Chapter 7
September
My time off at work was finally over, and as much as I thought it would be hard for me to go and focus, I enjoyed the distraction.
Plus, it was nice talking to my associates and customers again.
A part of me loved the stability and security that came with a salaried managerial position, but I couldn’t lie and say I hadn’t marveled at the thought of working for myself in the future.
While on my break, I decided to grab something to eat at the mall. My Sephora location was in an outdoor mall, so we didn’t have a food court, but there were several restaurants within walking distance. I decided on grabbing a Caesar salad and fries from the steakhouse.
I took a seat at the bar and placed my order with the bartender before distracting myself with a book.
When a man sat next to me, I looked up. Not only did his cologne smell good, but he sat next to me when there were several seats at the empty bar.
Our eyes locked, and I smiled. He was handsome, I’d give him that.
He was dressed in slacks and a quarter zip sweater, which led me to believe he was on his lunch break too.
“Hi,” I spoke, because I honestly never met a stranger if they were close enough for me to speak.
“Hey, beautiful. My name is Donovan. And you are?”
“Cordova,” I replied, placing my hand in his. Instead of shaking it, he kissed it.
“Beautiful woman, beautiful name.”
With a blush, I pulled my hand out of his. “Thank you.”
“I’m picking up my to-go order, so I don’t really have time to waste. Are you single?”
Giggling, I nodded. “I am, actually.”
He put his hands together in prayer position and looked up like he was thanking God. “Yeah, it’s definitely my lucky day.”
We talked a little longer, and I learned he was thirty-five, a therapist, and single as well.
When his order came, he asked for my number and also asked if he could take me out tomorrow.
I was shocked that he wanted to go out so soon, but when he said he didn’t waste time and went after what and who he wanted, I agreed.
After he left, I called Lily to tell her about my date, but she didn’t answer.
I figured she was at work, so I called Him instead.
“Hey, boo,” he answered, making me smile.
“Hey, pooh. Guess what?”
“What?” he asked, lowering the music in his background.
This man loved to drive. He’d drive for hours with no destination in mind. I loved that about him. I loved riding with him, talking, or just vibing in silence. Some of the best nights we had, we were in a car while we listened to music and talked.
“I’m going on a date tomorrow.” When several seconds passed and he didn’t speak, I thought maybe his service was going in and out. “Him?”
“Huh?”
“Did you hear me? I said I’m going on a date tomorrow.”
“I heard you. I’m tryna figure out how you’re going on a date when I ain’t asked you out yet.”
A sputtered laugh escaped me, but I reeled it in and thanked the bartender when he put my drink and fries in front of me.
“Draco…”
“Nah.”
Groaning, I rolled my eyes playfully and smiled. “Pooh, what are you talking about? You’ve never asked me on a date, so how would I be going on a date with you?”
“That’s what I’m saying. If you ain’t going out with me, who you going out with?”
“Well, his name is Donovan. We just met. He’s taking me out to dinner so we can get to know each other tomorrow.”
“I don’t know him, so I don’t want you going out with him. Quite frankly, I don’t want you going out with anyone.”
I decided to tease him with, “Aww,… are you jealous, pooh? You don’t want to share me?”
“Hell no,” he answered quickly, making me cackle. “When he calls you, tell him I said you can’t go. He’ll know my name, and if he don’t, it ain’t nothin’ for me to let him know who the fuck I am.”
“Oh God. Please get off my phone. I’ll talk to you later.”
“I feel like you think I’m playing, Cordova.”
“Goodbye, Him. I’ll see you later.”
“Who do you love?”
“You.”
“And who loves you?”
“You.”
“That heart my heart?”
“Forever and always. I love you, pooh.”
“I love you too.”
After ending the call, I chuckled and shook my head.
One thing I’d never deny was how crazy my best friend was.
As much as I teased him, I was territorial about him too.
He didn’t date often, but he did fuck a lot of women.
Let Him tell it, all he wanted and needed from them was sex because he had companionship with me.
It still used to drive me crazy when he did date or commit to women over the years, and I used to be so glad when it was over.
Which, in itself, was crazy, because I should have been happy that he was in a relationship.
That territorial feeling was how I knew I wouldn’t be able to be his friend when he got married though.
Seeing as I didn’t see that happening any time soon, I brushed the thoughts away and devoured my fries while I waited for my salad.
The Next Evening
Donovan seemed like a cool guy, but I didn’t want him to know where I lived, so I told him I’d meet him at the restaurant.
He’d texted and asked me what my favorite food was.
I told him pizza but that I also loved a good steak, so he made reservations at Side Porch Steakhouse.
Donovan and I had been seated long enough for him to gift me with roses and for me to order a chocolate espresso martini before my phone was vibrating.
Since the only person whose texts and calls could get through while it was on Do Not Disturb was Draco, and he knew I was on a date, I excused myself to go to the bathroom, figuring it was important.
As soon as I made it inside of the bathroom, I read his texts.
HIM: You turned your location off?
HIM: You with that nigga?
HIM: I’m outside. Come here.
My heart dropped when he said he was outside. I’d intentionally turned my location off because Draco was the kind of man who had no problem pulling up. To be safe, I told Lily where Donovan and I were having dinner, but I did not want Him to know where I was.
I called him instantly, and he answered while simultaneously lowering the volume on his music.
“Yeah?” he answered, and I could hear him blowing out smoke.
“You’re outside where?”
“Side Porch. C’mere.”
A nervous chuckle escaped me as I started to pace and play with the necklace around my neck. “How did you know where I was?”
“Be for real, Cordova.” He paused, then enunciated, “Come… here.”
“Draco!” I whispered loudly, stomping my foot. “I am on a date!”
“And I thought I told you not to go out with that nigga? You want me to come in there and get you? I know you’on want that.”
I heard the smile in his voice, and seeing as this man was crazy as hell, I definitely didn’t want him coming in here causing a scene.
“Here I come,” I grumbled before hanging up in his face. The entire time I walked back to the table, I muttered under my breath. I couldn’t believe him, but I really shouldn’t have been surprised. If it wasn’t happening to me, I would have laughed at the situation.
Instead of sitting down, I stood next to the table and told Donovan, “I’m sorry, but my best friend is having some kind of emergency, so I have to go.”
Worry covered his face as he stood. “Is she okay? Do you need me to drive you somewhere?”
“Uh,… no.” I didn’t bother telling him my best friend was a man. That my best friend was Him. Instead, I looked back to make sure Draco hadn’t popped up. “My ride’s outside. I’m so sorry, but I have to go.”
“I can walk you—”
“No!” I yelled louder than I wanted to, lifting my hands. If Draco saw him, I honestly didn’t know what he’d say or do. “Stay here and enjoy your meal. Maybe we can do this another time.”
“O-okay. Please let me know when you get home.”
All I did was nod and wave goodbye as I quickly made my way out of the restaurant.
Sure enough, Draco’s Corvette was parked in front of the doors.
Loud music thumped, and I couldn’t see him through the tinted windows.
My eyes rolled, but I couldn’t help but smile when he got out of the car looking sexy as hell in a Nike sweatsuit and a pair of Dunks.
His snapback was low on his forehead, but I saw his warm, soulful eyes as he walked and stared at me.
Without a word, he opened the door for me to get inside, then slammed it hard and made his way to the driver’s side. He pulled off casually, as if he hadn’t just made me leave my date.
With a huff, I looked over at him, expecting him to say something. When he didn’t, I asked, “Do you know how embarrassing that was?”
“You care too much about people’s perceptions. That nigga shouldn’t even matter to you. You just met ’im.”
“That’s not the point,” I said, accepting the blunt that he offered.
“Then what’s the point, boo?”
I opened my mouth immediately, but when he looked over at me, the look in his eyes temporarily made me speechless. I didn’t remember how to use words until he smirked and looked at the road.
“The point is you don’t control me and make me leave dates, Him. Why’d you do that anyway?”
He shrugged. “Honestly, I’on know. Just didn’t want you with him. Didn’t want you dating someone else.”
“Well, you’re not dating me,” I protested, handing him the blunt back.
“You wanna date me?”
“No!” I yelled, smiling when he laughed.
“Too damn bad. If you wanna date somebody, you gon’ date me.”
“Since when?”
“Since now,” he answered sharply. “So do you want me to pursue you… or not?”
My head shook as I looked out of the window.
I didn’t know what the holy hell was going on right now.
In what universe did Him Bridges want to date me?
Yes, I knew I was beautiful and a great catch, but I’d never felt like his type.
Plus, he never said or did anything that made me think he was interested in me.
Well, he took care of me, but I assumed that was just him being a good friend.
I didn’t respond right away, and he didn’t press me for an answer.
We continued to smoke and cruise the streets of Memphis.
By the time we made it to my home, I was high enough to be in a good mood but not so high I felt out of myself.
When he cut the car off, I knew he planned to come inside. Even though I didn’t want our night to be over, I still teased him with, “I didn’t say you could come in.”
“So?”
“You’re like a little puppy that I can’t get rid of,” I said with a smile as he followed me to the front door. I didn’t know why he never parked in the garage.
“You don’t want to get rid of me.”
“True.”
“Plus…” He stepped in front of me and took my keys to unlock the door. Instead of opening it right away, he looked down at me and said, “You’re all I got, boo. All I want. I always wanna be witchu.”
Between his declaration, serious expression, and soft tone, my heart expanded in size.
“Because you don’t have anyone else?” I confirmed, needing to make this make sense.
He chuckled softly and shook his head. “Nah. Because I don’t want anyone else.”
Licking the corner of my mouth, I avoided his eyes as my heart raced. “What’s happening between us, pooh?”
“I don’t know, but I’m brave enough to see where it goes if you are.”
My breath came out shaky as I nodded. “I-I think I am too.”
“Nah.” His head shook as he tilted my head by my chin and forced me to look into his eyes. “If we do this, you gotta be sure.”
“I want to be. I’m just… surprised and confused. I didn’t even think you liked me.”
His smile was soft. “Of course I like you. I love you. I’m in love with you.
I just didn’t want to ruin our friendship.
Plus, I wanted to get out the streets first. I probably wouldn’t have mentioned my feelings for you, but the thought of you dating someone else fucked with me, clearly.
You’re mine, and I’m yours. I meant it when I said that shit. ”
Cupping my cheeks, I giggled as excitement surged within me. I couldn’t believe this was actually happening.
“I’m in love with you too. I never thought I was your type. Figured we’d always be friends. But if you really want more,… I’m sure.”
The left side of his mouth lifted as he smirked. “I’ma be right back, aight?”
“Oh. Otay.”
He opened the door, then locked it behind me once I made it inside. I wasn’t sure what he was up to,… but I couldn’t wait until he came back.