Divine's Time

9. mind & soul

Time

Speed walking to my car, I wiped my sweat off with the back of my hand. I looked into my car window, admiring my body; all that work in the gym is paying off. I smiled, finally liking what I saw in my reflection. Hoping in the car, my phone rang, and Divine's name popped up on my screen. We've been talking quite frequently. 

Here and there, we would mostly FaceTime and have random conversations about our day, short or long. 

Every conversation we've had has been enjoyable. Although we are from two sides of the world with our mindsets, I learned a lot from him. I learned a new side of him, and I was pleased. He's more than meets the eye.

He has a hard exterior, is introverted, and can come off as nonchalant, but I can tell grief has turned him into that. I can tell deep down through his humor and knowledge, he didnt always use to be this way.

"Hey," I answered, taking my braids from their tight ponytail, itching to go home and take a hot shower.

"What you doing?" He asked.

"Just finished the gym, you?" I asked, pulling away from my school's parking lot. 

"Nothing really, chilling...You tryna' eat?"

I looked at the time on my phone before responding, "Yes, I have time. Let me just shower, and we can meet somewhere?" I asked as I got into my car.

"Yeah, meet me at the chicken spot around where my mama live, you know what, I'll send you the address I forgot you ain't no real Floridian." Divine joked along with a little laugh, which made me smile.

"Hey, I'm getting there. Don't judge me for being a Georgia peach." I responded, cranking my car up.

"You can't help it, but I'll teach you the ropes of the 305, dont worry."

"Whatever, I'll be there soon." I laughed.

We ended our conversation before I started heading to the apartment. I showered and refreshed my braids with hair mousse and edge control, along with applying a little makeup.

I wasn't very particular about my outfit, wanting to look cute, but not like I was trying too hard. After all, this isn't a date. Just two friends meeting up for lunch. I told myself I didn't care to impress him.

Even though it wouldn't hurt for him to think that I looked cute.

I then shook my head at the thought, he probably doesn't even look at me that way, we are sort of like family, we basically share an aunt.

What am I even thinking? I cringed at myself and continued to get dressed.

I decided on a plain white, short-sleeved tee paired with a light grey bubble coat due to the chilly weather, along with blue mom jeans.  I tugged on some ankle-length Nike socks and stepped into a pair of white New Balance sneakers. I placed my Louis Vuitton cross-body purse and accessorized with my usual James Avery jewelry, necklaces, charm bracelet, and rings with a grey knitted skull cap.

After a couple of spritzes of perfume, I was out of the door.

The smell of hot fried chicken filled my nose as I walked into the restaurant. I spotted Divine typing on his phone in a booth near the back of the establishment. I took a deep breath before approaching him; he was just too damn handsome.

He was wearing a black graphic tee with a black baseball cap. The big watch that sat on his tattooed arm glistened in the light, along with his beautiful, dark brown skin.

I noticed the freshly lined-up beard and had to look away because I felt myself staring too hard.

He smirked when he saw me and got up and dapped me up, "Glad you could finally make it, champ."