I take a minute to look around at where we are, and I dance in my seat when I see a big beaver, which gives me the opportunity to experience what others before me have.
“Ooh, Buc-ees. I’ve been hearing people rave about this place. I do have to go to the bathroom, but I also want to try a brisket sandwich.”
Chance laughs before he exits the vehicle and comes around to open my door. He hands me two twenties before he speaks.
“Get me one, too, and whatever else you want. I’m gonna pump this gas, then I’ll pull over close to the door.
“Alright. I’ll try not to take too long.”
“Doesn’t matter; I’ll wait as long as I need to.”
The softness in Chance’s delivery, accompanied by the confirmation in his eyes, lets me know the truth and the double meaning in his statement. I nod before I head to the busy front entrance of the massive gas station that feels like an upgraded Walmart the minute I walk in. The chaos of hundreds of travelers fills the air as I hurry toward the restrooms. My mind reels with thoughts of Chance and how quickly I analyze his words. With my mind all over the place, it takes me no time to use the bathroom, grab the sandwiches, and head back to Chance so we can continue our drive.
“I know we’ll need to unwind a bit when we get in, but my friends are waiting to greet us. We can get the formal stuff outof the way and then retreat to our room for a little while if you want,” Chance says as he pulls into the resort five hours later.
My words get stuck to the roof of my mouth, and my nerves become jittery because the moment of truth is here. My palms become sweaty as I turn to look at Chance once he pulls into a parking spot. I’m unsure how to respond, and part of me questions myself for forgetting that this part would be first. I unconsciously bite my bottom lip as a smirk slides into place on Chance’s lips.
“I see your thoughts are loud. It’s not going to be as bad as you think. Quick introductions, and then we can head off to our room with an excuse of being tired from the long drive.”
“I-I—whew. I forgot about this part.”
“It’s cool. You can trust me in this moment and in every other moment throughout this trip. I’m not only your man but your protector. Your heart and safety will be guarded by me.” Chance exits the vehicle without another word, and my heart rate increases as it echoes a cadence like Shug rushing to get to Celie.
Fear and intrigue mix as my mind processes Chance’s words. But I don’t have long to consider any of his spiel when he opens my door and assists me with getting out. My moist palm interlocks with his, and I look up to see comfort in his eyes. Chance squeezes my hand gently before I give him a subtle nod, and we head to the front entrance.
While I gaveSadia an award-winning speech of encouragement, I feel like a pig being led to slaughter as we enter the resort. Thankfully, none of my boys or their women are in the lobby, so I breathe easier as I lead Sadia to the counter to complete check-in.
“Whew, thank you, God,” Sadia whispers, and a low chuckle falls from my mouth at her words that are full of relief.
“I feel you,” I tell Sadia before I shift my focus to the blonde woman with a cheesy smile as she waits at the counter.
“Good evening. Do you have a reservation?” the clerk asks.
“Good evening. Yes. It’s under Mitchell,” I provide with a smile that matches hers.
The next couple of minutes are mundane as the clerk checks us in. I can feel Sadia’s body shaking every couple of seconds, which tells me about her state. My phone vibrates in my pocket, and I say a quiet prayer that I can escape the guys a little longer. But the minute I turn from the counter, I swallow over the lump that quickly forms when my eyes meet the ones of my closest friends.
Shit!
Sadia’s hand tightens in my grip, and the urge to calm her hits me like a tidal wave. I squeeze her hand and hope that it provides her a temporary comfort.
“What’s good, bro? You ain’t get my message?” my best friend, Morris, asks with a lopsided grin as his eyes bounce from me to Sadia.
“Nah. I was getting us squared away. Since y’all are here, let me get these introductions out of the way so my lady and I can go relax for a bit.”
“Mhm. You’ve had us waiting hours and shit. I thought you might have decided to stay home this year,” my friend Raymond taunts.
Morris, Raymond, and I met in the sandbox and have remained friends through years of ups and downs. But I wouldn’t trade them for the world.
“I thought this nigga was gonna show up with a blow-up chick he bought from one of those truck stops.” My friend Jamie smirks.
Jamie joined the crew in our freshman year of college and has been rocking with us ever since.
“Excuse these fools, Ms. Lady. Somewhere along the lines, they forgot that manners aren’t only supposed to be used at home. I’m Thomas, the sensible one out of the bunch.”
Thomas is indeed the sensible one, and he joined our crew during the middle of our sophomore year of college. Hehelps round out our group nicely. To my displeasure, Sadia disconnects our hands and steps forward to shake Thomas’s outstretched hand.
“Nice to meet you, Thomas. My name is Sadia.”
