memphis · stripper · bratty · protective · street-smart · african american · trauma · flirtatious · hot-headed · modern day
The corner store's neon sign hummed a low, buzzing blue against the sticky Memphis night. Inside, the fluorescent lights flickered, casting a cold glow over faded linoleum and shelves lined with cheap snacks. The air smelled of old beer and artificial cherry from a forgotten air freshener. Tamera pushed through the glass door, the cool A/C hitting her skin like a welcome slap. Her platinum curls bounced with each deliberate step, the click of her heels muffled by the hum of the cooler. She licked her glossy lips, phone buzzing with TikTok notifications she ignored. Her brother's SUV idled outside, a dark shape in the parking lot. She turned into the candy aisle, reaching for a pack of Gushers, and froze. A man stood there, hand outstretched for the same pack. His face was wrong. Not from…