It was him

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Saturday afternoon around 12:30pm I found myself sitting on the Siesta Key strip. I found a nice shaded area with a perfect view of the beach. It wasn't to hot and there was a small breeze. The heat was just enough to make my skin glisten.

I had on a yellow sundress that stopped just above my knee, white sandals and white freshly painted toes. I decided to keep things simple. This was a relaxed work day.

I decided to work on my lesson plans early because I knew Alicia wasn't going to let me stay in the house tonight. I needed to figure out what I was going to wear. There was a little something in me that wanted to get cute. Maybe even dress a little spicy. I giggled to myself. I wasn't sure but I knew I needed to find something.

I completed my lesson plans in 2 hours which was perfect timing because I still had more than enough time to shop for an outfit and workout.

It was really beautiful outside and I took my time soaking it all in. As I looked around I saw so many different people. Seeing diversity has always been a soft point for me. Seeing families together brought joy to my heart even though it was something I knew I wouldn't have. I experienced too much hurt and I accepted that I'd be the best auntie to my best friend's children one day.

I looked across the street because I had a taste for a strawberry banana smoothie. Cold Stone was the spot for me because I knew they had what I wanted. As I looked down the strip to check out the stores that recently opened, I noticed a familiar face and did a double look. I could only see his profile but not 100%. If it was who I was thinking, I had to be sure by checking the back of his forearm for a heart shaped birthmark. Before I could confirm, someone called out to me causing me to turn my head in the opposite direction.

Woman: Ma'am! Your computer!

I quickly looked down and saw my laptop about to fall off the table. I caught it just in time.

Me: Oh wow! Thank you so much!

Woman: No problem! Anything Apple isn't cheap.

Me: Haha! You're so right! Thank you again!

Woman: No problem!

She walked away and I turned around knowing it was to good to be true for him to still be standing there across the street. Of course he disappeared into the crowd or a store. I searched the crowed trying not to look desperate. I didn't see him but I had to walk across the street to get my smoothie anyway. Cold Stone was the last store on the strip so that was my chance to window shop without looking like a stalker.

I quickly packed up and made my way over to the other side of the street. I walked by the first 3 stores and I didn't see him. I made sure to play it cool and blend in.

I thought to myself as I stopped walking "Maybe I should just go get in my car..."

I kept walking...

I got to the fourth store which was called Sneaker Heads.

It was almost as if he was waiting for me to walk by because as soon as I looked into the store, we made eye contact. It shook my insides and I looked away and started walking fast.

Oh my goodness! Who would have thought that after all these years that I would see him in the flesh again. There was no need to look for a birthmark because I saw his face. It was really him.

I made it to Cold Stones and I was out of breath from speed walking. Once I made it inside I chuckled at myself because I knew I looked crazy with the way I was walking. Think about the Olympic speed walking athletes. It's the funniest thing to me.

As I was waiting in line, I zoned out.
I saw his face again. His deep brown skin. His lips, the perfect shade of pink. He was still fine. After all these years, he still had it.

"Ma'am, what can I get you today?"

What the heck was he doing back in Florida?

When did he come back?

"Excuse me? Ma'am?"

And who was that gi-....?

I was brought back to reality when I felt someone tap my on my shoulder from behind me. I snapped out of it and turned around.

"You're next in line"

Embarrassed...I smiled. "Oh I'm sorry! Thank you!"

I moved up in line and ordered my strawberry banana smoothie. I paid for my drink and left. I had to walk by Sneaker Heads again and my stomach started bubbling. I was nervous and I didn't know why. It was weird but I had to shake it off. I took a deep breath in, held it, and walked by the store. I made it to my car and went home to get ready for the gym.

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At the gym...

My phone started ringing just as I was about to start on my last set of squats. I pulled my phone out of my pocket on my workout pants and saw that my bestie was calling.

Me: Wussup woman?

Alicia: Nothing much. Waiting on you. Are you almost done?

Me: Oh ok. Yea I am. I'm on my last set now. Are you meeting me at my house or at the store?

Alicia: I'll meet you at the store because I'm on the other side of town. I had to pick up my suits from the cleaners.

My bestie was a new lawyer. She graduated 1 year prior and I was so proud of her. She's been at the top since she started working. The city better watch out because she's like a shark when it comes to the law.

Me: Ok bestie, I'll let you know when I'm on my way to the store. I'll be leaving the gym in the next 20 minutes.

Alicia: Ok girl! See ya! Love you!

Me: Love ya too!

I finished my last set of squats and I grabbed my water bottle, keys and towel. As I started to walk towards the door, I felt someone staring me down...hard. I tried to ignore it but it was like they wanted me to turn around to see them. I personally don't like to be challenged when I'm minding my own business. I felt myself growing a little annoyed. I rolled my eyes internally.

I walked over to the mini fridge to grab a protein drink. I didn't want to look crazy searching the gym when I was on my way out. I went around the counter to pay for my drink and I looked around because I had the same feeling. I looked to the left...didn't notice anything. I looked to the right and there was a young lady eyeing me into next week. She had a slight mug on her face. I was confused. I looked to my left, right and behind me to see if someone was there because I had no idea who she was. I frowned, took a mental photo, paid for my drink and left. 🤔
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EXCUSE ALL TYPOS

Part 3 will be posted soon. I've already started on it. I didn't mean to take forever with this chapter 🫶🏽

Hit the star at the end of each chapter. Thanks 😁

But ummm who's this chick at the gym eyeing Deja???? 🤷🏽‍♀️

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