Chapter 29 Ava #2
“You know just what to say!” I agreed. “So, I was thinking that today would be the perfect day for us to finally have that double date with Kevin and Troy.”
“Ummm…okay. I’m cool with that,” Dawn agreed, “A lil’ celebration, I can get with that!”
“You sure? ‘Cause I don’t want you to do anything you’re not comfortable doing. I know how you are, and you haven’t said much about Troy lately. I just wanted to make sure before I called Kevin and set everything up that you were cool with it.”
“It’s all good for sure. To be honest, I actually really like him. I haven’t been saying much about him because there isn’t much to say other than we have been talking on the phone daily. We haven’t seen each other since the move.”
“Well, that’s a big step that y’all have been talking. You usually dump people before you can even really get to know them so...”
“Oh, don’t say it like that!” Dawn interrupted. “You make it sound like it’s a bad thing. I just don’t have time for foolery.”
“I mean, it’s bad and good. There’s no telling how many guys you done kicked to the curb that could have actually turned out to be really great guys.”
“Like who though? I think I am a very good judge of character to be honest. I dropped Tate’s ass like a hot potato and thank God above that I did.”
“Well, you do have a point when it comes to Tate. I never saw any of that coming,” I agreed.
“I didn’t see that coming either. I just knew that something was off about him.
Girl, can you imagine what I would have done to his ass had I given him some of this cookie just to find out he was out fucking on men and exposing himself to that stuff?
” Dawn whispered in the phone. “Chile!” Dawn exclaimed and I giggled.
But at the same time didn’t find it too funny because I was a part of the equation she was mocking and joking about.
I figured she must have had a client nearby because she was talking all low into the phone.
“I totally get it. I’m just thankful that thus far my results are straight and now I can finally move on.”
“Straight up! So, have you heard from Justin lately? How did he take the divorce being final without his consent?”
“No, I haven’t heard from him, and I hope to not hear from him any time soon. I could care less how he feels about it to be honest. When I had to show up in court, he wasn’t there so it is what it is.”
“Whew, thank God for that! I didn’t know that they could do divorces like that. I thought you both had to show up in court.”
“I guess under the circumstances it ended up being different. I don’t know. I am most thankful of that because I don’t know how I would feel if I would’ve had to be in the same room with him.”
“I can understand that.” Dawn agreed. “What about Shane, have you heard from him?”
“It’s funny that you brought him up. He called me a few days ago, but I didn’t answer. He ended up texting me that same day this long ass apology, but I never responded.”
“Girl, fuck him and his apology!”
“Right.” I agreed.
“I don’t want to sour the mood talking about those losers. Thank God all of that and them are now behind you.”
“Yasss! My thoughts exactly!”
“Yep, and get with Kevin ‘cause you know you want to. If you haven’t made things official already.”
“Like I told you, right now he and I are just friends, my goodness! I’m not saying I don’t want more with him I just want to take things slowly.
I’m enjoying this one-on-one time to myself honestly.
It’s not as bad as I thought it would be.
I believe that I put up with so much from Justin because in some ways I was afraid to be alone.
But now that it’s a reality I’m really enjoying my me time.
Like, I’m a cool ass chick and a whole vibe all by my lonesome. ”
“Girl!” Dawn laughed. “I swear you tellin’ the truth. Ain’t it the best though!” Dawn agreed then continued. “Now all you need is for Kevin to break you off something good and you’ll be living la vida loca.”
“I’m so done with you!” I busted out in a fit of laughter.
“The last thing that I’m thinking about is sex though.
Taking my time has helped me be able to clear my mind without being jaded.
I can say that every decision that I have made I have thought about what is best for me; not Justin and not Kevin, but me and only me.
I was so used to putting Justin’s feelings before my own that I don’t ever want to make that same mistake again with someone else.
And I don’t want sex to cloud my judgement with Kevin. ”
“PERIOD, pooh! I feel you on that,” Dawn sang, causing us both to laugh.
“I hate that you had to go through all that you went through, but at the same time I’m glad that you learned the lesson that you did.
Hopefully now, you won’t allow yourself to ever be mistreated again.
I’m so glad that you know your worth and that is all that I ever wanted you to get and understand.
I know that it may seem like I’m hard on you sometimes, but it’s because I love you and only want what’s best for you. You deserve to be happy, lil’ sis.”
“Awww, thank you, D. I appreciate that. I just don’t want to make any mistakes with Kevin. And you deserve to be happy as well. I’m hoping that you and Troy hit it off.”
“Slow down, sis. You’re the one that’s a hopeless romantic.
He seems like a really cool guy, and the more I talk to him, the more I’m feeling him.
I’m enjoying the stage that we’re in though.
I get butterflies when I see his number pop up on my phone or when I get a text from him, but at the same time I’m not trying to rush into things.
I’m starting to think that I’m not built to be locked down in a relationship.
I enjoy my freedom too much for that and I don’t have the patience or time for any drama.
I don’t like being upset or having my heart broken, so this is my way of ensuring that. ”
“You’re such a hard ass. Every man is not Zoe, just like you said! Kevin is a better man than Justin.”
“I’m just overprotective of my feelings is all. You’re right, Kevin is great for you. You know how picky I am, but there is something about him that I respect and appreciate when it comes to you that I can honestly say that I support you two being together… when that times comes.”
“Thanks D, we will see what happens. In the beginning, the chase is always the best phase. Once a man feels like they have you on lock, they forget what it took to get you. I really value my friendship with Kevin, and I don’t want to ruin it.”
“You definitely know what to say ‘cause that was the whole truth!” Dawn exclaimed.
“You’re so crazy, but I love your crazy ass to death. Well, let me call up Kevin to see if he and Troy are available to go out with us tonight.”
“I’ll call Troy. You can call Kevin. I don’t want to seem desperate like I need you and Kevin to set up a date with me and him.”
“Girl, ain’t nobody thinkin’ like that but you.”
“I know, I’m just saying. He and I talk every day. It would be a little weird for Kevin to spring it on him instead of me just calling and asking him myself.”
“Okay, I didn’t think you would want to call and ask him out, but if you insist.”
“Well, I don’t look at it like I’m asking him out. I’m gonna ask him to meet up with us to celebrate your divorce… that’s different.”
“Oh Lord, okay if you say so. Call me back and let me know if it’s a go. Here is Kevin calling me now on the other line. I’ll text you the details on where we will meet up.”
“Okay, congratulations again! Talk to you in a minute.”
Hanging up with Dawn, I felt good. I knew that she would be happy for me and supportive of my divorce.
I was glad that she was open to going on a double date tonight because she had it bad when it came to going out with guys.
I was very shocked that she wanted to be the one to call and invite Troy to come out with us.
I assumed that she wasn’t going to want to do that, which was why I suggested calling Kevin.
I was going to have him ask Troy. But if Dawn wanted to call Troy, then so be it.
That was a good sign. That let me know that she was feeling him a lot more than a little.
Answering my other line, I couldn’t wait to tell Kevin about my new FREE status.
“Hey, I was just about to call you.”
“You were?” Kevin responded then continued. “How did things go today?”
“I’M FREE!” I sang out, causing Kevin to laugh. “I was just telling Dawn on the other line when you called.”
“That’s great news! Congratulations! I’m so happy for you.”
“Thank you! I’m pretty happy as well. As a matter of fact, I was wondering if you were available later to go out with me and Dawn to celebrate. I suggested that we go on a double date, so she is going to call up Troy to see if he is available.”
“Is that so? I’m always available for you, love. I’d love to go on a double with you and my cuz,” Kevin replied. “So, those two are still talking, huh? I haven’t talked to Troy since the day you moved.”
“Yeah, according to my sister they talk on the phone but haven’t seen each other since.”
“Oh, word! Good for them.”
“I’m definitely rooting for them because I think they make a cute couple,” I admitted.
“My cousin needs someone in his life that can slow him down. They both have similar personalities, so it will be interesting to see what happens.”
“I agree, same with my sister. She hasn’t found the right guy in some time so she can be a handful.”
“Enough about them, let’s talk about you,” Kevin suggested. “I’m so happy for you. Hopefully, now you will be able to move on with your life and leave the past in the past.”
“I agree, and that’s the plan.”
“I feel honored that you chose me to be your date to celebrate with,” Kevin said.
“I mean,” I began feeling a little put on the spot. “You have been there for me every step of the way. Aside from my sister, you’re the only other person that would appreciate the celebration as much as I do.”
“Mmmm…hmmm, is that the only reason?”
“Ummm…what do you mean?”
“I was hoping that you’d say you wanted to invite me because you missed my company and wanted oh so badly to see me,” Kevin said, causing me to blush a little.
Thankfully, we were over the phone, so he couldn’t see the silly smile on my face.
“So, where were you thinking about going, and what time do you want to link up?”
“I’m in the mood for seafood. I was thinking we could go to Bob Chinn’s. I love their clam chowder and sushi.”
“Bob Chinn’s is a great spot to celebrate your new lease on life.” Kevin chuckled.
“I love the ambiance, and the food is to die for.”
“Agreed. I’ll call and make a reservation. Just let me know what time works for you.”
“I was thinking we could all meet around seven.”
“Seven is good. How about I pick you up and we ride there together?”
“Umm, you sure? ‘Cause I don’t want you to have to do anything extra. I’m already asking you at the last minute.”
“It would be my pleasure. I told you, whenever, whatever you need, I got you. Oh, and tonight’s tab will be on me. I’ll make sure to let them know when I make the reservation.”
“Oh, my goodness! Kevin, you don’t have to do that. Bob Chinn’s can be kinda pricey.”
“I know I don’t have to, but I want to. I’m pretty good at managing money, so affording it wouldn’t be an issue.”
“Oh, I didn’t mean to imply anything.”
“I know, I’m just letting you know for future reference.”
There was a small moment of silence between us then I spoke up.
“I appreciate everything you have done for me. You have proven above and beyond that you’re an amazing person. Thank you for being so good to me,” I gushed.
“No thanks needed, beautiful. Just know that there is plenty more where that came from. I know a good woman when I see one. I’m just glad that all that negative shit is in your past and you can now start to enjoy life.
I hated to see you upset and hurt. I felt like my hands were tied, but now I can show you how you deserve to be treated. ”
“I don’t doubt for a second that you won’t. I just want to take my time to make sure that all that I went through is out of my system. I don’t want to carry any ol’ baggage into something new with you.”
“I get it, and I’m a very patient man. I can handle your baggage. You’re just going to have to see. So,” Kevin said, taking a long pause, “I’ll be to pick you up around six-thirty tonight. The traffic can get a little crazy in Northbrook.”
“Okay, perfect. Let me call Dawn to let her know. I hope she wasn’t planning on riding with me.”
“She can ride with us too if she wants.”
“Okay, I’ll let her know. I’ll see you later tonight.”
“See you later, love.”
Hanging up with Kevin, I couldn’t contain my happiness. He always had a way of making me feel so special, wanted, and needed. My only concern and fear was how long it would last.