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Two updates of From Uncle Reezy, To Daddy Reezy? The nerve of me. Deepest apologies :-* Enjoy the double quote below as a peace offering.
Wasting no time. We back.
Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Aaron McGruder's The Boondocks or any of his characters.
"Hueeyyyyy! Granddad's takin' bitches out to eat again!"
Riley Freeman; Breaking Granddad
"Just out here Rick-Rossin' it. You know, not lovin' them hoes."
Riley Freeman; The Story Of Gangstalicious Part 2
Cindy's POV
She blushed as she held the phone to her ear, shaking her head while she did so. She tried to keep the smile itching to make its way to her face at a minimum, she was still out in public on campus after all.
But damn if she'd rather be somewhere else with someone else.
"Boy, you're too much." Cindy eventually spoke, attempting to keep her voice cool. "Better stop playin'."
"You're right, it's no fun to play alone. Come play with me."
"Rivers!" She blushed again, the smile all the way out now.
"Cynthia." Landon replied huskily in return. She could practically hear the smirk in his voice.
"Babe, I'm going to see you later tonight. But I've gotta go, he'll be here any minute. He was supposed to be here by now actually." She grinned as she heard him let out a dramatic groan.
"Give my best to Caesar." He told her playfully. "Where are you meeting again?"
"The food court on campus. He better hurry up, I only have an hour before my last class." She said, slightly pulling the phone from her ear to check the time.
"And then you'll be home?" Landon asked.
"Yeah." Cindy nodded, glancing at her incoming text. "Hey, he just texted me that he's coming in now so I'll talk to you soon, okay?"
"Alright, I'll meet you back at your place later." He told her.
"Bye babe." She responded, disconnecting the call with a grin as she finally saw her friend making his way over to her with an actual pep in his step.
"Before you even go off on me, let me just say that traffic was a bitch, niggas can't drive, annndd I got lost once I got here." Caesar finished sheepishly as he approached her.
"It's always somethin' with you." Cindy shook her head while she stood from her seat.
"This campus is bigger than it looks though!" He whined.
"Ain't nobody got time for your excuses boy, I'm hungry. Let's eat."
"Damn, can I at least get a hug first? It's only been like a year."
"Try a few weeks." Cindy chuckled, extending her arms out. "Dramatic ass."
"Try several weeks. But thank you for making time in your busy schedule for me." He teased, giving her a quick squeeze.
"Welcome." She responded with a wink as she pulled back, gesturing him to follow her. His words almost made her feel slightly guilty, it had been a minute since she'd seen him. Hell, she'd barely been able to have her weekly Facetime sessions with Jazmine lately. But in her defense, she had been busy with school and work, still trying to juggle her two jobs while she could handle it.
And of course with Landon.
Their time together was everything. And even though he resided almost an hour away, he was at her house literally all the time since they'd be dating, usually spending the night with her on weekends. She had visited him a few times too, but he practically made it a mission to spend as much quality time with her as he could when her schedule allowed. And it made her feel amazing seeing how much effort he was always willing to put in for her. That shit was a turn-on in itself.
"Aiight." Caesar spoke after they sat down with their trays of food. "You got like forty minutes til your class. Fill me in." He said attentively before taking a big bite of his burger.
"Fill you in on what specifically?" Cindy grinned in confusion, twirling her pasta.
"Everything!" Caesar quipped through his mouth full. "I literally know nothin' bout your life anymore. Update me girl."
"You're so full of it. Nothing that drastic has changed or happened. I'm either here, or at the gym, or helping down at the basketball court with the summer camps."
"So you don't have a social life anymore orrr...?" Caesar trailed off in question.
"I didn't say that, but it makes things harder."
"Hm." He hummed as he chewed. "How's your boy? What's his name?"
"Landon." Cindy answered evenly, giving him the eye.
"Damn, don't look at me like that! I honestly forgot, I only met him that one time." He said defensively.
"He's great."
"Treatin' you right?"
"Always."
"Taking you on dates and spoilin' you enough?"
"Very much."
"Oh so you do have time for a social life, okay." Caesar replied casually, glancing down as he munched on his fries.
"Boy, if you don't stop." Cindy rolled her eyes. "Of course I see him. He's my boyfriend."
"And we're your friends." Caesar retorted calmly with a shrug, looking back up to her with a blank expression. It was almost out of character for him.
"Ceez, come on." Cindy was the first one to avert eye contact this time. "It's not like that."
"I'm not implying that it's like anything, I'm just sayin'." He shrugged again, more nonchalant this time. "What's goin' on with Riley?"
Cindy took her time sipping from her fountain drink. "What do you mean? Nothing as far as I know of."
"I mean, have you talked to him?"
"Not super recently, but the last time I did he seemed fine. He is fine." Cindy lifted a shoulder. "Have you talked to him?"
"Please, I see him about as often as I see you." Caesar snorted. "Has he met Landon yet?" He asked, grabbing the ketchup from the table to add another big helping to his plate. He glanced back up at her silence, widening his eyes at her face.
"He still hasn't met him?" He repeated.
"What about it?" Cindy muttered into her cup, but Caesar caught it.
"What do you mean, 'what about it?'" He gave her a look. "You don't think there's anything weird about that?"
"Why would I, what's the big deal?" Cindy demanded in frustration.
"Don't you think Landon's wondering why you're hiding him?"
"I'm not hiding him-"
"He's met everyone else from your circle except your best friend."
"Jazmine's my best friend." She mumbled.
"It's been now almost three months." He continued.
"I have not been dating him that long, boy."
"Cindy. You met him late July, it's the end of October."
"...I didn't start dating him officially until the end of August."
"Y'all were 'unofficially' dating by the beginning of August so..." Caesar deadpanned.
"Sooo?" Cindy slightly glared back. "Your point?"
"It's weird. Your man might not've said it yet, but I promise you he's thinkin' it."
"Well what am I supposed to do then?" Cindy asked him testily. "Should I sit the two of them down about it formally? Should I expect Riley to be eager to meet him when all he's done is avoid the situation altogether? Should I expect him to act like he has some damn sense and not be a fucking asshole?"
"Girl, c'mon. Be nice."
"Nice for fucking what Caesar, are we going to pretend that he hasn't or wouldn't do that shit to me?" She shot back heatedly.
"Has he done anything to you recently?" He asked her patiently, countering her hostility with calmness.
"I haven't seen him recently, so it doesn't mean that he wouldn't."
"Then maybe you should give him the benefit of the doubt."
"Seriously Ceez? Give Riley the benefit of the doubt? How many chances should I keep giving him?" She questioned him.
"From what you just told me, y'all ain't really talking. So this would be his chance to prove his intentions." He shrugged. "Regardless, you're gonna have to introduce the two of them at some point. And the longer you wait, the more awkward it's going to be for everyone. But do you, boo-boo." He concluded, his tone suddenly light as he popped his last fry into his mouth. Cindy studied him in contemplation while pushing around her food. She'd suddenly lost her appetite.
"Moving on." She slightly shook her head as if to clear her thoughts. "What's new with you? How's the girlfriend?"
"Lindsay's wonderful. And we officially started dating just last week."
"Just last week?"
"Don't judge me, judge ya self. Just cuz y'all wanna rush into things... nah, I'm playin'. But for real, I have to go slow with her, she's super careful and guarded with this relationship ish. Makes me work for it, tell you that much."
"Kudos to her then." Cindy smirked.
"You can finally meet her if you come to Hiro's party."
"What party?"
"Oh yeah, I almost forgot you have a selective social life."
"Boy..." She warned.
"What, he put it on Facebook!"
"I'm never on Facebook anymore!"
"You are literally proving my point with your selective no-social-life-havin'-ass!" Caesar laughed at her.
"Shut up!" Cindy wasn't able to hold back her grin either. "What party?"
"He's hosting a Halloween party next Saturday at his place."
"Seriously? And you waited til today to tell me?"
"Facebook."
"I don't check it I said! How am I supposed to find a costume by then?"
"It's only Wednesday though. You have over a week and a half, don't worry about it. Just keep in mind it's a movie, television, and celebrity theme."
"So now there are specifications." Cindy gave him an eyeroll.
"There's been specifications when he posted it two weeks ago. You'll find something."
"Do you know if Jazmine and Huey are coming?"
"I find it weird that you don't know, but the last I saw, Jazmine RSVP'd maybe. You know Huey's smartass RSVP'd no just because, but what Jazmine decides, he'll do."
"We've all been busy." She told him with a look, not missing the subtle shade.
"You've been busy, but it's all good." He said lightheartedly. "Hopefully they'll both be able to make it, I'll be there, Lindsay will be there, Reez, Hiro, and Ming will be there—stop." He paused to smirk at the way Cindy pretended to stick her finger down her throat and gag at the mention of Ming's name. "It'll be lit. You definitely should come. You can even bring your boy along if he wants to come with. I'd suggest getting the introduction out of the way prior to that day though."
"Why?" Cindy asked, suddenly feeling uneasy again.
"Because don't nobody want y'all to kill our damn vibe with that foolishness."
"What foolishness?"
"It's going to be awkward, Cindy. You have to know that going in. And awkwardness doesn't belong at a party. Take that shit on elsewhere."
"Nigga please." She rolled her eyes at him again. "I'll handle it." She added under her breath.
"Let's hope so." Caesar muttered under his own.
They continued to make light conversation for the next several minutes up until Cindy's alarm went off on her phone. She let out a sigh as she pulled the blaring device from her bag.
"I'm sorry, Ceez." She groaned while silencing the alarm. "I've got five minutes to get to my next class."
"Is that even enough time to make it there before you're late?" He asked, gathering their trash onto one tray.
"Not really, but we never start on time anyway and that class is trash. I could care less." She shrugged as she stood from the table.
"Damn." Caesar snickered with the shake of his head, standing as well. "Well, enjoy I guess. I'm glad I at least got to see you for a little while."
"Me too. I missed you." She told him sincerely. "And I'll let you know for sure if Landon and I can make it to Hiro's party."
"I only care about you." He smirked at her, pulling her in for a close hug. Cindy giggled as she relaxed into him.
"Rude."
"I missed you too." He added warmly, making Cindy smile as they pulled apart.
"I'll text you soon. We should do this again." She said as she slipped her bag back onto her shoulder, beginning to walk backwards from him.
"We better." Caesar told her, lifting the tray from the table as he headed the opposite way.
"Promise!" Cindy called out with a quick wave. "Bye Ceez!"
"Later!"
Cindy found herself grinning the whole way to her class. The visit, as brief as it had been, had been nice. And she really had missed him. All of her friends actually. It really had been a good minute that they'd all hung out and caught up. An invitation to a party sounded pretty perfect in her opinion.
However, the grin that was previously on Cindy's face started to rapidly decline the moment she set foot into the last class of her day. It was a blow-off class, one of the last "general" credits that she needed to have all her courses covered and approved in order to graduate. It was all bad, and nobody gave a shit. The material was boring, the teacher was wack, it had over 30 people packed into one small-ass room, and to Cindy's utter dismay, there was that student.
She tried not to grind her teeth while she made her way to her seat. Cindy was a fan of routine. She sat in the same seat in each of her respective classes every day. She didn't understand why so many people liked to bop around different areas of the room on any given day. But that was their business. The important thing was that everyone knew where her seat was, and that they better not sit in it. Lucky for them everybody seemed to get it, and no one ever sat in her spot.
But... it was really starting to work Cindy's nerves how that same student kept finding a way to invade her space at any moment she could.
Cindy narrowed her eyes as she slid into her seat, glaring non-too-subtly at the student that was already seated in the desk diagonally in front of her. At the sound of Cindy's books hitting the table, the student turned her head while she leisurely flipped her hair over her shoulder, a lame attempt at trying to be discreet as she glanced in Cindy's direction.
And then she did it again. The same thing she did every fucking day she saw her. The bitch eyed her up and gave her the biggest shit-eating smirk in the way that only Tish could. This time she had the nerve to even waggle her fingers at her as if she was giving her some cutesy version of a wave.
Fuck off.
Cindy feigned a large yawn as she covered her mouth and turned her head in a different direction. That bitch could skydive off the highest tower for all she cared. She didn't understand her obsession with being all up in her face when she knew, she had to know, that Cindy did not like her. If the bitch was that thirsty for attention, she needed to go find Riley. Hell, they probably still talked if Cindy could guess.
Half of her wondered if that's what it was about. Was that Tish's angle, to play some high-school-level game as if to try to make her jealous by eluding to the fact that she'd slept with Riley? She really hoped not. One, that would be pathetic. Two, been there, done that. And three, get a fucking life.
One day, if the stalker-y game persisted, Cindy was going to flat out ask her what her deal was. Because to honest, she was reaching her limit with her. One day, she would. But not today. She didn't feel she had the willpower to not kick her ass just for the hell of it.
Two Hours Later
Hiro: aw yeah! im glad ur coming, its goin 2b dope. tell ur bf he's not allowed to come as Naruto tho. i got him on lock. #dontbelievemejustwatch
Cindy: #Nerd ;)
Hiro: #uninvited ;) ;) jp i will c u there XD
Cindy grinned as she sent him a string of emojis while she rode the elevator up to her floor. She hadn't stopped thinking about the party ever since Caesar had brought it up, so she'd made the decision to text Hiro her RSVP during class. The only thing she had to figure out was who she'd come dressed as, but she could worry about that later. As long as her friends would be there, she'd be more than happy.
As far as Riley... that was a topic for a different time. A topic that she'd have to eventually have with—
"Landon?" Cindy's eyes did a double-take as she glanced up from her phone at the opening elevator doors. Her boyfriend was casually standing in front of her with yet another bouquet of flowers.
"What are you doing here, I thought you'd be over tonight? And what's the occasion?" She asked in surprise, gesturing to the flowers.
"You." He grinned, gently leading her out of the elevator as he shifted the bouquet into her arms.
"Me?" She giggled. "I'm no occasion. They're beautiful though." She smiled, pausing to sniff them. "But baby, you really have to stop splurging on me with these. You're gonna buy out the floral shop at this rate. Not to mention, these have to be expensive. They're out of season and fresh-cut and-" Cindy lost her train of thought as Landon placed his mouth over hers in a deep and intense kiss. After a several more moments spent that way, Cindy was ready to request their location to be moved to her bedroom. However when Landon pulled away slightly, it seemed as though he'd beat her to it.
"I love you." He told her directly, not breaking eye contact.
Her already open mouth gaped even more in utter shock. That was not at all what she'd expected to come out of his mouth.
"You... do?" She asked dumbly, her brain not quite registering the confession.
"I do." He nodded, his voice the epitome of calm. "I wanted to tell you earlier on the phone, I was about to actually. But you'd already hung up."
"Omigod." Cindy felt her face go red as she placed a hand over her mouth. "I'm so-"
"Don't apologize." He shook his head immediately, pulling her hand away her face as he kissed her forehead. "I'm telling you now." He kissed her nose. "That I love you." He smiled, kissing her lips again.
Cindy didn't know if it was the appropriate response, but not soon after she found herself jumping into his arms as she dropped everything she was holding, including the flowers. She murmured for him to carry her inside, wasting no time as she began to unbutton his shirt. He eagerly complied, the two of them barely able to concentrate when they came to the door for Cindy to unlock it. Once she did, it took all of a short handful of seconds for them to be in her room, on her bed, completely naked as they continued.
She also didn't know if it was an appropriate response when after they had just finished being heavily intimate, she found her whispering the words back to him in return.
Jazmine's POV
Jazmine hadn't thought much about it when she received the Facetime call. The only thing that had thrown her off slightly was that the call had come through her open Macbook resting on the bed. Peering at the screen, she noticed it was Cindy calling and smiled. She minimized the homework she'd been working on, more than ready for a break. Huey was casually reading behind her on the bed and wouldn't care or notice that she was talking to Cindy. She figured it'd probably be quick anyway.
Boy, was she wrong.
"He said WHAT?!"
"I couldn't believe it."
"He really said it? It-it? Three words, eight letters, Gossip Girl level it?!"
"You are so corny."
"First of all, Chuck and Blair forever. Second, he told you he loved you. And third, holy crap Cindy, you said it back! That's huge!" Jazmine gushed in awe. Cindy put up a good front, but she could tell her best friend was totally glowing over this.
"I know." She replied modestly instead.
"How long have you guys been dating again?"
"Between two and three months."
"Three months max?"
Although the camera was focused primarily on Jazmine's face and her mouth had been open to pose a question, it had not been hers that had spoken. She turned her head, confused as she looked at Huey sitting in the same spot behind her, the bottom half of his face covered as he read from his newspaper.
"Uh, did Huey say something?" Cindy asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Um... I'm honestly not sure. Are you actually engaging in conversation, honey?" Jazmine wondered curiously.
"Not trying to." Huey replied dryly, his eyes still on his page. "But doesn't three months strike you as early?"
"Negro, I know you ain't talking. Your girlfriend of five years told you she loved you before she ever dated you. Hell, she told you she loved you barely a month after knowing you!" Cindy instantly clapped back.
"That has to be a tad exaggerated." Jazmine protested.
"Have you met her? That's her personality. She's like that with everyone." Huey countered easily.
"She's not in love with everyone."
"Lucky for me, I'm very loveable."
"...Damn, you're sarcastic today." Cindy answered after a pause, clearly at a loss.
"Trying something new. Also dropping back out of this conversation." He concluded by raising his paper higher to shield his entire face.
"...Anyways." Jazmine shook her head, turning away from her strange boyfriend and back towards her friend. "Like I was saying, that's huge. And though it may have been a surprise that he said it early, you don't seemed turned off by it or anything. Especially since you said it back."
"What's the point in waiting honestly? He's a great guy. We have amazing chemistry. He's good to me, treats me right, makes me happy. As a person... I love him completely."
"'As a person' sounds suspiciously like 'as a friend.'" The voice behind her spoke again.
"You don't have intimate sex with friends, McHater." Cindy snapped at him.
"Don't." Jazmine cut Huey off at the sight of his mouth opening to retort, glaring at him until he made eye contact with her.
Seriously? She mouthed, her head turned away from the screen. Huey held back a sigh and held the paper back up to his face in silence. Jazmine turned back to Cindy, pretending not to notice how uncomfortable she looked or the way her cheeks were flushed.
"I'm happy for you. Really I am." She told her with a smile.
"Thank you. Are you coming down for Hiro's party?" Cindy immediately changed the subject.
"I don't know, we've got to see. I had an extra credit class on that Saturday and Huey might have to work."
"Boooo."
"Do you know if Riley's going?" Jazmine asked.
"I don't know maybe?"
"You haven't talked to him?"
"Not yet, but speaking of, I need advice. Your advice only." She added pointedly.
"I'll go into the other room." Jazmine grinned, lifting her laptop and carrying it into her living room.
"So I talked to Caesar. He thinks I should introduce Reez and Landon." Cindy told her once she was settled.
"I agree. You probably should've by now."
"Why?"
"To be honest? It's weird now."
"Why does everyone keep saying that?" Cindy asked in frustration.
"Because it's true?" Jazmine lifted a shoulder.
"Whatever. How should I do it?"
"Well does Landon want to meet him?"
"Yeah, he'd mentioned it several times."
"And Riley?"
"He's avoided it every time."
"I would bring up the suggestion to Landon. He seems receptive to it and would probably appreciate that you want to officially introduce the two."
"And Riley?"
"Yeah, I wouldn't. If he has the heads up, he's going to try and make an excuse." Jazmine grimaced.
"So what should I do?"
"Invite him somewhere. Tell him you want to meet him or for him to come over or whatever, and when he does, Landon will also be there."
"That'll definitely piss him off." Cindy mumbled.
"Yeah, it will, but it'll be worth it just to get it over with." Jazmine shrugged.
"I guess. I'm dreading it."
"Don't. The last time that I've talked to Riley, he seems himself. Not as jerky as he'd been before."
"Yeah, not to you."
"I'm sure that he won't be with you either. Just text him. See what the vibe is. Then go from there."
Cindy sighed, glancing away from the camera for a moment. "I dunno, I just feel like we're in a weird place right now."
"Why's that?" Jazmine crinkled her brow at that.
"I dunno." She repeated. "Honestly, the last time I actually talked to him, like truly talked, was the night I told him Landon I were dating. I've seen him since then, like once or twice in passing, but it's been very surface and different."
"Why do you think it's that different though? I thought you guys officially ended on good terms."
"For the most part, I guess."
Jazmine eyed her at the vagueness. "What?" She asked suspiciously.
Cindy fidgeted slightly, beginning to play with a strand of her hair. "I mean, I told you that he came over that night to talk in person."
"Yeah?"
"And it was a really good conversation. It felt almost like closure."
"Uh-huh."
"But what I didn't tell you..." Cindy started to trail off, twiddling more with her hair.
"Oh no." Jazmine muttered under her breath.
"Was that when he was leaving-"
"Please please please tell me you guys did not do it again." Jazmine moaned.
"Ew Jazz, no! Damn!" Cindy refuted immediately.
"The way you said it scared me!" She defended. "Continue."
Cindy let out a heavy sigh as she tilted her head back. "He kissed me."
"Really?" Jazmine's eyes widened. "What kind of kiss?"
"He did it as if it were a goodbye kiss."
"Did it feel that way?"
"Not really? I really don't know how to classify it. Maybe."
"Did you kiss him back?"
"It happened so fast I didn't have time to kiss him back if I wanted to-not that I wanted to." Cindy clarified.
"It's interesting that he did that. And now I can see why it might be weird."
"I wouldn't call it interesting. He probably just wanted to get a reaction out of me."
"But he didn't though. And let's be honest. If he really wanted to get a reaction out of you, he would've done something a lot bolder. I'm just saying." She raised her hands at the way Cindy looked at her. "I don't know. It just seems like a selfish move on his part to kiss you like that."
"What do you mean by that?"
"It just seems like it wasn't really about you. It's almost like he did it for his own closure, or whatever it was that he got out of that."
"...Well it's over now." Cindy brushed off, shaking her head. "I can't think about that. I want to move on and I want us to still be close friends, but I don't want this to be fucking weird or awkward. Or for him to do anything to purposely make it weird or awkward."
"I wouldn't count on it. It's going to be different, I'm sure. But it's one introduction. Once it's out of the way, I'm sure things will go back to normal... more or less." Jazmine grinned at the way Cindy rolled her eyes, now smirking as well.
"Yeah, we'll see."
It wasn't too much longer that they spoke and catch up that Jazmine eventually had to get going. After they said their goodbyes, Jazmine sat in silence for a moment, still processing everything she just heard. These kind of events always seemed to happen when she wasn't around.
"Babe, can you help me with my last few math questions? My brain is fried." She asked as she re-entered the bedroom.
"And by that you mean all of your math questions." Huey said smartly, rolling his eyes over to her.
"Noo, just the last ten."
"You only have a 15-question assignment."
"Toooo many facts, help me." She smiled, plopping cutely on his lap as she set the laptop on her nightstand.
"Not like this I can't." He said, placing his hands on her hips. "Ten minute break?"
"I just took a break." Jazmine giggled. "Though it wasn't really a break. More like a mini therapy session."
Huey shook his head. "I don't get it."
"I feel there's other factors going on that we don't know or see because we're not down there right now. Not just with Cindy, but with Riley too. I wish I knew how he was really doing. Especially now that Cindy's in a relationship."
"And in love all of the sudden." Huey snorted, not backing down at the way Jazmine glared at him again. "It's ridiculous."
"Just because you think so, doesn't make it true." She rolled her eyes, sliding off him.
"Oh come on, she hardly knows the guy."
"They've been dating for about three months!"
"It seems rushed."
"To you. We don't know their whole situation."
"No, we don't." Huey shrugged. "And I really don't care to. All I'm saying is that it's very... sudden."
Jazmine stared at him for moment in quiet silence. Then she smiled again, right before rustling his afro.
"Oh, you!" She beamed. "You say that you can't stand Cindy, and it really is an adorable effort. But my darling, your care and concern for her is starting to show again." She practically sing-songed, smiling wider the more his face frowned. "You know, one could almost describe that kind of passion with love."
Huey held her gaze for a long moment before steadily shifting to lie down on the bed, promptly rolling to turn his back to her.
"Good luck on that homework."
Riley's POV
Cindy: Wanna come over Friday for food and drinks around 5:30?
Riley stared at the message again that he'd received just two days ago as he sat in his car. Even though he had arrived in the parking garage a few minutes ago, he remained seated, choosing instead to roll down his window as he had a quick smoke.
The text confused the hell out of him. He had been so thrown off when he first got it, he immediately called her on it.
"Hello?" Cindy had answered the phone slowly, as if she had reason to be confused.
"Sup."
"Oh hey, Riley." Her voice was suddenly cool. "I wasn't expecting your call."
"I wasn't expecting your text." He countered her smoothly. "Did you mean to send it to me or...?"
"Of course I did. Why wouldn't it be for you?"
Oh I don't know, Cindy. Maybe the fact that you haven't talked to me in over three fucking weeks?
"Just checking." Riley grunted, curbing his initial thought. "Why?"
"Why what?"
"Why the food and drinks? At your house?" He asked, annoyed with himself for the brief pause. "I mean, usually we go out for that sorta thing." He added.
"No big deal, just wanted to do something different I guess." She told him, her voice slightly hitching.
"Hm." Riley sounded again, still not understanding her weirdness.
"So will you come?" She asked him directly.
He could've told her no. Hell, he should've told her no. It had been multiple weeks since Cindy had even texted him a word. She damn near ghosted on everyone apparently. And for what? Because she was all the sudden boo'd up with some nigga from stage left? Fuck outta here.
But before he could even open his mouth to make a reason why he would be conveniently busy that day, she spoke again.
"Look. I know it's been awhile. And I'm not about to give you a list of excuses why. To be honest, I don't even have one that's good enough." She told him openly. "But I would like to see you and catch up. Don't let it get to your head, but I kinda sorta miss your ass." She said, and he could tell she was grinning, which made him do the same dammit.
"Why am I not surprised?" He smirked. "I am a little surprised it took this long for you to miss me though."
"That right there is the reason why." She shot back teasingly.
"Keep tellin' yourself that, girl."
"Whateva." Cindy quipped sassily, finally sounding familiar. "So I'll see you Friday around 5:30 then?"
"Yeah, I'll be there."
"Awesome. I'll see you then."
"Aiight."
"Thanks. Bye Reezy."
"Later C-Murph." He unknowingly grinned as he hung up the phone, feeling in a much better mood than he had all day.
Riley exhaled a cloud of smoke as he replayed that conversation in his head, his eyebrows furrowing. Why did she say "thanks?" For what? Agreeing to come? Why would she thank him for that? Something about it was weird. Her whole tone throughout the majority of the conversation was weird now that he thought back, but he couldn't put his finger on it.
Whatever. It's free food and drinks, get over it.
Riley exited his car and stomped out the remaining embers of his cigarette. As he walked into the building, he pulled out his phone to check the time. He was almost fifteen minutes early, but it probably wasn't a big deal. Unless the food wasn't done. He was starving.
As he got in the elevator, he sent Cindy a quick text that he was on the way up. He glanced in the corner mirror above him, liking the sight of how fresh he looked in his new Chicago Bulls jersey hoodie and his blood red jeans. Not to mention his shoe game was on point with the new Nikes. Riley readjusted his snapback backwards to wear on his head, satisfied with himself. He looked good and felt good.
Riley stepped out of the elevator and onto Cindy's floor once it arrived, pulling out his phone again at the feeling of its vibration.
Cindy: Fuck, there was an accident. I'm stuck in traffic omw
Riley sighed as he lifted her doormat to grab her house key. It figured.
Riley: How far away?
Cindy: Usually I'd be about 10mins but I'm at a stand still right now. Idk how long this will take. I'm going to try to take a detour if I make it to the next exit. Fuck.
Riley: K. Raiding ur fridge
Riley tossed his phone over the side of her couch once he unlocked the door, kicked off his shoes, and headed to the kitchen as he proceeded to do just that.
Once he was settled back on the couch with a large bag of chips and a Corona, he powered on her Xbox to play a little Call of Duty while he waited. In between a few of his games, he kept checking his messages, confused by Cindy's line of questioning: "What are you doing? What's going on?" She had sent both separate texts more than once when he didn't immediately respond to her. If she hadn't sent the messages again, he probably wouldn't have answered her at all. What do those questions even mean?
Nothing? Why? Was he most recent reply, but of course she didn't text him back. He rolled his eyes and continued to play, silencing his phone in the process. He'd see her any minute probably.
Ironically, not even a few minutes after he had muted the volume on his phone did he hear the sound of the doorknob rattling.
"It's about time." Riley said aloud, not turning his head as he was in mid-battle. "That traffic had you fucked up or nah? I'm hungry as hell, what we eatin'?"
"I... wouldn't know." A masculine voice that was definitely not Cindy's answered.
Riley whipped his head around to make eye contact with a vaguely familiar dude, still standing in the open doorway of the apartment.
"Uhhh..." Riley was at a loss for words as he quickly used the controller to shut down the game. "You're not Cindy." He stated the obvious as he subtly sized the guy up.
"Neither are you." Homeboy actually smiled. "I'm Landon Rivers, Cynthia's boyfriend?" He greeted politely.
Oh fuck.
"...Riley." He spoke again, suddenly feeling incapable of using full sentences.
"The Riley? Riley Freeman?" Landon smiled more as if possible. "Yes, yes, Cynthia's longest friend. I've been wanting to meet you for awhile now." Landon continued, crossing the room while offering out his hand for a handshake. The whole moment practically moved in slow-motion for Riley.
Because time the fuck out. What in the actual fuck was happening? And who was this guy? Dressed in a too-tight Ralph Lauren polo and khaki pants with some what-are-those shoes? Did his black butler dress his ass? This prep school-lookin', rich boy classic, token-ass cookie cutter? This is the guy she chose? Who even is she anymore? Fucking Cynthia? Back in the day, she used to curb-stomp anyone that even acted like they were gonna call her by her government, and she got this dude tossing the name around like it's nothing!
What the actual fuck is happening?
"Yeah..." Riley trailed off, forcing himself to accept his strong handshake.
"Cindy and I are so happy you could join us for dinner tonight." Landon told him with that same placid smile, making Riley's hand almost go limp at his words.
Us...
As in the three of us, "us"...
As in, she fucking planned this shit.
Riley suddenly coughed loudly and dramatically into the crook of his arm, making Landon jump slightly.
"Are you alright?" He asked, touching his shoulder.
"I think I'm coming onto a cold." He shied away from him swiftly. "Between this and my bad allergies." He faked a sneeze for good measure. "It could be a sinus infection to be honest. Or hay fever. It's the season."
"Did this just start?"
"Oh no, the coughing started earlier throughout the day and I didn't want to let her down, but I think it's getting worse. I'd hate for either of you to catch it." He said, quickly sliding his hat back on and heading near the door to get his shoes. Before he could pass it, the door swung open.
"I'm so sorry I'm late, the traffic was awful!" Cindy apologized immediately, her purse and a large black bag in her arms. Upon catching Riley's eye, she appeared almost startled to see the cold way he glared at her as he stepped around her.
"It's okay, honey." Landon told her with a smile, but she barely noticed as her eyes were carefully watching Riley as he slid on his shoes.
"What are you doing?" She asked him quietly.
"I need to leave." He said gruffly.
"Why?" She demanded.
"He said his allergies have been pretty bad today." Landon spoke up.
"Allergies?" Cindy continued to stare, now raising an eyebrow.
"He didn't sound well to me." He added, reminding Riley to cough.
"Riley, you can't leave yet." Cindy told him defiantly, standing her ground when Riley approached her blocking the door.
"I'd hate to get you sick, Cynthia." Riley forced a sad smile, fighting and failing to keep the bite out of his voice. She didn't even flinch.
"Your allergies aren't contagious." She said pointedly, staring up at him evenly. "Besides, I've got the cure." She told him, setting down her purse while continuing to hold her other bag that obviously contained food.
"I can eat at home." Riley couldn't hold back his eyeroll. "Food isn't exactly the cure anyway-"
"Hot food is." Cindy interrupted, pulling out a large container. "Especially hot-hot. Wings to be exact. From Santana's." She said as she opened the lid, causing the aroma to hit him at once.
"You went to the Santana restaurant?" Riley mumbled, his stomach already growling and his mouth watering as he stared at the full box of saucy wings.
"Your favorite." Cindy shrugged casually. "And of course, I got a box full of their famous Fuego wings." She held back her grin at the sound of Riley's low but involuntary moan. "If those won't clear up your 'allergies' I don't know what will. But if you really feel it'd be better to leave..." Cindy made a show of side-stepping from in front of the door.
"I won't stop you." She smiled sweetly, still keeping the lid open for him to get intoxicated off the sight and the smell.
30 Minutes Later
"I have to say Riley, you're looking and sounding sooo much better." Cindy commented triumphantly before sipping her mixed drink.
"I agree." Landon nodded in earnest.
"Thanks." Riley kept his eyes on Cindy as he said it, no doubt emitting just how sarcastically he meant it. Just because his stomach was getting full and satisfied, didn't mean he wasn't still completely pissed at her. He was gonna get his moment to tell her too.
"So what kind of work do you do, Riley?" Landon asked, before taking a neat bite of his club sandwich. His bitch-ass self.
"Cars." Riley mumbled while taking a messy mouthful of the wing he'd just picked up.
"He actually works at the car shop you followed me to the day we met." Cindy added in explanation.
Kill me now. Riley fought the urge to roll his eyes.
"Oh nice! You stay pretty busy then I'm sure."
"Yeah." Riley replied curtly, his eyes focused on his plate. The faster he could finish, the faster he could be out.
"Cynthia's told me a lot about you." Landon continued obliviously.
"Has she now?" Riley met Cindy's eyes again, inwardly cringing at the name. She was really okay with that?
"Of course. You've been best friends for how long now?"
"A little over ten years or so." Cindy answered, averting her gaze over to Landon.
"That's wonderful to have such a strong friendship like that."
"The strongest ones only survive with complete honesty." Riley commented, lazily lifting his beer from the table. He almost smirked at Cindy's diluted glare. "I'd say we have that, wouldn't you?" He asked her innocently.
"Absolutely." She didn't miss a beat, not backing down during their stare-down.
"Our friendship is very fluid." Riley faked a grin before downing the rest of his bottle, which had about a quarter in it remaining.
Landon's brow twitched slightly as he glanced between them. "What do you mean by fluid?" He asked with a confused smile.
"I'm sure what he means by that is," Cindy cut him a look while he continued to chug before turning back to Landon. "Our relationship has always been extremely simple and go with the flow. For instance, we hated each other when we first met."
"Facts." Riley cut in with a quiet burp.
"But overtime, kind of out of the blue really, we just clicked. We formed a mutual respect and became acquaintances. From acquaintances to friends and friends to the best of friends. And I'll be honest, our relationship is still very fluid so to speak. Just because we're best friends doesn't mean we don't fight and get on each other's nerves."
"Once a day probably."
"Probably." Cindy eye-rolled at Riley's comment. "But its real. And we're open with each other. We tell each other when we're pissed, when things are bad, and when we need the space to walk away. We've had more fights than I could ever count. But at the end of the day, he's the ride-or-die." Cindy shrugged, grinning over towards him.
Riley wanted to have that be good enough to squash his anger, but it wasn't. And honestly, it didn't feel genuine. The biggest reason was probably because as "kind" as her devotion was, it wasn't what Riley had meant at all by their relationship being fluid. And she definitely knew that. She'd put her own little spin on it and made it sound all nice and fluffy, but it just felt fake. She was covering their own ass. Her ass in particular so her little boyfriend felt all snug and secure.
Please.
"Aren't you sweet?" Riley made sure his voice sounded sincere, almost as much as hers had, but he knew by the way she looked at him that she picked up on the hidden disdain in his voice. "Well. It's been cool, but I've gotta run." He announced, promptly standing from the table.
"Already?" Landon asked.
"Yeah. My sinuses do feel a little better, but that headache is coming back. I think I just need to sleep it off. Sorry I couldn't stay longer." He said, more-so to himself as he went to find his shoes again.
"That's too bad." Landon told him, rising from his seat as well to follow him into the living room, Cindy in tow behind him. "It was great to finally meet you though." He grinned, extending his hand again once Riley turned around.
"Same." He lied through his teeth.
"Get home safe. And text me later." Cindy told him, giving him a plain look as she reached for a hug.
"Sure." He replied with a tight grin, returning the quick embrace. And as brief as that hug was, there was clear tension and force behind it between them both.
"See you both later." Riley said before strolling out the door, not bothering to look back. As soon as he heard the door shut behind him, he glared, angrily pounding the button for the elevator.
"Yeah, we're sooo open with each other." He muttered to himself, rolling his eyes at her previous words. "Yet you wanna catch me off guard and pull that shit. That's a good friend right there."
Cindy's POV
I wonder if people will know who I am off the bat. Cindy mused silently, staring at her reflection in the mirror. She mean-mugged herself and struck a pose, feeling ridiculous right after she did so.
Whatever, at least I look good. She thought, moving her braids aside as she looped her Beats headphones around her neck. She was mid-text to her friends that she was on the way when a phone call interrupted her message.
"Heyyy." Cindy answered with a smile.
"Hey babe." Landon greeted. "What are you doing?"
"I'm walking out my door as we speak. About to head out now for the party."
"Oh that's right."
"I wish you were coming with me." She pouted, locking her door.
"You know it's nothing personal. I've just never been huge into the party scene."
"I know... I wish you were though." To be fair, he had told her that days ago when she'd initially invited him to tagalong for Hiro's party. She had honestly hoped that he would, but she didn't want to pressure him. She could handle herself at a party, even if Huey and Jazmine didn't show up. She just... didn't know if she was quite ready to face Riley alone after what happened last week.
He had been just as pissed as she'd thought he'd be, if not more. Probably more. On one hand she could kind of see where he was coming from with his anger, but on the other she thought he was overacting big time. Like get over it already, it's not even that big of deal.
So yeah. She had that to look forward to.
"You're leaving early for the party then, aren't you?" Landon asked her.
"Yeah, well kinda. I'm going to be stopping at Riley's grandfather's house first."
"Why?"
"It's on the way. I'm going to meet Riley and Caesar and pick them up so we can ride over together."
"How's everyone getting home?"
"There's going to be a lot of alcohol if I know Hiro." Cindy smirked. "We're all probably going to crash the night. If I really want to go home, I'll leave my car and take an Uber back."
"Hm." He hummed into the phone.
"We'll be safe honey, don't worry." Cindy assured him.
"I know, I just want you to be careful." He told her gently. "Where does Hiro live again?"
"He lives around the Lakeside area, in this neighborhood with all these other crazy rich Asians." Cindy snorted. "It's a gated community, super secluded and super safe."
"That makes me feel better then."
"You should. We're going to be fine." Cindy told him, now walking through the parking lot. "I'm gonna hop off here now and get on the road but I'll text you when we're there, okay?"
"Alright. Have a good time."
"We will. I'll talk to you soon."
"I love you."
"Love you too." Cindy smiled. "Bye babe."
It wasn't too long of a drive before she arrived at the Freeman residence, a little earlier than she anticipated. She parked her car behind Caesar's and headed up the pathway to the entrance, rapping on the door a few times before pushing it open.
"I knocked before entering, Granddad!" Cindy called out as she walked into the foyer, following his rules.
"Thank you baby!" She heard him call back from upstairs.
"Get in this kitchen girl!" Caesar's voice sounded from down the hall. Once she entered and they made eye contact, they lost it as they laughed at each other.
"Fuckin' Quavo nigga, really?" She giggled at his glasses and dreads pulled back, gold and silver jewelry all over him.
"Fuckin' Star? And not just any Star, but There For You Bitches-level Star, are you kidding me?" He cracked up, staring at her outfit.
"'Y'all know me.'" She quoted with a proud shrug. She hadn't found the exact outfit that Star had worn in that particular episode and scene, but she was able to piece together a long-sleeved and shimmery champagne-colored crop top with a pair of light tan skinny jeans and her gold Nike Shox. She did her hair in two super long Dutch braids with her gold Beats headphones resting around her neck.
"Your outfit is fire." Caesar complimented her, walking over to give her a hug.
"So is yours." She smiled back. "Where's Lindsay?"
"She has work right now. She's getting off semi-early and meeting us down there." He sounded about as excited as a little kid.
"Where's Riley?"
"Upstairs finishing getting ready. I think he's comin' down now." He said at the sound of footsteps in the hallway. Just as Cindy turned around, she jumped at the figure suddenly bouncing into the room and into her arms.
"Surprise!" Jazmine squealed, embracing her tightly.
"You freaking brat, you said you probably weren't coming!" Cindy scolded her, but couldn't keep the smile off her face as she hugged her back.
"I lied! You know I couldn't miss it!" She said as they parted. "Star?" She asked in appreciation, looking over her outfit.
"Diana Ross?" Cindy was impressed as she admired Jazmine's hair. It was completely natural in a full and beautiful afro-like mane, pulled back with a vibrant scarf. A one-shouldered sequined dress that came down to her knees and sparkly kitten heels completed the look.
"70's Diana." Jazmine clarified, running her fingers through her hair.
"You killed it." Cindy and Caesar said at the same time.
"Thank you!" Jazmine beamed. "Caesar, I love you as Quavo and Cindy... what can I say, you are Star."
"The truest statement ever spoken." Caesar snickered, giving Jazmine a hug.
"I'll take that as a compliment, that girl's my bitch." Cindy shrugged. "Where's your mans?"
"He's right... Huey!" Jazmine called out in frustration when she turned around and he wasn't there. "Get in here!"
"Why." Huey asked boredly before stepping into the room. Cindy and Caesar stared at him in silence.
"Who the hell are you supposed to be?" Cindy asked him, glancing over his yellow karate suit and black belt.
"Jim Kelly, martial artist from the 70's." He informed dryly.
"Ohhhhhh, okay." Caesar nodded enthusiastically.
"You have no idea who he is."
"Not a clue." He grinned, dapping him up. "But good to see you my brother."
"Likewise."
"Yo RILEY!" Caesar suddenly shouted. "Get your narrow ass down here boy, we tryna go!"
"Nigga if don't stop hollerin' in my damn house, I'mma come down there and whoop your narrow ass myself!" Granddad's faint voice yelled from above.
"...My bad, Mr. Freeman!" Caesar mock-whispered in return.
"Bitch nigga." Riley snorted, finally making his way into the kitchen. He paused mid-step as he took in Huey and Jazmine.
"Riley!" She gave him a big smile, going over to hug him.
"Lemme guess, Big Bird and a light-ass disco ball?" He cracked, giving a one-armed hug to Jazmine.
"Let me guess, a gay-ass Gangstalicious?" Huey shot back innocently as he disdainfully eyed his outfit, to which Riley flipped him off.
"He's obviously an early 2000s-era Nelly." Cindy rolled her eyes at their bickering. He was actually pretty spot-on with the oversized white jersey, baggy jeans, multiple chains, and of course the trademark sweatband around his forehead and bandage on his left cheek. "Nice." She added with a grin.
He ignored her altogether, looking down at his phone instead.
"Alright, everyone's here. Are we about ready to get this over with or not?"
"Huey." Jazmine chided her impatient boyfriend.
"I don't want to be there all night. We have to leave to go back tomorrow evening at the latest. Who's driving?"
"I was gonna carpool us all down." Cindy told him.
"I think the fuck not. Not I." Huey retorted at once. "I'll meet you all down there." He said, turning to exit the room.
"I'm riding witchu, man." Caesar followed behind him. "See y'all there!" He told the girls while he headed out. Riley wordlessly followed suit after them, clearly choosing his ride. Cindy scoffed after they left the room, crossing her arms. Jazmine waved it off.
"Oh well. More time for us then."
"I can already tell how this is going to go." Cindy muttered.
"What do you mean?"
"He's being such a prick. He won't even look at me."
"Don't let it get under your skin. You guys will talk eventually. Just let him cool off." Jazmine told her while she linked their arms together.
"Yeah, we'll see." Cindy mumbled again, leading the way out of the kitchen.
And she'd tried. Cindy had honestly tried to let it pass and let it ride. She'd kept her cool and had been distracted on the drive down with Jazmine. She had been more than fine when they'd actually arrived; the party was already lit and it was great to see Hiro... not so great to see Ming, but she could dismiss her, unlike Huey. The two of them almost got into another duel as always, but were promptly separated by their significant others. Cindy had even gotten to finally meet Lindsay who came dressed as a bomb-ass and vamped up Morticia from The Addams Family. And when they all were together it was seemingly fine for the most part. They danced together and drank together (aside from Huey) like things were actually normal. And the longer it went on, the more the feeling started to make its way back underneath Cindy's skin. Because it wasn't normal. And Riley was still fucking ignoring her like she wasn't even there.
Enough was enough.
She'd been watching him discreetly for several minutes, finally seizing her opportunity when she spotted him walking into the kitchen to grab another drink. She waited a moment before she followed after him, inching her way behind him as his head was inside the freezer for more ice.
"So how long are you going to stay mad at me?" She asked him casually, watching the muscles in his back tense up. When he turned around, his face was blank and unreadable.
"What makes you think I'm mad?" He asked indifferently, moving around her to pour more of the jungle juice into his cup.
"Because I know you Reez." Cindy rolled her eyes.
"And you know me just so well right?" His face was straight, but there was an edge that began to creep into his tone.
"Actually yeah. I do. Now stop being a pussy and talk to me." She demanded, glared at the side of his head. It was instantaneous when he whirled on her as expected, returning a glare that was even darker than her own as he slammed down and spilled some of his drink onto the counter. The few people that had been lingering in the room glanced over in alarm, making a quick and silent exit.
"That was fucked up." Riley uttered, not even blinking as he glowered down at her.
Cindy took a breath. "I'm sorry, you're not a pussy."
"You know what I'm fucking talking about." He practically seethed. "You set me up."
"I didn't set you up!" Cindy protested.
"Yes you fucking did." He snapped.
"Fine. If you want to call it that, fine. But we both know that if I hadn't set a meeting up, it would've never happened."
"Says who?"
"You apparently nigga!" Cindy scoffed. Was he serious? "You're the one that's been avoiding him!"
"Ain't nobody care about him enough to avoid his lame ass."
"Chill with that." Cindy warned with a glare. "I was just trying to get it out of the way. Now that it is, we can move on."
"Cool. Consider me moved." Riley retorted, all of the sudden cool again, as he swiftly lifted his drink and maneuvered around Cindy and out of the room, leaving her with her jaw slacked. She could hardly believe it.
"You guys will talk eventually. Just let him cool off." Jazmine's earlier words ran through her head at the slight.
All she could do was grab a cup and pour herself another tall helping of jungle juice.
Oh they were gonna talk.
Cindy danced lazily with Jazmine as she continued to drink from her third or fourth mixed drink. Jazmine had just started on her second and was already a complete goofball.
"What's wrooongg, why you not smiling?" She questioned loudly, poking at her cheek. Cindy shook her head, trying to appear fine. Jazmine slowed her dancing to a stop as she looked at her in concern.
"Riley?" She guessed again, to which Cindy rolled her eyes and shrugged in return. "He's a butthead."
Cindy cracked a grin and nodded. "He is."
"I can't believe he walked away from you."
"That's what ticked me off the most because we weren't fucking done." Cindy felt her anger rise again. "And now I've barely seen him since."
As Jazmine was facing her, she suddenly looked past her and pointed with a gasp. "There!"
Cindy turned to see Riley near the corner of the room while he leaned against the wall. They both watched as a random girl went up to him and start talking to him, smiling widely and flipping her hair while she did so.
"Here we go." Cindy rolled her eyes again, turning around to face them fully.
"He looks bored out of his mind though." Jazmine giggled. "Almost like he'd be willing to talk to literally anybody else." She hinted, giving Cindy a nudge.
Cindy blinked at her before taking a large gulp of her drink. "I'll be back." She told her before marching off.
"Go best friend!" Jazmine cheered from behind her, giving her further confidence. The closer she neared to Riley she noticed that he really did look completely over the conversation he'd been sucked into with whoever that girl was. Lucky for her.
"Excuse me." Cindy announced as she came up beside them. As Riley turned to her initially, it looked almost as though he was relieved, but then remembered he was supposed to be mad at her and transitioned back to his poker face.
Childish.
"I need to borrow him." Cindy told the girl bluntly, turning to face her head-on. "It should only take a minute." She added with a fake smile, daring for her to object. The girl looked annoyed, but wisely walked off anyway. Cindy turned back towards Riley who stared down at her blankly.
"Yes?" He stated plainly, clearly still on the bullshit.
"Wow, you're really pissed at me." Cindy told him, almost amazed.
"What gave that away?" He rolled his eyes.
"You are sooo over the top. If it was the other way around, you would've been over me having an attitude hours ago."
"But it's not the other way around so who cares?"
"Tell me why you're so mad." Cindy demanded, giving him a firm swat on his arm.
He glared at that. "I told you why. You set me up."
"I wanted my boyfriend to meet my best friend!" Cindy defended, tossing her arms up in frustration.
"Gag me now." Riley made a face.
"Why can't you just like hiiiim?" She practically whined.
"Please, I'll never like him." He told her instantly.
"And why's that?"
"Obviously you can do better. He doesn't seem even close to your type."
"You gathered this by meeting him one time." Cindy raised an eyebrow.
"Pretty much, yeah." He shrugged before taking a sip of his drink.
Cindy rolled her eyes with a slight grin and swatted at him again. "Stop being a butthead."
"Okay Jazmine." Riley scoffed at the insult, but his eyes had finally started to soften.
"In a minute or two, this song's going to end and we're going to fucking dance it off to whatever plays next." Cindy told him, propping a hand on her hip.
"I don't feel like dancing."
"I also don't care. Yaaaaassss!" Cindy let out suddenly as the current song morphed into the next, five strong bass chords signaling the perfect throwback song.
Lean Back by the Terror Squad.
"Fuck me." Riley groaned, tossing his head back.
Cindy giggled at him, biting her lip. "You can't fight it. You're not allowed to fight it. This is one of our songs and you fucking know it." She told him before quickly downing the rest of her cup and setting it on the table next to him. She then grabbed his arm and began pulling him backwards towards the dance area. Riley gulped down the rest of his drink and tossed his empty cup somewhere behind him, allowing himself to be dragged by her.
"I hate you." He told her simply, but there was no animosity behind it. And try as he might, the grin hinting at his lips deceived him.
"You love me." Cindy winked.
Riley's POV
He couldn't stand her. Honestly... probably... damn, she was hard to stay mad at.
He and Cindy were currently back in the kitchen as they made themselves more drinks. They'd been dancing to the past several songs, but awkwardly headed off the floor when a slower song took over. It had been at Cindy's request, stating that she was thirsty, but they both knew the real reason.
Shit was dumb.
"You're annoying." Riley told her while he poured more jungle juice in her cup. Cindy snickered and shrugged.
"Right back at you." She replied easily, taking the drink from his hands.
"That whole thing was awkward as hell. I'm still mad at you."
"You're not allowed to be mad at me anymore." Cindy sing-songed. "And whatever, it's over. I wanted you to meet him, it's done, next subject."
"Why ain't he here?"
"He's not a big party go-er." She shrugged.
"So his lame-ass is a homebody, cool."
"He's not lame and he's not a homebody. He takes me out a lot actually." She defended proudly.
"Cuz he's rich." He muttered into his cup.
"Because he's a good boyfriend."
"Yawn." Riley rolled his eyes.
"Just because it's not for you, doesn't mean being in a relationship is boring." Cindy told him, leading the way out of the kitchen.
"I never said it wasn't for me." Riley said, following her out.
"You sure act like it." She chuckled.
"I told you before. When I want to, I will. Until then, I'm as cool and as not boring as they come, babe." He told her smugly.
"Whatever helps you sleep better at night, Reezy boy." She cooed, casually bopping to the music. However, at the sound of the song changing, her movement stopped and Riley smirked.
Hot in...
So hot in here
"Ooh I remember you used to love this song." Riley commented slyly, beginning to bop slightly himself as she faced him. "What's the matter, C? Can't dance to this cuz your boyfriend's not here?" He taunted.
"Shut the fuck up." Cindy snipped, clearly bothered. "It's not like I'm about to grind on anyone. I can dance when I wanna dance."
"There ain't no one here to stop you." He replied simply, gesturing to the dance floor as the beat dropped. Cindy shook her head at him and tried not to grin at the way he bounced and shimmied his shoulders. "Waitin' on you." He said innocently.
Cindy rolled her eyes as she passed by him, tugging the sweatband down on his head to cover his eyes. "Bring yo ass."
Riley found himself grinning as they danced together on the floor again. For once, once in a long damn time, shit felt normal at least for the minute. Riley was sure that the alcohol in both of them was probably helping, but still! They were actually having fun. Cindy had finally quit acting so uptight as if one wrong move and her new life would fall apart. She was actually dancing with him, carefree again for once.
It was refreshing as fuck.
It's getting hot in here (so hot)
So take off all your clothes
I am getting so hot
I wanna take my clothes off
"It's getting hot in here!" Riley shouted/sung along with the rest of the dudes in the room. "So take off all your clothes!"
"I am getting so hot, I wanna take my clothes off!" Cindy sung sexily, twirling a braid around her finger as she swayed her hips from side to side. Riley tried and failed not to stare, redirecting his eyes back above her waist. They had been dancing face-to-face the whole time. They were a little closer in each other's proximity for the current song, but they hadn't done anything. They hadn't even touched. Not a hand on the shoulder, the waist, nothing. It was about as clean and basic dancing that they could possibly—
"Hey uh Cindy, I've got a special delivery for you." Jazmine suddenly appeared by their side, glancing over her shoulder. Riley and Cindy did the same, both halting their dancing at the figure through the crowd.
"Landon?!" Cindy exclaimed in surprise, sounding way more guilty than she needed to.
Fuck.
Don't be mad at meeee, I may update this next while I'm in the zone for it ;)
What'd you guys think? Was Cindy wrong? Was Riley too sensitive? And goodness, what's to come now?
Disclaimer: Not it.
As I was saying, I may do a double update for this one, it's been so long. Don't quote me on that or hold me to it though, it really all depends. I did miss writing this story though. This chapter was fun.
Shoutout to the babe clockwork'sFinest per usual. She's the realest.
ALSO another big shoutout to one of my favorite reviewers and readers, QuestionyTheQuestionMark, on her comment back in Chapter 20 that Cindy reminded her of Star from the Lee Daniels show Star (same dude who does Empire). When I say I DIED at that because it's so true! Do y'all watch Star? And did you SEE the episode that Cindy's referring to this chapter and the scene that inspired her Halloween look? Yooo even if you don't watch the show, look up the music video There For You (Bitches). Seriously the hardest TV diss track I've ever seen. Celebrities need to take note okkkkrrrttt? ;) ;) ;)
Final shoutout to my girl taydo-the-potato, one of the OGs from this archive is back in the bidnessss! Check out her stories and her newest one Complicated!
Thank you all soooo much for all your support. It's a disgrace that I haven't updated this story since LAST YEAR, but you guys still send me so much love (and demands for the story to continue lol). Thank you truly so much.
I'll be back when I can with an update. Thank you again for reading!
~Schweetie