“Well, ain’t he somethin’ to look at,” Mercedes remarks, nudging Taylor’s arm.
“Mm mm mm., hey, Mya! Get your mouth off the floor.” Quickly closing her slightly gaped mouth, she glares at her pair of friends.
“Stop bein’ so loud!,” she whisper-yells, picking a fry off her plate as her eyes wander back to his handsome face.
“Why don’t you just talk to him?” Mercedes asks.
“Cause. I hate rejection, and he’s so fine. I can’t risk it.” His eyes flicker in her direction, catching her stare.
She quickly looks in her friends’ direction to play it off. He chuckles to himself, the embarrassing blush on her cheeks, causing his own quiet attraction for her to skyrocket.
“How you know he don’t feel the same??”
“Ugh,” she covers her face, hiding the heat that’s rushing towards it.
“Why you blushin’? I miss somethin’?”
“He saw me looking at him.” She mumbles, keeping her face covered.
Mercedes swallows her laugh, while Taylor snorts. Mya sucks her teeth, sitting up from the table.
“You guys are the worst.”
“You got caught staring at a piece of eye candy. That’s hilarious!”
“Did he look mad or something?”
“I looked away, before I could see all of that.”
“Hm. Well, don’t worry about it, too much. Maybe this’ll be ammo for one if not the both of you to make a move.” Taylor says, standing up from the table.
“And, where are you going?” Mercedes asks.
“She’s blowin’ us off for Devin. Again.”
“Get some penis in you, and then we’ll talk.”
“White girl got a lil spunk in her, lately, huh?” Mercedes laughs, clapping her hands. “Chocolate’ll do that to ya.”
Taylor rolls her eyes, trying to hide the smirk on her lips. “Bye, whores.”
Hearing a couple chairs scrape the tiled floor, she naturally looks to her left, instantly catching his eyes again.
This time, her lingering eyes are gifted a charming smile, turning her into mush.
Surprising herself, she plays it cool with a smirk, before he’s out of her sight.
Looking back in the direction of her food with the smirk stuck on her face, Mercedes scoffs in disbelief.
“Who knew you were a quick learner?,” she teases.
“Well, I’m gonna get back to work, now. See ya, later.” She stands up from the table and tosses her trash into the bin behind their table.
“You leavin’ me, too??” Her voice elevates.
“Yes. Some of us have to get back to work, as I previously stated. I’ll talk to you, later.” She assures her brash friend.
“Mmhm,” she waves her off.
Heading out of the expansive break room and down the hall, she’s pulled back before a neon pink poster board takes her out.
“Woah!,” she gasps, catching her footing as a strong set of hands attach to her waist, keeping her from hitting the floor.
“Are you alright?” A deep voice sounds.
“Yeah, I’m—“ she turns to face the very man that makes her knees tremble, by merely existing. “I’m good, yeah. Thank you.”
“It’s no problem, doll.” The corners of her mouth turn up at his southern drawl. “It’a been a shame if you gotten wiped out by a poster board.”
“I don’t even know how I missed it.,” they share a laugh, giving each other ample time to steal longer glances.
“What’s your name?” She asks, eyes lowering to his plump lips as he utters the name, Jonathan, in the most beautiful way she’s ever heard.
She hums, in response. “Nice to meet you, Jonathan.”
“Likewise, miss Mya.” The raise of her brow sends him chuckling.
“Your friend. The one that’s got the name of a foreign car company.” He honestly blurts, catching her off guard. A laugh slipping out as she tries to catch it.
“Mercedes, yes. That explains it. I’m sorry for anything she’s said or is going to say in the future.”
“S’all good. I’m sure she means no harm.” He assures.
“I’m not always sure. Anyways, thanks again.” She says, creating a little bit of space between them, out of nervousness.
“You’re welcome. Have a good day.”
“That’s a pretty nice conversation, for the girl who’s stomach hits her ass, every time he came around the damn corner.” Taylor laughs on their three-way call.
“Shut up!,” Mya whines, twirling the long black cord around her finger, watching her older sister, Gina, make dinner.
“Once we got to talkin’, it wasn’t scary, anymore. He’s a very sweet man.” Her sister scoffs.
“That’s cute, mama!,” Mercedes squeals. “Is he cuter, up close?”
“Oh my god, is he! The lips on that man deserve a prize.”
“He’s strong, too! Held my thick ass up with ease!” She giggles.
“Well, just let us know when the wedding is!” They all start laughing.
“Ugh, goodbye heffas.” They all bid their farewells, as she hangs the phone back on its base, attached to the wall.
“So, he’s fine, huh?” Gina asks, handing Mya a bowl of chicken and rice, just like their mama makes.
“Absolutely. Plump lips, broad nose and broad shoulders.” She squeals. “He smells like sandalwood and cinnamon. You know how much I love sandalwood!, I coulda pounced on him.”
“Maybe, you should.” Gina laughs, shoving a spoonful of food into her mouth.
“What? It’s me!, you don’t have to lie.” Mya’s cheeks flush red.
“In my head, I’ve already done that and much more. But, I can’t see myself doing anything, besides having a conversation with him, like earlier.”
“You’d be surprised. But, whatever happens, try not to think about it, too much. That’s how you ruin it.”
“Anytime. Thanks for coming over.”
“You know I’m always available to eat your food, sis.” She cheeses.
“That’s the only reason you came over?” She frowns.
“‘Course not! It’s just a really good bonus.”
“Mm.” Gina rolls her eyes, continuing to eat.
Passing down the aisle of the large grocery store, in search for nothing particular, Mya taps her fingers against the buggy, humming along to whatever’s playing lowly on the overhead speakers.
Walking down an aisle that’s adorned with snacks of many forms, she starts picking her poison.
“Funny, seeing you here.”
With a shake of her head, she turns to face Jonathan. Instead of his regular business casual, he’s clad in sweats and a T-shirt.
“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were stalkin’ me.”
“As pretty as you are, would you count it as a crime?” He tilts his head.
“You think I’m pretty, huh.” She blinks, tossing her chips into the buggy behind her.
“Indeed.” He flashes a grin so charming and boyish, it almost does her in.
“I think you’re pretty, too.” She giggles, staring into those deep brown pools he’s got for eyes. He joins in on the laughter.
“Look at that, then. Two pretty people in the grocery store.” He fondly shakes his head.
“You’re funny.” Pursing her lips together, she moves around him, picking out something else on the shelf.
“You work today?” She asks.
“One long eight hour shift, yes ma’am. Came to Charley’s for my usual, ‘fore they shut the hot bar down.”
“You know, I’ve never had the time to try anything from over there. It always looks so good!” She walks back to her buggy empty-handed.
“What??,” he asks, almost offended that she’s never eaten any of Charley’s food. “We gotta fix that.”
“Leave your buggy of sadness, and follow me.” He says, walking away without another word.
Huffing, she tugs on her fitted jeans, keeping somewhat of a distance as she trails behind him, his heavenly scent and the dip in his walk sparking her unholy thoughts.
“Sweet Jesus,” she mumbles to herself.
Stopping in the small line, the pair stand shoulder to shoulder, a centimeter of space between them.
“So, what’s your ‘usual’?” She asks, looking up at his handsome face, holding his gaze as he looks down at her.
“Fried chicken, potatoes and macaroni. Good Ol’ southern food.”
“You said it.,” he agrees, heading up to the counter with her in tow.
“There he is! My favorite customer.,” Charley greets, her tone all syrupy, for the good looking man that loves her food.
“‘Sup, Charley. How’s business?”
“Ah, same ol’ same ol’. I see you brought a friend with you, this time.,” Her eyes flicker to Mya. “I always see you starin’ at the board.,” she laughs. “Finally made your way over here, huh?”
“That, I did. Sorry, I’m chicken, sometimes.” She laughs, Charley joining in.
“Well, I love newcomers. The more, the merrier, right? What’ll you have?”
“Well, I heard good things about the fried chicken, potatoes and macaroni. Let’s do that.” Mya says.
“Great choices. Any dessert?”
“Pecan pie, sweet potato casserole and cheesecake.”
“Hm… I’ll take a slice of the pecan pie and some casserole. Might as well indulge, right?”
“My kinda girl.,” she smirks, eyes back on Jonathan. “You want ya regular, suga’?”
“Alright, it’ll be up in a few.” With that, they pay for their meals and move off to the side to wait.
“She seems to be sweet on you.” Mya points out.
“She married.” He chuckles.
“When has that ever stopped anybody?”
“True, true. But, even if she was, I’m cool.”
After a few minutes, they grab their food and head towards the common area, sitting down at one of the tables.
Opening the styrofoam container, her eyes grow bigger than her stomach.
“Oh, man. This looks so good!” She exclaims. Jonathan chuckles at her adorable facial expression.
“Man, that was so good! Thank you for detailing my plans of eating junk food, until I passed out.” She says, as the pair walk towards her car.
“You’re always welcome. Glad I could get you full, on this nice day.,” reaching for her hand, he gently holds it in his own. “Let me know if you need any other plans derailed.”
“I sure will.” She blushes, internally pouting when he begins to move away.
“You have a good night, beautiful.”
“You too, pretty.,” she jokes, that smile that she’s grown fond of, spreading across his face.
Stepping out of her shoes, she pulls her clothes off, tossing them inside her hamper and pulling on her satin robe.
Turning on her stereo, Brown Sugar continues playing, from earlier.
Grabbing her glass of wine off the counter, she saunters out to her balcony. A sigh on contentment leaves her, as she stares out at the blue-grey clouds covering the sky, signaling its early changes for the upcoming fall season.
The ringing phone cuts her serene moment short, sending her back towards the kitchen to answer it.
“Sorry if this is a bad time, I know it’s getting late…,” a soft laugh leaves her lips at the sound of his slightly raspy voice. “But, I couldn’t let the night end, without making sure you got in safe.”
The butterflies in her stomach triple. Sitting her glass on the counter, she fiddles with the strap on her robe.
“I’m safe and sound, yes. Thank you.”
“Are you this sweet to everybody?” She questions, picking her wine back and taking a sip.
“Nah, I guess I’m just a nice person.” He sincerely responds.
“I say somethin’ wrong, huh?”
She laughs, leaning on the counter now. “I ain’t even say anything!”
“S’all in the tone, I’m afraid.”
“I’m just acknowledging what you said, is all. I promise.”
“If you say so, miss Mya.”
“Trust. You’ll know when you say somethin’ wrong.” Amusement still lingering in her tone, yet he knows she’s not joking.
“Yes ma’am.” Another soft hum leaving her lips.
“Well, I won’t keep you.”
“But I want you to”, she thinks. “Thanks, again, for making sure I was good.”
“No problem. Do you work tomorrow?” He asks.
“I’ll see you tomorrow, then.” She can hear the smile in his voice.
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