A Surefire Way to Fall in Love

Chapter Five: We Have to Stop Meeting Like This (Again)

Nyla was a nervous wreck. It was well after the panel discussion. Bookworms, journalists, and critics alike stood around and mingled with the authors, chatting them up and asking for weathered hard copies and paperbacks of their novels to be signed.

Nyla didn't mind book signing. She loved hearing how her story moved those who read it. The readers who said they cried during the thrilling climax of her story and the fiery redemption on the last page. Those praises kept her inspired, even if her relationship with her pen was madly complicated right now.

But despite her apprehensions, the panel was everything that she could hope for. She knew an event like this would be great for her novella and her publisher would be thrilled! She was one among many buzzing literary talents. And for a briefness, Nyla finally felt that maybe she did belong in this realm.

Still, at this moment, a nagging pulled at Nyla. Despite the love that the attendees were giving to each panelist, a lot of the murmurs and conversations in the crowd had gone from her, Zuri and Marley to the mysterious poet with a bleeding heart.

Jabari Jordan.

Taryn and Denise had tried to corner her, mischief swimming in their dark eyes. But Nyla avoided them, finding any excuse to avoid their prying. She had been embarrassed enough. And what would she even say to them? Or even to Jabari, for that matter.

She dared glance in his direction, visibly coy to the fans that swarmed him, signing his own slew of books, she noticed. She watched as he shifted on his feet every so often, his muscles tense in the cream turtle neck he was wearing. Nyla wondered then maybe he didn't like too much attention. Maybe the explosion of his debut was a whirlwind transition too.

"AHEM!" a dramatic cough pulled her attention, face to face with Thing One and Thing Two (Niecy and Taryn).

"So, is that the author?" Taryn asked wiggling her brows.

"You told her, Niecy? Yall been talking about me behind my back?"

"Hey if you answered our group chat every now and again we wouldn't have to have secret texts about you." Denise teased, "But yes, that is Mr. Beauty and Brains."

Taryn gave a satisfied hum, "He's better looking than his pictures that's for sure. He's kinda sexy for a writer."

"I said the same thing," Denise chimed.

"Would you two quit." Nyla hissed looking down to gather her things, "I'm still technically working. Anybody could hear you clowns talking."

Her friends giggled, much to her dismay. But they quickly ceased their teasing. Once the woman looked up, there Jabari was. Towering over her with a familiar warm grin on her lips.

"Hi Nyla," he said kindly, "Ladies, hello."

Denise and Taryn sang a long heeey to the poet. Nyla had to remind herself to breathe. She had talked to Jabari before, so why was she nervous? Maybe it was because she was caught once again? The chatter in the space suddenly sounded like a warm hum as she stared at him shaking away her awkward nerves once again.

"Do yall mind if I steal the author of the hour away for a moment?" He asked them, yet his eyes stayed locked on hers, "If that's okay with you of course."

"Uh, yeah sure," Nyla said.

"We'll meet you at the restaurant later." Taryn chimed, "I need to find Zuri anyway to get her to sign my book and tell her second novel inspired me to come out to my parents." She sauntered off.

Denise gave Nyla a quick, firm hug, "I'm proud of you." she whispered to her, before saying see you later and rushing behind Taryn.

Nyla turned back to Jabari, ignoring the sinking feeling that tugged inside of her.

"I, uh, appreciate what you said about my book. It meant a lot. I didn't even know you read it." she said, feeling herself cringe.

"I meant every word. I just wish you told me you wrote it. Why didn't you?" He asked.

Mouth dry, Nyla bit at her cheek, "I was... embarrassed I guess," She said lowly, "I've been having some doubt about my work. And then I read your book. And it was amazing."

"I think your book is amazing," Jabari said simply.

Nyla laughed, smiling at the man, "Well thank you. I guess I was a bit intimidated too. I mean you might get nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. I just didn't think my novella could compare."

Jabari laughed, "Your novella was compelling and breathtaking. Give yourself more credit. I meant what I said, it was one of the best books I've read in a long while."

A warm fuzziness spread across Nyla's cheeks, feeling her lips spread into a genuine smile, "Thank you again, Jabari. Had I known you'd be here, I would've told you yesterday."

"Well, consider my surprise when I made the connection that N dot Delaney actually stood for Nyla Delaney when I saw you on stage." He laughed. Swiftly, the man dug in his bag and pulled out the hard copy of "Windchime Songs." The book full of colorful tabs and sticky notes poking from the pages.

"Would you sign this for me?" He asked. Nyla smirked, taking the worn book in her hands and flipping to the front page.

"Of course." She said, scribbling her autograph into the book and handing it back. Maybe it was the newfound confidence, or maybe the series of events, but in a bold move before losing her nerve, Nyla asked, "The other authors and my friends are heading to a bar a few blocks from here if you'd like to join us?"

A disappointed expression crossed his face, and Nyla felt embarrassed all over again.

"Oh, I can't, I'm sorry. I have other plans," Jabari replied sincerely.

Nyla quickly swallowed the pang that met her, nodding at Jabari casually as she fiddled with her necklace.

"I'd like to take you out to lunch though sometime, outside of the coffee shop if you're cool with that. I'd love to hear more inspiration behind your novel and learn more about you."

Nyla noticed a shyness to Jabari then. Not the same sheepish yet intense author who was signing books moments before, but a different shyness seemed to overwhelm him. If this were a book, Nyla would think that Jabari liked her. Maybe even asking her on a date?

But this was the real world and Nyla knew better. He was a fellow author, someone in her realm, maybe even safe enough to call him a fan. To Nyla, Jabari was simply being kind.

"Like... a lunch as friends?" Nyla asked and to her surprise, a playful smirk curled on Jabari's lips.

"If that's what you're comfortable with, sure."