Her Protector

Chapter 3: Best Friends

With the day finally over, I said goodbye to Natalie with a hug and walked to my car. The summertime offered longer days. I loved not having to drive home in the dark. I hopped in my SUV and got my playlist open. It’s absolutely necessary to set the mood for the long drive home. I have an eclectic taste and my music reflected that. I was ready for some afrobeats to keep my mind distracted and keep the drive fun. As I got onto the highway, my mind quickly drifted to Ken. He was so confident, I wondered how many women swooned over his good looks and smooth talk. I decided I was just another fish in the pond for him and wasn’t going to call, although deep down I wished I could be as special as he made me feel. I was about halfway through the drive when my phone rang. It was my best friend, Rochelle. We always chatted on my way home when our schedules lined up. She worked at a restaurant as a server, so her schedule was always changing.

“What up, Chelley!” I answered.

“Hey, Lili! How was work? I’m just getting off.”

“Work was work. Glad it’s over. You comin’ over tonight?”

“You know it! Toasty Tuesday is my favorite night of the week!”

We started getting together at my house on Tuesdays for a night of wine drinking and s**t talking. Rochelle and I had been best friends since middle school. She was really the only friend I had. She was there through all the events that took place when I was eighteen and never abandoned me. She was a real one.

“I’m bringing some cabernet. What you got?” She asked me.

“Something so special my friend. A delicious framboise I’m sure you will love!” I said to her.

“Can’t wait! See you at 7?”

“Yep! I’ll be there. I’ll order pizza as well. See you soon! Peace!”

“Peace!” she replied as we ended the call.

I pulled up to my apartment and parked in the covered stall. It was a luxury community and the inside featured vaulted ceilings, marble countertops, and a master bathroom that sold me on the place. It had a bath with water jets and a separate standing shower. I had never lived anywhere so immaculate and was proud to call this place home. I unlocked the door and stepped inside, removing my shoes and placing them on the shoe rack next to the door. My living room was full of live plants and a huge sectional sofa that I spent most of my time on during the weekend. The colors I chose were all neutral and various figurines of black women and African inspired paintings decorated my space. I put my things on the kitchen counter and Ken’s business card slipped out of my purse. I stared at it for a moment, contemplating throwing it away. I decided to wait until I told Rochelle about it. Maybe she could help me decide. I hopped in the shower. I put a shower cap on since I had no intention of having a wash night for my hair. As I got out and smoothed lotion over myself and went to my bedroom. I changed into some black harem style pants that were loose and comfortable, a cropped tank top that exposed my waist beads, and my hair bonnet. I was in for the night, so it was time to get comfy. I got on the phone to order the pizza. As I was finishing the call, I heard a knock at the door. It was just about 7 so I knew it could only be Rochelle.

“Hey, girl! Party over here!” she sang excitedly while waving a bottle of wine in the air. We hugged and she came inside.

“So, what’s been up with you since our last Toasty Tuesday session?” Rochelle asked me.

“Well, nothing much until today. I must be ovulating because I seemed to catch the eye of a couple of hotties today.”

“What!! Are you serious? I thought you swore off dating.”

“I never said I was going on a date!”

“So, what happened?” Rochelle asked eagerly.

“Well, I stopped by my favorite café and this fine ass man walked in after me. We didn’t say much to each other, but he caught me staring at him and didn’t seem to mind. He even spoke to me as I was leaving.”

“Wow, that’s it?” Rochelle said dramatically.

I laughed. “If you’ll allow me to continue…”, I said with feigned annoyance, “I can tell you about mystery man number two. This one’s a little more exciting.” I said, trying to get her hooked.

Rochelle went into the kitchen and grabbed two wine glasses and cracked open the bottle of cabernet she brought.

“Let me get my drink ready for this one!”

“Ok, so, as I’m coming back to work a customer comes in. Let me tell you, honey. This man looked like he could be a model or something. Light skinned and loaded with cash. You know I don’t think twice about a customer, but he kept staring into my eyes.”

Rochelle was smiling with anticipation.

“So, what happened?! Did he flirt with you? Did he ask for your number? Did you lie and tell him you had a man already like you’ve done with other guys who have approached you?”

That last question made her laugh out loud.

“I was so surprised he was flirting with me that I fumbled and pretty much said I didn’t have a man. So, he gave me his business card, kissed my hand, and left.”

“HE KISSED YOUR HAND?!”, she yelled, “Like how they do in the movies? Are you serious? Please tell me you didn’t turn this guy down.”

“Not quite. I don’t know Chelley. I just can’t bring myself to be interested in anyone. I’m still not where I want to be in life and I don’t need any distractions.” I said sounding deflated.

I took a big gulp from my glass and swirled it as I swallowed hard.

“I know what you’ve been through, girl, and far be it from me to tell you how to live your life. You’ve let so many opportunities pass you by. I really think you should give yourself a chance to be happy with someone.”

I knew Rochelle wanted the best for me and had been fiercely protective of me over the past few years. I could see her changing and trying to encourage me to do the same.

“I still have his card. Maybe I’ll give him a call tomorrow? What do you think?”

“Of course, you should call him! Knock the dust off that thing and get busy!”

“I think you’re skipping some important steps before that one, Chelley!” I laughed.

She was probably more anxious than me to sack someone. “And how about you and Owen? Last time we talked about him you were on the fence about the relationship.” She and Owen had been dating for about 6 months and she wasn’t so into him now like she had been in the beginning.

“He’s sweet, but I’m just not feeling it no more. He can’t take me anywhere special that I can’t access myself so what’s the point?”

We were both taking care of ourselves and were both of the mind that any man to be taken serious better have means.

“I feel you.” I said.

We both laughed about our interesting love lives and were interrupted by a knock on the door. “That must be our pizza.” I told her as I went to the door. Tonight, me and my girl were going to chill and I could put today’s events in the back of my mind for now.