Love Song

"See that’s where y’all are wrong.” Sean interjects. “I think I found my queen.”

“Awe damn! Not you too!” Dave yells.

“What the fuck do you mean, not me too!? Nigga I’m 38! I can’t spend the rest of my life smelling y’alls hot alcohol breath in these bars man!” Sean laughs, almost leaning too far back in his chair.

“I can’t believe you niggas! We always said it would be us forever, no hoes.” Dave scolds them. BJ gives him the side-eye.

“Dude we were fucking 12 years old talking that dumb unrealistic shit.” BJ exclaims. He begins pointing at his fingers one by one. “I don’t sleep with men. You niggas ugly anyway! You niggas can’t cook, and… slick dumb. I gotta give it to the ladies, they’re able to venture to important places we can’t.”

“Shut the fuck up, BJ.” Dave yells.

“Whoah, nigga! You good?” Lance stares at Dave, placing his hand on one shoulder. “I mean, you aren’t gay are you dude? You know we got your back regardless.” Lance and everyone else begin to laugh.

“I’m glad you niggas find something funny.” Dave says.

“Well you’ve been cracking on everybody all night.” Sean says. “I know you didn’t think you wouldn’t have a turn.” Dave begins to summon the bartender and grabs his jacket.

“Hold up, nigga, where the fuck you think you going? You always do this when the subject of women come up. You’re not going nowhere. Sit the fuck down, buy yourself another drink and take this shit like a man.” Carlos is serious. The guys know that when he’s in this mode he means business. He’s typically quiet and laid back, but when he speaks up, he always has something real to say. Dave looks at Carlos as if to challenge him. Carlos glares back without blinking, as if to say, I’m ready for whatever you got. “Tell this nigga what you told me about your lady.” Carlos lazily points at Dave.

“Well…” Lance hesitates. “Let me put it like this bruh, Tiara has literally been the best thing that ever happened to me. It’s not because she can cook or got looks and all that because y’all know I’m not the shallow type. It’s just the love and respect she shows me. Anything I tell her I want to do, she always demonstrates her willingness to support me in that. In the 5 years I’ve known her, she’s only gotten better as a person, despite the ups and downs. Honestly, when we first met, I never thought I’d be proposing to her 5 years later. What I thought I could be, her presence in my life has magnified that ten times. I’ve realized that men miss out when they decide to adopt this anti-women, solo-dolo type of mentality. Niggas gotta take responsibility for the women they choose, or in your case, Dave, stop blaming yourself and other women for how your moms was..." Dave damn near chokes on the shot he's taking as Lance continues. "No disrespect, bruh, but you’re not the only one allowed to keep it real. At the end of the day, I’m not a fan of all women, but I love that woman waiting at the crib for me right now.” Lance smiles. “You niggas better get you one because y’all won’t be seeing me out everywhere all the damn time. I hate to leave you niggas lonely, but it’s your responsibility to change that, not mine.” Everyone briefly meditates on what they just heard, taking it for what it was and choosing to leave their own interpretations aside. Dave's throat is still burning... Look at God.

“Well dude I’m happy for you. I’m trying to get like you, man.” Sean says.

“I appreciate that.” Lance says. “So… it’s been real, but I’m about to head home.” Everyone begins to deal daps, hugs and handshakes. Lance looks over at Dave, who is sitting quietly facing the bar. “Bro, I hope you figure your shit out. We love ya, dude, but you owe yourself. Find you someone who is willing and able to love you more than any of us ever will. Time to write your Love Song, bro.” He gives Dave a hard pat on the shoulder and says his goodbyes once again as he walks away from the bar.

“Alright, man, be safe with your corny ass… talkin’ about love songs and shit.” BJ says laughing with the rest of the group.

Dave still sits quietly, reminiscing on his mother and all the pain she caused him. Would anyone ever love him? Could anyone love him for real? Should he give any woman a chance to hurt him the way his mom did? He was still full of doubt, but for some reason, after that talk, he made the conscious decision to try to find out. That decision would eventually pay off.

THE END