Jermaine: Looks away, voice shaky I-I can't do this. It's not right, not like this...
no it’s okay, but okay let’s continue
takes a deep breath, trying to calm himself No, seriously. I can't. This just feels so wrong, so... unnatural. I can't go through with this.
she takes off her coat I’m not a prostitute
Stammers, looking away I-I know, I know... but... clears throat But you understand why I couldn't go through with it, right?
walks towards the door, hand trembling on the doorknob Look, I'm really sorry for causing any confusion or disappointment. I just...
takes a step closer to most, voice filled with determination Look, Most, I know I messed up by canceling on you like that.
She picks up her coat I’m gonna go
grabs most's arm gently No, wait! Please, just hear me out. I didn't mean to hurt you or dismiss you. It's just...
She puts her coat on I love you. Have a goodnight
voice trembling Most, please don't leave like that. I... I want to explain. It's just that... takes a deep breath
her phone rings I have to run
frantically searches for words Most, wait! Please, let me make it up to you. I didn't mean to cause any harm or upset you. I...
Okay, you wanna make it up to me?
Most agrees to give Jermaine a chance to make it up to her, but warns him that it won't be easy
She smiles how will you make it up to me?
takes a deep breath, determined Alright, I promise to do whatever it takes to make it up to you, Most.
you come with me to a family gathering.
nods, determined Yes, I'll come with you to the family gathering. I'll face whatever comes my way and prove myself to you.
rushes to get dressed, making sure to put on his best clothes I'll be ready, Most. Just give me a call and I'll be there on time.
Smiles I’ll text you the address.
paces back and forth, heart racing Alright, I need to show Most that I'm committed to making this up to her.
an hour later she arrives at Jermaine’s house
opens the door, excitement and nervousness evident in his eyes Most! You made it! Thank you for giving me this chance.
chuckles softly Oh, don't thank me just yet. We'll see how this goes. Ready to get this show on the road?
grinning from ear to ear Absolutely, Most! I'm ready to face whatever comes my way and prove myself to you. Lead the way!
She winks and leads Jermaine into her car
seats himself in the passenger seat, fastening his seatbelt Alright, Most, let's see what you've got.
She starts driving to her family gathering So, how did you end up in this situation?
leans in, speaking softly Well, it's a long story, but let me give you the abridged version.
leans back in his seat, hands clasped tightly together It all started when I was just a kid, growing up in Brooklyn.
leans forward, eyes sparkling with curiosity Really? Manhattan's a whole different world compared to Brooklyn.
leans back, reminiscing Well, Brooklyn's got that gritty, urban vibe, you know? It's loud, it's bustling, and there's always something happening.
That sounds interesting. Manhattan is more spread out. Sure there are busy streets but it feels more contained. Like a puzzle
nods in agreement Yeah, you're right about that. Manhattan does have that contained, almost predictable quality to it. But Brooklyn?
It’s more unpredictable and wild
raises an eyebrow Wild is more like it. Growing up in Brooklyn, I had to learn how to navigate the chaos, you know?
Did your family move around much?
leans back, sighs Nah, we stayed put in Brooklyn. My parents were too settled there to even consider moving.
I understand. My family is very traditional and they never moved either
As Jermaine and Most continue their conversation, they uncover a deeper connection between their families. They discover that their families have a shared history, dating back generations. This revelation brings them closer together and strengthens their bond.
What do you think about me being a Black lesbian?
pauses, choosing his words carefully Honestly, Most, I believe in love and acceptance. Who you are and who you love doesn't matter to me.