”“Oh really? What do you do?”“Landscapin’ and shit. It ain’t the best but I got felonies. So…”“I feel you.”“What kinda work you ...as doin?”“I’m an esthetician.”“Esta what?”“Esthetician. I do skincare. Things like hair removal. Facials. Stuff like that?”“Oh okay. Like you work at a salon or some shit?”“Basically.”“What you thank ‘bout my skin, l’il nigga?”“It looks pretty clear. Do you use any products?”“Hell naw! I’m a nigga.”“Men should take care of their skin too,” advocated Laurent.“Maybe I. " Shhhh." She put her finger over my lips. "I'll take care of it, I promise." But..."She shook her head and walked into the bathroom without another word. I stared after her for a few moments, then Tasmanian Devil'ed myself into a state marginally ready for school.School was a drag, as it was most days, even without the worry about my car. I didn't have any classes with the girls at all, so I hardly got to see them, and Amanda texted me after third hour saying the construction guys had. I know ... but thirty is next. Never trust anyone over thirty.It wasn’t until I spotted the Beech H model that I remembered. That’s pretty, I thought.“I am?”“What?” said Amy.“I see a FOR SALE sign on the propellers of that Beech,” I said.“Yeah,” she said. “It’s a real deal.”“Why?”“Remember that Directory from the FAA?”“Straps on the mainspar?”“Yup ... those.”“What about it?”“Mr. Montenegro had Charley do the work and then couldn’t afford to pay. Chuck slapped a Mechanics Lien of it. It’s been. I just couldn’t stopsmiling and we both laughed.When I started apologizing formy behaviors she stopped meand said you don’t have to anddon’t have to feel sorry also.Then she asked me with a winkand naughty smile “What do youlike the most in me?” I wasshocked at such a frank, bold,direct question. I thought for awhile and said your smile. Shemade a stern face and said is ittrue? Come on don’t feel shy weare friends now, tell me trulywhat do you like the best in me?I didn’t know whether to tell.