Damn, where's he at?

I'm standing near one of the restaurants near the pier, Cass is standing next to me while calling Cam's phone. I'm guessing they're riding together because he hasn't ridden with his other friends in a while.

Darian and Angie are lounging, at the biggest table, with a few people they just met about 30 minutes ago. They're having a blast while we're stressing over our dates.

I can't stand how much it now bothers me that I can't be somewhere without Tripp, especially if I'm expecting him to be there. I felt uncomfortable without him here, as if I were by myself. Like if we were at the beach, I would want Tripp to around. Now that I have a man, I want to be around him all the time. I want him all the time.

"Cam says they had to pick up something so they won't be here for a minute." Cass reminds me as she sends a message on her phone.

'Pick up something'? What 'something' did they have to pick up? That's nothing to complain about but, in this moment, it bothers me because Tripp's all I want. I'm becoming impatient.

He's rolling with Cam and, if Cam is anything like Tripp, they'll be here pretty soon.

Cass and I walk back into the restaurant-turned-club where we find Darian and Angie vibing out to the music. Everybody else is up, dancing with drinks in their hands and all that.

Cass pulls me towards the bar and she orders a shot for us. Even though it was vodka, I still go for it because we're supposedly having fun. I'd rather drink a bottle of jack with my boo but this works too.

"Y'all, this place is lit! Ain't nobody tell us about this place and we just now figuring it out. Why?" Darian compliments as she and Angie join us at the bar. She fixes her tight knee-length green dress as if there's something too snug about it.

We all look good and match unexpectedly. I wanted to prepare myself for some time in the water later; one last moment of the sandy beach and salty ocean water.

With that being said, my outfit consists of a multicolored bikini top and high-waisted long skirt to match. As always, Cassidy comes styling in a sexy green romper with heels but she's also prepared for some time in the water. Angie's got on this beautiful green halter top with white bell bottom pants.

Again, we all look good and didn't plan on wearing green at the same time.

"Out of all the girls in this group, Cass is the one that ended up catching a fish in the sea. How the hell did she hook a man?"

Here goes Darian, spitting out her toxicity on everybody else and showing off her waffling attitude on men.

"Well, stop looking so hard and you just might just bump into the right one. For now, just focus on having a good ass time." Angie says as she stands up and rocks back and forth, grooving to the slow R&B sounds.

"You're one to talk, Ang, seeing as though you ain't got a man."

"But she's right though, Darian. You've been carrying this negative attitude for the past few years. It's annoying and we all know why. Quit worrying about all that and just have a good time. You're spoiling everybody else's fun." Cass says as she sips on a surprise margarita.

I'm too busy waiting for my man to get here. They're taking their precious time getting over here. What did they have to get that takes up a whole hour of my time with Tripp?

'My man'. I love saying that. This sounds selfish as hell. I need to stop, chill, and have a good time. They'll get here as soon as they can, I guess.

"Hey, J. What happened to the guy you were talking to a while back? He was a cutie."

What was I supposed to say? I didn't want to update them on my situation with Tripp and me. Even though we're pretty close co-workers, my business with him is mine and his. Should I care much how Darian asked about us? Probably not but she asks as if I'm about to share him or something.

I roll my eyes at the right time because here come dumb and dumber.

"Aye, bro! Look who it is! It's them pussies we keep bumpin' into!"

That distinct tone and foul language could only be two people. If their friend was here with them, I'd be happier with them being here. Instead, I roll my eyes and stay sitting.

"Well, look who it is, ladies. It's the clowns that we keep bumping into. This is a restaurant, not a circus. Sorry to disappoint." Darian fusses as Cass turns to me with a disappointed look.

Someone catches it with a "Oh, don't worry. Your pussy-whipped punks are around the corner. They'll be here soon."

Isaiah slips in as he makes his way towards Angie. One hand on her and his arm's twisted behind his back. Little did he know that Angie has a powerful backhand. She'll slap the shit out of you and won't apologize for it.

"Boy, keep your damn hands off me. I don't want no part of you. Go on with all that." Angie retorts as she pushes him away.

"Yo, you should be lucky somebody wants to even get at you. These bitches-"

"BITCHES?!" We all call out in defense.

Before you even go there, this word depends on circumstance. If your best girl friend is calling you this playfully or whatever, that's different. Let a man say this out of his misogynistic, hurt feelings and it's a problem.

"See? That's how you don't get no play. That's y'all's problem. When somebody, especially, women, tell y'all no, you wanna keep going as if no means yes; thinking you gonna get a yes eventually. Take that big ass ego back to the shop and get a refund because it ain't working here."

It's not even worth entertaining them because they think they can do whatever they want. Angie shuts it down way better than any of us could've.

You'd think that Tripp and Cam could control them, seeing that they're the most chill, but I guess they're uncontrollable.

"Well, I don't know nothin' 'bout him but uh...you. When we gonna stop all this fightin' and shit and just chill?" Ryker sits by Darian as she rolls her eyes. What a shocking turn of events.

"Oh, now you wanna talk to me like you're interested. Actually, I think I like you more when you're quiet. Depart from me, please and thank you."

She's lying through her teeth on that one. Darian knows she wants that man.

Anyway, Cass and I just sitting here, watching this all unfold and missing our boos. My palm is under my chin, just waiting on my man to get here. I'm bored as hell.

"Damn, not giving a brotha the time of day no more? Check this out, I don't usually do this but take this."

Ryker passes Darian a napkin with his number and continues with "I know y'all 'bout to leave and all so I thought you'd keep a brotha in mind after y'all bounce."

"Don't expect anything from me. That's it."

She puts the napkin under her drink and moves her eyes to everybody else. Cass and I crack up off Darian's attempt to be nonchalant.

Before we know it, Ryker's gone but his buddy still keeps pestering Angie.

"Look now, I know you-"

Angie stops Isaiah with her hand, firmly places her drink on the table, and turns to him, saying "That's enough. You're the prime example of the weak ass little boy with small dick energy but tries to compensate by being rude and toxic, as if that's what makes you a man. Your bum ass can keep it pushing."

"I bet you one of them bitches that like pussies and can't take dick for shit. Fuck you."

"Ya damn right. Got a whole queen at my place, waiting for me to get back home. More masculine than you will ever be and still feminine and fine. Bet you feel dumb as fuck now. Keep that same pathetic energy."

Cass and I widen our eyes at each other and smile. Darian's eyes grow and her jaw drops. Alright now, Angie.

Ryker slaps Isaiah against the head and pushes him against a corner, I guess, to speak some sense into him. Wouldn't work since he isn't any better than Isaiah.

"What's up with Ryker and Isaiah? Is there a problem?"

When we turn to see who that was, I jump up and tightly hug my boo. My eyes light up at the sight of him and my smile shines through.

****

Heeeeeyyyyyyy everybody!

We're in our week of World We Created! Which means everyday this week, I'm dropping a chapter since we're coming to the end of the book.

I hope you enjoyed reading about Tripp and Journee. I had an alright time writing them.

Whats something that you hope to see Tripp and Journee fix in the future?

Thanks for your support, love, and all that jazz. I appreciate you all! Until tomorrow!

Love ya!