Why does she stay?

.VIII.

Saturday

We're back at the same club we were when I first met Jashon but they play good music so why not?

I leaned over the bar watching the bartender make our drinks while Benji stood next to me mad because I didn't tell him about me and Noel breaking up.

"This is exactly why I didn't tell you Benj I knew you'd react like this."

"Like what? I'm only mad you waited almost 4 months later to tell me"

Better late than never. The bartender finally gave us our drinks and I chugged mine down.

"Chill Daya"

I glared at him before turning around to look at the crowd. After a few minutes Benj left me to go dance with some girl so I was back to sitting by myself. I really don't mind actually but I probably come off as a bitter bitch.

Two drinks later I actually felt like dancing so that's what I did. Someone came behind me and I paused for a second before continuing to dance. Whoever it was at least they could keep up so they get points for that.

The song changed to one I can slowly grind my hips to so that's what I did. I was now back to chest with the guy and his hands were gripped on my hips.

He leaned down next to my ear and whispered "I was hoping I'd see you back here"

I stopped dancing and turned around. "Jashon." My tone said attitude.

"Sydaya" his tone said confusion.

I walked away leaving him by himself before making my way towards the bathrooms until my hand was gently grabbed.

He turned me around. "Did I do something wrong?"

I shook my head.

"So you're okay?"

"I seen you at the mall the other day."

He thought I guess back to what day I was referring to. "Oh yeah my sister dragged me to get some new sneakers she's been wanting. How come you didn't say anything?"

Well look who was jumping to conclusions. I couldn't help but laugh.

"What's funny?"

"I didn't know she was your sister"

"Oh you thought-" he interrupted himself by laughing. "Aye I'm not that kinda dude"

"Sorry for assuming"

"So that's why you just walked away from me?"

I shrugged a shoulder while holding an innocent smile.

"Well I'm not with the incest thing, plus I already know who I want" he smirked down at me.

I had to look away from him to keep from blushing? Wow I haven't blushed in ages. I cleared my throat. "Well, that's good to know."

He let out a low chuckle. "You're really interesting"

"I am?"

"Yeah, you are."

God his gaze felt like he was assessing every single detail of me.

"Can I take you somewhere?"

I blinked at the question. "What?"

"Not my house or anything just somewhere more quiet"

I bit the inside of my cheek. "How do I know you're not gonna kidnap me or something?"

"Scouts honor" he did the little two finger salute thing.

"I didn't come here alone..."

"Text them"

Why was I actually considering this? This is crazy.

I hesitantly sent the girls a text letting them know I was leaving with someone then started sharing my location with them just in case. We made our way outside before we started walking wherever he was taking me.

"If I would've known Id be walking I wouldn't have worn heels"

He laughed before he pulled out his keys. "I would not have let you walk in those things"

"How sweet of you"

"I try" we got to his car and he opened the door for me.

Another thing that hasn't happened in a while. "Thank you"

He closed the door and went around to the drivers side. "Let's see" he looked at his watch. "It's still early, you hungry?"

I'd eaten before leaving the house but I'm suddenly craving some nuggets from Wendy's. I told him so and he started driving.

"So Sydaya, how old are you?"

"20, yourself?"

"Just turned 22. You missed my birthday by the way"

"Well happy belated, sorry I was unaware"

"It's cool, you can pay me back on my next one" he smirked still facing forward.

I bit my lower lip before facing away from him. "So do you go that club often?"

"Actually the day we first met was only the second time I've been in an actual club but since then I've become a regular hoping to run into you again"

My necked snapped in his direction. "Dead ass?" I quickly collected myself. "I mean really?"

He started laughing "yeah dead ass"

I blushed in embarrassment. "Sorry that slipped out. I've been with the girls too often but that's so sweet"

"It's cool, feel free to curse as much as you want we're both adults"

I nodded to myself. "So what do you do?"

"Job wise? I work in an office. Nothing major but I do get to travel pretty often. What about you?"

"Still in college so I don't get the travel luxuries"

"Oh really? You should be graduating soon then right?"

"Yup this is my third year"

"What are you planning to do after?"

"That's when the real work begins"

He nodded in agreement before we stayed in a comfortable silence.

•

After we picked up some Wendy's we went by the pier and talked while we ate but every time he'd make me smile or laugh I'd feel this guilt like I'm cheating.

"You okay?"

I picked my head up and looked straight ahead. "Yeah I'm fine"

"I know fine doesn't mean fine but I won't push if you don't wanna talk"

I started biting the inside of my cheek. "The first time me and you met me and my boyfriend of a couple years were kind of arguing. Well we're kind of on a break right now and I don't want to lead you on."

He slowly nodded his head before sipping some of his soda. "So you two are still working then?"

I opened my mouth then closed it again to think. "It's complicated but I'll find out pretty soon"

He nodded again. "I'll wait"

My eyebrows raised seeing as I wasn't expecting that answer. He noticed my expression and added that he's patient because good things take time and are usually worth it.