“Yeah, Zah.”
“Thank you.”
I look down at her. Her eyes are already closed. She’s such a beautiful girl. I can’t believe she’s mine.
“Anytime. I always want to make you happy,” I say.
I release a laugh as her snores start to fill the room. Replacing my AirPod, I go back to watching film. A few moments go by, and I begin to realize I don’t miss home. For two years, I have missed home every day.
I glance down at Zah and my heart swells. You can’t miss home when you’re there. I kiss her lips and allow mine to linger for a few moments.
***
“Thanks, buddy,”I say to Corey as he hands over the keys to his pickup truck while we’re standing in my room.
I wanted to make this date special. I spent hours online watching videos for inspiration as I thought of the things Zah loves. I think I have a nice balance of something romantic, something Zah will love, and something that will be special for us both.
I’m excited to make new memories with her. I’m still kicking myself for rushing things earlier. Zahirah deserves better. I want to give her better.
That’s why this date is so important. It’s our first and I get the feeling it might be her first as well. The thought of being all her firsts makes my chest swell with pride.
“No problem, we put everything you asked for in the truck bed. I even found a tent in case it rains. I hooked it up. The remote is in the glove compartment,” Corey replies.
“I’ve been watching the forecast. We should be all right. Seriously, thanks. I couldn’t have pulled this off without you and Jason.”
A smile comes to his face, and he nods. Corey and Jason have become my closest friends here on campus. I get the feeling we’ll be friends for life.
“It was my pleasure, bro. It’s good to see you like this. Carly never seemed right for you. Zahirah is different. Your eyes light up around her.”
I can’t help but smile. It feels right to have Zah here. When she woke up and left to get ready, I felt an ache in my chest seeing her go. I know we’ll be together again soon, but my heart left with her.
“Listen, I better get ready. I’ll see you later,” I say.
“Have fun. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t and if you do, be safe.”
I laugh and shove him in the shoulder. I’m not doing this to get into Zah’s pants. I genuinely want to see her happy. I can’t wait for her to look up at me with that big old smile.
“Whatever,” I murmur.
Corey pats me on the shoulder and nods before he walks out of my room. I turn to look at the stack of clothes on my bed from before Corey knocked on the door. I still don’t know what to wear.
This feels like my first junior high school dance all over again. I blow out a breath and settle on the blue button-down and a pair of blue jeans. I race to hop in the shower and get dressed.
Once dressed, I look in the mirror and question myself. I’m questioning the outfit, the date, everything. I groan and palm my forehead.
When it comes to Zah, I always fuck things up. What if I’m screwing this up too? I cut my rambling thoughts off and take a deep breath the way I do before every game.
“You’ve got this, Bent,” I mumble to myself.
CHAPTER 10
First Date
Zahirah
Looking at the clock,I note I’m running out of time. I need to make a decision. I’m so nervous.
After my nap in Bentley’s room, I left to get ready for our date. I can still feel his lips on mine after the kiss he planted on me before I left. I didn’t want it to end.
