“I’m cool. Gearing up for tomorrow. Got meetings all day and then flying out to San Antonio for that conference on Tuesday morning.”
“Hey, you don’t have to front with me.”
“About what?” My nails tapped against my armrest.
“I didn’t want to say anything around Pedra, but I know you’re still thinking about Jashaun. You seem melancholy lately. Why don’t you reach out to him?”
“I don’t think he wants to hear from me if I did.” I hit my head lightly against my seat. “I shouldn’t have run out of his place like that. He didn’t initiate sex with me until I practically climbed on top of him. Yet I treated him as if he had lured me in with false promises. He seemed hurt. Maybe that’s why I haven’t seen him when I used to see him almost every day.”
“Tell him that you got scared.”
“What would be the point? He has a child and a baby mama now. And he’s not going out of his way to see me like he used to. So, either he’s spending time with his new family or purposely avoiding me.”
“You won’t know until you talk to him. Listen, I’m the last one to tell you to chase after any man.”
I scoffed, “Yet, you’re about to tell me to call him.”
“The couple of times I saw him around your complex, he seemed like a good dude, and the chemistry between you is electric. Even with the complaining, I could tell you were attracted. So, what if he says he doesn’t want marriage, if he’s willing to commit to you? You’ve never been the woman who dreamed of a wedding and kids anyway.”
“Says the married woman who never wanted a husband.” Four years ago, I was her maid of honor as she blissfully married her long-time love.
“I’m just saying that you could date a man who wants marriage like Sam, and you don’t vibe like you and Jashaun. Or you can date Jashaun and see what happens.”
“Or I can give Rico another chance,” I said added.
She groaned. “The date from hell?”
“It wasn’t that bad.” I giggled.
“The man ordered his food before he even asked if you’re ready as soon as you sat down. Like you were in some fast-food joint.”
I chuckled. “Even the young waiter looked at me like I could do better when he tried to help him out by asking me if I had any questions about the menu, and Rico told the man to put the order in and come back for mine.”
Andrea scoffed, “And you want to give him another chance?”
“I mean…he was just a lil country and easy to fix up.” I gripped the steering wheel. “Then there’s Sam.”
“The guy that works in your building that you didn’t feel anything for when you have a man in your complex who’s been after you for months that you’ve always liked?”
“I didn’t feel anything with Sam, but maybe I’m being picky. He asked me out again since we’re going to the same conference, and I haven’t answered him yet. He’s open to marriage and family and has a good job. He seems a little stuck up, but I could be wrong.”
“Wait, so you’re convinced Jashaun won’t change, but bruh man can?”
“You can’t make a man want marriage if he doesn’t.”
“Like you can’t change a man’s personality. At least with Jashaun, you would have a lot of fun. Do you honestly believe that Rico or Sam can sex like Jashaun?”
“Hell no,” I said emphatically, though I’d only hugged Rico and Sam at the end of our respective dates, and had to laugh at myself. “Ooh, I hate that I gave Jashaun some.”
“Do you really?”
I blissfully sighed, “No. I don’t. Not even a little bit.”
Ahead, the elevator opened, and Jashaun walked out, wearing long swim shorts, with an open short-sleeved shirt, his chest brown, smooth, and sinewy. He glanced in my direction, and I slunk lower in my seat. “Shit, Drea. I look like a fool. My car is still running.”
“What happened?”
“Jashaun is heading to his car, dressed like he’s going to the beach, and I ducked so he wouldn’t see me. Even if he didn’t, he knows I wouldn’t leave my engine running.”
