2 | Simone
My phone was wedged between my cheek and shoulder while I jotted down some ideas for an upcoming project, and listened to my GiGi talk my head off.
“Baby, I need to go back to the grocery store. I forgot to pick up a few things.”
I frowned. “I thought we got everything we needed. And if you’re missing anything, I can just put in an Instacart order for you. It’ll be there within the hour.”
“No!” I could practically see her waving her hand in the air. “I need to go into the store. I like to touch and see my stuff in person. I’m not with all that online technology foolishness.”
I laughed quietly. “Coming from the lady who literally asked Siri to set an alarm for your pot roast last week.”
“That’s different,” she snapped. “And don’t interrupt me while I’m talking. The stuff I need is for me to donate. I want to make a couple of boxes to drop off at the church.”
My heart softened. This was who she was, and because of her, helping others had become second nature to me. Always trying to be a blessing even when nobody was looking.
“Okay,” I sighed. “I’ll come get you later this afternoon.”
“Yes, come early too. We need —”
“Yep, alright, love you!” I rushed out, practically hanging up mid-sentence. Because right then, I saw him.
Samaj Stephens.
He was walking straight toward me across the quad with slow, deliberate steps like he had something to say. We didn’t even have class together today, so seeing him—let alone seeing him walking directly toward me— completely threw me off.
Before I could fully register what was happening, he reached into his hoodie pocket and pulled out the note. The one I left on his windshield.
“You put this on my car yesterday?” he asked, his voice low and calm. But the look in his eyes told me he already knew the answer. I just wasn’t sure how.
My stomach dropped. “That was supposed to be anonymous.”
The corner of his mouth curled. “Now what fun would that be? If it were anonymous, I wouldn’t have been able to come say thank you.” His voice was… softer than I expected.
Up until now, we’d never spoken. I was friendly with any and everyone. It didn’t take much for me to strike up a conversation, but he was the complete opposite.
He walked around with a permanent mean mug and a don’t bother me aura. He seemed guarded, never in one place for long. In and out of class like he had somewhere to be, but wasn’t in a hurry to get there if that even made sense.
He was like a fire you couldn’t help but notice but knew you should stay far away from and yet I felt like God wanted me to give him an encouraging word, so I made the note strictly out of obedience and went on about my day.
But now? This close? He felt different.
“Well,” I managed, “you’re very welcome.
” I thought that was it. I thought he’d nod, say thanks again, and head to wherever he was going.
Instead, he pulled out the chair across from me and sat down, stretching his legs out, getting comfortable like he was planning to be here for a while.
Although caught off guard, I didn’t mind.
“Can I ask you something?” he said.
“Um… sure.” At least that’s what came out, but inside, I was a complete ball of nerves.
He smelled incredible—like Creed Aventus, which I recognized instantly from working at Nordstrom for three years.
Fruity and aromatic with warm musk and vanilla that lingered.
A man that looks good and smells good? Love that!
He seemed taller up close—maybe five-eleven, or maybe six feet.
His presence felt bigger, though. His waves were laid like he put time into them.
His facial hair was lined perfectly, framing those sharp cheekbones and a jawline that looked personally sculpted by God.
I’m sure I wasn’t the only female who noticed, but as far as I knew, he wasn’t tied to anyone.
Not that it mattered. I wasn’t looking for a relationship right now and he didn’t seem like a relationship type, probably had a whole roster of women in rotation like half the guys on campus.
He wore a simple black hoodie, gray cargo pants, and a pair of retro Jordan sneakers that looked fresh out of the box. Effortlessly clean. Dangerously fine. Yeah, God did his big one when creating him.
“Simone?”
His voice snapped me out of my daydream.
“Wait—you know my name?” I blurted.
He looked confused that I was confused. “Uh, yeah. We have Dr. Allen’s physics class together. I swear that man talks like he’s allergic to being quiet.”
I burst out laughing. It came out louder than I intended, and I was embarrassed at first, but he started laughing too. I didn’t know he laughed like that. Why was I finding everything about this man so attractive?
“Plus, you’re a part of that women empowerment club, right? What’s it called? Females and Faith.”
I laughed, a little shocked that he knew more about me than I’d thought.
“It’s called Faith and Femininity but yeah.”
It was a new club here on campus that I led. It was the perfect blend of everything I was passionate about, social, religious, and women empowerment. A space created for young women who loved God and cared about giving back to the community.
“So,” he leaned forward, elbows on the table, “you never answered my question.”
I blinked. “Sorry, what was it?”
“How did you know I was having a rough day yesterday?”
I paused, thinking about how I wanted to answer his question.
The truth was, I didn’t know, not really.
But I sensed it in my spirit when God gave me that nudge that He often gives me.
I saw it in the way he walked into class like the world was sitting on his shoulders.
I saw something in his eyes that looked like grief, unfortunately, that was something I knew well.
I swallowed, fidgeting with the top of my pen.
I decided to be honest with him without saying too much.
“You looked really sad. Like it took everything just for you to get out of bed.”
He looked at me like he was trying to figure me out.
“You’re really observant,” he replied.
“So now can I ask you a question?” He looked reluctant, but nodded his head.
“What were you dealing with that had you so down?”
He leaned back and let out a long sigh.
“It was my little brother’s birthday yesterday. He passed away a couple of months ago.”
“Oh my gosh. I’m so sorry to hear that. I know there's nothing I can say to make this hurt less, but just know I understand. I lost both of my parents when I was twelve. There was a shooting, and they happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Even though so much time has passed, it still hurts not having them around.”
“Damn. I can’t even imagine what that was like for you, especially being only twelve. How do you walk around here smiling and so happy all the time? I can’t imagine someone like you has bad days.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment, but truthfully happiness comes and goes. When I have bad days, I try to lean on God more and ask Him for the peace and joy that only comes from Him. Besides, I think I look a lot cuter when I’m smiling, so that helps too.” Was I flirting?
He smiled wide. “And here I was just about to compliment your pretty smile, but I see you already feeling yourself, and I can’t risk making your head any bigger.”
I sucked my teeth playfully. “Anyway, what did you do for your brother’s birthday?”
“What do you mean?”
“I don’t know. Like, does your family do anything special on that day, or did you go visit his grave or anything?” He started to look uncomfortable, which made me nervous. “Sorry if I’m overstepping. You don’t have to answer that.”
“It’s cool. My family is in a weird place right now, so we didn’t do anything. Honestly, it never even occurred to me to do something on my own.”
“Well, it’s not too late. On my parents’ wedding anniversary, I go to one of their favorite restaurants and have lunch. It’s nothing fancy, just Longhorn, but I reserve it specifically for that day to remember them and the good times we shared. So, tell me what’s something that your brother—”
“Shiloh.”
“That Shiloh used to love?” I could see him smile as he thought back on his brother. “He had the biggest, sweet tooth so he loved all kinds of sweets, loved action movies and loved collecting and building Legos.”
“Okay… I think I have an idea. You down?”
I got up sliding my notebook and cell phone into my purse not really expecting him to decline.
“Yeah, but where are we going?” he asked, falling into step beside me.
“We’re going to celebrate your brother by doing some of his favorite things today. Trust me, it’s going to be great. Wait, you don’t have any classes, right?” I paused mid stride to ask.
“Oh, now you care about my education? Just a second ago you were ready for me to skip school.”
I shrugged my shoulders and continued walking.
“Well, you don’t have your backpack with you, so I assumed you were free. And don’t act like this would be your first time skipping school. You don’t exactly strike me as the perfect-attendance type.” We both burst out laughing.
“Hey,” he said, his voice turning more serious as we waited to cross the street toward the parking garage.
“Yeah?”
“Just wanted to tell you, you have a really pretty smile.” I smiled so hard, probably showing all thirty-two teeth. “Thanks.” Lord, Jesus take the wheel.
“Um… maybe I should drive,” he said when we got to my car. I had been driving my white 2010 Volkswagen EOS since my senior year of high school. It was the only thing my GiGi could afford to purchase.
She was small, but she was perfect for me, and I planned on driving her until the wheels fell off.
“You got a problem with my car?” I questioned one hand on my hip, pretending to be offended.
“Nah, I just don’t know if I can fit in it.”
I rolled my eyes playfully. “Okay, fine. We can use your car.”
“Sorry. I know we can’t all be blessed with long legs. Should I walk a little slower so you can keep up?”
I pushed him. “Ha ha, real funny.” I was five’3” and loved my height. “I’m just messing with you.”