Every Kind of Way

24.

"Ooo, you better know how to fight."

"Oh wait," he stopped her from getting inside and took a bandana from his back pocket. "I gotta tie you up."

"Are you kidnapping me forreal, Sanchez?"

He chuckled, "Should I? Nah, I just need to cover your eyes until we get where we're going that's all."

"Please do not mess up my lashes. I just got them done yesterday," she turned for him to blindfold her. He put the bandana over her eyes and she held it out a bit so it didn't mush her lashes. He quickly tied it.

"Alright. Lift your leg and sit down," he helped her get in the car.

Once she was in the seat he strapped her seatbelt on, knowing she didn't go anywhere without it on. She felt her surroundings even though she'd been in his car many times before. She heard him climb in the driver's seat and sit something down in the cup holder – most likely his phone. He always kept it there. Future's Percocet & Stripper Joint sped up was turned up to max volume before she felt the car move. I put charisma in my lingo and she fell for me, I gave her realness and that's all she gon' get from me.

Asha felt uneasy not being able to see their surroundings because she knew how fast Sanchez liked to drive. He cut people off, sped through median openings and never slowed for a yellow light. It was a must she watched the other cars to make her feel safe.

To her surprise the ride wasn't long at all and felt like a five to ten minute drive. Sanchez came around to her side and helped her out of the car. She clung onto his arm letting him guide her to where they needed to be. At first she felt rocks beneath her feet then she was walking across grass and heard birds. They walked a fair distance until he brought them to a halt and told her to stay in place. Out of nervousness, she ran her hands along her dress and waited for him to remove her blindfold.

"I'm getting anxious, Teddy," she began popping her knuckles to keep from taking the blindfold off herself.

"One second," his voice was close but she could tell he wasn't standing up.

There was silence then she felt a tug at the knot on the blind fold. It slowly fell down her face and instead of opening her eyes right away she brushing the tips of her fingers along her lashes to be sure they were good. She finally opened her eyes and was met by a pallet with a basket, a cooler, two canvas, and a couple bottles of paint. There was also a bouquet of flowers.

"Aww Sanchez." she walked closer for a better look at everything then turned over her shoulder. "This is so cute."

"Yeah? You like it? I know it's basic but—"

"No, no this is wonderful," she hugged his waist and kissed him. She let him go and kicked off her sandals before stepping on the blanket and sitting down. "You should've told me to bring my guitar. I could've played for you."

"I should've but I think nature's music is good too. The birds are loud right now," he removed his shoes and sat down as well.

"Yeah, you're right. So what's on the menu, sir? I'm a little hungry."

He pushed the basket's lid up and pulled out two Publix subs. He read the label then passed one over to her. He reached in again and pulled out three family sized chips; cheddar ruffles, salt & vinegar, and dill pickle. She knew for a fact the dill pickle were specifically for him. He reached in the basket once again for an eight count of habanero wings.

"Oh my." Asha rubbed her hands together. "Did you get my sub like yours?"

"No." his shoulders dropped.