Look at What We Did

“Yep, you got it down perfectly. That’s exactly what I’ve been doing. Oh I can’t think you could hang with me and the girls I kick it with. We don’t mess around at all. It goes down.” She said with a grin on her face. “Yeah, right. She’d kill me first because I’m supposed to be the one making sure I’m not out too late. Plus she likes you too damn much.” Daniella actually loved the fun time he described and was hoping she could hang with Austin a bit more before he left. “I can’t wait. We’ll be popping bottles all night! I can agree to that. I’ll call you when I need to. Promise.” She rolled her eyes a little at him and nodded. “Yeah, I’m closing up. Let’s go.” She lightly pushed him out the door before closing and locking it. Then she grabbed the gate and pulled it in front of the door and locked it as well. “That’s about it. And then I pray no one gets super crack strength and somehow breaks in.” She added, before looking at Austin. “Lead the way to your automobile, sir.”

“Oh really, you don’t think I can hang huh? I can hang. You forgetting where I’m from? You know I can hold it down Lil D don’t play.” He gave her one of his big goofy grins. “True, but you’re an adult now. Even though you’re living under her roof you can still do some things. Like go out and stuff.” He nodded. “VIP service, bottles popping, all of that. You’re gonna get spoiled tonight girl.” Austin unlocked the door to his Mercedes and opened the door for her. “I think I still know the way to Mama Rose’s house. So I don’t think you need to tell me the way to go.”

She was so good at keeping the promises she made to those she loved, but was even better at breaking the ones she made to and for herself.

“Aren’t we all just waiting for the right one? That’s what dating is, right? Sifting through the general population until you can find the person you want to spend the rest of your life with.” She replied, with a smile on her face. “Oh, I play the field alright. I have a nice time going out. To expensive places too. Can’t mess with no broke dudes.” She joked, chuckling at the end. “Well I guess I can’t argue with you. We’re going out.” Daniella agreed, having fun talking with Austin. “Sure, I’ll cheer you on. Get one of my plain white tees and put your name on it all in marker and glitter.” She teased, before running a hand through her hair. “No, I’m sorry. I can get a little sensitive these days and you did nothing wrong. Normal people love getting encouragement from their friends, but I’ve just had a long day. Yeah I’m upset but I really don’t want to talk about it right now. I’ll get over it.” She sighed and shook her head feeling like she was being kind of bratty. “Sounds good to me. I can’t call you anytime I need a ride. Don’t be ridiculous. You do have a life. No need to be spending all your time driving me around.”

“That is true. We’re all looking for that special someone, well at least most of us.” He cocked a brow. “Oh true? Started wearing less and goin’ out more? Glasses of champagne out on the dance floor? Hangin’ with some girls I’ve never seen before? Is that what you doin’ now? Because if so, then shit Dani you’re playin’ the field right. You should call me next time you go out, see how its done.” He teased her. “I promise, we’ll have a good time. I won’t keep you out too late, I’m sure Mama Rose would kill me.” Austin laughed loudly at the thought of seeing Dani decked out in glitter, pig tails, and some pom-poms. It would be cute to see, her cheering him on. But it wasn’t exactly realistic since he didn’t want her to go out of her way to hang out with him. “Yeah yeah, its cool I get it. We’ll have a good ass time at the club, and all your troubles will disappear. Fine, I can just drive you home whenever or for emergencies.” Austin twirled his keys around. “So, we gonna close up or what? I’m ready to see what kind of moves you got.”

She coyly smiled,·“I don’t know about every chance they get, but I do alright. A lot of them are kind of lame though so they don’t get far. Plus my cousins always seem to be sniffing around and scaring people off.” She didn’t suffer fools lightly. She was quick to cut someone down if they stepped to her wrong. Most times she didn’t even have to do it because her cousins did it for her. It was a blessing and a curse. She was positive they had scared off some potentially great guys for her, but they saved her from some losers too.·“Of course you are. You motivating a bunch of kids and making their day will be so sweet. My God Austin, are you trying to be perfect?” She didn’t mean to let the last part spill out, but it was so nice. Kids need to be told they can do whatever they put their minds to. When they become adults and reality hits, at least they’ll always have the memories thinking life was easy.·“Dani Jackson lost her passion. Dani Jackson has lost a lot.” She said, a little bitterly. It had been a hard few years for her and she was just so tired of everything. She pulled the keys out and followed him toward the exit.·“Actually I rode in with a coworker but they didn’t work all day so I sent them home. I was just gonna walk so you stopping by here works out.” She realized how dangerous that sounded and winced.·“Do not tell Zeke, Dex, or Josh.” They would kill her.·“Oh she’ll be happy to see you, but you know she’ll have no problem popping you if you force her to.”

“Oh, so you’re waiting for the right one huh?” Austin bit his bottom lip and smiled. “You got the right idea by wanting to find someone who isn’t gonna mess with your time, but girl you gotta play the field a little. Date behind their back. You’re grown and they just play too much. Live, don’t let anyone hold you back.” First things first, Austin was getting her out of her comfort zone. “You know what? We’re going out tonight. No ifs ands or buts about it, you and I are going out.” Austin nodded and smiled when she mentioned him doing some community service. “Yeah I just wanna give back and help as much as I can.” He chuckled. “I’m not trying to be perfect, just giving back to the community. I’m gonna try to play ball at the community center tomorrow, get a nice game going and all that. You should come and cheer me on.” When he listened to her words, Austin couldn’t help but sigh. He knew she was upset, but he couldn’t just let that slip. “C’mon Dani, don’t be like that. If you’re upset just talk about it. You know I didn’t mean it like that.” Austin sighed. “Look, lets just go to Mama Rose’s house, hang out for a bit and then go out. And hey, if you ever think about walking alone anywhere just call me alright? I got you. Don’t worry, no need to tell. I got you.”

“He’s so damn sweet and our genes are so on point. All the girls just flock to him. Zeke and Dex too. It’s a damn shame. I’m always gonna have to beat hoes away from them.” She laughed. “Oh, if only you knew. I’ve been messing with you guys for years. Boys are truly so easy. I only use my powers at certain times though. I keep my witchy powers under wraps so don’t go blabbering about it, kay?” She asked, with a grin on her face. Dani fought not to roll her eyes at him. “Jesus, maybe you should be a motivational speaker. You sure know how to talk a good game. Maybe I’m not into dance like that anymore. You’ve been gone quite a long time. Things change and people change.” There really wasn’t anything for her to say to rebuke with what he said. He was completely right, but honestly she didn’t feel like hearing that shit. It was just too damn positive. “King Hilderman is still the best party thrower. I do have to say that the graduation party Kendra threw for all of us was banging. It came close.” She smirked and turned around with her purse in her hand, “Mhm. I’m sure you treat them real right.” 

“Zeke, Dex, and Josh have all the luck I guess. But its true, its in the genes. I bet you have guys asking to get with you every chance they get.” Dani was gorgeous, and he had a crush on her since the ninth grade. Whenever her cousins were around it was hard to get to know her. The three of them were protective of her, which was understandable. Dani grew up with them like she was their sister, so any chance of him getting with her was pretty much moot. But now? Well he had his chances now. Dani was on her own and so was he. Maybe during his two week vacation here the two could hit it off and maybe go on to something more? “I’m actually speaking at the youth center next Wednesday. So I guess I can add motivational speaker under my belt.” Austin let out a long whistle and stepped back. “Wait a minute. Dani Jackson doesn’t like dance anymore? What? Shit, what happened? Dance used to be your passion.” Now he was worried. Maybe her sister’s death was holding her back from the things she loved? It made sense, but he wasn’t too sure about it. “Yeah, sure it was.” Austin moved from the counter and started to walk towards the exit. “I can drive you to Mama Rose’s house if you want. Unless you drove here yourself.” He shrugged. “Think she’ll whoop my ass when she see’s me? Its been a while...”

“I will. It’ll be on WorldStar immediately after. Shit, I may even Periscope it so everyone can see it live.” She laughed, before rolling her eyes at the thought of that girl. “It bet not be Jerrica. If he’s back with Jerrica, we’re fighting. Straight up. She’s such a manipulator. I wish she was just a nasty bitch, but nah she one who likes to play mind games and shit. That’s the worst part. If there’s something girls excel at, it’s messing with a dude’s mind.” Dani just shook her head once again at what Austin said. How could he make things sound so simple? Even when they’re really not. “I’d look like a girl chasing dick.” She corrected. “Which I don’t do. Ever. If I really wanted to chase those old dreams of mine, I would have found a way. But this is my life. It’s what I have and it’s what I deserve.” She said the last part in a bit of a whisper, before trying to get away from the negative. “You did have the best parties! A few tried to pick up the mantle when you left, but they could never quite beat a Hilderman party.” She smiled, before scoffing at him. She turned around and reached over the counter to get her purse from the cubby right under the register. “Oh, you’re playing alright. That’s what you do. You play all day. I’ve watched my cousins and you enough to know how y'all are. Who you tryna fool?”

“Thank the Lord above for you.” Austin shook his head. “I fucking hate her ass. He has the worst taste in women I swear.” Just talking about the girl gave Austin a bad taste in his mouth. “At least you’re not like that. Unless you’re a pro and have been doing it all this time. Hey, maybe you’re a witch and you never told anyone? And you just mess with everyone’s minds with your witchy powers?” Austin gave her a smile, reminding her that he was joking. He rolled his eyes. “But you don’t chase dick? Like shit, who cares what people back home are gonna think about you? You’re going to be following your dream. And you shouldn’t give it up just because people here are holding you back. How are you going to know your full potential when you haven’t even tried? C’mon, you know you love dance and you know you have potential. Either Los Angeles or New York is the place to go for that. I know you can do it. You don’t deserve this, don’t say that baby girl. You deserve to the best, you deserve to be happy, and you definitely deserve to be chasing your dreams.” Austin laughed, nodding his head. “I’m glad no one could beat me! I’m a legacy here, that’s great to know.” He watched as she got ready to leave and he scoffed. “Oh c’mon now! You know I treat a girl right!”

“As long as it’s not his dick, I don’t care. If his dick gets on the internet I’m telling his mama and watching as she cusses him out. Auntie don’t play.” She sucked her teeth at what Austin said about Josh. “He’s just trying to keep this girlfriend of his hidden from me. I know he got one because Nana was talking on the phone about her. Apparently, everyone but me has met her. He can’t hide her forever though. I will meet her and she better be on the up and up.” As protective as her cousins were of her, she was the same for them. Girls were always running behind them and she was always checking them if she felt they weren’t right. She sighed at his words and a small smile appeared on her face. “You wouldn’t understand. It’s not always that easy. And what would I look like running behind you? I’m fine right here.” She smiled bigger at his next words and raised her hands in defense. “I was just checking. You’ve been gone a long time. It might not be the same for you.” She raised an eyebrow at him as a smirk played on her lips. Dani tried to ignore how that one sentence made her a little hot….okay a lot hot but that wasn’t the point. “Oh that was a very good line. I can tell why all the girls throw themselves at you. But boy, don’t play with me.”

“Don’t forget to video tape it for me! I wanna see his ass get beat!” Austin raised his brow. “Oooh, and you know the kind of girls he brings home. Damn, between you and your Auntie he’s really got his work cut out for him then.” He chuckled. “Don’t worry, I haven’t seen her. As long as she isn’t like that one girl he was dating, Jerrica, that one. She was a fuckin’ trip.” Austin hated thinking about the girl’s his friends dated. They were never really all that great, and he could always sense the imminent migraine from Dani and Mama Rose. They were the ones who always looked like they were about to pass out from the vulgar things the girls would say or do. “You’d look like a girl chasin’ her dreams. Fuck what anybody has to say that’s negative, you’ll be long gone and they’ll be stuck here.” Austin smirked. “Girl, I know how to party. You know the ones I used to throw back in the day! I was golden!” He watched her body language carefully. Austin knew when a girl was getting  a little hot under her collar, especially Dani since he’d spent time with her. But he wasn’t going to torture her about it. “Who said I was playin’? Maybe I’m serious?”

“Oh, I’ve got to check Dex’s instagram. You already know. Matter of fact, I may even text him later and get the real scoop. Josh wouldn’t tell me anything. He never tells me anything.” She felt her face heat up a little when he touched her cheek and wanted to roll her eyes at herself. There is no reason for her to be acting like a kid with a crush. “Big dreams don’t always come true my friend. And that’s okay, but it’s better not to kid yourself.” Dani responds, somewhat solemnly before chuckling. “Yes, she does but I don’t mind it.” She smirked at him. “Oh, you want to take me out? Hm….I wouldn’t be opposed to that. You sure you can keep up though? Cause I’m all about the turn up.” She teased once again. “Well I could use some help lifting some of the heavier deliveries so I’m not gonna say no. As long as you don’t mind taking orders from me.”

“Alright, but don’t say I didn’t warn you. Dex doesn’t give a fuck who’s following, he posts everything. You’re gonna see some shit, you can back out now if you want.” He teased. “That’s because Josh is smart. He knows you’ll beat the crap out of him if he says anything.” Austin shook his head. “Nah Daniella, that’s how you psych yourself out. You just gotta believe in yourself girl. I know you can do it. And if you don’t think you can do it, I’ll take you out of here with me.” He folded his arms and gave her a confident smile. “Of course I want to take you out. And hell yes I can keep up, I think you’re forgetting that I’m from Oakland too.” The corner of Austin’s lips turned up into a suggestive smirk. “I wouldn’t mind taking orders from you, but once its closing time and the lights go down the roles are definitely going to be reversed.”

“Oh lord. I know y’all were probably tearing up the town and wreaking all sorts of havoc. All I got to do is check Instagram and I’m sure all the evidence is on there.” She teased with a grin. “It’s not an obligation to feel proud of you, it just is what it is. It always feels good hearing about people from the same circumstance as you doing well.” She nodded her head. “It will be a great surprise. Yeah, I got you. Considering I live there, I’m sure she won’t mind me popping up with a guest.” She laughed and shook her head at the reminder of how it was back in day. “You really want to spend your break in a flower shop with me? Even I can admit that sounds lame. It’s not exactly exciting in here. You tried to be helpful, but it would always end with me having to fix whatever you did. Actually, I don’t know if you were really trying to help or being a nuisance. Probably both.”

“Check instagram? Uh...” He scratched the back of his neck. “Don’t check instagram, especially Dexter’s. That boy’s a mess, and Joshua too! Actually, don’t check instagram at all.” He nudged her cheek gently. “Hey now, you can get out too Lil’ D. I know you, you’ve got big dreams.” He nodded. “Yeah, your cousins told me you were living with Mama Rose now. I bet she gives you a curfew.” Austin chuckled.  “I mean it could be cool. But you gotta let me take you out at night, at least. It’ll be fun, I swear! Don’t worry, I’ll make it exciting.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “Mm, maybe I was trying to let you live a little? Sure the gardenia’s got ruined in the process but still. I’ll definitely be a bigger help this time, I mean it. I mean, if you want me to.”

“Oh, that’s sweet. I’m sure everyone has missed you. I know my cousins definitely have.” She leaned back against the checkout counter and smiled. “That’s good. You’re the hood dream. Made it out and did something with your life. A lot of people are proud of you.” Dani lightly pushed him in his shoulder. “Shut up. I grew up in this shop. No one could take care of it better than me. Except Mama Rose herself of course. She’ll be disappointed she missed you. You should stop by the old house and see her.” She blushed a little at his compliment. “Thanks. Yeah, I am. I have been for about two years. Nana is older now and can’t do as much as she used to. She has other employees, but she never would have put them in charge. This is a family thing. I’m pretty sure she would have sold the place if I wasn’t here to run it.”

“Yeah, we met up last night. We got drinks and had a good time. Hanging out with them again was nice; I missed it.” Austin blushed slightly and shrugged. “Nah nah, it wasn’t easy. They don’t have to be proud of me or anything, I guess you can say I’m blessed.” He smiled when she pushed him. “Actually I was going to end up going on up to her house if I couldn’t find her here, but I didn’t want to impose or anything. I want it to be a surprise. Maybe you can help me out? Say you’re coming over and I just tag along?” Austin smiled. “Well, maybe since i’m here I could help out around this place? It’ll be like old times when I used to bother you in here back in high school.”