

“She’s good, busy with work.” I said, leaving out the fact that she has a man, which would have led to more questions from my mom, “But I have to go, I’ll call you soon.” I said before she could praise Amara’s hard work.

She sighed, “Okay, Solana. Call me sooner than a week. And call me when you get some good news!” She instructed me. Even though calling her soon and when I got good news, there were two different instructions to call her.

“Okay, Mommy. Love ya!” I told her.

“Love you too, baby.” I could finally hear the warmth in her voice, “Bye, Solana.” She said before hanging up.

“Amara, I am so sorry about last night. I don’t know what has gotten into me lately.” JC said something Amara was beginning to hear way too often. The two were outside of her apartment in his pearl white Camaro. The doors were still locked, and all of her bags were still in the trunk of the car. She did not want to talk to him still, but she knew he wanted to say what he could to her.

She also knew to expect extravagant gifts throughout the next two weeks and to see him on his best behavior for nearly the next couple of days. She also knew that she would be back with him one hundred percent by Friday and this would happen again within the month.

“Amara say something, anything.” He begged.

She had a lot of makeup on her face to cover the bruise, she turned to him and smiled slightly, “See you tonight.” She said dryly, unlocking the car.

“Let me help you with your bags, babe.” He said, putting the hazard lights on his car since he was double-parked. Amara shuddered, she did not want to have to put on an act in front of me. But she knew that she would have to pretend that last night went great.

The two walked up to her apartment together and she unlocked to door to see me hanging up with my mom, “Hey, hey.” Amara greeted me glowing.

I smiled at the pair, “Hey, I thought you were going to be a bit late.” I pointed out, “I’m not mad but…” I trailed off.

She shrugged as JC put her bags into her room, “Well you know my timing is unpredictable.” She joked with me, “Besides, you and I need to go shopping for tonight.” She said.

JC finally reappeared from her room, “Here.” He said, handing her his black credit card, “For you and Solana.” He said. Amara smiled painfully. At the time, I thought it was because of her pride. She then kissed his cheek quickly to express her gratitude in front of me. He nodded to her, then to me, “Ladies.” He said before we waved him out the door.

“Amara, you are so lucky.” I gushed. She smiled at me, but her eyes were clouded. She was stiff today and seemed a bit off. I wish I would have asked about it earlier. But I was too blinded by JC’s desire to care for her, or rather the money he gave her, to read the signs she gave. Besides, who puts on a full face at 8 AM to go home?

The two girls got home from their quick shopping trip in Emeryville to the Bay Street shopping center because Amara wanted to do both my make-up and hers tonight. Once back inside the apartment, Amara ran to the back room to set up her outfit. I then noticed JC’s black card on the living room table, which meant Amara did not take it or use it. It struck me as odd, but I decided that it was not my place to say anything to her.

I walked towards the back to my room with my bags to find Amara waiting for me, “Jesus Christ!” I hissed. My room was still dark and I was not expecting her in it.

“Okay, so I was thinking about that black dress you got from Express with my leather red bottoms and your hair in a cute pineapple.” She said as I walked over to my nightstand to turn on the light.

“Amara, why are you sitting in the dark?” I asked, a little concerned for my friend.

Amara laughed in my face, “My bad, I was just deep in thought, So.” She admitted, though left out the reason why.

I took her answer for face value, “So what are you wearing?” I asked as I sat on my bed.

She smirked, “It’s a secret. You want to shower first, or can I?” She asked me.

I sighed, “I have to shower first because you take long.”

She nodded, I noticed a little pain in her eyes but she quickly recovered, “Okay, I’ll call you into my room when I’m ready to do your make-up.” She said before heading out of my room. I began to pull the clothes out of the bag to either hang them up in my clothes or lay them out for tonight. After I finished, I walked across the hallway into the main bathroom to take my shower. Amara locked her door and began to lay out her outfit, waiting to hear the shower shut off so she could quickly take hers and put her makeup back on to hide her face from me. Once she was fully ready to show me herself, she called me into her room. I was fully dressed, only my hair and make-up was not done yet.

Amara smiled, “Look at you, even without my touch you’re ready to slay.” She pumped up my ego. I shook my head and laughed as I walked over to her white, wooden vanity, “Okay, I’m not going to go all in, because I know that’s not you.” She told me before she started on my hair, spaying my mane with a heat protectant. I rolled my eyes at her, “Besides you don’t need much. You’re pretty and smart.”

“Just like you.” I smiled into the mirror at her.

She snorted, “I wish I was half as smart as people think I am.” She started to place primer on my face.

“Nah, look at you. You moved to Oakland and are supporting yourself. Like that’s amazing, girl!” I encouraged her.

This time she did not smile back, “Well, Solana, looks can be deceiving.” She reminded me before starting on my eyebrows.

Amara and I walked into the club without having to stand in line thanks to her mentioning her man’s name. We were then escorted to the Havana VIP room at Pura. Amara’s face lit up when she saw JC and embraced him.

“Thanks, babe for getting VIP tonight!” She yelled over the loud music.

He smirked, “Anything for mi Amor.” He kissed her, then turned his attention to me, “You gotta meet the rest of the family.” He commanded me before leading us to a table in the corner. A copper complexion girl was sitting on top of the booth. Her jet black, thick, curly hair fell past her waist. She was thin, yet had a natural-looking hourglass and thick lips that were painted ruby red. She was bouncing to the beat in her seat when we approached.

“Julissa, this is Amara’s friend Solana.” He introduced us.

Julissa smiled at me on cue, “Nice to meet you girl. Thanks for helping these two plan a night out.” She teased JC, who rolled his eyes, “My brothers and I work way too hard, we need to have fun every once in a while.” She stated.

“Issa, if you wanted to hang out just plan it,” JC grumbled, an olive complexion man chuckled. He sat in the booth, or rather he was spread out, legs and arms spanning most of the booth and almost touching Julissa’s bare legs. He had a stubbly beard, which allowed his dimples to show. He had hazel green eyes which had a mischievous glow to them. His dark brown hair had an old gel job, but it was apparent it was naturally wavy, almost curly and the side of his hair was faded.

“I’m Javier, by the way.” He introduced himself after noticing me ogling him. I adverted my gaze and he chuckled. He changed his body position, closing and leaning forward, still looking at me, “But people close to me call me Javi.”

I still could not look back at him, Amara did not notice my discomfort but began to ask for shots. She joked around with JC and Julissa, but Javier was quiet. I looked over to check on him and his gaze was still on me. It was intense so I turned away again. He chuckled as Amara and JC finally sat down next to Julissa, leaving me to stand alone. Thankfully they did not notice, but of course, he did.

He tilted his head and sighed, his attention was still on me. He then got up and walked over to me. “Let’s go get something to drink.” He suggested. His velvety voice hypnotized me, making it hard for me to disobey him. He leads me to the bar downstairs. I just watched him maneuver through the crowd and place the order for shots for the group. He then ordered himself a Modelo and then turned to me but spoke to the bartender, “And how about a s*x on the Beach?” He asked me.

I shook my head and spoke to the bartender, “No need for that drink.” The bartender nodded at me and went to get him his beer. The man turned to me, expecting an explanation, “I’m good with just the shot.”

He chuckled, flashing his dimples, “You a lightweight?” He teased me.

I had to laugh at the assumption, “Not even, but I plan on pacing myself tonight.” I admitted. Though I knew I did not feel up to going out, so I did not want to drink too much to mask my true feelings.

He licked his lips and nodded simultaneously, “Makes sense, we might be here for a bit.” He said as the bartender gave him his beer, “Solana, right?” He asked me again. I just nodded, “Let’s head back up before they start asking stupid questions.” He stated and began to walk back even though I had not responded yet. I followed him back upstairs and to our VIP area. The trio still had not stopped talking so we took out place in the booth. He went in first and me second. He then seamlessly entered the conversation.

This guy was smooth. It was almost unbelievable. Except they all were, even Amara. I was the only one who looked and felt out of place.

I then felt a hand on my ankle and looked up to see Javi smiling at the group, then turned to me, “How do you feel about it?” He asked me trying to get me to interact with the group.

I looked up at him dumbfounded, thankfully Amara spoke up for me, “She just getting used to the bay, Javi.”

Julissa perked up and turned to me, “Really? So are you and Amara from the same town?”

I nodded, “Yes.”

JC laughed, “That small ass, pee-brain ass town. I’m glad ‘Mara left and joined the big dogs. I hope you enjoy our city, Solana.” He wished me making me smile.

I heard Javi whisper something, “Ignore him. He’s the boisterous type.” He warned.

JC scowled, “What the hell are you telling her?”

Javi smirked and raised his hands in the air, “Facilimente. Nothing bad, mano.” He said then winked at me, reminding me that I am definitely still a straight woman. JC retreated back to Amara and Javi turned his attention back to me, “You speak Spanish?”

“Not well.” I said trying to tuck a hair behind my ear and realizing my hair was up Javi chuckled, “So are you from Oakland?”

He shook his head, “Ecuador.” He rolled his r for full effect, “My parents settled in LA before we moved up here. Just us siblings.” He admitted to me before taking a sip of his beer. For the first time tonight, I saw the pain in his eyes. There was more to the story, but tonight I would not find out about it. After he took a second swig of beer she smile at me, “Do you dance salsa?”

“Aye, mi hijo. Leave the poor girl alone.” Julissa teased her brother. She turned to me, “Mi hija, he’s such a talker. Blink twice if you want me to make him go away.”

I giggled, “Will do, for now, he’s okay.” I teased, turning to look at him I noticed his hazel eyes were on my questioning me. He then turned to his sister.

“Yo, por qué lo dices?” He asked, “I’m just trying to make her comfortable.” He smirked at me.

Julissa rolled her eyes and chuckled at her brother, “Más como hacer que quiera tener sexo contigo.” Whatever she said made him blush. He took another long swig of his beer and avoid eye contact with me. She then turned to me and sighed, “You gotta learn Spanish, mi hija.” She advised me, “By the way, I love your dress.”

“Thanks, we bought it today.” Amara beamed. Julissa cut her eyes to JC, “I paid for it if you’re wondering.” Amara spoke up. For the first time tonight, I felt the tension in the group. That kicked in my instinct.

Run.

I jumped up, “Hey, I’m going to go get some shots, does anyone want to come?” I asked. JC smirked as Javi stood up next to me.

“We can’t turn down shots.” JC teased his brother. I bit my lip nervously and turned towards the stairs as the boys followed me. They weren’t who I expected to come with me. Honestly, I hoped it was Amara or no one. Hell, I only had money for myself.

JC was the one who got the bartender's attention, but he told him it would be five minutes. JC then turned to me, “So Amara spent her own money today?” He asked me. Javi rolled his eye, “No está noche, Juan Carlos.” Javi growled.

“I don’t know. She’s been good to me since I’m out of work.” I stated then immediately regretted it.

Javi sucked his lip, “Damn, that’s tough. What are you trying to go into?”

“Advocacy,” I admitted.

“Why not business?” JC mused causing Javi to scowl.

“I like speaking up for the underdog,” I admitted making JC smile genuinely for the first time tonight.

“Okay, superhero status. We need people in the world like that.” JC stated as the bartender came up to JC, “My man, ten el tesoros with ten limes and salt. And I need bottle service up in my VIP, maybe a top-shelf cognac and rose.” He ordered.

I felt mortified, “I can’t…” I stared.

“We got it.” Javi stopped me, “We wouldn’t let you pay anyway.” He started making me close my mouth. He smirked, “Have you had Mexican tequila?”

“Like Don Julio?” I asked making both men laugh.

“No, love, this will be smoother. And more potent.” JC warned me as he began to walk toward the stairs. This time I followed behind the guys. JC sat next to Amara and kissed her cheek. Javi ushered me to sit next to Julissa and then sat next to me as our shots were placed on the table in front of us. Javi then grabbed two and handed me one, “Everyone got one?” JC asked, when we all had our glass he spoke again, “To Solana, joining our adventures and bringing us out tonight.”

“Salud,” Javi said raising his glass in the air.

“Cheers.” Amara smiled at me before we all took our shot. Julissa was right. I was going to need to learn Spanish.