SUNNY – POV (Edited)
I'm lost in thought. I have money… but not enough. My first paycheck hasn't come yet, and I only have three days of work at the café. What am I going to do? I can't let him pay. I need a solution. Maybe I can go to Clara's for dinner and ask if I can pay later. She likes me—she won't say no.
"Aw, why'd you slap me, bitch?"
"Because I've been calling your name for five minutes."
"Sorry… I was thinking."
"Wow, I didn't know you had a brain."
"Hahaha… I don't think Danny has family problems. I think he just runs from his crazy cousin."
"Okay… I deserve that. So, tell me, what are you thinking?"
"Actually… mm, mmm…"
"What? Sunny, are you doing drugs? Are you addicted? Oh my god, I have to call Danny!"
"Gloria, no! Stop! I have a date."
"What? You stupid bitch! My heart stopped! What's the problem with having a date?"
"A lot of problems, Lori. First, it's my first time. Second, I don't have money and I chose the place, so I have to pay. And finally… the big one… it's a date with Black."
"Holy… my husband's cock! You mean Black Claude? The one who 'fucks Mr. Mike for you'? Where are you taking him? We need to know how much we'll need."
"Are you going to help me?"
"Of course! Not always my baby goes on a date."
I jumped on her and hugged her tightly.
"I love you so much! Thank you, Lori—you're the best person I know."
"Stop the flirting—it won't get you anywhere. Where are you going? I can't promise I won't come watch."
"No, you won't??"
"I won't answer. So… where are you taking the great Black?"
"To Clara's dinner."
"Are you joking?"
"No, I'm not. I want him to know who I am. I want him to go running and never look back."
She hugged me and wiped my tears.
"No sane person lets you go. You're amazing, Sunny, and we're lucky to know you."
"Thank you, Lori."
"So… you only need $100. Tomorrow we go shopping?"
"We can't—it's today at 7."
"What? Why didn't you tell me sooner? It's already 5! Oh Sunny, you need to shower now. I'll raid Danny's room—he keeps the best clothes. I'll find something perfect for your date with Black."
She's in overdrive—I can't stop her. I go take a shower.
"Sunny, do you mind wearing baby pink?"
"No, I love baby pink."
"I found the best outfit—you'll blow his mind."
I don't want that. I want him to know who I am… and then leave me alone.
"Is he coming to get you?"
"No, we're meeting there."
"I won't tell you what to do. I have faith in you. You deserve happiness… someone to love you, care for you. Don't make him run away."
"Lori… if he runs, it means he isn't meant to stay in my life. I want him to run. I get hurt too easily."
"If he hurts you, I'll kick his handsome ass."
"I know you will."
"You have to prepare. It's already time. You'll take my car."
"No, I can't drive. The place is a couple of blocks away, and you have a shift, so you need it."
"It's a good way to make Black give you a ride home… maybe even a kiss at the door. I can record it."
"Oh my god… maybe you need a boyfriend."
"I think I need a laid…"
"Bitch, you need a boyfriend."
---
BLACK – POV (Edited)
I'm still in my room, waiting for Sunny's message. It doesn't take long.
From Sunny:
This is the address for dinner. Google the place. If you change your mind, text me.
To Sunny:
If you think that will make me run away, you'll have to work hard—you can use the serial killer idea. Can't wait to see you.
It's 3 PM. I have four hours to prepare. I need to be as simple as I've ever been. I want someone to see me… not just the wealthy persona.
I call my best friend:
"Hello… is that my best friend? Miss me?"
"We're not best friends. We're barely friends."
"You're still in denial. What do you want, Black? Why are you calling me?"
"I need a favor… and I'll pay you."
"The great Black needs a favor? Do you want me to kill someone for you? Or have you already done it and want me to help hide the body?"
"I want casual clothes. Your style. And I need them now."
"Maybe you were an angel in a past life. I just got back from shopping—do you want to come?"
"I have to shower, so you have to come. Lisa will be happy to see you."
"Oh, I hope she has cake—she makes the best one."
I end the call before he can keep talking. He's been my neighbor since childhood. My mother tried to make us friends, but I always resisted—except he never gave up. He respected my space, never panicked me, and my parents think we're dating because we're so close. He's loyal, proud, and open.
He's also a photographer running a cinematography and events company. He still lives in the house because his parents died in a car accident. Lisa loves him like her own son.
"Black here—up! There's no time! It's 5 PM! What were you doing? How are you going to be ready for your first date in two hours?"
I step out with only a towel.
"What the fuck are you doing here in my room? Who told you I have a date?"
"I've been here an hour. I made tea and cake. Plus, a good gossip session."
"Black honey… I'm so happy to have Edward here. He's like the daughter I always wanted. We talked about you for an hour—he gives so much advice on warming Sunny up."
"Mom… why are you talking about Sunny and me to him? He won't shut up now, and I won't be surprised if he spies on me on my date."
"Oh my god… I didn't believe it when you told me how he calls you Mom. Lisa, I'm so emotional—come here, I need a hug."
"Thank you, Ed. You're the best. But how did he discover our plan?"
"I know. Listen, you, Edward, and Mom—I won't appreciate any of you following me. Now give me the clothes, thank you, and stay away. Go to the spa with Mom; she's complaining she wants to go but it's not fun alone."
"Oh, blessed, my Sunny boy… you're making our Black a gentleman."
"Two drama queens… too much for me. I'm going to change in the guest room. You two can have my room."
"We are waiting to give you our opinion."
"And I'm waiting for you to get the fuck out of my house."