to their buses, some picking up sticks and bottles. Aivery and her crew popped mad shit during the competition, provoking those girls. The loss to BSU intensified their beef. No cheerleader from BSU was about that street life, and didn’t have to be. Tomeka Cox managed to get those girls on the bus and pulled out a nine on the girls from the other team. It was enough to scare them off so the bus could break out of there.
She was protective of her girls. But Tomeka and Aivery practically hated each other. They argued constantly over routines. Aivery felt she knew as much as a tenured vet. So, the chances of her being confrontational right now were slim. Still. My grip around clueless, tipsy Tori tightened. I needed to protect her. If word got out about us, she would be the target of hate and harassment on Aivery’s behalf. I wouldn’t have that.
The elevator tolled and Tomeka moved up toward the door, preparing to leave. When it opened, Professor Dixon was there, leaning into the frame. His eyes were dark when he reached for her. He stopped when he realized Tomeka wasn’t alone on the elevator. His lids widened as he took in Tori and me. Tomeka cleared her throat, ducking her head while getting off the elevator. Dixon’s mouth twisted, making it clear he was uncomfortable. It was likely because his wife and kids from their hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina had just spent Thanksgiving here with him. Dixon eventually turned and walked away as the door was closing.
We made it to my floor and left the elevator. I let us into my apartment and noticed right away the music was low in the sitting room. After dropping the bags near the chair, I went to go check on my fish. First, I corrected the volume, then I fed them. That’s when it occurred to me. Stephan was home.
Shit.
I grabbed the bags and balloons and led Tori to the back of the apartment. From the bags on the peninsula in my peripheral, I could see the food had been delivered as I’d planned. I had a couple of this line’s pledgees pick the order up and drop it off here earlier.
“I’m gonna run a bath for us. Is that okay?”
Her heavy eyes rolled up, making me wonder if she was tired now. But she nodded her head against my shoulder. I dropped her balloons and gifts next to a wall in the living room and we continued toward the back. A few feet from my bedroom door, Stephan was coming out of his room. Similar to Tomeka and Dixon, there was a delay in his actions when he registered Tori’s being before continuing.
“My bigga nigga, Spence!” his greeting wasn’t as spirited as usual because he was stumped.
But he tried to remain cool. Stephan called me “bigger” because as tall as I was at six feet four inches, he was taller at six-six and outweighed me. It was stupid, but our vibe.
“Beefy, you’re back.” I let go of Tori to give him some dap. “My aquarium residents announced your return.”
“Yeah. Just for a few days, though.” He chuckled. “My bad. I meant to turn the music back up, but got distracted. I came in as a call came through from my advisor. They’re looking good, man!”
“Thanks.” I smiled. “We’ve been vibin’.”
“And well, I see!” His big eyes went to Tori.
“Beefy, this is BSU’s new sports sensation, Tori McNabb. She’s the program’s first female boxer, and is undefeated.” I peered down on Tori. “Nabby-girl, this is my roommate, Stephan Williamson. I told you about his marine geology work.”
She nodded, but I felt her tense beneath me the moment we ran into Stephan. “Hi, Stephan. Cool major.”
I was surprised by the second sentence and the bonus smile from her. Tori wasn’t very social—even if she liked you.
“Cool, Tori. I hope to catch one of your fights soon.” Then his regard turned to me. “I need to grab my shirt from the dryer. I’m meeting the crew at Verti tonight, then we’re hitting up the clubs out west.”
“That’s what’s up.” I moved aside to let him pass. “Have fun.”
Stephan went toward the kitchen, and I continued Tori to my room. “Take off your clothes. I’ll go get the water ready and bring back a robe.”
“Should I go? I didn’t know…”
I shook my head. “I didn’t know he’d be here either, but it’s all good. It was bound to happen with his schedule.