Read Online Sunset Park by Santino Hassell - Free Book Online

going on nearby.
    I drew a couple of curious stares from people walking through the line of benches, but no one seemed too interested in what I was doing, no matter my blond whiteness. With the way Raymond acted, you’d think people would have chased me out of the park. I’d always suspected his reluctance to bring me around was more his issue than anyone else’s. It was the only reason I was wasting my damned time loitering on a bench instead of walking over and tapping him on the shoulder.
    After nearly twenty minutes of rethinking my life choices, the jingle of a Mister Softee ice cream truck sounded, and a good chunk of the crowd scampered to the opposite end of the park. Including some of the adults.
    I finally made my way to the gate.
    Raymond’s back was to me as he stood in the middle of the court gathering the straying strands of his hair, but the guy next to him noticed me right away. He was a little taller than me, stocky but solid-looking, and had a baby face that was ruined by the cigarette hanging from the corner of his mouth.
    “You, uh… wanna play a game?” He grinned, flashing dimples.
    “Nope. Handball isn’t my area of expertise.”
    For a second, Raymond went still, but then he finished tying back his hair as if he hadn’t recognized my voice. I scowled.
    “So… do you want a cigarette or something?”
    “I’m friends with your friend.”
    It was a stupid thing to say. But how was I supposed to explain myself? I didn’t even know if Raymond had told any of his friends that I existed, let alone that we would be living together for the foreseeable future. The guy glanced at Raymond, returned his gaze to me, then shot Raymond a slick smile.
    “Hey, Ray, I didn’t know you liked that sweet stuff.”
    So. Original.
    I opened my mouth to say something bitchy, but the words died in my throat before I could unleash the full extent of my vitriol. Raymond was giving his buddy such a malignant stare that I was sure he was about to cock back his fist and break the guy’s jaw.
    “What the fuck did you say?”
    The guy didn’t stop smiling, but his mouth wilted. “Who’s your friend?”
    Raymond just kept staring at him, all bad attitude and murderous intent, making me increasingly nervous the longer his angry silence lasted. His friend picked up on the imminent doom and raised his hands in surrender.
    “Damn, I’m sorry! Get a sense of humor.”
    “Get better jokes, or you’re going to find yourself on the wrong side of my fist.”
    “Okaaay!” I ambled up and stuck my hand in the annoying guy’s face. “Hi, I’m David.”
    He shook it gingerly, maybe wondering if it would get him in trouble. “Chris. This touchy asshole’s best friend. I was just joking, man.”
    “You don’t have to explain yourself to me.” I forced a grin and nudged Raymond’s arm. “I am sweet, but unfortunately not Raymond’s flavor. Trust me—I already tried.” Raymond switched his stare from Chris to me. At least this time he looked like he was willing me to shut up rather than to die on the spot. “I also work with his brother.”
    “Oh, you’re that guy. Yeah, yeah, I know about you.” Chris sized me up again. “He didn’t mention you’re—” He faltered when the hate stare landed on him again. “—blond.”
    This was getting comical. The poor bastard.
    “My family is embarrassingly Anglo. Raymond knows I have a serious case of melanin envy.”
    Chris’s laugh was more genuine this time. “Raymond doesn’t bring up shit, so don’t feel too bad. I didn’t even know about his girl.”
    “Girl?” I cocked a brow at Raymond. “What girl?”
    “She wasn’t ever my girl,” Raymond replied. “This fucker has no clue what he’s talking about, as usual.”
    “Yo, you and Crystal have been hooking up—”
    “Ohhh, Crystal.” I knew about Crystal. His regular hookup. Nothing serious, or so he had said….
    “—for years, and all of a sudden she rocks up to Nelson’s crib with some