This Winter

Chapter 3

"Let's go, baby!" Harmony cheered encouragingly as Joseph sprinted down the field, the football resting in between his arm and his side before the crowd went wild with excitement as he entered the end zone. "That's my man!" Harmony yelled and Leila couldn't help but shake her head.

"Girl sit down!" Harmony pouted as she took a seat and Leila bit her lip to stop herself from laughing.

"I'm just getting into the football spirit," and that she had. Wearing Joseph's football jersey with black tights, black and green paint on her face and her non-stop cheering, no one could ever excuse her of not being in the spirit.

"Don't you think you're doing too much? This is a prep game, it's not that serious," Leila told her friend before a player from the other team body slammed Devin into the ground.

"What the hell is that!" Leila yelled jumping up. "Is no one going to yell foul!" 

"Not that serious huh?" Harmony asked crossing her hands and Leila shrugged.

"That was different."

"Mhm, sure it was," Leila opened her mouth to defend her actions when Devin scored a point and both she and Harmony broke out into cheer. The game continued with Devin and Joseph earning points for their team until the game finally ended with a score of 45-39. Grabbing Leila's hand, Harmony dragged her onto the field before embracing her boyfriend in a hug leaving Leila and Devin standing there.

"Baby you were amazing," Harmony said with a smile.

"Thanks, babe. I really appreciate you cheering me on."

"You were pretty good out there," Leila said finally causing Devin to grin.

"Thanks. I see you're all in the football spirit," Devin teased, looking at her outfit. After Harmony had threatened her life, both she and Leila were matching.

"I was forced."

"I have an idea," Harmony said suddenly causing Leila to groan.

"Here we go again," Leila mumbled earning a smack in response.

"We should celebrate this win with a party," Harmony proposed and Joseph nodded his head.

"That's a great idea babe."

"That sounds like fun but I have a business proposal I have to finish writing so count me out," Leila replied.

"Boo! Your no fun. What about you Devin?"

"Sorry Harmony, I have work in like an hour."

"Oh okay."

"Wait what? Why am I no fun and he's okay?"

"Because you're missing a party for school work, at least he's getting paid to miss something fun," Harmony pointed out with a knowing look.

"Next party, I swear."

"You better," Harmony said with a laugh before pulling Leila in for a hug. "I'll see you tomorrow in dance."

"Later," Leila watched as Harmony and Joseph walked away before Devin started a conversation.

"So can I give you a ride home?"

"I guess I have no choice, Harmony was my ride," Leila replied before clearing her throat, "thanks for the offer."

"Anytime. It's this way," the walk to his car was filled with a comfortable silence unless a fan who had come to watch congratulated Devin on his win until finally, they stopped in front of his car. Leila moved to open her door when Devin lightly bumped her to the side before opening her door for her. 

"What a gentlemen. Thank you," Leila replied as she slid into the car.

"Some of us still do exist," Devin teased before jogging to his side of the car and sliding in before pulling out and zooming down the road. 

"So Leila..." Devin started.

"So Devin..." Leila mocked before Devin chuckled.

"When are you going to show me some of those dance skills?"

"How about... Never?"

"Aw come on, don't be like that. Believe it or not, I actually want to learn to dance."

"Really?"

"Yes really, don't look so shocked. A nigga can't be the whole packed." Devin said earning a laugh in response.

"Alright, I'll teach you to dance. Perfect timing, we're doing an assignment on choreography."

"In that case, your welcome."

"For what?" Leila asked raising an eyebrow.

"I'm helping you out."

"Your the one that wants to learn to dance."

"Not the point."

"I think it is. Thank you for the ride," Leila said as he came to a stop right in front of their house.

"No problem."

"Good luck on your show."

"Thanks, you should listen in. 93.4Fm Radio, seven to midnight," Devin recited as Leila headed to the front door.

"I'll think about it."

"You do that," Devin watched as Leila entered the house before putting his car back into drive and zooming off.

***

Have a great evening

Leila Harter

Leila smiled at the rough copy of her business proposal before hitting the print button on her computer and waited patiently for the sheet to come out. Quickly grabbing it, Leila grabbed a red pen before heading into the kitchen to grab a snack. Although Leila would never admit it, the house was unusually quiet with Devin inside and she couldn't stand the silence. Unable to help herself, she switched on the radio and flipped to 93.4FM Radio.

"Alright, next caller, who is this?"

"This is Candy, the woman of pleasure." Leila couldn't help the laugh that escaped her lips at the caller. Oh gosh. 

"Let's just call you Candy. So what do you think Candy; Do you believe that women and men are equals?"

"I believe that women and men are not equals. Women should cater to their man's every need and pleasure them like I do,"  Candy purred into the phone and Leila couldn't help but roll her eyes. Figures she would same something like that, Leila thought to herself. Way to set womanhood back a few hundred paces. 

"So you don't believe in gender equality?"

"Of course not."

"That's all caller, thank you for joining us-"

"-Wait I'm not done. If you ever--" Candy's voice drifted out into nothing before Devin spoke up again.

"Alright well, I guess it's time for my opinion. Well, to be honest, I feel like women and men should be equal and that it's fucked up that people think otherwise. Women are the reason that mankind is still alive so why shouldn't they be equals? I'll let yall think about that while J cole serenades your ears. This is Dev, enjoy!" The smooth introduction beat to J Cole's "Crooked Smile" began to play and Leila couldn't help but smile. Who knew Devin was so deep? Leila thought to herself before turning off the radio and heading to bed with one guy on her mind and sure wasn't J Cole.