FLASHBACK (CONT.): SHITFIRE!!!

Ivy's and 3rd POV

I was rolling on the ground, holding my stomach, falling out laughing,

"I don't know who cooked this, but this is the nastiest food ever! I didn't know that it was possible to ruin the all-time classics. And you stuck a BIG WAD of mac and cheese in your mouth! You should have seen your face! Priceless."

"Who you telling? I knew I should've gotten something to eat before my ass came. AWWWH SHITFIRE!!! I knew Miss. D didn't know how to cook; because she follows the instructions on every box. I didn't think that it was gonna be this bad, but this shit is unforgivable!!! She has gotten worse over the years!! This shit is nasty, DAmn, DAMn, DAMN! Did you say Grace?*. 'Cause we are going to need some help with this. No wonder you set your plate down and off to the side. Ugh, we're going to starve to death!"

I then began to slowly point, using my index finger, scanning the area at everyone who was eating and the new line that has formed at the table where the food is located.

"But Len, look at how everyone is eating the food. They are eating it like, it's the best thing since sliced bread." I say in amazement and confusion.

Len looked around and true enough, people were eating everything like it was the best food that they have ever tasted. Hell, some were even going back for seconds.

"Maybe they like it because it's free food? Watch their ass get worms and have uncontrollable diarrhea. I ain't with the shit,"

Len stood up, dusted the dirt off the back of his clothes. Shaking his head, he reached in his pocket and removed the car keys.

"What are you about to do?" I asked.

"You mean, what are WE about to do? We are going to go get ourselves some food because I'm not about so sit here and digest this abomination; or you can stay here enjoy these festivities and starve to death, or you can come with me."

Without giving it a second thought, I got up and threw both our plates away into the trash bin and followed Len. While walking towards his car, we stopped by the basketball court to talk to some of his friends.

He asked if they wanted anything to eat from IN N' OUT Burger; his treat? He took out his phone and began to typing their orders. Once he was done, we continued walking towards his car.

I had no clue which car was his; needless to say, my mouth flew open when he walked up to the black and blue 2010 Camaro with black leather seats. It was nice, clean and smelled like pine, because of the air freshener that was hanging from the rear-view mirror. I was thoroughly impressed.

Len, being the gentleman that he is, opened passenger side door for me. He made sure that I was seated properly and even secured me with the seatbelt; before closing the door.

My eyes followed Len as he walked around the car to the driver side; he seemed to have a little pep in his step. He then opened his door and got in; his lips were slightly curled upward with a sense of pride. After securing his own seatbelt, he lit up a joint, turned to me and asked, "Do you mind if I smoke?"

Feeling a bit prideful myself that he would even consider my feelings and comfort level; I shrugged my shoulders nonchalantly and said, "It's your car, enjoy yourself."

He nodded and began to smile; showing those beautiful white teeth, and said; "True, but you're young and your lungs are still growing. Plus, I don't know if you're ok with smelling weed."

"Awe thanks for being mindful and asking but go ahead." I said. All I could think about was how Len still saw me, as a kid. Annoyed, but I was still happy to be riding with him in his car.

It didn't take us long to reach IN N' OUT burger. What took forever, was the amount of time used to cook the food that Len had just ordered. Len ordered 10 4x4 burgers (two for each person), five orders of chili cheese fries with extra cheese and five drinks. I tried to pay Len for my portion of food, but he wouldn't allow me to pay for my meal.

Biting my lip and smiling shyly, I thanked Len for his hospitality. "I can pay you know."

Len looked at me, head slightly tilted to the side, arms crossed over his chest, gazing into my eyes with a look of amazement and confusion.

He leaned over closely to my ear, paused for a moment and finally spoke in a sensual growling whisper and said; "No man allows his woman to pay. That is my job." Slowly raising his head, he paused for a moment, deeply inhaling my scent.

If I had turned my head slightly to the right, we would have kissed. He then straightened up completely, still gazing into my eyes. He lightly exhaled, turned his head and continued to look straight ahead.

I felt tingly inside and thought, he just said that I was a kid, so why am I feeling this way? I couldn't stop staring at him. I finally lowered my gaze and promised myself, that I would never forget those words. "No man allows his woman to pay. That is my job."

Who knew that within a few years, I would forget those words; as though it had never been spoken to me.

I excused myself and went to the Ladies room and when I came back; the order was ready and I helped Len to carry the food to the car.

Stuck in traffic, we were listening to the music on the radio and singing along. We were laughing and joking, having a great time in our own little world.

I noticed a Coal Black Viper with tinted windows, slowly pull up beside us; you will hear a Viper before you ever see it. I stopped singing because just the sound of that car and the vibrations that you feel sitting beside it is scary the first time you encounter it. Besides, something didn't feel right, and I was beginning to pick up some bad vibes. I began to slightly frown.