Belonging

Chapter Eight

Xavier Smith
Xay's apartment, Atlanta, GA
10:16 AM
—

After their date, Xavier and Jayce were slowly starting to become more accustomed to one another. They talk on the phone quite often, and even meet during their lunch breaks just to be in each other's presence.

Unfortunately, all things don't last long.

—

As I was lazily laying on my sofa with an even lazier Stella in my lap, I couldn't help but groan at the lack of shoes on Netflix.

"Broooo," I groaned, "why they keep taking shit off of here?". Stella meowed and shoved her big head further into my lap. I huffed a little, but my annoyed face eventually turned into a smile.

I went to youtube and decided to put on a random crime documentary for background noise before picking up my phone.

My notifications were pretty empty except for a text Jayce sent me regarding another date. I pondered for a moment before agreeing to the picnic date.

Today has been so anticlimactic. I feel like I'm about to jump out of my own skin.

Another heavy sigh slipped past my lips before I finally sat up. I slid my hands underneath Stella, and placed her on the other end of the couch before standing up and walking to my guest bathroom.

I stood in front of the mirror just to look at my appearance for a second. I looked awful.

The deep bags under my eyes were a clear sign of exhaustion.

My phone started to vibrate in my pocket, so I quickly fished it out. A text from one of my co-workers, Hasan. He was this Lebanese man with short curly hair and a goatee. Many of the women on our floor loved him.

HASAN🤞🏼😵‍💫

hey xay i was wondering if you wanted to hang out with me and delilah after your day shift?
if you're busy just lmk !

yes id love to hang out !! just lmk the details

——

My next day shift was on Friday so I had enough time to prepare myself until then. I was starting become a little nervous about Friday since Hasan and I have a bit of...history.

Anyways. I need to go to the store later and get Stella more food and treats. My baby's birthday is coming up!

My deep thoughts were interrupted by another vibration; a call. Bru not this nigga again.

"What you want Ramirez?"

"Damn a nigga can't get a hey, good afternoon, how are you??" He chuckled, " Lemme take you out real quick. Show you what I can offer romantically."

"No." I sighed and started getting dressed, "I got shit to do today."

"Why we can't do it together?"

"Because."

Jayce chuckled again, what the fuck be so funny, " Because ain't an answer Xavier, if I gotta come over there and force you in this car I will." He pledged before hanging up.

I looked over at Stella and she just meowed sadly.

I smacked my teeth, "Smtch mane."