Chapter 11 Chance
My encounter with Jamie and the weird shit with Peaches makes it easy for me to get lost in all things Sadia.
I have been ignoring countless messages from my friend group since Sadia made an offer to shut out the outside world and focus on us.
The resort is large and has multiple places to get lost in, but it’s not so big that I’ll be able to dodge my boys forever.
Even now as we walk with the water and sand competing for dominance on our feet, my phone vibrates in my shorts.
But for now, my only focus will be on the woman whose enchanting presence has me walking around with an extra pep in my step.
“What degree will you be getting?”
“Uh, it’s a master’s in business psychology.”
“Ah, so you’ve been working on ways to analyze the human brain. Interesting.”
“Well, it’s more centered around how people think and behave at work. It will allow me to land a career where I can help organizations improve their business outcomes as it pertains to motivation, leadership influence, and how they can improve their environments.”
I nod as we walk in rhythm without another word, as a wave rolls in and splashes our ankles before it retreats. Sadia laughs lightly, and a smirk forms as the sun’s rays makes her skin glow. Her cheeks have a tinge of red, making me wonder if the heat is too much.
“Are you hot? We can go back and find somewhere to sit. I didn’t think about sunscreen when we started this walk.”
Unlike most beach resorts, ours has enough beach chairs to accommodate every dual-occupancy room. I’m not ready to end our time together, but I definitely don’t want Sadia to overheat either.
“Okay. We can get a drink and finish talking.”
We turn and head back toward the resort as I shift her shoes in my hand, not interested in continuing our journey without feeling her hand in mine.
We’re a yard away when we see familiar faces as they engage in a volleyball match between the men and the women.
There’s no way for Sadia and me to get around them without being seen, so I steel my shoulders and prepare for what’s to come.
Erin sees us first and waves with a pleasant smile, and Sadia easily returns it.
“Now she’s someone I wouldn’t mind forming a friendship with after this,” Sadia whispers.
Her words make me nod without a rebuttal, because among all the women, I’m happy that she isn’t opposed to my best friend’s wife.
“She’s a good look and someone who won’t make you uncomfortable or treat you any way as a result of being mine,” I reply lowly.
Thanks to Erin’s engagement in our approach, the others stop their game and turn, with varying expressions on their faces. Jamie and Peaches have similar stank looks, while the others show either pleasant or curious expressions.
“Now that we’re more, I don’t know how many outings I’m going to be up for with those two. They’re weird,” Sadia whispers before she plasters on a smile worthy of an audition with one of those teeth whitening infomercials.
“Top of the afternoon, my nigga.” Morris walks up and gives me a one-arm hug before he moves over and hugs Sadia. “I was wondering why you were ignoring messages and shit. Since you’re on your Ella Mae shit, I’ll let you make it.”
“Appreciated, bro. Dia and I wanted some alone time,” I say.
Sadia and I go through the process of speaking to the rest of the guys and their wives. Well, everyone but Jamie and Peaches that is. A low, humorless chuckle escapes my mouth before my gaze and focus shift to Jamie and the resting bitch face that matches his bitter wife.
“Your emotional ass is wearing the right color. Is it time to change?”
“What the fuck are you talking about, man?” Jamie barks.
“That bright red shorts set confirms the entrance of your period. So I’m just wondering if you’ve changed your tampon recently?”
Laughter from our group seems to bounce off the water and echo as Jamie frowns deep, and Peaches rolls her eyes before her hand lands on her waist.
“Oh, no you didn’t. You better eat him up, J,” Peaches snaps.
Before Jamie or I can respond, Sadia steps in front of me and places her hand on my chest. An instant calm spreads from my chest and circulates through my body. A mischievous grin slides onto Sadia’s lips as she speaks lowly and only for my ears to hear.
“One thing I’ve learned is that if you give a rabid dog the attention it seeks, you’ll wind up with rabies. Today, no matter where or who the opposition comes from, it’s about us. Don’t let them shift your focus.”
Okay, Dia.
I nod wordlessly to let her know that I heard her loud and clear. With my eyes still on her, I engage the group.
“I’m gonna continue my day with my lady. Y’all enjoy the rest of your day.” I take Sadia’s hand and walk away without another word or backward glance.
“Those two are a match made in miserable hell. It’s a shame too, because I’m a really good person when you get to know me. But I’m not interested in allowing either of them to find out.”
I’m not sure which part of the last ten minutes bothers me more, Jamie’s attitude or the thought that I might have to remove one of my longtime friends from my circle.
But the truth is, if our relationship had a firmer foundation, we wouldn’t be in this catty ass situation.
I’m not sure how my showing up with Sadia made Jamie so constipated, but it’s a problem he’s gonna have to build a bridge over.
Oh, you know what it is. From your cheesy grin to your initial alone time with Sadia, you set the tone for what wouldn’t be happening with him and his pass around.
I internally nod to acknowledge my agreement because what took place before would never be acceptable for Sadia and me.
Hell, I just got my first taste of Sadia; I’ll be damned if I let Jamie or any other nigga slide between her thick and delicious thighs.
Even the thought makes my mouth water and my dick wake up.
“Now that you have me to yourself for the rest of the day, what do you want to do?”
“We’re still on our discovery train, so I want to do never have I ever.”
I smirk because it’s such a girly response, but I’m incapable of denying Sadia anything. So, I guess this is how we’ll spend the rest of our day and evening.
“Okay. But food first, then we can grab some drinks and hang out on our balcony for this game.”
“Yes. I love the way you think, bae.”
Mentally, I skip the rest of the way and inside the resort because Sadia called me a pet name. I feel like I hit the Mega Millions after weeks of playing and picking random numbers. An hour later, Sadia and I are on the small balcony, ready to dive into the game she suggested.
“Alright. Ladies first.” I extend my hand to give her the floor as I take a sip from the drink we got on our way to our room.
“Never have I ever made the first move.”
“Lies.”
Sadia giggles, and her face stretches and brightens as my chest expands with warmth from the zing of current that flows through me.
“I haven’t,” she confirms.
“Lies. You made the first move when you laid yourself bare when talking to me about your dilemma.”
“Chance, that wasn’t what I was doing,” she says and then laughs.
I shrug and smirk because tomato, tamato. I said what I said and read the incident the way I perceived it.
“My turn . . . Never have I ever gotten annoyed but said nothing.”
“I can see that. You’re definitely not the type of person to keep things in. That’s why I stepped in with your friend and his wife. I saw fire burning in your eyes.”
You have no idea. Any longer and Jamie might have found his ass cashing a check he didn’t intend to write.
“Mhm. What you got?”
“Never have I ever blamed my partner for something that was my fault.”
I laugh at that one because I have no idea what made that statement relevant.
“Good to know, I guess. Hm, let me see. Never have I ever been stubborn just to be right.”
“Ooh, thank goodness. I dated this guy in—”
“Stay on track, Dia. Exes ain’t a part of this discussion.”
Every nigga before me doesn’t exist in our world or our future, so I don’t care for any trips back down memory lane. As far as I’m concerned, Sadia made a quick trip to Heaven, and God wiped her past clean.
“Moving on. Never have I ever laughed during a serious moment like Izzie Stevens.”
My forehead wrinkles, and my eyes pinch as I try to figure out who she’s talking about.
“Okay, you’re about to lose some cool points, Chance. You’ve never watched Grey’s Anatomy?”
“I guess my points are out then, because never have I ever watched that show.” I shrug.
“Oh my goodness, we’re totally gonna do a date night Grey’s Anatomy marathon.” Sadia dances in her seat, and all I can do is shake my head.
“Okay, that just ended our never session. When is graduation?”
“I have to pass my classes first. But if all goes well, then it’ll be September 8th. It’s been a long time coming though.”
“Ain’t no ifs, ands, or buts about it. You’re graduating. From your heartbroken state over that balance, I know ain’t nothing gonna keep you from crossing that stage. Let me add it to my calendar.”
I pull out my phone and record the date so I won’t forget. Then I mentally contemplate what I can do to commemorate her accomplishment.
“If you could go anywhere, where would you go?”
“Honestly, I don’t know. I’ve never been out of the country, so I don't have a bucket list. This is a great big old world, so I do want to experience something tropical one day. But I have no idea what that looks like.”
Duly noted. I make a note to contact my travel agent when I get home for some suggestions. If Dia wants to see what the world has to offer, then I’m gonna make it happen.
“Do I need to get you a ticket for graduation?”
For countless seconds, I just stare at Sadia like she has ten heads with antennas that spike from each side of them.
“Imagine not crossing the stage because your man didn’t get a ticket, and an anonymous bomb threat is called in thirty minutes before the ceremony is due to start.”
Sadia laughs heartily, like we’re at a comedy show where I’m the amateur talent for the evening.
Meanwhile, I’m as serious as a heart attack.
If my black ass can’t be in the stands shouting, clapping, and acting a fool when my woman’s name is called, then nobody else’s families will either.
I mean, it’s only right. Hell, all is fair in love and spite.
I take another drink from my glass before my eyes disconnect from Sadia to see the sun dip behind a cloud.
It ain’t even been a full twenty-four hours since our status changed, and Sadia’s ass got me in my feelings like a toddler.