I refused to accept the fact that I was falling in love with another woman.
There was a part of me that had been tied to Zoe from the moment we met, and the time we were spending together onlytied me to her more. In different ways, but a tie, nonetheless. It felt pertinent that I got to know her and rely on more than just how good we felt when we were together.
When she opened the door and gasped and smiled at the sight of me, her reaction made me happy. It felt good knowing there was someone happy to see me outside of my family. Someone who had no obligations to me at all.
“Hi, GG.”
“Oh hell no. You arenotcalling me that.”
Zoe cackled as I stepped into her room. “Why not? It’s cute.”
“Absolutely not. Think of something else.”
“I like it,” she whined, wrapping her arm around mine.
“So I come up with something beautiful like precious to call you, and you’re gonna call me some goddamn GG? That sounds like somebody’s sixty-seven-year-old grandma.”
The more she laughed, the more my defenses released. “Well technically, precious sounds like something my grandma would call me. It’s only cute because it’s coming from you.”
Sucking my teeth, I chuckled as I handed her the flowers. “I should take this shit back since you wanna play.”
“You better not!” Her laughter was infectious as she lifted the roses to her nose and inhaled them. “They’re beautiful, Haji. I love them. Thank you.”
“Mhm. You’re welcome.” I lowered myself to kiss her, which felt natural. Too natural. “How’s your day been so far?”
“Relaxing. I needed the sleep after yesterday. How about you?”
“Same. I wanted to stop by and ask you on a date before going in to the coffee shop.”
“A date?” she repeated, swaying from side to side with a syrupy grin.
“Yes. Will you accept?”
“I would love to. What time should I be ready? And how should I dress?”
“Seven. Dress comfortably. I want us to get to know each other a little better tonight so I can plan some more tailored dates while you’re here. Tonight, we’re keeping it low-key with dinner, drinks, and a little time in the country if you’d like.”
“Ooh, I love the sound of that! I haven’t ridden a bull or horse since . . .”
Not wanting her to get too in her head, I tilted her head and dropped a quick kiss to her lips. “We’re going to create a great memory tonight. Stay mindful. Stay in this moment. Don’t focus on anything else but you and me and how much fun we’re going to have.”
She inhaled a deep breath and nodded before smiling. “I can’t wait.”
“Wait. Party food? That’s your favorite meal?” I asked skeptically, but loving the makeup of Zoe a little more.
We’d had dinner and gone for a walk before landing at one of my favorite bars—Ever’s Pub. It was their line dancing night, so the place was already packed. I was glad I had the mind to come early so we could get a table. Even if I hadn’t, a few of my friends were here, and we could have sat with them, but I wanted Zoe to myself. I did introduce her to Dali, Titan, Jax, and their women before we disappeared into our own little world though.
We were getting to know each other, and when the subject of our favorite things came up, she said her favorite food was party foods.
“Yes,” she said with a soft laugh and glossy eyes. The drinks were getting to her, leaving her more relaxed. “My favorite mealis meatballs, Rotel, hot wings, chicken or tuna salad, and pasta salad.”
“No deviled eggs?”
“Unh uh. I don’t like eggs.”
Her scrunched up face made me laugh. “Aight, bet.That’ll be easy for me to make you. What’s your favorite thing to watch?”
“Hmm, I love Christmas movies and music. They cheer me up. But on a regular basis, I love shows from the eighties and nineties.”
