Yours Truly

When the Walls Start to Fall

I took a quick moment to gather myself before walking over to the girls. The room was buzzing with energy, laughter, and music, but my mind was stuck on one thing—one person.

Me: Happy birthday, Jen!

Jen looked up, her face lighting up instantly.

Jen: Dejaaaa! You're here! Yaaay!

Me: Hey, birthday girl!

We hugged tight, rocking side to side like we always did when we hadn't seen each other in a while.

Jen: Okay, but seriously—what even happened out there?

Me: Honestly? I'm not sure. A fight broke out, people scattered, and we just dipped out of the way.

Jen: So wild. But never mind that—tonight, we're turning up!

Me: Say less. Let's go.

I made my way to the couch, greeted the rest of the crew with hugs, and grabbed some chips and dip. I wanted to be present, to soak in the celebration... but my thoughts kept drifting back to what just happened. Jay. Here. In this exact same place.

Alicia nudged me gently with her elbow.

Alicia: Alright. Spill. Now.

Me: Haha. There's nothing to spill—yet.

Before I could finish that thought, my phone buzzed. I glanced down, and sure enough—it was Jay. My eyes widened. Alicia saw the notification too. No hiding now.

Alicia: Ohhh, say it. I saw your whole pause at the door. Girl, I know you!

Me: You work my nerves. But fine—Jay's here. That's the short version.

Alicia: Wait... what? What do you mean he's here?

Before I could explain, my phone buzzed again. Another message from him. I opened it quickly.

Jay: Small world. Had no idea you'd be here too. Hit me up when you're free. Enjoy your girls night—and be safe. You look beautiful.

My stomach flipped a little.

Me: Definitely didn't expect to see you either. Thank you. You be safe too.

I locked my phone and turned to Alicia, who was still waiting for answers.

Me: So yeah—he's here. I saw him just before I closed the door. We literally locked eyes.

Alicia: That's wild. I mean... you've been running into him a lot lately. Coincidence? 👀

Me: It means absolutely nothing. Don't start.

Alicia: Mmmhmm. Okay. But wait—wasn't he with—

Me: He said they broke up. So... that's that.

Alicia: That's your sign, sis.

Me: My sign for what?

Alicia: To fall in love again.

Me: Girl, please. I've made peace with that part of life. I'm done with love. I'll be cordial, maybe even friendly—but that's it.

Alicia: Mmm... we'll see. Keep talking to him and watch what happens.

Before I could clap back, Jen clapped her hands to get our attention. It was time to start singing and celebrate.

Later in the evening, I leaned over to the girls.

Me: I'm gonna run to the ladies' room real quick.

Alicia: Say less—I'm coming with you.

We stepped out of the private room, now calm from earlier chaos, and started down the hall.

Alicia: So, any more texts from your boy tonight?

Me: Nope. He's probably busy.

Alicia: Mmhmm. Why you sound so pressed then?

A smile crept across my face before I could stop it.

Alicia: A-ha! What was that smile for? See?! I knew something was up!

Before I could answer, my phone buzzed again. A message from Jay.

Jay: I know I said to hit me up, but I just wanted to check—are you enjoying your night?

I couldn't help but grin.

Me: You're not a bother. I am enjoying it, thank you. Just trying to find the restroom right now. How's your night going?

I picked up my pace to catch up with Alicia, not wanting to get lost in this maze of a place.

Another buzz.

Jay: Glad to hear it. You deserve to enjoy yourself. Oh—and make a right at the end of the hall. Bathrooms are on the left.

I froze mid-step. My body went warm all over.

Me: 😳 Umm... sounds like someone's got eyes on me. Shouldn't you be focused on your own plans? Lol.

Jay: I was... until you walked by. Now we've got the same destination. Not trying to be stalkerish—you just happen to be in view.

My breath caught. I turned around slowly, and there he was—almost within arm's reach. I slipped my phone back into my clutch.

Jay's tall frame towered over me. His deep brown skin glowed under the hallway lights, curls neatly shaped, and that signature smile... dangerous.

I cleared my throat.

Me: Okay, be honest, you followed me down here.

He grinned, soft and unbothered.

Jay: Nah, promise I didn't. I really just needed the bathroom. You just happened to be walking ahead of me.

I shifted on my heels, fidgeting without meaning to. I took a step back, trying to create space. Trying to breathe.

Me: If you say so. If you wanted to talk face-to-face, you could've just said that.

Jay: Noted. Next time, I will. We can talk—when we're both free. If you want to.

Then he stepped forward, gently took my hands, and held them between his. His gaze locked onto mine, unwavering.

Jay: I noticed you took a few steps back. I get it—this is out of your comfort zone. But don't run.

Before I could respond, I heard Alicia's voice down the hall.

Alicia: Deja! You good?

I turned quickly, startled. When I looked back, Jay smiled and walked off toward the men's room, letting go of my hands as gently as he had taken them.

I stood there for a moment, stunned. My body was still buzzing, my thoughts tangled.

Something unfamiliar was stirring inside me. And the most unexpected part?

It was something I hadn't felt in years.

I was feeling... again. 😳

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YALL!!!! JAY AND DEJA HAVE FINALLY COME FACE TO FACE. I've been itching to get to this! I have to keep calm and milk this thing. My thoughts are racing lol.

Hey good readers! I'm finally done with school so now I can cater to my baby (this story)...

Hope you enjoyed this chapter somewhat..

Excuse all typos!