In Love with a Thug by Reginald L. Hall

to ear as I walked up to my seat and sat down.
    â€œI’m glad you could make it,” he said, lifting his wine glass to his lips. I began to smile as I sat down. There were two red envelopes with my name on them on the table.
    â€œAre these for me?” I asked, picking up the envelopes.
    â€œYeah, J.J., it’s all you.”
    â€œHi, can I start you off with something to drink?” asked the white waitress who approached our table.
    â€œYes, please, I would like a Cosmopolitan,” I stated.
    â€œAnd would you like another glass of wine, sir?” she asked, looking at Bryant.
    â€œNo, I’m fine, thanks, just water.” Once the waitress walked away I proceeded to look to see what was in the two envelopes. I pulled out the first card that said “Thank you” and the other card said “I love being your friend.” I smiled at him when he reached across the table and planted a kiss on my lips.
    â€œBryant, what if someone sees us kissing,” I said, blushing.
    â€œI don’t give a damn. Like I said before, Baby, it’s all you tonight.”
    â€œWell, Bryant, we need to talk,” I said as the waitress came back with my drink and his water. She placed it down on the table and said that she’d be back to take our orders.
    â€œAlright, I guess we do need to talk. Listen, I know I should’ve let you know sooner what was going on with me—”
    â€œYes,” I interrupted. “You should’ve let me know everything that’s going on with you. Shit, Bryant, I don’t know shit about you,” I added.
    â€œWhat you mean you ‘don’t know shit’ about me? You know enough.” My face started to turn red. I tried my best to keep my voice down in the nice atmosphere.
    â€œWhat the fuck do you mean I ‘know enough’? I don’t know shit about you. The only thing I know about you is your last name and I’m not too sure if I know the truth about that.” He then reached into his back pocket and pulled out his wallet.
    â€œHere, see. My driver’s license.” He reached across the table to show me his license. “See, I am Bryant Thompson,” he added proudly.
    â€œOkay, be that as it may. The only thing I know about you is your first and last name. I don’t know nothin’ else.”
    â€œAlright, J. Let’s calm down. What do you wanna know?” I began to look around the restaurant seeing the after-work crowd expanding. I tried to focus on a couple of questions that needed to be answered.
    â€œWell, for starters, where the fuck do you live and have you ever messed with a guy before?” He looked around the restaurant, hoping no one heard us.
    â€œCan you calm down, please,” he begged. “Now let’s talk like adults.”
    â€œOkay,” I agreed. “Where do you live?”
    â€œBaby, I live in Southwest, Fifty-eight-twenty-four Chester Avenue,” he said. “You don’t believe me, do you?” He opened his wallet again to show me his address.
    â€œOkay, granted. I know where you live but I don’t know your past, your history, nothing.” The waitress came back to take our orders as I did a quick overview of the menu.
    â€œAre you guys ready?” She stood, holding her pen and pad. Bryant motioned for me to order first.
    â€œI’ll have the tender chicken roast with mashed potatoes,” I requested. Bryant ordered the cheesy noodles. I was happy to know that it wouldn’t take long so I could get back to scolding him.
    â€œNow, you didn’t answer my next question. Have you ever been with a guy before?”
    â€œTo finally answer your question, the answer is no. I have always been straight until I met you. I’ve always liked girls but for some reason your skin color and the texture of your hair made me attracted to you.”
    I smiled, then put my head down and blushed.
    â€œWell, I try to take good