4 | Simone #3
“It’s... uh…Brianna, right?”
She sucked her teeth. “That is not my name Kadeem.”
“Okay okay, I got it. Brooke!”
She shook her head “Wrong again.”
“Damn you sure?”
Samaj shook his head before grabbing my hand, pulling me away from Kadeem and his foolishness.
“I don’t know what to do with his crazy behind.”
“I like him and I think you really do too.”
“He’s a thorn in my side,” he claimed, although I knew he wasn’t serious.
“Anyway, I want to make things up to you.”
“Great. I have an idea.”
“Oh yeah? It better be legal,” he declared.
“What do you take me for?”
We were now standing outside of my next class and although people were walking past us it felt like we were the only two there. The sweet and thoughtful Samaj I was falling for was back just like that.
“How about you come do a serve project with me and some of the ladies from Faith and Femininity. We’ve been tossing around a bunch of ideas, but I haven’t settled on which one I want us to do just yet.”
“A Serve Day project huh.”
“Yeah, I think it will be a great way to bless some people during the holiday season.”
“Why am I not surprised you took this opportunity to help someone else instead of doing something for yourself. I swear you’re unreal. Your parents raised one hell of a young lady.”
“Thanks,” I blushed at the compliment. It melted my heart and it meant more to me than he probably even realized.
“I’ll let you get to class. How about we go out tonight and talk about it a little more?”
“Ok Sure. Pick the place and time and let me know.”
“Cool.” He said pulling on the string of my pink hoodie.
“Go change the world. I’ll see you later.”
Later couldn’t come fast enough. After my last two classes, I went home and practically turned my closet upside down looking for something to wear. I was nervous and excited all at once. Nothing like I’d felt getting ready to go out with Ryan the night before.
“You’re going out again tonight?” GiGi asked, stepping into my room.
“Yes ma’am.”
“Last night must have gone real nice if ya’ll already made plans for tonight too.”
“Oh, no I’m not going out with Ryan.”
We’d texted back and forth a few times since dinner, but we hadn’t made plans to see each other again.
“He seems like a nice guy. Now his mama, on the other hand? She is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. But I mind my business.”
That paused me in my tracks. “You mind your business? Since when?”
“Simone, you not too big for a butt whooping.”
Laughing, I turned my attention back to my closet.
“So, who you going out with tonight?”
I held up two dresses, trying to decide which one I should go with.
“A friend from school.”
“Do I get to meet this friend?”
I rolled my eyes, not really feeling that idea. Not because I didn’t want them to meet each other, but GiGi was somewhat of a hoarder, and I would prefer it if he didn’t have to come in and see all of the items with which she wouldn’t part.
This lady never got rid of anything, no matter how many times I tried convincing her we were running out of space.
The small 850 sq ft. two-bedroom home wasn’t dirty or messy, but it was definitely becoming more cluttered as time went on.
It was one of the reasons I was looking forward to moving out and getting my own place.
Even though there was a small part of me that didn’t want to leave GiGi here alone, especially with her getting older and relying heavily on me for things.
Doctor appointments, running errands and rides to church services and events.
GiGi stepped in and took care of me when my parents passed away, and I’ll always feel indebted to her.
Eventually, I gave in. “I guess you can meet him.”
I’d told Samaj I would drive myself, but he wasn’t trying to hear it. He also told me to dress nicely, but wouldn’t disclose where exactly we were going. Which had me wondering if this was more than just hanging out. Was this a date, or am I overthinking things like usual?
“Alexa, play ‘So into you’ by Tamia.” I was just about ready when Emaree called me on Facetime.
“Girlllll! Who are you and what did you do with my cousin!” she squealed into the phone.
If you knew me, you knew I faithfully rocked a bun, two French braids, or a silk press on rare occasions. But today I decided to switch things up and do a wash-and- go. Diffusing my hair turned into a whole upper-body workout, but I had to admit—this hairstyle was eating!
“Girl, you look so freaking good that man is about to spend the whole night drooling over you.”
I felt beautiful in my black long sleeve dress that hung off one shoulder and stopped mid-thigh. I paired it with some new black knee-high boots I had been wanting to wear.
“Thanks girl. I don’t know why I’m so nervous, and GiGi wants to meet him.”
“Just breathe. You look amazing and the nerves you’re feeling are a good thing. Enjoy yourself Simone. You of all people deserve to have a good time.”
“Yeah, you’re right. Thanks again. I’ll let you know how it goes.”
I hung up with her and not even five minutes later there was a knock on our front door. I took a few deep breaths before letting him in.
“Wow Simone. You look beautiful.” Samaj swooned with admiration in his eyes.
“Thank you. I wasn’t sure what to wear.”
“You could wear anything, and you’d still look great. These are for you.” He handed me what might be one of the most beautiful bouquets of flowers I’d ever seen. This is definitely a date then, right? I thought to myself.
“You got me more flowers?”
“Yeah, it’s the least I can do. Do you like them? I asked the florist to help me put together an apology arrangement, and this is what we came up with.”
Before I could respond, GiGi came into the living room.
“You didn’t have to leave the poor guy outside. Come in and have a seat. I’m GiGi, Simone’s grandmother.”
“GiGi we’re not staying.” I said walking away to set the flowers down.
“She’s right we have reservations, so I want to make sure we get there on time, but my name is Samaj Stephans it’s nice to meet you.”
“Well at least come in here for a second so I can take a picture of ya’ll. It’s not every day my baby goes out on a date… well then again, she did just go on one last night but – .”
“GiGi!” I cut her off, slightly embarrassed.
If Samaj was bothered by it, he played it off.
“Girl hush and come take this picture. Oh, shoot, let me go grab my glasses out of the room.” She said walking away leaving us in the entry way alone.
“So, you had a date last night. Is that why you ignored my message?”
“Samaj. It wasn’t like that.”
“It’s cool.” He said with a smile. “I’m just messing with you. Your grandma is a comedian though.”
“Alright come on kids. Let me take a picture.” Samaj pulled me closer to him by my waist, so that my grandma could snap a few pics before heading out.
“Ok GiGi, I love you but we gotta go.”
“Ok. Ya’ll have fun. What you say your name was again son?”
“Samaj Stephans.” I thought I saw her make an expression, but I couldn’t tell If I was seeing things or not.
“Goodnight it was nice to meet you.” Samaj ended as he held the door open for us to leave.
“You too.”