I shrugged. “I guess. I mean, I’m thinking about changing my major. I’m not sure that’s what I want to do.”
“What are your interests?”
“I hadn’t really thought about it. Maybe communications or something like that.”
He nodded. “I can see it.”
Harlem turned to the passing waiter and gave him a head nod before he turned his attention back to me.
“Well, let’s make sure this Black Excellence Day is every- fucking-thing. In the meantime, I need you to answer another question for me,” he said. He had now sat up.
The waiter placed a plate in front of me with a small piece of chocolate cake. I became confused as I quickly looked at the waiter. “I didn’t order this. I haven’t had dinner yet.”
Harlem touched my hand. “Apple, you have to sometimes let things flow. Stop trying to control everything. Things happen for a reason. Now look at the cake.”
I looked at the cake and noticed red syrup that held words. My head shot up toward him. “But you said you were leaving?” I muttered as I looked back down at the words.
Will you be my girlfriend?
“I don’t care about the video, and neither should you. He wants you to react, but don’t. His time is coming. However, what I want is you. I’m offering you the opportunity to come to Hillsdale with me. I can make that happen if that’s what you want. If you want to stay here, that’s fine too, but I need to know if you would be my girlfriend.”
A laugh fell from my lips. “Yes.”
He lifted, leaned forward, and kissed me. This was a moment I would never forget. The only regret I had was not meeting him sooner. This was the perfect way to start off my spring break.
Even though Harlem and I were in a good place, I still couldn’t let go of what Jesaiah had done to me, and I wasn’t letting up on his ass, regardless of what Harlem said. I just hoped he would understand. Also, I hoped my actions wouldn't affect Harlem or my new relationship.
PHOEBE
Persia and I had been riding for the last hour. I was forcing myself to try to get better acquainted with her, but the chemistry wasn’t there. Honestly, I didn’t even want to be here, but the way shit ended with Xavier and me, I didn’t want to be alone near the campus. So here I was at my parents’ home during my spring break, just as I said I wouldn’t be.
I couldn’t believe Syior pulled that shit. It didn’t make sense that he was acting that way, since he swore there were no feelings involved, but the Syior who showed up to that game was a nigga whose feelings were hurt. Did he really expect me to be only for him? Since then, he had been texting me to come talk, but he fucked things up for me, and I didn’t want to see him. At least not yet.
I walked Persia back to the stable and put her inside to rest. Once I knew she was secured, I walked down to see Monk, who was lying there looking helpless. My heart ached because all I wanted was for him to get up and be the Monk I knew he was. However, the fact remained that he was probably dying.
“Aw, Monk,” I whispered.
I opened the Dutch doors and went inside with him. I squatted down and stroked his silky hair. “I know you’re tired.”
I leaned forward and kissed him. He was the last thing I had of Kyle, and I didn’t want to let him go. But I knew it was time. I kissed him again before standing and walking out of the stable toward the house. The closer I got, the more I noticed a motorcycle in the driveway.
“What the hell?”
I moved quickly to get inside. Before I could say anything, both my parents turned to me with bright smiles. “Phoebe, remember I mentioned we would have a guest staying for a while. I want you to meet him. He goes to your school, so you might have crossed paths. Your mother has been talking to him about you nonstop. Now he can finally meet you. Xavier, I want you to meet my daughter, Phoebe,” my father introduced us.
Xavier limped around to look at me. He didn’t give an "I missed you" gaze, but more of a "how could this have happened?" look. Flutters went through me as I stood there wanting to run up to him and hug him tightly.
“Phoebe, say something,” my mother whispered.
“I, uh, nice to meet you, Xavier. I have seen you around campus,” I played along.
“Hmph. I’ve seen you too. I’m sure everyone else has as well.”
My head flew back. “What is that supposed to mean?”
“It means what I said. A pretty face can never be missed.”
I couldn’t believe he was trying to call me some fucking pass-around in my parents’ faces.
