“You’re not backing out of it, are you?”
“No. I’m still hanging out with him… in three hours. And I’m wearing something from my bag. It’ll be fine.”
“Don’t back out of this, Jazmyn.”
“I’m not!” My voice was a mixture of amusement and annoyance.
“Good. Now, they just came to get me for breakfast, so I’ll talk to you later. Text me his name and information. And a picture. And what you decide to wear.”
“I will,” I assured her. “Enjoy your breakfast and your time with Rose.”
We said our goodbyes, and my lips pulled into a sleepy smile.
Even though she wasn’t accepting visits from everyone, I was happy that she’d agreed to let Rose spend time at the facility with her.
I stretched my limbs, pointing my toes and extending my fingers. Yawning, I pulled the sheet over my shoulder and rolled onto my side. I was still a little tired, but I couldn’t stop thinking about what Aunt Addy had said.
“Wearing jeans is fine,” I grumbled as I forced myself out of bed and into the shower.
But Aunt Addy’s words lingered in my mind as I cleaned, ate breakfast, and then stared into my suitcase.
Shit.
Except for the one dress I packed for church, I packed only jeans or yoga pants. When I visited Chance, I only planned outfits for our usual activities—movies, dinners, walks, and days in her garden. And while I’d been fully committed to wearing jeans and a cute top, I found myself in front of the full-length mirror in my green strappy sundress. I undid the top two buttons to show a little cleavage, and my look went from churchy to cheeky.
“The girls would be proud,” I mumbled to myself as I pulled the flower charm from the crease between my breasts.
My locs were pinned back behind my right ear to show off my dangly gold earrings. With the gold sandals, gold bangle bracelets, and gold-rimmed sunglasses, I sparkled and shined as I twisted from left to right. The dress fanned out around me, showing off a glimpse of my thighs before settling at my knees. It wasn’t too dressy, but it was nice.
I looked good, and my lips curled into a smile. I took a picture with my cell phone, and then it vibrated in my hand.
Lamar Anderson:The house with the flowers?
Jazmyn Payne:Yes. I’ll be right out.
I went to grab my bag from the bedroom, and as I made my way to the living room, a knock stopped me in my tracks.
My stomach twisted nervously.
My last first date was nine years ago—when I was twenty-one years old. It was awkward with Tyson, and I should’ve never said yes to a second date, let alone his marriage proposal. After reflecting on my first date with Tyson and comparing that to the ease and effortlessness of my time with Lamar, my nerves dissipated.
Taking a deep breath, I opened the door.
Gaaaaaaaaaaaahdamn, I thought as my nerves came right back.
Lamar Anderson had looked good under the artificial lights in the sports bar. But with the sunlight beaming down on his mahogany skin, he somehow looked even better. From his thick dark eyebrows accentuating soft brown eyes to his full lips spreading into a bright white smile, I was mesmerized.
“Jazz! Wow.”
My cheeks flushed as I stepped onto the porch. After locking up, I caught him staring. “Am I overdressed?”
“No.” His eyes swept up and down my body. “Not at all.”
I glanced down at my dress. “I know I’m just reviewing your business plan, but I didn’t know what else the tour entailed.”
“Jazz.” His tone forced my eyes to meet his. “You’re beautiful,” he asserted softly.
“Thank you.” I checked him out in his gray shirt stretching across his defined chest and biceps. His blue shorts displayed his muscular calves and expensive-looking blue, white, and gray sneakers. “You, too. I mean, handsome. You’re handsome.”
