Aldridge licked his lips and his voice deepened. “I really like your style and your energy, and I was wondering if you’d be down to link up tomorrow night?”
A huge smile overtook my face. Those were the exact words he used to ask me out our sophomore year of college. I was in the cafeteria studying, as usual, Aldridge passed by my table, and we exchanged silent head nods. A few minutes later he walked by again but this time he took a seat, asked me what I was studying for, and the rest was history.
“I’d like that. Just to be clear you’re asking me on a date?”
“Yes, one hundred percent.”
“You’d be surprised how many guys ask me out and then want to split the bill or send me a cash app request to pay my half for a slice of pizza and soda.”
“I’m not like other guys.”
“I think I’ll be the arbitrator on whether you’re more of the same or a new breed.”
“Fair enough.”
It tickled me we could recreate our conversation after all this time. Aldridge chuckled. “I don’t think us being here is a coincidence. I believe in the grand design of things. This isn’t a mistake. So, stop waiting for the error message and just let whatever this is happen.”
“This isn’t some sick revenge long game … is it?”
“I’m a lover boy. I’m not into getting payback.”
Heartache was one of the pillars of any romantic relationship. But I was willing to suspend my disbelief and just float in the pocket for as long as God allowed.
First dates werea big deal because they were the dawn of something new. A great first date could change your life. I’d made reservations at Nobu. The restaurant had the dark, moody vibe I was looking for. I wanted something grown and sexy, and this place fit the bill. I’d hoped to pick Danessa up but practice ran long, so I sent a car to fetch her.
We’d come a long way from our first date at the pizza shop on campus. I ordered a large pizza half cheese, half meat lovers for us to share. Danessa wore a pleated skirt that hit just above her knees and a stack of gold necklaces which she fussed with the entire time. The total meal was probably less than twenty-five dollars. After dinner we just strolled through campus and chatted about any and everything. I was struck by how easy it was to talk with her. She got my sense of humor and would often add to the joke until we were both in stitches.
At the end of the date, I’d already secured another. By date three I’d asked her to be my girlfriend. And I waited patiently until she was ready to have sex. To make her first time special, I booked a three-star hotel because dorm rooms didn’t really allow for a romantic experience. Danessa made me feel seenin a way being the star athlete didn’t. I walked the campus, and people would shout out my name or pat me on the back because of a good game, and none of it mattered if I didn’t have Danessa’s approval. Getting an education and drafted were my primary goals but after that, my mission was to consistently fill Danessa’s cup so she felt loved, heard, and safe enough to be vulnerable with me.
Cut to present day and our second first date I was just as nervous but also optimistic. Her agreeing to this meant I wasn’t the only one wishing for a second chance. I wanted my girl back real fucking bad, and I was going to do everything in my power to make it happen.
As Danessa walked toward the table, my knees felt hollow. I had to brace myself against the booth to prevent myself from falling to the ground in worship of this goddess. Danessa was rocking a long, form-fitted black dress with white ruffle detailing at the bottom and the straps were tied in big bows. That dress hugged her curves and accentuated her round, plump ass. Her skin shimmered in the light, radiant and smooth. I peeped as men’s heads turned as she breezed past and the fact that her final destination was my table caused me to straighten my back.
Her smile was a gift. “Hi.”
“Hello.” I leaned in with a hug and couldn’t help but inhale her. She smelled like sex in its purest form, black currant, orange blossom, pralines and a hint of musk. I waited for her to sit and then followed suit. “You look amazing by the way.”
“Thank you. Honestly my bedroom is a disaster area. I couldn’t settle on what to wear.”
“Well, I’m glad that dress won the battle of the outfits. I’m mean cause you just … ten out of ten, new high score, four plus four … ATE.”
“I love it when you hype me up.”
“Don’t even get me started. I could write a one hundred-thousand-word dissertation on all the things that make you beautiful. I’m talking three hundred pages, single spaced with a methodology, discussion points, research objectives, and a glossary to define and identify each freckle and mole on your body.”
“Stop it, you’re embarrassing me.”
“You should be embarrassed. When God created you he must’ve had a heavy hand because you were blessed with extra doses of beauty, brains, and booty. You are literally shitting on everyone in this restaurant including me.
“I don’t know about that, but you look really handsome as well.”
“I can clean up when I have to.”
“I hope you weren’t waiting for long?”
“No, I got here early, and I’ve waited years for this so what’s an additional fifteen minutes?”
My heart was pounding in my ears. Even though this was Danessa sitting across from me, I couldn’t shake my nerves. We’d spent a bunch of time together in the past few months, but I never had any expectations. Tonight was different because I was hoping for so much. After perusing the menu Danessa suggested we order drinks.
