Just As I Am

Chapter 10

I heard the doorbell and automatically looked at the clock. I knew that it was Isaiah. I quickly took off the apron I was wearing and put my boots back on. I checked my reflection in the mirror and sprayed on a little perfume before opening the door.

"Wow, Jazzy, you look really nice." He said as he stepped in.

"What you trying to say? I usually look busted or something." I laughed. A huge smile spread across his face.

"You know that's not what I meant. You just look a lil dressed up for dinner." He was one to talk. He had on long sleeve Polo button up, jeans and boots.

"You don't look bad yourself. And I'm wearing this because I went to the movies earlier." I responded.

"And here I was thinking you did this for me." He pouted.

"Shut up!" I laughed.

"These are for you." He smiled, giving me a bouquet of tulips that I hadn't noticed until he brought them to my attention. I could feel the blood rush to my cheeks, which turned his smile into a chuckle.

"Thank you, Zay. They're beautiful!" I gave him a hug, not knowing another way to show my appreciation. Boy, did he smell good! Whatever cologne he wore was my new personal favorite. It seemed to have some kind of effect on me, because I wasn't able to pull away as soon as I would have liked.

"You're welcome." He smiled when I was finally able to collect my thoughts and pull back.

"Have a seat in the dining room. Dinner will be served in a moment." I took the beautiful flowers into the kitchen and filled a vase with water. I thought they would look nice on the table so I took it into the dining on the room. When I walked back into the kitchen, I noticed Dashawn's rose. Only two guys had ever given me flowers, and they both did it in the same day.

I understood the reasoning behind Dashawn's rose, but what was up with Isaiah bringing me a bouquet? I mean, it was obvious Dashawn liked me. He'd actually made it very clear to me. But what was Zay's motivation? I started taking the food to the table, trying not to read too much into the flowers. He was just trying to be sweet, perhaps a thank you for cooking dinner. Isaiah didn’t like me, so there was no reason for me to feel differently about him.

“This smells amazing, Jazzy!” He complimented.

“Thank you! You’ll soon see that it tastes just as amazing!” I smiled. He began to laugh. I fixed both of our plates and poured each of us a glass of ice tea. There was Cajun style meatloaf, mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, and cornbread muffins, and it all turned out perfectly. I noticed Zay was just staring at his plate. “I promise it’s edible.” I laughed.

“I just need to say grace first. You know, in case I don’t pull through.” He smiled, causing me to reach over and hit him in the arm.

“There is nothing wrong with my food, but we can say grace together.” I laughed. He reached over and held my hand. “Father God, thank you for this food we are about to receive. Let it provide nourishment for our bodies and strengthen us to do your will. Bless the hands that have prepared it and bless the mouths that are about to receive it. In your holy name we pray. Amen.”

Zay sat there for a moment looking at the food. I sighed before using my fork to sample food from his plate. I stuck the food in my mouth and rolled my eyes at him as if to say “see”. He laughed, but that gave him the courage to try it out.

“You know, Jazzy, this isn’t half bad.” He said.

“Why thank you so much for that wonderful compliment!” I replied sarcastically. He laughed again.