Page 13 of Always Been You

Dyami

“ I can’t believe that nigga flipped out like that!

I’m gone get my brother to see about his ass!

” Chante mugged as she slammed her rum and Coke on the table.

We sat inside our favorite wind-down spot, Raspberries.

After a long workday, this was where a lot of corporate singles came to mingle.

It was a diverse crowd, comprising both elites and entry-level professionals.

It was the exact opposite of the club, as the crowd was highest on weeknights and completely dead on Saturdays.

I smoothed my hand down my dark blue dress pants and took a drink of my Spritzer before answering.

“I can’t believe that, either. I never thought Jay would come at me like that.

I guess I didn’t know him well at all. It’s like, how do you really know these men for real?

If it isn’t time that does it, then what is?

” That made me knock the rest of my drink back.

I was so hesitant about meeting Marcos and his friend here tonight, and the more I thought about what happened with Jay, the more uneasy I got.

I hadn’t been around Marcos in so long. He had to be a different person than he was all those years ago. I was.

“Girl, fuck that! I’m gonna call Caro to beat his ass. We do not play that shit!” Chante said, just as mad as she was when I first told her.

“No, I love Caro, but he does not need to risk his freedom for me. He’s still on probation, right?”

“By the time Caro finish with him, he won’t be saying shit to nobody. It’s nothing but a few hours. You know my whole family don’t play about you. Speaking of, Momma wanted to know if you were coming to Thanksgiving this year.”

“Probably. I’ll have to see what Trina is doing.

Wait, that’s him.” My eyes floated to the door, and I saw Marcos hovering by the entry, saying a few words to someone.

His attire was speaking volumes, and it seemed he had the attention of all in his vicinity.

He wasn’t dripping in jewels, but the accent he put on left everyone no question about how he was moving.

I tried to swallow my smile, but when I saw the person next to him, it burst through wider than ever.

I was on my feet, and when we all met in the middle, I jumped into Chubby’s arms.

“Oh my God! Chubby! You look so good!” I gushed with happiness.

“Damn, Dyami. You've been here the whole time, dodging. It’s good to see you!” Chubby reciprocated.

“Damn, that nigga cool!” Marcos chimed in.

The jealousy was written all over his face, and I laughed lightly, remembering the times I used to flirt with Chubby to make Marcos mad.

Chubby became a great friend to me once the relationship with Marcos developed.

Even after Marcos left, he looked out for me and never crossed the line out of respect for Marcos.

I reached out to Marcos. I gripped his cheeks and teased, “Aww, you feeling left out?” He swatted my hand away and pulled me in by the small of my back. I warmed as soon as my body contacted his chest. I prayed he didn’t feel my nipples through my cotton fabric.

“Left out for what? I got what I want.” His eyes never left mine. I cleared my throat and pushed back from him.

“Umm, Chubby. This is my friend, Chante.”

“Nice to meet you, Chante. Gavin.” Chubby said properly.

“Marcos, this is my best friend, Chante.” I waved my hand between them.

“Marcos?” Chubby said through a laugh.

“Nigga, don’t start,” Marcos said, stepping in the direction of the table we left.

“We will be right back. We have to go to the ladies' room.” Chante grabbed my arm and dragged me in that direction.

“Bitch! Now why the hell you ain’t tell me that big, tall, fine ass nigga was coming here?” Chante blushed.

“Ooh, look at you blushing. I honestly didn’t know they were still friends.”

“Now if I knew that, I would have worn my good push-up.” She was in the mirror, adjusting herself to ensure everything was in place.

“Naw, baby, you sittin’” I smacked her ass to gas her up. She poked it out and did a little dance.

“Whew, shit. Cool. I just had to catch my breath for a second. I wasn’t expecting him.”

I laughed and pushed on the door to leave, but she caught me.

“Mi, I think you should see where it goes. I saw how he shut yo ass up real quick out there. I ain’t the only one that was blushing.

We deserve good love, and if that is the nigga that will give it to you, go for it.

Just promise yourself it won’t take you three years to move on if it isn’t right.

And you talking about me sitting. I see that thang back there, girl. ”

She gassed me right back. I winked, and we walked back with an extra boost in my step.

“Thought we were gone have to come in there behind y’all,” Chubby said when we approached.

“Oh no, perfection is worth waiting for,” Chante said as she took the seat beside him.

“So Chubby, what are you doing now?” I asked.

“Opening up that new restaurant with T. We are almost ready for the Grand Opening. Y’all know y’all gotta come.” Chubby said.

“Without question. What you drinking?” Marcos asked.

“I’m nursing, but I can do a rum and Coke,” I said quietly.

The men approached the bar and came back with our drinks.

Chante and Chubby got lost in their own worlds upon their return.

I kept the conversation light with Marcos.

We had talked so much on the phone the last few nights, but somehow, we still had plenty to say to one another.

His conversation relaxed me. In his presence, I couldn’t help but notice his most pronounced characteristics: Confidence, Assertiveness, and Transparency.

Every question I asked, he didn’t talk around it. He answered directly.

When I looked up hours later and saw five empty drinks in front of Chante, I knew there was no way I was going to let her drive.

“I guess, I’m the driver tonight,” I said in her direction. With glazed eyes, she looked back with a smile.

“Gavin is taking me home. Marcos, you got my girl, right?” She locked eyes with me in the most conspicuous way and chuckled.

My girl was lit. I’m sure she thought she was playing it cool, but everyone at the table got the message that she was about to go home and fuck Chubby.

Marcos laughed as we all stood. The men threw $100 down on the table, respectively, and we all walked toward the door.

“She is always good.”

I watched Chubby get into Chante’s car, and he looked so huge in it.

“What about his car?” I turned to Marcos to ask.

“He got it.”

I dropped it because I’m sure the men would work it out. Marcos walked me to the passenger side. Instead of opening my door, he stood in front of me.

“I’m not ready for the night to end. Got me smiling and shit being in your presence.”

I blushed and turned. “It’s a weekday. Not much else is open.” I debated inviting him to my house. We were not yet ready for that step. At least I wasn’t.

“What about B’s?”

“Bowling? Now you know you can’t bowl.” I teased.

“I got a lil better. What do you want to bet?”

“Anything, because I know you will lose.” I stepped forward.

“Don’t tell me that.”

I cocked my head to the side. “Hell nah, no deal! I ain’t betting my pussy. You crazy!” I said, snapping my neck.

“Trust me, I ain’t gotta bet to get that. But I’m talking about vibing another few hours with you. So get your mind out of the gutter and off this dick.” The mention of his dick made my eyes plummet to his beltline. His hand touched my throat gently, and he used his thumb to tilt my chin.

“Eyes up.” He said hoarsely. I tore my eyes away in embarrassment, and his hand slipped from me to open the door. I calmed myself as he walked to the driver’s side.

“Maybe another day. I should probably call it a night.” I said once he got settled.

He nodded and pulled out of the parking lot. He started to talk again. “So, you can look at me and say you’re not attracted to me?” Damn, he was swinging for the fence.

“Attraction has never been a problem,” I answered honestly. Even under the night sky, he was sexy. Wrist shining, perfect brush waves, Caesar cut. Even the veins that trailed up his arm and disappeared inside his shirt

“Damn right,” He responded.

“If your cocky ass don't hush.”

“Then what is the problem?”

“We are friends. We have a special relationship. Even back in the day, I didn’t want to ruin that.” I admitted.

“I could see what you meant if there was no attraction between us. I don't believe you don't see me that way. I think you're afraid of what seeing me that way could mean.”

“Yeah, of course I do—the disappointment.I got out of a relationship where I really thought I knew someone. It would shatter me to ruin that memory I had of you. That memory is untainted, and I hold that in a safe space.”

“I'm glad you feel safe enough to be honest with me. That's what we'll have over anybody else. You can trust me, Dyami. Your heart is safe with me.” He said, firmly taking his eyes off the road briefly.

“I need time to wrap my mind around this.” My heart was bouncing around my chest. I was telling myself that this wasn’t years ago, but all I could feel when I looked at him was this deep emotion I couldn’t deny.

“You have all the time you need, because I’m not letting you go this time. Give me that energy, too. Let me get that for you.” We were at my house already. He came to the passenger door and opened it. I walked to the porch, thinking of what to say next.

“I had a great time tonight. It seems like Chubby and Chante hit it off.” I spoke.

“Yeah, they funny, but next time it's just me and you. No more hiding.” He called me out.

I placed my hand on the door and nodded, pushing it open.

“Aye.” He called me. His hand went to the small of my back and pulled my body flush against him.

He locked me in a panty-wetting kiss, and I went dizzy.

His lips were so soft and dominant. I clung to him.

He moved his hand to the back of my head, giving my hair a light tug to angle my head.

I don't know how it felt like forever, but it still wasn't long enough when we separated.

“Don’t ever leave me without putting those pretty lips on mine.

Now, let me see you lock up.” He spoke against my lips.

I moved quickly and closed the door. My eyes shut tight, remembering I didn't say goodbye.

How stupid would I look opening the door again and saying that?

Quickly, I decided against the embarrassment.

I fished my phone out of my purse.

Bubbles popped up on his end, letting me know he was typing. His text came through.

I've been waiting forever to kiss those lips. Thank you for giving me the pleasure .

Now what the hell was I supposed to say to that?

You're welcome? I loved the message and squealed like the girls did in the ’90s movie with their backs against the door.

I couldn’t remember the last time I was this excited to be with a man.

If I hadn’t seen him before, I certainly saw him clearly now.