“Do you really think this is going to be easy? You’re speaking as if none of it bothers or worries you. What makes you so confident, and why me?”
“It is easy. Besides, why not you? You’re a beautiful woman, and I would be a fool to miss an opportunity to get to know you. I know you can make a great Frappuccino, but I’m intrigued to learn more about the woman with the power to render me helpless.”
“Okay.” The word falls from my mouth without further rebuttal due to the sincerity and intrigue that develops after Chance’s words penetrate my brain.
“Aw, shit! Jackpot! Give it up for the newest bombshell beauty of Chance Mitchell, . . . Sadia unknown last name,” Chance says, and giggles tumble out of my mouth from the humor and lightheartedness within his words.
“Sadia Richardson, at your service, Mr. Mitchell,” I tease once my laughter slows.
“Aw, you better quit playing, woman. I won’t be letting you ruin my virtue and shit. Maybe I need to rethink this arrangement.”
I laugh again at the offensive tone of Chance’s words that don’t sound like an objection to the possibility he insinuates.
“Stop playing, Chance.”
“It got you to bless my ears with the sound of your laughter, so a win is a win.”
“Touché. So, tell me more about this trip and the first date.”
I cross my legs before I place the call on speaker and set the phone down beside me. My previous anxiety is gone, and thanks to Chance’s antics, I’m comfortable enough to continue this conversation.
“This year we’re going to a resort in Florida. We decided on something that sits on the beach and should provide the romantic mixed with party vibes we enjoy. The problem is that my friends are almost ready to blackball my single ass, so I’m desperate. I live for our trips, but I’m the only one without a companion, which is a condition for attending. My back is against the wall, so I need you, Sadia, and honestly, more than you need me.”
Something about hearing Chance say he needs me warms my heart and removes any lingering hesitation. I don’t think anyone has said those words to me before, and somehow, they thrill me. It feels like an honor and a privilege to be in this position. While most might think my degree is the prize, I think it’ll be the moment I get to walk arm in arm with Chance. That thought causes a cheek-splitting smile as that exact vision surfaces.
Even if for a short time, I’m going to find out what it’s like to be someone’s woman. That’s a flex I can fully subscribe to, and maybe, just maybe, it won’t feel fake along the way. The truth is, I like Chance, and even though I’m hesitant to embark on something fake with him, I’m also ready to do a few cartwheels at the knowledge of the opportunity to spend time in his presence. Before now, we’ve only been two ships passing in the morning. But now, our mutual dilemmas give us a chance to blend our worlds. Merriment and fear war within me, but neither will make me back out of this arrangement.
Me:
I’m looking forward to spending the evening with you. I still need your address though.
Dia:
Oh, that is tonight, huh?
Me:
I see I’m not the only one full of jokes.
My first datewas when I was sixteen. I remember it like it was yesterday because I had just gotten my first car. The car was a hoopty, but the girl was shy and kept to herself. She wore the biggest Coke-bottle glasses ever invented. Her acne was a prominent feature, but none of it mattered to me. I boldly askedher out because I was drawn to her personality. I’ll never forget the way my heart beat like a boulder was in my chest or how I jumped off her porch after our goodnight peck.
But even with that experience being memorable, it still falls short compared to how I feel knowing that Sadia agreed to my offer. The jackpot winner doesn’t have anything on me because I feel like I could float on a cloud. My offer to pay off Sadia’s school balance was from a pure place, because the sight of her tears nearly wrecked me. But her hesitation gave me the chance to rectify my trip dilemma. I didn’t think Sadia would agree, given how quickly she left the parking lot after our short walk.
Now I can fully say that God doesn’t play about me, because I got the girl! I’ve been walking around like King fucking Tut, and nothing or nobody can knock me off my pedestal.
“Why the hell do you have that goofy ass grin on your face, bro?” my friend and barber, Rich, asks.
For a second, I forgot where I was, as my mind took me on a journey where Sadia lives rent-free.
“I’ve got a date tonight.”
“Aw, shit. From that corny look, I can tell that you’re feeling this one. Makes me appreciate being happily married. It’s rough in these streets.”
“You have no idea. But I’m definitely feeling this one. Hopefully she’ll pull me off the single market and on the road to bliss like your lovesick ass.”
Light laughter from Rich and me echoes around the space as he finishes lining up my beard. My phone chirps in my pocket, and I count the seconds it takes Rich to finish with me so I can see the message. I tap my foot to the beat of the song that plays around the room as a distraction for my anxiousness. I get lost in my thoughts, and before long, Rich is removing the cape from my shoulders. I stand to my full height before I pay what I owe him and leave the shop.
I’m not outside for a full minute before I retrieve my phone. My fingers almost get a charley horse from how fast I unlock my phone when I see Sadia’s name on the screen. Or the version of her name I saved in my contacts.
