3. A Beautiful Collision #2
Kira laid out her clothes, a cute pink skirt set, sexy but still classy.
She turned on the shower, letting the steam slowly fill the bathroom.
As she slipped out of her clothes and let them fall to the floor, she stepped into the tub and sighed as the warm water rolled down her smooth skin.
Her mind drifted back to the night before.
The way she and Sincere danced, the way they vibed so naturally.
The feel of his hand at her waist, the way he looked into her eyes, talking to her like they’d been best friends forever.
His intelligence, the way he spoke about his family with pride and care it, all made her feel unexpectedly aligned, like the timing was finally right.
The thought of him still gave her butterflies, pulling a soft smile to her lips as the water washed over her.
She washed herself with love, with the self-respect she knew she deserved.
Forgiving herself for every time she had shrunk just to be loved and accepted.
Now, she was finally able to give those things to herself, instead of pouring her energy into people who never appreciated it.
She stepped out of the shower and began her facial routine, honoring the woman she was becoming.
Her phone rang, and a smile immediately spread across her face
“Hey, goddess. Are you ready to spend the rest of your life with me?” She chuckled. “Sincere, what do you mean? You don’t even know me. One night can’t predict the rest of your life with a woman you hardly know.”
“Says who, ma? The heart knows what the mind has to catch up to.”
“I’ll see you later, beautiful. I just wanted to hear your voice.”
“Okay, see you soon,” she said sweetly, ending the call.
She held her phone to her chest and sighed.
Her nervous system was slowly beginning to feel safe again, because frequency doesn’t lie.
She trusted her discernment to lead her into something she had never felt before, but knew she needed to experience.
Fear was no longer going to be the factor that held her back this time.
Kira showed up at the restaurant, a bit nervous but excited, as she reached for the handle and walked inside.
The crowd was vibrant and energetic, the ambiance casual and lively.
Sincere stood up the moment he spotted her.
Her aura glowed like something he had never seen before, and he smiled, proud and grateful that she’d given him some of her time.
When their eyes met, shivers ran down Kira’s spine.
Bitch, get it together, she told herself as she walked over to meet him.
“Well damn, all this for me?” he said, wrapping his arms around her waist. She welcomed it, returning the energy, hugging his back as she inhaled his cologne.
“Maybe… maybe not,” she said jokingly.
“Well, baby, I got tunnel vision,” he replied, pulling out her chair. They sat just as a waitress walked over with menus and water. “Get whatever you like,” he said, admiring her quiet beauty.
“I was going to do that anyway. How about you get whatever you like?” Kira said, matching his energy.
“Pop your shit then, ma.” They both laughed, enjoying their playful back-and-forth After they looked over the menus, Kira decided to go with the homemade Jamaican patty and guava BBQ wings. Sincere went with the crispy chicken rolled tacos.
“You small but greedy as hell,” he said after she ordered more food to go, laughing. “So, I’m glad you decided to pick up the check.”
“Well, what can I say? A girl likes to eat.”
“So, what, are you mine for today, or you got something to do?”
“I mean, what you got up?”
“Shit, ma, I just do shit. Not much of a planner, but I always got something on the floor as long as you’re down.”
“I’m cool with it,” she said as she waved the waitress over for the check.
Sincere excused himself to go to the restroom to make a call.
Kira sat there, taking in the moment, living life one minute at a time without overthinking.
After paying, she closed her eyes. Dear God, if I only have this day, I am forever grateful.
And if he’s not the one, please give me the strength not to turn red flags yellow just to live a lie.
At this point in my life, I’m giving myself permission to deserve it all, she thought.
Sincere came back to the table and took her by the hand.
“Sorry about that, I had to check on my mother.” Kira nodded, her eyes full of understanding. They walked out of the restaurant, and Kira paused for a moment to enjoy the spring breeze. Sincere admired her grace. He turned to her and said, “How does someone become so caring and free?”
“You go through some shit you never want to go through again,” she replied. “You learn from the pain that grows you. Your boundaries get stronger, and you no longer give others the power to define you.” He smiled.
“You blow my mind, Kira. You dope as shit.”
“I know,” she said with sass.
Sincere wanted to know everything about her.
They walk side by side through Harlem River Park, the city softening with every step.
The river stretches out beside them, calm but alive, carrying reflections of sky and steel like it’s holding secrets.
A light breeze moves through, cool and steady, brushing past their shoulders, lifting the weight of the day without asking permission.
“Do you want to get married one day and have a few kids?” Sincere asked.
“I want whatever God has for me, but of course I’d love to have a family of my own. What about you?”
“I want the same. Daughters I can protect and teach their worth before a man ever gets the chance to break their hearts. Sons I can raise into men, providers, and protectors of their wives. To show them how to survive in a world so cold without breaking a sweat. To instill values, discipline, and self-respect. To cover the woman of my dreams so she never again has to look to another soul for anything in this life. That’s legacy. ”
“Wow, I’ve never heard a man talk so passionately about something most avoid,” she said, shaking her head in disbelief.
“Ma, most men aren’t me. I move with intention,” he said, his voice steady. “I lead with determination, and I put the work in for everything I have, and everything I want for my future.” He held her gaze, letting the weight of his words sit between them.
Footsteps echo lightly against the path. Joggers pass in quiet nods, couples sit close on benches, conversations low and unhurried. The sound of water kissing the edge of the shore mixes with distant traffic, a reminder that the world is still moving even though, right here, time feels slower.
Kira lay awake longer than she meant to, staring at the ceiling while the city hummed outside her window. Nothing had happened and yet everything had. His words replayed in her mind.
“Delivery for Ms. Kira.”
“Yes,” she said softly. He handed her a dozen red roses and a card.
“Just sign here for me, ma’am,” he said, passing her the clipboard.
After signing, she filled a vase with water and set the roses on the counter, their color bright against the quiet of the room.
She opened the card attached and read the note.
Kira,
Thank you for your energy and the way you poured into me, allowing me to know you on a deeper level. I’m grateful to experience you, ma. I appreciate lunch, but here’s the cash back plus extra. Buy yourself something nice.
Love, Sincere
Kira was starting to feel like this had to be some kind of joke.
She didn’t like how quickly he was getting to her, how easily he slipped past her guard.
Still, no matter how much she tried to fight it, she couldn’t stop smiling.
Everything about him had her off balance.
The way he moved, the way he paid attention, the way he made her feel seen, it was a breath of fresh air after everything she’d been through.
He made her feel young again. Like a teenager caught up in that first kind of love…
the kind that feels pure, effortless, almost too good to question.
But it always starts like that, she reminded herself, letting out a quiet sigh.
Even so, just for that moment, she let herself stay there…
pretending this feeling, this moment, could last forever.
“Lord, talk about an emotional high,” she said out loud to herself. Right then, Jazz FaceTimed her with a stank look on her face.
“Bitch, I been trying to call you all day yesterday. Music going, candles burning, what the hell going on? Who there?”
“Alexa, cut the music,” Kira said.
My bad, damn. Jazz, I been busy. Twelve-hour shifts ain’t no joke. Sometimes I just want to chill and relax.”
“Yeah, but a text every now and again would be cool.” Kira was floating on air, hearing Jazz without really hearing her at all.