Expect The Unexpected (H-Town)

Two Can Play Your Game

Stacey

We finally pulled up to Dwayne's party. You could hear Return of the Mack blasting before we even reached the door. The bass thumped through the walls as we squeezed our way inside through the massive crowd.

I headed straight for the bar and ordered a gin and rum. I could save the forty-ounce for later—when it was really necessary.

I took a big gulp and scanned the room.

That's when I saw Shazam posted against the wall, deep in conversation with Amina.

I downed the rest of my drink, the burn tearing through my throat, and pushed my way toward them.

"So what are y'all chattin' about over here?" I asked, full attitude on display.

"Well hi to you too, Stacey," Amina replied, clearly annoyed.

I rolled my eyes and focused on Shazam. "You gonna answer my question or nah?"

"We were just having a conversation," he snapped. "Cooling before you came over here playing detective."

I laughed, more shocked than amused, and slowly backed away.

"You don't gotta tell me twice, Solomon," I said, nodding as I disappeared back into the crowd.

I kept my head down, irritation buzzing through me—until I ran straight into something solid.

"Watch where you going, dude!" I snapped.

I looked up.

Damn.

"I mean—sorry," I corrected quickly. "I wasn't paying attention."

He laughed, flashing a perfect smile.

"Nah, shawty. That was on me," he said, tapping his chest. "Kadeem Hosford."

He leaned in and whispered his name against my ear.
My body reacted before my brain could.

"Nice to meet you, Kadeem," I said loudly over the music. "I'm Stacey Peters."

"Wanna go outside where it's quieter?" he murmured in my ear again.

I glanced back toward the house. Shazam was watching—hard.

I turned back to Kadeem.

"Yeah," I said, grabbing his hand. "I would."

He led me across the street, where the music still echoed but didn't drown everything out. We sat on the curb.

"So," he said, resting his elbow on his knee, "now that I got you alone—tell me about yourself."

I studied him. "First of all, why you so interested in me? You don't know me, and I've never seen you around before."

He chuckled and shook his head.

"I just moved here from Oklahoma two weeks ago. We got Bio 102 together every Wednesday and Friday. And I'm interested because I think you fine as hell—and you seem real grounded."

I blushed despite myself.

"I like your honesty," I said. "Where you sit in Bio? And for the record—I think you fine too."

"Three seats behind you," he said. "So since we both think each other fine... can I get your number?"

I hesitated, glancing back at Dwayne's house.

"If it's no, I'm cool with that," he added easily.

I smiled and shook my head.

"You got a pen?"