Yours Truly

It Was Him

I found myself tucked beneath the shade of a palm tree with the perfect view of the beach. The sun was warm but not overwhelming, and the light breeze made the heat feel like a gentle hug. It was the kind of weather that kissed your skin just enough to make it glisten.

I wore a soft yellow sundress that stopped just above my knees, white sandals, and my toes were freshly painted—simple, clean, effortless. It was technically a work day, but one I decided to take outdoors for a change.

With my laptop open, I worked on my lesson plans, wanting to knock them out early. I already knew Alicia wasn't letting me stay in the house tonight, so I needed to plan ahead. A part of me was even toying with the idea of dressing up... maybe even a little spicy. I giggled to myself at the thought. We'd see.

Two hours later, I closed my laptop. Done. I had plenty of time to go home, hit the gym, and find an outfit. The breeze continued to dance through the strip, and I soaked it in. Watching families, couples, and friends laugh and stroll together always gave me mixed emotions—joy and a pinch of sadness. I'd accepted that love like that wasn't meant for me. I'd be the best auntie to Alicia's kids and keep it moving.

I glanced across the street, suddenly craving a strawberry banana smoothie. Cold Stone was my go-to. But as I started scanning the shops, I froze.

There—off in the distance—was a familiar profile.

My breath hitched. Could it be...?

I squinted, heart pounding, trying to catch a better angle. I'd recognize him by the birthmark on the back of his arm if I could just—

"Ma'am! Your computer!" a woman called out.

I snapped my head around just in time to catch my laptop slipping from the edge of the table.

"Whew! Thank you so much!" I said, breathing hard.

"Of course! Apple products don't come cheap," she laughed, walking off.

I chuckled nervously and turned back—he was gone.

Of course.

I scanned the strip quickly, trying not to look too eager. He'd either ducked into a shop or vanished into the crowd. Still... I needed that smoothie. And maybe, just maybe, I'd "accidentally" window shop my way past where I thought I saw him.

I packed up and crossed the street, casually passing the first three stores. No sign of him.

"Maybe I should just head to the car," I muttered.

But I kept walking.

When I reached the fourth shop—Sneaker Heads—I caught my breath.

There he was. Inside. Staring dead at me.

Our eyes locked, and I panicked. I turned and speed-walked past like a woman on a mission. I didn't need confirmation anymore. It was him. No birthmark required. Same deep brown skin. Same lips. Same everything.

I reached Cold Stone, slightly breathless and silently laughing at myself. I probably looked like one of those Olympic speed walkers. Ridiculous.

As I waited in line, I zoned out, his image still burning behind my eyes.

What was he doing back in Florida?

Why now?

"Ma'am?" the worker behind the counter called out.

I was too far gone to hear.

A tap on my shoulder brought me back.

"You're next," someone said kindly.

"Oh! I'm so sorry!" I smiled, embarrassed. I quickly ordered my smoothie, paid, and left.

Walking past Sneaker Heads again had my nerves on edge. I didn't even look through the window. I just kept walking until I reached my car. Once I was safe inside, I exhaled and headed home to change for the gym.

⸻

Later, at the Gym

Just as I was starting my last set of squats, my phone rang.

I pulled it from the pocket of my workout pants—Alicia.

Me: "Wussup, woman?"

Alicia: "Nothing much. Just waiting on you. You almost done?"

Me: "Yup. Last set. You meeting me at the store or my house?"

Alicia: "The store. I had to pick up some suits from the cleaners."

I smiled. My best friend, the baby-faced assassin of the courtroom. She'd only been practicing law for a year, but she was already making waves.

Me: "Got it. I'll text you when I'm on the way. Love ya."

Alicia: "Love you too, girl!"

I finished my set, grabbed my towel and keys, and headed for the exit. But I could feel someone watching me. Intently. I tried to brush it off, but it was too intense to ignore.

I walked toward the fridge for a protein shake, trying to play it cool. At the counter, I glanced left. Nothing. I looked right—and caught a woman glaring at me like I owed her money.

I blinked, confused. I didn't recognize her. I looked around to make sure she wasn't staring at someone else. Nope—definitely me.

Frowning, I made a mental note of her face, paid for my drink, and walked out.

Weird energy. But I wasn't letting it mess with my day.

As I pulled out of the gym parking lot, I kept thinking about that girl and the way she looked at me. Something about her expression stayed with me longer than I liked. It wasn't just a mug—it was familiarity. Like she knew me... or knew of me. And for the life of me, I couldn't place her face.

I shook my head as I merged onto the road. "Girl, let it go," I whispered to myself. I had bigger things to focus on—like not overthinking the fact that he was back.

He was really here. After all these years.

I hadn't said a word to him and already I was thrown off balance. My guard, my calm, my routine... all of it shifted just from making eye contact. And I hated that. I hated how my body reacted without permission. How my chest tightened and my stomach flipped. How his face lived in my head like it had never left.

By the time I pulled into my driveway, I realized I hadn't turned the music on once. Just me, my thoughts, and this weird new energy I didn't ask for.

I walked into the house, dropped my gym bag by the door, and leaned against the wall. I closed my eyes and let out a deep sigh. I was supposed to be getting dressed to go out tonight. I was supposed to be picking out something spicy and letting Alicia drag me into a fun night. But now... my mind wasn't there.

My phone buzzed on the kitchen counter.

Unknown Number:
"You still love strawberry banana smoothies."

I froze.

No name. No emoji. Just that sentence.

I stared at the screen, heart pounding.

So it was him. And now, he was reaching out.

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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???? 🤷🏽‍♀️