Chapter Two

Step Two:
Do what you want.
Spend an entire day doing things that you like to do, preferably things you did as a child.
Become one with yourself again.

Huey's second date with Crystallin would go down in history as the worst night of his life.

"Boy, hold on!" His granddad called after him. "What do you mean you aren't seeing that girl ever again? I thought you two hit it off?"

"I thought so too." Huey sank into the couch and covered his face with his hands. "For the first time in my life, I was wrong."

"But I already called your auntie!" His granddad held up his phone. There was a group chat on the display, full of contact names like Gertrude and Barbara. "She and her prayer warrior friends are asking God to keep you two together forever. They are in the midst of an intense, soul-binding prayer as we speak, boy! Do you want to disappoint God, Huey?!"

"Why would you do that?" Huey shook his head at him, lifting from the couch. "Besides, I don't even believe in God." Huey rolled his eyes. "It wasn't gonna work, anyway. She's crazy. She was not acting like that last weekend."

Robert followed his grandson to the kitchen. "What was wrong with the little girl? You sure you aren't being your uppity self again? You know how you get."

"I won't deny that I can be a little…particular, but she spent a half hour praying over the appetizers." Huey walked over to the refrigerator to grab a bottle of water. "Then she prayed again for another half hour, got emotional because the waitress told us she was working to pay for school, and prayed for them for fifteen more minutes. When we got back in the car, she said my playlist was not of God-"

"Hallejuah! She sho' ain't lying!" Granddad raised his hands. "Did she happen to pray for you too?"

"Actually, yes." Huey could feel his blood boil again at the thought of Crystallin reaching over to lay her prayer cloth covered hands on him. "She did. Said she wanted me to go to church, release the anger in my heart about oppression and inequality, and find peace, because in her words, we are all equal in the eyes of God. We're all going to the same heaven."

"So what's the problem?" Granddad shrugged. "I've been telling you that all your life. Sounds like she's the perfect young lady for you. You should give her another chance. Seems like she cares about you and your salvation."

"You don't actually believe in that sorta stuff, for one. You're a professional hypocrite, Granddad." Huey sat back down and placed his head on the armrest of the couch. "Anyways, I told her I wasn't too sure about God, and that I had some questions for him about the world we live in. I also explained that I was more into spirituality. So, she started speaking in tongues and rebuked me."

"Lord whyyyyy?" Granddad got on his knees and held his head to the sky. "Please bring her back to this boy. He needs her. He needs her to bring him to you, Lord!"

"Maybe you can get Riley to date her." Huey was amused at the thought. "He needs way more prayer than I do."

"Now you know that boy is crazy about Shanice!" Granddad liked Riley's girlfriend better than he liked either one of them. If they broke up, he'd probably be even more devastated than Riley. "Now go call the little woman of God back. Hell, maybe she can pray that you'll cut all that hair off your head."

"Goodnight, Granddad." Huey stood to his feet and walked to his bedroom.

Once he flopped onto his bed, he sent a text to Jazmine: You'd better be back at school next week. No more hiding. We don't need a repeat of the year long absence from 9/11.

He wasn't surprised when she quickly responded: Lol. U so crazy! U must miss me.

Huey just shook his head. He didn't miss her, not much anyway. It was just time for her to get with the program and come outta hiding.

That way, he could make sure she wouldn't do anything stupid.

Jazmine hadn't been this excited in a long time.

"You look nice, honey." Her dad remarked. "Where are you off to?"

"There's a ballet showcase downtown." Jazmine twirled around in her baby blue peacoat and high heeled boots. "I was hoping I could borrow Mom's car for the day."

Her father stared at her for a moment before shrugging and tossing her the keys. "Be back by curfew."

"Thanks, Daddy." Jazmine kissed him on the cheek before rushing out into the garage. "Love you!"

She slid into the car and smiled at its state-of-the art stereo system. Just as she backed out of the driveway, she heard the chorus of a familiar throwback from way back when. Jazmine squealed and turned it up.

Singing with Mariah Carey was the perfect way to proceed with step two in in Huey's book, especially when the person that reminded her of her childhood was also one of the greatest singers of all time.

The woman had so many hits. Plus, she'd starred in one of her favorite movies ever, Glitter.

"Boyyyyyy ya love's sooooo good, I don't want to let gooooo!" Jazmine sang her heart out right along with Mariah, placing her free hand on her chest. "And although I shooulldd, I can't leave you aloooneeee, cause you're so disarming, I'm caught up in the midst of you, and I can notttt resistttt, and ohhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

She bopped her head to the lyrics, resisting the urge to belt out the rest when she noticed a few of her classmates on the main road, examining the loud car blasting music in the middle of the road. Once she made a right turn onto the freeway, she turned the music up some more, becoming Jay-Z's hype man.

'She want to drive my Benz with five of her friends'

"Yup!" Jazmine laughed, doing a shimmy in her seat as she ad-libbed along.

'She want to creep past the block spyin' again'

"

And do!" Jazmine pointed back in response to the lyrics.

'She want to roll with Jay, chase the skeeos away'

"Whassup, baby boy? I can be yo' Yonce!" Jazmine rapped back.

'If she find a strand of hair longer than hers'

"Then nigga, you lying, I ain't got no perm!" She burst out laughing again, only stopping when she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror.

She hadn't seen herself glow like that in forever.

She'd honestly forgotten that she could.

Huey breezed into the local apothecary to do his regular Saturday browsing. It was always peaceful on this day, since everyone was normally sheltering from the cold around this time of year, recovering from Christmas, New Years, Martin Luther King Day, and then Valentine's Day.

Now, everyone was waiting for the cold snap of March to break. And thanks to climate change, they'd likely be able to enjoy it earlier than anyone thought, the sketchy groundhog included, making it the perfect time for him to enjoy his surroundings in solitude.

"Huey!" Mr. Reynolds walked over and gave him a hug. "Always a pleasure to see you, young man. I can't thank you enough for working with the kids at the Y part-time. Those boys love you."

Huey nodded. "They're some cool kids. And they pick up taekwondo fast."

"A little too fast, if you ask some of their parents." The man chuckled. "Deon ended up breaking some boy's nose back at J. Edgar Elementary."

"Can you blame him?" Huey shook his head, remembering some of his own negative experiences at the school. "It's not easy for us in those environments. Did he say what happened?"

"Said someone was making fun of him." Mr. Reynolds sighed and stared at Huey. "He has a lot of anger in him lately. But thanks to you, his parents have started to notice a positive change in him. Maybe you can help him learn to channel it appropriately. He'll listen to you."

Huey decided against telling the man he completely agreed with Deon's actions. Sometimes, other kids needed a foot up their ass to stop the bullying. "Sure thing. So, what else you got going today?"

"Not much. Pretty slow over here." Mr. Reynolds shook his head. "I saw your little friend around here earlier. Such a sweet girl. I'm not too sure about the hair color though. Has it always been that orange?"

"You must be talking about Jazmine." Huey was surprised to hear she'd gone anywhere this early in the morning, especially since she hated the cold. "Genetics are a trip. I think someone on her mom's side has red hair."

"We definitely know it wasn't anyone on her dad's side." Mr. Reynolds and Huey laughed. "Didn't see that little boyfriend of hers, either. Seems like she might be done with him for good, this time."

"Yeah, we'll see." Huey pulled out his card to pay for his loose tea. "Between me and you, I hope so too."

"You do?" Mr. Reynolds leaned back and studied him. "Why? You finally decided you want her for yourself?"

"Hardly." Huey laughed. "It's just time for her to move on. She deserves better."

"You ain't wrong." The man shook his head. "Boy was walking around with Miranda the other day, tongue all down her throat without a care in the world. He's gonna catch more than a football if he isn't careful."

"My point exactly." Huey looked for her in the distance. "You didn't happen to see where she was heading, did you?"

"She mentioned that she was feeling a little nostalgic lately." Mr. Reynolds shrugged and handed him his bag. "I didn't pay much attention to her after that. I'm sorry."

"It's okay." Huey eyed the botanical's old Christmas brochure. "I think I know where she went. See you next weekend."

"See you next weekend, Huey!" The man smiled at him. "And tell your Grandad congratulations on getting engaged! I saw his post on Facebook. He's got a good one."

"He does." Huey made his way towards the exit. "I'll let him know you said congrats. See you around, man."

"See ya!" Mr. Reynolds waved back, muttering to himself. "Such a nice young man! Fro on his head needs some shaping, though."

Something about Christmas made Jazmine feel better, even if it was only March.

For at least one day, everybody got together and found it in their hearts to enjoy something. Whether it was the snowfall, the ice skating, the sweet smell of baked goods and hot cocoa, or just the overall ambiance, she genuinely loved the holiday.

Thankfully, the Woodcrest Botanical Center was always slow to put their Christmas exhibit items away, so she was free to enjoy it for the time being.

She was sitting at a small table, waiting for her very cute waiter to come back so she could order hot tea and a fresh scone.

"It's a little late for a photo with Santa, isn't it?" Huey's tone let her know he was just joking. "I see you've moved on to doing whatever you want. How do you feel?"

Jazmine felt herself smile before she could help it. "The 'Whatever You Want chapter is my favorite so far, next to step three of your plan, of course."

"I'm sure." Huey snorted, looking her up and down. "The whole day of pampering thing is right up your alley."

"I might spend a few days doing this though." Jazmine pulled her purse into her lap so Huey could sit in the chair next to hers. "Bringing back activities from when I was a kid is so fun. I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed some of this stuff. You were right when you said it would give someone a sense of purpose and meaning. Not that I lacked it before, but still. I needed to remember who I was before I dated Vince."

"Exactly." Huey was impressed. It had taken Granddad and Caesar months to explore their childhood interests. But then again, it was different for girls. "It also keeps you from lying in bed all day, crying over your ex. You don't have to eat junk and watch bad movies to get over an ex."

"Yeah…the jury's still out on the whole black movie thing." Jazmine sat up straight when she noticed the waiter walking over. "I don't know if I can give up watching The Brothers just because you said so."

He shook his head. She always found a way to ruin her progress. "Just stay away from it until you've finished the book, alright?"

"I guess." Jazmine looked up at the waiter with a warm smile. "Hello, Shawn."

Shawn was a tall, handsome college boy from the university of Maryland. It was his freshman year, and he was absolutely someone that Jazmine would go for. Bronzed skin, mischievous eyes, and just a touch of well-acted disinterest.

It was only a matter of time.

"Have you looked over our menu, ma'am?" Shawn nodded towards Huey. "I assume your boyfriend has taken a look as well."

"He's not my boyfriend." Jazmine smiled at him. "Just a really good friend of mine. We go way back."

Shawn nodded, leaning forward. "Interesting."

Huey's eyes narrowed. Shawn was obviously interested, but Jazmine was not on the menu. "Hibiscus tea and a lemon blueberry scone, right?"

Shawn and Jazmine broke eye contact and looked over at Huey.

"That's still your favorite, isn't it?" Huey shrugged, waiting until Jazmine nodded at Shawn to continue. "Good. I'll just have the green rooibos tea if you still carry that."

"Of course." Shawn jotted the order down, pulling a heater from behind his back before smiling at Jazmine. "I brought this out too. Didn't want you to get cold."

Huey tried not to laugh at the cord resting behind Shawn's foot. He was about to warn him to watch out, but Shawn looked past Jazmine's head and began to size him up, sending him silent threats with his eyes.

"I'll be back with your orders soon." He wasn't even talking to Huey. His eyes were straight up glued on Jazmine. "Enjoy the pleasant experience of Christmas in March."

"More like too lazy to take this shit down in March." Huey eyed Jazmine, not flinching when Shawn tripped over the cord, nearly sending the heater toppling over. Once he was out of earshot, he leaned in to whisper to his friend. "Look, not to hate on your brewing love connection, but you really need to make sure you follow this step by step. You do not need to hop into something new just yet. You're still healing. You have a long way to go before you get to that point. I even talked to Cindy about three weeks being too soon, and she's willing to extend your deadline so long as you don't go back to Vince."

Jazmine turned towards the heater, basking in the warmth. "I can appreciate a handsome guy without acting on it, Huey. I'm not that desperate."

"So you're saying that when Shawn asks you out later, you're going to tell him no?" Huey put his hands in his coat pockets, watching as a few other waiters peeked out from the kitchen to observe them at their table.

'Damn, she's bad!'

'That's her best friend? Ion' know, looks like he fights.'

'So he's single? Shawn, please. Pleasseee let me bring their food out. I gotta see him up close!'

"I'm gonna do something even better." Jazmine glanced back over and waved at Shawn, sighing dreamily. "I'm gonna ask him to meet me at the courthouse this summer. I'll be seventeen, the legal age of consent. We can get married and start our lives together in marital bliss."

"Have you lost your godda-"

"Kidding, Huey." Jazmine laughed loudly, gripping the edge of the table with her hands as he unclenched his jaw. "You should've seen your face. It's scary how you think the worst of me."

Great, now he felt bad. "I've protected you from a lot over the years." He managed to shrug. "Old habits die hard, I guess. I trust you."

He didn't want Jazmine with another guy if it meant having to see her at her lowest again. And with Vince, there had been plenty of lows.

He'd broken up with her on her birthday, on Thanksgiving, on the day before summer vacation, on Christmas, on Hannukah, on the fourth day of Kwanzaa, and even during Easter once, on Good Friday.

From eighth grade until junior year, no matter what Vince did or how he acted, Jazmine always came running back.

No wonder the boy had gone crazy looking at all their spots in town, searching for her.

He didn't even know her well enough to find her.

"Can I ask you something?" Jazmine smiled at Shawn when he arrived with their orders before glancing up at Huey. "Is it true that your date prayed for you and everyone around you last night?"

He was going to kill Caesar for running his mouth to Cindy.

"Not just me." Huey took a sip of his tea. "There were others involved. The waiter, the cooks, the entire world population…"

"You're kidding." Jazmine's eyes widened, fascinated by the thought of a devout Christian praying for Huey.

"I wish I were. Some people are just…not for me." He shook his head and took another sip. "Now, can I ask you something?"

"Of course, Huey." Jazmine dug into her scone, savoring the sweet and tangy combination on her tongue, half-listening to him. "You know can always ask me anything."

"Why'd you go off on my brother the other day?" Huey raised a brow. "Don't get me wrong. Riley is definitely a pain in the ass, but it's also not like you to snap on someone like that."

"Riley should keep his mouth shut." Jazmine let her fork fall on the plate. "I only got annoyed because him and Cindy were hounding me about going back to Vince. Every time I mention that I'm done, they start cracking jokes."

"Well, like the African proverb says." Huey picked up her fork and placed it back into her hands, knowing full well she was trying to hold back so her scone would last longer. "I can show you better than I can tell you. Stop announcing what you're gonna do and just do it."

He had a point there.

"Noted." Jazmine frowned at her half-eaten scone. "I actually have another question."

"Hold that thought for a sec." Huey flagged down Shawn, who ran over to their table to ask them what they needed. "Can you actually bring a basket of scones here?" He held out his card before smirking at a giddy Jazmine. "My treat."

Shawn glanced over at Jazmine's excited face and laughed. "Sure thing, my man! I'll get that order in to our chef, and she'll whip it right on up!"

"Thank you, Shawn!" Jazmine wiggled in her seat, happily eating her scone. "Thank you, Huey! I don't care what they say about you. You're cool with me!"

"Uh huh, sure." Huey couldn't help but be amused by her glee over the carb filled treats. "Now, weren't you about to ask me something?"

"Uh-hmm…" Jazmine was still making eyes at Shawn until she noticed Huey's smug expression. "Leave me alone! I can look!"

"Whatever you say."

"Anyways." Jazmine picked up her tea. "What were you doing here? I didn't know you came over here often."

"I didn't know that you knew I came here." Huey was surprised. "You're always busy between Vince and class."

"You've always been a fan of the apothecary, Huey." It was Jazmine's turn to shrug. "When it opened up, you'd never been so excited. I even went with you. I think Arielle was busy on the grand opening, and I'm pretty sure me and Vince were broken up around that time."

"Wait, that did happen!" Huey took another sip of his rooibos tea. "It was crazy. Never seen that many people show their support for a black owned business since your lemonade sweat shop."

"Huey Freeman!"

"Anyway, contrary to popular belief, the apothecary isn't just for medicinal supplements." Huey paused to thank Shawn for dropping off the scones and snatched one for himself. He took a bite, and his eyes widened. "Whoa. These are-"

"Amazing." Jazmine took the saucers Shawn had dropped off and placed two scones on his plate. "Your sweet tooth secret is safe with me. Go crazy, sir."

"I don't have a sweet tooth." Huey objected. "I just like something to cleanse my palette. In moderation of course."

"If that's what helps you sleep at night." Jazmine shrugged. "Now, back to the apothecary. What kinda stuff do you get in there?"

"They have a wider selection of tea, and they have natural household products." Huey took another bite of his scone. "A lot of the items in our stores are linked to cancer and carry microplastics, but Mr. Reynolds puts care into his products, even down to the packaging. It makes a difference."

"It does. My mom worked on a case defending her client against Thompson & Thompson. Apparently, several of their products, even their famous band-aids, have led to cancer for several of her plaintiffs." Jazmine sighed. "It's messed up what these corporations do to people. Hearing about my mom's experiences in corporate law make me never want to get involved with them."

"So what do you want to do?" Huey was curious. "No law, no business, and no teaching since you hate kids. I'm assuming you're still going the veterinarian route."

"Absolutely." Jazmine smiled. "I actually volunteer there every other week. Now that I've outgrown my allergy to cats, I'm able to work with them on a more consistent basis."

She sighed, rubbing her stomach after finishing her third scone. "He really filled that basket to the brim. We'll have to get those to go."

"Or I can just finish them off." Huey offered with a teasing grin. "It'll hurt me more than it's clearly hurting you."

"Try me, Freeman." She balled up her fists, coming off more adorable than intimidating. "I'll kick your ass!"

"Is that what you're going to tell your four-legged patients' owners when they piss you off?" Huey opened his mouth wide, dropping a piece of a scone he'd broken off into his mouth. "That you're gonna kick their asses?"

"You're sure one to talk Mr. I-Wanna-Be-a-Professor." Jazmine narrowed her eyes. "You have no patience. What are you gonna do when you get a class full of Rileys, and you can't put your foot up their asses?"

"I could work with a Riley, for one. Those types just need to be challenged." Huey took Jazmine's empty plate and pulled it to the middle, then set his plate over hers. "My syllabus will weed out any slackers. I don't plan on playing with their asses."

"They're gonna hate you." Jazmine snickered. "I can see the reviews on your anonymous surveys now."

"Nah." Huey let out a rare bright smile. "They won't."

This was something that Jazmine always relished in, seeing him happy about something he cared about. She couldn't help but return the smile as well, disappointed when it faded just as quickly as it had appeared.

He frowned at her. "What?"

"Nothing." Jazmine fidgeted awkwardly in her seat, realizing that in acknowledging his joy, she'd ruined the moment. "My bad. It was just…you seemed…never mind."

"You're weird." He smirked at her, his eyebrows raised into his signature look. "You don't want to know why they wouldn't hate me?"

"Thrill me." Jazmine scooted up in her seat. "Why would your poor, innocent students take pity on you?"

"Because I care." Huey said simply. "I can level with them, meet them where they are. They'd be nervous about all the work it'd take to survive in my class, reasonably so, but in the end, they'd be better for it and appreciate me for doing it. Just like the rest of ya'll."

This was why she loved hanging out with Huey so much. He was always tugging at her heart strings without even trying.

"Aw, Huey." She placed a hand on his arm, sniffling away joyous tears. "That's so beautiful. You're going to be an amazing professor."

They heard someone in front of them, clearing their throat.

"Sorry to interrupt." Shawn shot Huey a dirty look, assuming Jazmine's tears were not happy ones. "Feel free to stay as long as you need. Here's your check." He smoothly handed Jazmine another piece of paper as Huey glanced at the bill. "I hope your day gets better, Jazmine. It was a pleasure."

Huey shook his head as he pulled up their total on the virtual kiosk, using his phone up to pay for both orders before she could stop him.

"I could've paid for myself." Jazmine fought the grin off her face. "You didn't have to do that."

"Consider it a gift." Huey got up. "Anything else you have planned today?"

"Actually, yeah." Jazmine nodded. "I used to do yoga in my house all the time. Now that I'm older and my father isn't in control of my every waking move, I thought I'd try out an actual class at Afro Yoga."

Huey's eyes widened. "You're going to Afro Yoga too? What time?"

"In an hour, actually." Jazmine nodded. "Wait. You're going too?"

"Yup." He smirked. "Saw it in the paper and figured, why not? It's something to do, something calming, helps keep me in shape, and it allows me to connect with the few black people in Woodcrest's community."

"You saw that Jillian's older sister is doing the class, didn't you?" Jazmine stuffed Shawn's number into her purse and waved at him before following Huey to the path towards the exit. "That's a crime shame, Huey. I didn't think you were the type to stoop so low."

"You jealous now?" Huey smirked. "Lori can't help it that she's an attractive, entrepreneurial, college girl. I'm just going to support a black business…ain't my fault she happens to be single. Who knows? She could be the one."

"What happened to healing?" Jazmine teased. "I heard her boyfriend Christopher broke up with her recently."

"Do as I say, not as I do." Huey opened Jazmine's car door, watching her crawl inside. "I'll see you in an hour. Don't be late."

She watched her friend look around to make sure nobody was looking after he got into his car.

Jazmine already knew what he was about to do. It was the tell-tale sign that Huey had a big crush on someone. He'd pump his arms, lean his head into the back of his car, and then slowly but surely, a blush would creep across his face at the same time as his smile.

"Ah, Huey." Jazmine chuckled, turning up the music before putting the car in gear. "What am I gonna do with you?"

He should've known the small venue would be packed.

There were so many people that he and Jazmine had ended up squished together on his yoga mat, sandwiched in between all the other male citizens of Woodcrest, who apparently, wanted Lori just as much as he did, including a very familiar face.

"Riley?!" Jazmine pointed towards the center of the front row. "Huey, what's your brother doing here?"

Huey was just as surprised as she was.

He'd never seen Riley so much as touch a yoga mat, even during basketball season. He hated physical activity, unless it involved moving from his bedroom to the living room to play on the game, and he'd always insisted that warms ups were for people who weren't living, breathing heat like him.

Yet there he was, dressed in Yoga appropriate clothing, his Nike gear just polished enough to scream 'C'mere girl!' to Lori.

"My babyyyyyy!" Lori squealed when she noticed Riley in the back. She ran over to him and squeezed him tight, and Riley took obvious delight in returning the embrace. He glanced over to where he and Jazmine were standing, mouths agape as she gushed over him. "I'm so glad you came! How's sophomore year treating you? The girls all over your adorable self yet?"

"Girl, quit playin! You tryna get me killed?" Riley caught his brother's eyes and gave him a look that screamed, 'Yeah, nigga, I could pull her if I wanted.' He took Lori's hands as she laughed again and playfully placed them at her side. "You know I'm with Shanice, now. Her ass got spidey senses too. She'll be here in a flash if you keep flirting with me, ma."

"You are?!" The girl squealed. "Oh my gosh, Riley! I knew you two would be perfect for each other! Where is she?"

"Punked out." Riley suddenly looked exasperated. "You know you can get a little extra when it comes to working someone out."

Jazmine and Huey looked at each other again, the color draining from their faces. What had they gotten themselves into?

"I see." Lori nodded, turning her attention to them. "Is that why you brought your brother and Jazmine with you?" She waved at them. "What are they doing in the back? Come on up to the front, you two!"

"Um, actually? I'm okay here, thanks!" Jazmine pretended to stretch, as if getting ready. "I like the, um, air flow back here. Yup."

"Me too." Huey shrugged. "Plenty of room right here."

"Come on, ya'll." Riley knew damn well they did not want to be front and center. "You ain't leaving me and Lori hanging. That's real cold man. Especially since you always be looking at all her yoga posts on Instagram, Huey."

"Riley, shut up!" Huey rolled his eyes at his brother. "You're just up to no good, as usual."

"Aye, I respect you prioritizing your health and shit." Riley's fake smile got even wider. "You ain't gotta be embarrassed. Lori will take it easy on you. Won't you, Lor?"

Lori laughed. "Of course, anything for my favorite guy's brother."

Huey helped Jazmine to her feet before nodding back at Lori.

"Yeah, well, feel free to do your worst when it comes to me." He smirked at his brother as he pushed Riley's mat to the side and placed his in the center of the room, his Chicagoan accent suddenly capturing the room's attention.

"Cuz one thing about it? I ain't scared."

Because of Huey and Riley's antics, Lori was working them all out.

She'd spent the entire class placing them into the most difficult positions she could think of, and to Jazmine's surprise, she loved it.

The poses weren't easy, but she could tell that if she was consistent enough, in time, she'd be able to do some even more challenging ones later on.

"Great job, Jazmine!" Lori patted her on the back as she relaxed into her headstand. "Engage your core, it'll help you to hold things for longer."

Meanwhile, Huey looked like he was about to pass out.

"C'mon, Huey!" Lori was ordering him around like a drill sergeant. She placed her foot on his back, barking orders at the rest of the class. "This ain't no downward dog class, and it ain't Sex and the City, either! So get your ass up, Riley!"

"Man, I'm tired!" Riley laid face down on his yoga mat. "I ain't doing shit else!"

The class gasped when she pulled Riley up and forced his sock-covered feet on top of his head. His face flushed red, and as hard as he tried, it was obvious he couldn't get out of the position himself.

"Ummmm, isn't that supposed to be super-advanced?" Huey shifted in the Astavakrasana pose Lori had given him, raising his brow to turn his head towards him. "He looks like he can't breathe."

Jazmine tried to hold in her laughter, her eyes widening when she realized that Lori was looking right at her. "Dubois! I know you ain't laughing! What's funny?"

"N-nothing. Just delirious from the pose I'm in is all." Jazmine chuckled nervously. "I'll be used to it in no time."

"Uh huh!" Lori kept walking around to observe the class. "Better not be laughing! Because the shit I'm seeing from ya'll stinks! This is serious! This ain't no game!"

Jazmine was starting to wonder if she should've hung out with Riley's girlfriend instead.

Because right now, every single part of her was in excruciating pain. Even Huey looked like he was about to pass out.

And then, the unthinkable happened.

He did.

Huey Freeman was rarely embarrassed, but this took the cake.

"Huey?" He heard Jazmine calling to him. "Huey, can you hear me?"

"Jaz-mine?" Great, his speech was slurred. "I passed out?"

Riley snickered behind him. "Yo ass sure did! Now, get up!"

He didn't think he could do that. He wasn't as flexible as he thought he was. "No."

"Lori, left her number for you." He could hear the amusement in Jazmine's voice. "She asked you to hit her up for a date whenever you come to."

Riley laughed again, high-fiving Jazmine. "She's too good for his gay ass anyway. Huey don't know what to wit' all that."

"Huey, c'mon, and stop being a drama king." Jazmine poked his head. "Lori said she'll pay for the meal. Her treat."

Okay, maybe he wasn't in that much pain. He hopped to his feet, playing off how sore he was.

"Careful, nigga!" Riley chuckled, wrapping his arm over his brother's shoulder. "I don't need you passing out again before we get home. See ya, Jazmine!"

"See ya!" Jazmine chuckled, breezing out of the class.

Riley shook his head, whistling. "If it doesn't work out with Shanice, I might have to see what Jazmine's workin' with. She hit those poses like a G. She's gone be something serious in a few years."

For once, Huey didn't smack him; on the slick, he completely agreed.