Chapter Twenty-One

Pasha

"I can't miss this air of happiness surrounding you," Dr. Thomas said with a light smile.

Today, I had a therapy session before I headed in to work. I'd mentioned it to Callum while we were at lunch yesterday, and much to my surprise this morning, I woke up to a message from him, letting me know that a car would be waiting to take me to my appointment, so I didn't have to bother Avyn. Not only that, but the driver was also available to me all day—that man.

He made me smile more than I had in years, and all he was doing was being himself. I couldn't pretend that I didn't like him because I did. Way more than I should have. That was the part that scared me. Here I was a few weeks shy of being a free, single woman, and I was already attracted to another man. It terrified me too.

"I, um... I met someone," I said quietly.

"Oh! Well, tell me about him."

"You remember the driver I told you about? The one that picked me up the night Raymond put me out?"

"The one that paid for your hotel stay... Yes, I remember."

"Well, Avyn and I ran into him at Walmart a few weeks ago. He offered to help me move into my apartment, and we've been building a friendship."

"How does that make you feel?"

"Nervous. I've had the same friends for as long as I can remember. And then the part of me that's afraid is screaming at me to cut him off before I fall, and he hurts me too. The thing is... I don't think he's like that. He's been so genuine, so sweet, patient, and caring. I just... I feel like it's too soon."

"How does this gentleman make you feel?"

I pondered the question. "Seen... heard... beautiful. He calls me ‘beautiful' every time I talk to him. He compliments me. He just... He looks at me like I'm the most beautiful thing in the world to him. I feel like I can just be myself when I'm with him. I can be vulnerable, and he doesn't judge me for having a moment. It's... nice."

She smiled. "He sounds like a wonderful addition to your circle."

"He is."

"How are divorce proceedings going?"

I sighed. "Well, I'll be a single woman again in a few weeks. I'm excited about the next chapter in my life. I haven't decided what I want to do yet. I don't want to work at the hotel and grocery store forever. I was thinking about going back to school."

A smile spread across her face. "That's great! Have you been looking at any programs? Areas of study?"

"Last night, I was looking up this phlebotomy program. Of all the ones I looked at, that one was the most interesting to me."

"That's a quick program, and you can get hired pretty easily."

"I'm a little nervous about stepping out there. I'm sure I'll be one of the oldest people in class."

"You're never too old to learn something new. My mother earned her bachelor's degree at forty-five. I'm sure she never imagined becoming friends with a bunch of twenty-somethings, but they loved her. To this day, they still come to her home for dinner, and she's well into her sixties. Sometimes, you just click with people."

That was an understatement, and the thought brought me back to Callum. We clicked, and at times, it scared me. But every time I talk to him, every time I'm in his presence, every time he touched me, whether it was a hug, or a forehead kiss, or whatever... I felt a chill crawl up my spine. Comfort and more spread throughout my body. And when I looked into his beautiful brown eyes, I saw nothing but genuineness and sincerity.

We were set to go out this weekend, and I was a little nervous about that. My girls kept telling me that this was a date date, and I kept trying to convince them it was not. They weren't having that, though. They liked him, and they liked him for me. I was trying to figure out how they came to that conclusion when they hadn't really been around him. They said that they could see the difference in me since he and I became friends. I couldn't see where I was different, but who was I to say they didn't see something in me that I couldn't see in myself?

I continued to talk with Dr. Thomas for another forty-five minutes before our time ended. After scheduling my next appointment, I headed out front. The driver that picked me up was waiting beside the SUV. I smiled and thanked him as I climbed into the truck. When I spoke to Callum last night, I told him about the therapy appointment I had today. The last thing I was expecting was for him to send a car to make sure I got to work afterward.

I immediately pulled out my phone to send Callum a thank-you once again.

Me:Thank you again for the ride. You didn't have to do that.

Callum:I know I didn't, but I wanted to. I know you don't like to ask for help, but I'm the type of friend who will provide it any way I can. I would have picked you up myself, but I am on a play date with Precious and my friend's s daughter.

Me:Tell my little friend I said hi.

Callum:I will. She's only asked about you fifty times today. I guess you're gonna have to come back over for dinner, huh?

Me:Lol. I might be able to make that happen.

We continued to talk as his driver took me back to work. When he pulled up, he got out and opened my door for me. I tried to tip him, but he assured me that it was all taken care of. I left him with a smile as I headed into the building.

Callum:You made it okay?

Me:Yes. I just walked in. Thank you again.

Callum:No problem, love.

"Hold it right there!" Avyn said, stopping me as I was walking to clock in.

I paused. "Is something wrong? Am I late? Did I do something wrong?"

A smile spread across her face. "You have a delivery."

My brows furrowed. "Of what?"

She stooped down, and when she stood again, she held the most beautiful crystal vase of red roses. My eyes widened, and my smile mimicked hers as I took the arrangement. I put them to my nose, inhaling deeply.

"Somebody was thinking about you, friend," Avyn said. "Read the card."

"Have you already read the card, Avyn?"

"I... might have snuck a peek."

I shook my head as I placed the vase on the counter and pulled the card out.

Hey, Beautiful,

I just wanted to brighten your day a little. I hope these make you smile that beautiful smile. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow.

Callum

I couldn't stop blushing and smiling. He really sent me flowers just because.

Avyn giggled. "Look at you! That man really likes you, boo. And was that one of his people dropping you off?"

"It was. I mentioned I had a therapy appointment to him last night. I didn't expect him to send me transportation. He's so thoughtful."

"I know you better make the most of this date tomorrow."

"It's not a date!" I protested.

"Is he picking you up? Did he plan it? Is he paying?"

I avoided her eyes. "Yes, yes, and yes."

"Then it's a date. Embrace it. You can put these in my office until you get off."

She left me with a smile. I picked up the vase, carried it to her office, and then headed to clock in. Before I did so, however, I took a moment to call Callum. His thank-you deserved to be heard, not read through a text message.

"Hey, beautiful." I could hear the smile in his voice.

"Mr. Ellis, you are something else."

"What did I do?"

"You know what you did." I giggled. "Thank you for the flowers. They are beautiful and my favorite. Nobody has sent me flowers in forever, let alone ‘just because.' You trying to make me feel special or something?"

"You are special to me, Pasha. I don't know what it is... but you've got it. You've got me. I just wanna see you smile."

I blushed. "Well, mission accomplished."

He chuckled. "Have a good shift. A driver will be there to take you home when you get off."

"Thank you."

"Anytime, baby."

We disconnected the call. I rested my back against the wall, a huge smile on my face. As hard as I'd been trying to fight it, I had to accept that I liked this man. Maybe I didn't want to. Maybe I shouldn't have, but I did.

The Next Evening

I stood in front of my full-length mirror, turning from side to side, making sure that I looked okay. Callum told me to dress comfortably but still wouldn't indulge me in just what we were doing. I wasn't sure if I was too comfortable in the black cargo joggers, orange halter-styled body suit, and white canvas shoes.

"How long are we going to play this narrative?" Blake asked.

She, Avyn, and I were in my apartment as I got ready to go out with Callum. I think they loved being able to come here as much as I loved having a place of my own to come to. It felt like old times, back when I lived with my parents. They were always at my house.

I frowned as I stepped out of my closet. "What narrative?"

"That you're not dating the man you're dating?"

I sighed. "I've told y'all—"

"I know what you've told us. ‘He's just a friend.' I call this bullshit. That man has been very, very intentional, okay? He's given you control of the narrative. He's been building your confidence. He shows initiative, courtesy, and respect. You better snatch him up, Pasha."

"Y'all find it so hard to believe that maybe he just wants to be friends. I mean, I don't take him for shy. He wouldn't have any problems telling me he was into me if he really was."

"You better learn to read between the lines, girl." She rolled off my bed and stood before walking to the closet door. "I have to go to work, but please, send me pictures."

"I will."

She headed for the front door but called over her shoulder, "And take a shot for me!"

I nodded my head. "I will!"

Avyn appeared in the doorway with a bowl of Ramen. She stood against the wall with one leg crossed over the other, munching on the noodles. She shook her head at me.

"How many times are you going to look over yourself? You look fine, girl. Everything is sitting up, right and tight. The body is giving honey. Mr. Ellis is going to love you." She snapped her fingers.

I gave her a side eye. "I'm not about to play with you. Are you sure I look okay?"

She rolled he eyes. "Pasha, please don't make me smack you."

"I'm sorry! He refused to tell me what we were doing. All he said was to dress comfortably. I don't know if this is a good level of comfortable for me."

"Even if it isn't, you look cute. Didn't Beyoncé tell you that pretty hurts?"

I shook my head. "Somehow, I don't think this is what she meant. Anyway... do I look, you know... fat?"

She pushed off from the wall and placed her Ramen bowl on the dresser. She then turned and walked over to me. She turned me back to the mirror with her hands on my shoulders. Her arms came around me, and she hugged me tightly.

"You are absolutely beautiful, pooh. You deserve to embrace your body." Her hands went to my stomach. "You created and carried a life. You battled depression and anxiety along with losing a child and your parents. Nobody would look the same after the kinda trauma you had. You may have gained a little weight, but you are not fat. Most men, real men, appreciate a woman with meat on her bones. I've seen the way Callum looks at you. He likes all of this."

She playfully pretended to hump me from behind. I couldn't help but laugh as I pushed her off of me.

"My point is, fuck other people. My good sis Sheryl Lee Ralph said it best. People don't have to like you. They don't have to love you. They don't even have to respect you. But when you look in the mirror, you better love the person you see. Remember your affirmations."

I nodded. "I hear you."

Someone knocked on my door. I looked over at the clock on the wall.

"That's probably Callum. Would you mind getting the door? I need a minute."

"I've got you."

She left the space, and I took a few deep breaths. Grabbing my crossbody, I stuffed my phone, keys, wallet, and other essentials inside. I could hear Callum laughing with Avyn, and my heart began to race.

"Calm down, girl..." I told myself.

After strategically spraying on my perfume, I left the bedroom area and walked out into the living room. My breath hitched as my eyes landed on Callum. He wore black shorts, a short-sleeve white button-up, and a pair of black sneakers. A simple gold watch and chain were his jewelry of choice. His outfit was simple, but God, did he look delicious.

He looked up from his conversation with Avyn. I didn't miss how his eyes perused me from head to toe. He licked his lips, and a smile spread across his face. Stepping away from Avyn, he came into my space and pulled me into a hug. God, he smelled so good. I closed my eyes and allowed his scent to engulf me.

He kissed my forehead. "You look amazing. Orange is certainly your color."

I blushed. "Thank you."

"Are you ready?"

"Ready to see what you are about to get me into since you've been secretive."

He chuckled. "It wasn't a secret. I just want you to have fun without thinking about it. We are gonna relieve some stress."

"Mmm," Avyn moaned in the background. I shot her a look. "My bad, girl. I'm just gonna head upstairs. You two kids have fun and don't stay out too late. You have my girl in at a respectable hour, sir. Nothing is open late but legs."

"Avyn!" I exclaimed.

She laughed as she headed out my front door. I shook my head.

"I'm sorry about that. She has no filter."

"I promise, it's okay. I like her. She's unapologetically herself."

"Always."

He offered me his arm. "Shall we?"

I linked my arm through his. "We shall."

I wasn't sure what this "friend date" would entail, but I was ready for whatever it had in store.