THE NIKEL chapter 13

Davis' art exhibit was at a gallery downtown called Soul Folks and the place was packed. V Kali's locks hung down past her knees and almost hid her face as she adjusted the microphone to begin her poetry set. As she performed people sat and stood quietly around and listened. Life awas observing the art on the walls when Obrey spotted him and handed him a glass of wine. "You following me?"

Life shook his head and answered. "But only because I don't think I could keep up. Besides, I thought I was invited."

"Well, I told you when and where and what time and said that if you weren't doing anything, then maybe stop by or something like that, but ..." She shrugged her shoulders and smiled. "If you take that as an invitation then...Well...Whatever. You're here now."

"Shut up. You want me here." Life smiled and looked good in his black cotton suit without his usual loud jewelry. As they laughed and talked Afua was in the background and saw Life take Obrey's hand. Obrey knew she was going to hear about that later from Afua. But that would be later. Obrey was determined to savor that moment with Life. They stared into each other's eyes for a while then moved in closer to kiss but she pulled back when she saw Afua still staring at them. The music and poetry suddenly ended. She and Life went in separate directions and a few minutes later Obrey turned around and saw Amad and Jewel approaching her.

"Hey, love. Wow, it looks good in here." Amad said to Obrey.

"I thought you were going to be at the shop all day today."

"I was, something came up. I need Jewel to be here with you today. She can just stay the night ok?"

Jewel looked at the paintings on the walls. Obrey saw Life in the background talking to Davis and wanted to get Amad out of there fast. "Um, sure." Amad was in a hurry and left. He had roses for Davis.

"Girl, everyone is here tonight." Davis said as she approached Amad and Obrey. "Can you believe it? Did you see..."

"I think Amad has roses for you, Davis. Your favorite." Obrey snatched the flowers from Amad and quickly handed them to Davis.

"Awww, thanks."

"You're welcome, honey. Everything looks so great. I'm so proud of you. I'm sorry, I can't stay though."

"What you mean you can't stay?" Dob said as he patted Amad on the back.

"Well look who's here." Amad turned to shakke hands with Dob. He pulled him close and whispered in his ear. "You weren't playin' huh?"

"Not at all my brother." Dob whispered back.

Amad leaned in and gave Davis a kiss on the cheek. "I got some business to take care of so I gotta get." After he kissed Obrey he rushed out. Dob bent down and picked up Jewel adn walked away with her.

"What was that about? Anyway, Life is here girl." Davis said.

"Who?"