𝓑𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓰𝓲𝓻𝓵 Pt. 1
𝓟𝓪𝓲𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓰: Cameron Cade x black!fem!reader
𝓢𝔂𝓷𝓸𝓹𝓼𝓲𝓼: In which after an exhausting week at your job, you and your best friend are invited to a party. And while there, you reconnect with your former classmate.
The loud buzzing noise could get overwhelming at times. But you were never bothered.
Orders and patrons coming in from left to right were now a walk in the park for you. Even though you've only been working at the "Around The Way" Diner for less than a year, 7 months has definitely given you enough time to adapt to the chaos of the food service industry.
"Order up!" You heard as you made a quick dash towards the kitchen counter to collect an order for one of your tables. It was like magic how you were able to get from the kitchen to your table across the diner in less than a minute.
Buzzzz
Checking to see if the coast was clear, you slip into a corner to check your phone. Your first time checking the time in forever.
7:34
"Thank God," you mutter. With the dinner rush winding down, it'd be easy to clean up before clocking out at 8. The phone vibrates again, and you look down at the screen with a small smile.
'Jas 🩷' - Hey Boo! I know you off from work soon. I'll get my usual tonight. I put your laundry on your bed. See u when u get home!! Luv u🥰
You slowly shake your head as you let out a soft chuckle. Thanking God for blessing you with your best friend/roommate. Just the thought of sliding onto the couch next to Jasmine after a long shift made the heavy weight in your shoulders start to melt.
After taking a look around the restaurant, you take a mental note of all of your tasks before clocking out. Nothing too drastic - sweep floors, clean tables, and stock. Hopefully you could get out right at 8.
When 8 o'clock finally came around, every task was complete. And you were ready to get outta there. Taking your employee meal and a meal for Jas, you clocked out and made a beeline for your car.
The car ride home was peaceful. Your body had fully relaxed for the first time that day. But despite the grueling hours and the stressful environment, you admired your own resilience.
Opening your apartment door, you're greeted by the amazing smell of a cookie scented candle Jasmine lit. Walking inside and kicking off your work shoes, you find Jasmine curled up on the couch for her usual binge session of "Love Island."
She instantly smiles from seeing you and jumps up from the couch to greet you in the kitchen. Wrapping her arms around you from behind, you smile and turn around to properly hug her.
"Hey you," you say, with a hint of tiredness in your voice. "How was your day?"
"Better now that you're home! " Jasmine let you go to take in the big bag of food on the counter.
Jasmine had been your best friend since middle school. And you never thought you'd become roommates after graduating college. But yet here you were, bringing her home food from your job, which you've been doing since you got hired there.
Jasmine digs through the contents of the bag before reaching her food. Pulling it out with absolute glee, she digs through the cabinet drawers to grab a fork.
"Girlll, guess what?"
You paused. Usually whenever Jasmine says that, it means she got herself into something. So you were mildly nervous to hear what she was about to say.
"What?" you asked cautiously.
"Asonte invited us to a party tomorrow night." She answered with a grin a mile wide.
The mere mention of her boyfriend Asonte Moore shook your core. To be fair, you really liked Asonte. He was cool, chill and entertaining, and you guys never had problems. The only thing was, he could get rowdy at parties, just like Jasmine. And when you and her went out, you'd have to keep a sharp eye on her to make sure she didn't get too rambunctious.
"And I'm assuming you told him we're coming?" you questioned, with a coy smile on your face. "What if I already made plans to stay inside this weekend? Then what?"
"Girl stop. You're coming whether you like it or not." She answered confidently. "You can't expect me to go by myself."
"Well actually you'll be with Asonte. And whenever I go out to parties with ya'll, I turn into a glorified third wheel, and then you two will ditch me like you always do." You responded bluntly.
Jasmine rolled her eyes and flicked you on the arm.
"Bitch you is a damn lie. We do not ditch you EVERY time!" She laughs lightheartedly and you join in.
"Yeah, a'ight. That's debatable, Jas," you mutter under your breath.
You turn your attention back towards your food. Having not eaten anything since around 9 that morning, you were starving. You grab a fork and start digging into your pasta dish. You don't even catch Jasmine creeping towards you donning a sly smirk.
When you finally look back at her and you're confronted by her face, you instantly get nervous.
"What is it?", you ask nervously.
"Asonte told me Cameron's gonna be there."
Hearing that name made you freeze.
Him. He's gonna be there?
You slowly turn your head to the right to look Jasmine in the eye. With a stern, stoic look on your face and your eyebrows raised.
"Cameron? Cameron Cade?" you question, no longer laughing. "Is you being serious right now, or are you fucking with me?"
"I'm being so deadass right now." Jasmine answers with her smirk now a shit eating grin.
You knew Asonte and Cameron were friends, they had been for a while. Ever since he and Jas started dating a year ago, you had learned many things about Cam through him. But it didn't change the connection you two had made prior to that. And considering it's been a month since graduation and you still haven't heard from him, let alone seen his face, it was making you feel a type of way.
"Apparently Cam is just like you. He don't go out to parties much anymore. So I figured this'll be one helluva function if they got him pulling up." Jasmine says casually.
You scoff. "Why do I feel like there's a catch here?" you ask, narrowing your eyes at her and leaning against the counter.
It almost felt too good to be true. Seeing the guy you've had a raging crush on since college for the first time in months. Considering you guys weren't in contact of any kind, you didn't know how or what he was doing. But alas, you were too shy to ask him for anything.
"Y/N, listen," Jasmine starts, sounding genuinely serious for once. "I knew Cam would be the only reason you go out with me. For real come on now, you don't think I've seen the way you look at him? I know he on your mind like 24/7."
You throw her a quick glare, before averting your eyes back to your food.
She continues, "Boo, it ain't no secret you like the nigga a'ight? So now, maybe you can drop the bullshit and tell him how you feel."
You finally look up at her. "And how the hell am I supposed to do that Jas? What if he doesn't like me back and I just make myself look stupid?"
As pathetic as it sounded, those were your true thoughts on how you felt. He was only one of the most handsome men you'd ever met.
"Well how will you know he doesn't like you back unless you tell him? Men aren't mind readers Y/N, they don't take hints. Trust me, I know," she replies, playfully rolling her eyes again and nudging you.
You take a minute to think about it. Even though you originally planned to stay in your apartment all weekend, the thought of going out Saturday night and possibly seeing Cam again was growing on you. Usually when you go out you wound up having a good time, regardless if you were left behind by Jas. You were the type of girl who could have fun all by herself. But thinking back to your exhausting week, letting loose was something you had been craving lately.
"Ughhh, fine!" You let out an exaggerated groan, but with a smile pulling at your lips. "I'll go to the stupid ass party okay? You happy now?"
Jasmine throws her arms around you again. "Yayyyyy!!!!" She squeals excitedly. You catch her with your right arm, and use your left arm to grip the counter to steady yourself.
"Jasmine, I swear to God, you better not make me regret this." You mutter under your breath, not knowing if she heard you or not.
But hey, at least you won't be alone. The thought of getting your old college friend group back together was a happy thought. And hey Cameron would be there, maybe you could actually tell him how you feel.
What's the worst that could happen?
"Okay you gonna make a left right here." Jasmine says with her nose in her phone. You were currently following the GPS directions sent by Asonte, who was currently waiting at the house for you both.
You turn left into the entrance of an expensive looking neighborhood. All of the estates were huge, with multiple cars in their driveways. Figures, you weren't surprised considering Asonte came from a fairly wealthy family. And thanks to him, you and Jas have been dragged to pretty lavish out of control house parties.
"Are we getting close Jas?" you ask as you continue driving straight.
"Yeah, it should be one of the last houses on the left," she answered, typing away on her phone.
After what feels like an eternity, you finally spot several cars parked outside a house. You could hear the music from your car.
"Ugh, finally," Jas said, looking up from her phone. She scans the small crowd of people gathered outside to look for Asonte. Meanwhile you look for a parking spot, luckily finding an empty space nearby.
After climbing out of the car, you look in the windows and check your outfit. You'd dressed in something simple, but cute. The dress beautifully hugged your curves, even though you brought a jacket to cover your chest just in case, you felt secure. You had styled your thick curly hair into two perfect afro puffs.
"Y/N what are you lookin at? You don't gotta worry bout nothin bae, you look amazing." Jas says with pure clarity. She probably caught the face you were making. She always catches your faces when your mood changes.
"Come on, let's go find 'Te." She takes your hand and you both head towards the house.
It doesn't take long to find Asonte Moore. The man definitely has a way of making his presence known. It didn't help that he was tall, so you both easily caught wind of him.
"Aye Jas! What's up Bae?" Hearing the familiar voice relieved you and Jas of any tension.
Asonte came from behind, wrapping his arms around Jasmine's waist, causing her to let go of your hand to embrace him. She turns around in his arms and stands on her tippy toes to kiss him.
When they break away Asonte looks towards you and smiles his signature toothy grin. Giving you a casual side hug, and a fist bump. A greeting you two had picked up back in college.
"Ya'll two look good." He bites his bottom lip while looking Jas up and down. "You tryna show off Bae?"
"Boy please!" Jasmine lets out a girlish giggle, playfully thwacking him on the chest. "Ain't nobody tryna show off for these raggedy-ass people."
Jasmine takes your hand again, and Asonte wraps his arm around her shoulder. All three of you head into the bumbling house. You're instantly hit with the strong scent of weed in the air. Thankfully the house isn't overwhelmingly crowded, so you're not shoved up against anyone.
You all stop in front of the staircase. Asonte separates from Jas, telling you girls to stay put as he heads to the kitchen to get you two drinks. After he disappears, you give Jasmine a familiar glare. She glances up at you with a knowing look on her face.
"Girl chill, you don't gotta drink if you don't want to. Even though I feel like you should, cause you look tense as fuck right now." she says casually, knowing full well that you didn't drink.
"Oh, I know I don't. It's bad enough damn near everyone here is either drunk or high, and I ain't tryna join 'em." you answer cryptically, as shocking as it may seem, you'd never smoked or drank before, despite being in your early 20s. Not that you were ashamed of it of course, it just wasn't your thing.
"A'ight damn bitch calm down. At least promise me you'll try to have fun, please?" Jas pouted with fake puppy dog eyes. She knew just how to annoy you, and it was working.
You roll your eyes at her, but you start smiling. Finding amusement in her pleading. "I promise I'll have fun, but first I really need to wash my hands."
Asonte finally returns with your drinks, but you excuse yourself to go find a bathroom. You manage to navigate your way through the crowd, eventually finding the first floor bathroom at the end of the hall. You go in and wash your hands. Before leaving, you take a minute to admire yourself in the mirror hanging on the door. Jasmine was right, the reflection staring back at you was beautiful. For the first time all week, you managed to shut out the negative thoughts in your head, it was replaced with a quiet surge of confidence.
It was time to make your way back to your friends. Somehow, the hallway had gotten crowded. But, with sheer patience and agility, you get through the hall without running into anyone.
At least, until you got to the end.
Looking down to make sure you didn't smudge your sneakers, you didn't notice the figure right in front of you. You bump right into someone's firm chest, so hard you start to trip on your shoelaces. Luckily, before you fall over, the stranger's hands shot out to grab your waist to catch you. Heat creeps inside your body as a wave of embarrassment washes over you. Not entirely knowing if you could look the stranger in the eye.
"Shit my bad, I ain't see you. You good?" The deep voice of the stranger rang in your ears. That voice sounded way too familiar because you knew it; even though you hadn't heard it in a while, you couldn't forget it if you wanted to. You finally look up at the man, and your brown eyes settle on his gorgeous blue ones.
Cameron Cade. Right there in the flesh.
"C-Cameron?" You stutter. At a slight loss for words. Not just because you've finally come face to face with your crush, but you also just embarrassed yourself in front of him.
His eyebrows raised in surprise.
"Y/N? Oh shit it's you!" He smiles brightly at you, just like he used to in class. It makes your heart flutter on the inside. "How you been?"
"I-I've been good, actually. Really great, how about you?" you stammer, internally kicking yourself for the nervous tremor in your voice. Maybe he won't notice it.
"I been good." he replies, looking down at you. "Just been chillin', not doin' too much."
His hands were still placed on your hips and you were panicking on the inside. Instead of removing his hands, you're surprised when takes them off your hips and slowly pulls you in for a hug. It's warm in his arms, and you gratefully hug him back. After pulling away he places his hands in his his pockets.
"Whatchu been up to lately? I know it's been a while. You still rooming with Jas?" He asks with an expectant look on his face.
"Umm nothing much. Of course I still room with Jas, she's my girl, you know I'd never leave her! B-But I'm mostly working right now." You respond nervously. "What about you? Are you still playing football?"
He lets out a playful scoff. "Yeah I'm still playin, the shit's kickin' my ass right now though. But I been preparing for the combine, so at least it's workin' out for me."
You let out a soft chuckle. Despite your nerves, it felt good to talk to Cameron again. It had been too long, and you missed being in his presence. He also looked so good tonight.
You somehow managed to shake off the initial embarrassment and fall into a steady conversation with him where you two got caught up. You felt the familiar spark you felt back in college whenever you spoke to him. And now that you carried yourself in a more confident and relaxed manner, talking to him didn't seem daunting anymore.
But just as you were thinking of potentially bringing up your feelings, you were interrupted by an unfamiliar voice.
"Cam? Babe are you over there?" You heard another female's voice ask.
Out from behind Cam, came another woman, one whom you've never seen before. She was light-skinned with shoulder-length loose curls.
Damn. She was beautiful.
"Babe! There you are, I was looking all over for you. What's taking you so long?" She asks, wrapping her arms around his right arm. The two looked at each other lovingly, and Cameron practically forgets you're standing right in front of them.
The woman finally looked toward you. A sudden look of realization on her face.
"Oh shit! Did I interrupt you guys? I'm so sorry." She says giving you an apologetic look.
"Nah Bae, you good." Cam responds casually slinging his arm over her shoulders. "We was just talkin', doing some catchin' up."
Your smile had completely vanished as you surveyed the two in front of you. Mentally you were putting together the puzzle pieces you didn't want to put together. But you got the answer you already knew.
"Bianca, this is Y/N. She's my friend from college. Y/N, this is my girlfriend, Bianca." Cam proclaimed, kissing the top of Bianca's head.
Taking a deep breath, you couldn't help yourself as you mentally screamed.
WHAT THE FUCK???
"Y/N. That's a pretty name. It's nice to meet you!" Bianca says, holding out her hand towards you.
You clenched your jaw and plastered on a fake smile. You reach out your hand to shake hers.
"It's nice to meet you too." You say in the most cheerful way you can muster.
"Y/N's amazing. She the one who helped me with all my math work. She might be the best desk mate ever." Cam proudly stated.
You couldn't stand it anymore.
"Yeah, Um, would you guys please excuse me for a sec? I just gotta go grab my friend real quick." you made up the excuse to awkwardly walk away from them.
Your chest felt heavy and your heart was pounding inside your chest. You had to find Jasmine. But just as you expected, she and Asonte aren't anywhere to be found. So much for her promising to never leave you. You browse the entire first floor but you can't find them anywhere. A shiver goes down your spine as you look upstairs, wondering if they went up there to find an unoccupied bedroom. Which they probably have, Good Lord. Giving up, you make your way back towards the kitchen.
When you did, you immediately wished you hadn't.
Right there in the open, in the corner of the kitchen, Cam had his hands wrapped around Bianca's waist- the exact same spot his hands had been on your's just minutes before- as they made out. You feel your heart sink and your stomach drops to your feet. That felt like the biggest slap in the face.
Fuck This Shit. You needed to get the fuck outta here.
Turning on your heels, you made a mad dash toward the front door. The noise, the crowded house and the smell of weed was starting to make you feel sick. At this point you were pushing past anyone in your way. Finally making it outside, you practically sprint to your car. Without skipping a beat, you start the car and drive off.
Only when you were far away from the neighborhood, your tears started to fall. You cried as the heartbreak settled in your chest. Mentally, you couldn't help but chastise yourself.
If you would've known the night would end like this, you would've just kept your ass right at home. Just so you could live without the information that was now making you feel like shit.
To Be Continued....
I wanna thank you so much for reading "Be Your Girl" Pt. 1! I know we ended on a sad note, but trust me there's much more to come. 🤭 This was a pleasure to write and I really hope you guys enjoyed and hopefully plan to stick around for the rest of the story! Like I said, I'm totally open to critiques, advice or suggestions. (Just please keep it respectful!) Another thing, I'm looking for moots y'all! So if you're down to be mine just hit me up. And if you would like to be added to or removed from my tag list for future works just comment down below! 😉❣
Taglist:
@freshbonggwater @real-lebanese @the1miscief @lunarexperttrace @aureliareadsss @plan3tch1ld @k0niiii-blog @queueszaaa @witherswife @yourleogf
