Page 63 of Definitely Not a Thing

“Girl you not tired of that lie yet?”

“Lieis crazy, wow,” I laughed, stepping through a final mist of my favorite perfume. It was a small batch, indie release from Tempest atWax Poetic– her spin on herownfavorite perfume. I had it in candle form already, and used those often, but the perfume was limited, and therefore… coveted.

Special occasions only.

Like this date.

Damn.

I didn’t get a chance to process my realizationorrespond to my friends’ teasing – a knock sounded at the door. Immediately, I realized I couldn’t hear Calvin’s – respectfully leveled -- music through the wall anymore, which meant he was done getting ready.

And at the door to pick me up.

“Girl, yourface,” Claire cackled, scaring me for a moment until Kae laughed too.

“What?!” I asked, confused as I checked myself in the mirror. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” Kae giggled. “I’ve just never seen anybody light up like you just did when that nigga knocked on the door.”

“Okay fuck off!” I laughed. “We’ll talk tomorrow.”

“Bitch call metonight, the fuck?” Kae fussed. “You think you too grown to check in when you get home?”

“It’ll probably betomorrowwhen gets home,” Claire guessed. “And she’s probably planning to spend the night with Calvin and his dick anyway.”

The knock sounded again, a little firmer this time.

“Y’all make me sick – I’ll check in, okay?” I promised, and they nodded.

“Okay my baby, have fun!”

“Yesss, have the best time!”

“I will! Love y’all, bye!”

Once the call was ended, I stood there for a moment, just to catch my breath before I grabbed my clutch and headed for the door.

Where I tookanotherbreath.

It’s not a date.

It’s not a date.

It’s not a –damn.

I opened the door to find Calvin poised to knock again, lookingway,way, better than expected.

Criminally fine, actually, in all black, diamond crusted chain around his neck, and a fresh lineup.

And he smelledgood.

“Wellgoddamn,” was the first thing off his lips, and he looked away from me, shaking his head.

“What?!” I asked, alarmed, but he just shook his head again, taking a step back.

“Man… just bring your fine ass on before we don’t even go to this shit,” he said, already heading down the hall.

Oh.