Gangsta's Paradise

Second Date

Lauren

This is the best date that I've been on. We've been riding around for like an hour, talking about any and everything. We've literally been analyzing Pac's "All Eyes on Me" album. I love how intelligent Nipsey is. And to be honest, he reminds me of 2Pac. Just his understanding and depth about topics within our culture. I appreciate a man who elevates my mind and gives me something to think about.

"So, what's your plan past acting?"
"I honestly would like to open a performing arts school. I'm good friends with Wendy Raquel Robinson and she's opened a school. I love the possibility of helping to mold young minds and give them another route besides traditional school."
"Whhaaatt? Look at you! Haha, I kinda wish I had that option."
"A lot of people always look crazy when I say that. Their mind immediately goes to like ballot or classical music. But acting, poetry, singing, rap, drawing, painting... they forget about that. Not everybody is made to do math and know all the rules to English. I'd also like to add other things like Plumbing, automotive and business to the curriculum."

I can tell I impressed him. He kept looking at me and smiling. I had been thinking about it for a while but I've been focusing on getting my money up so at some point, that will be possible.

"I love that shit. In fact, let's make a promise."
"A promise?"
"Yep! In 10 years, no matter where we are or what we're doing in life, we need to make this school a reality."
"Mmm. Okay! Promise!"
"Pinky swear nigga!"
"Haha! You are so childish. Pinky swear!"

I sat back in my seat and a comfortable silence took over. We listened to the music and bopped our heads. We finally arrived back to my house and I had to admit, tonight has been great. I looked at him as he leaned closer to me to kiss my cheek.

"I had a good time with you baby."
"I had a good time too. It was probably the best date I've been on."
"Uh huh. That means you have to step ya game up nigga. Next date is on you!"
"Oh, don't worry. I always show up and show out."
"Whatever you say L-Boogie. Just remember, it has to be authentic to you."
"It will be. Trust me. You just make sure you're ready!"
"Oh trust, I stay ready! Ten toes down!"

*Two Days Later- Second Date*

"Man Lauren, What the fuck?"
"You said you are always ready. So, shoes off, big boy."

I laughed as he slipped his shoes off. At least he has nice feet. We are at a vineyard and we're going to make wine. Then when we leave, we're going back to my house so I can cook and we can drink the wine we make.

"This shit kinda nasty. I'm glad I don't drink wine like that."
"Ha! We literally just washed our feet before doing this."
"Still man, what if a nigga got a fungus?"
"Then he shouldn't even be worried about this. He needs to focus on other shit."
"Hahaha. You right. Damn! This shit squishy!"

I chuckled as we squished the grapes and berries with our toes. My mom took me here when I turned 21. She wanted me to learn the proper way about wine so that I'd have a deeper understanding of the drink.

"So what's the story behind this?"
"I like coming here sometimes to relax. It's therapeutic and I like being able to make my own wine. That way I know what I'm drinking. My mom actually brought me here when I turned 21. She wanted me to have a complete understanding before she turned me loose and I was allowed to freely drink as an adult. And it really helped. Thanks to the class that you can take here, I learned a lot. And not just about wine but alcoholic beverages in general."
"That was really dope of your moms."
"It was and thanks to her and that class, I've never been down bad drunk or hungover."

We did enough to make two bottles of wine and we allowed the workers to process it and package it. It would take about an hour so we walked through the trail and looked at the different fruits the vineyard had to offer. He ended up buying some green grapes, plums and cherries. He looked at me while eating some of the fruit.

"Yo, you just put me up on game. This fruit good as hell girl."
"See! Isn't it sweet and juicy?"
"I honestly want to buy some of the seeds they have up here! So when I get my house, I can start a garden."
"I've actually been thinking about that too. That would be dope."

We got our wine and headed back to my car. His ass is so tall, he had to lean my seat back to get in. I smiled as we made our way to my house.

"Check this shit out. You taking me to your house baby?"
"Yep. I'm going to cook dinner. What we had was good... but, you haven't tasted my cooking yet."
"Damn, you cook too?"
"Yep. Like you said, vegan spots are hard to come by so I had to learn a few things on my own."
"Well, show me what you got girl!"

I cooked balsamic black rice with spinach and mushrooms with sautéed green and red peppers, squash and okra with feta cheese. I also made a homemade yeast roll. Nip is on his second plate and is sitting with his eyes closed. I laughed before sliding up to his side at the table, lying my head on his shoulder.

"How is it?"
"Girl, this the best shit I've ever tasted! How you learned this?!"
"My mama taught me how to cook when I was little the rest is trial and error."
"Well, you got a hit on your hands. Honestly, I don't know if I'll ever be able to eat anywhere else again."
"Haha! Well, I don't mind. Cooking helps me relax."
"Even this wine is fire. Who knew this shit would taste like this?!"
"I'm glad you like it."
"Love it baby. Thank you."
"So, uh, umm, you wanna watch tv?"
"Yeah, what you watching?"
"I just started watching 'Greenleaf'. It's really good. Wanna watch it?"
"Yeah. I'll check it out."
"I'll put it back on the first episode so you can catch it from the beginning."
"Cool."

We got sucked into it and our date turned into a binge session.