This Winter

Chapter 6

I missed writing in POV. Tell me which you prefer. Late night as usual but hey, I'm on schedule so enjoy!

PS. I got my author copy of Love and Basketball and it looks gorgeous!!!!

Leila's POV

"Welcome to footlocker! My name is Leila and I'll be assisting you today, is there anything you would like to look at in specific?" I repeated for the umpteenth time that day to a couple who looked to be my age.

"Can you point us in the direction of the timberlands and jordans?" The girl asked with a smile and I returned it, happy to deal with pleasant customers. 

"Of course. The jordans can be found in the back on the right wall and the timberlands in the back on the left wall."

"Thanks."

"Anytime," they headed towards the back before I went back to my post where Leila sat, enjoying her break. 

"Doesn't it feel nice to be able to walk without that stupid crutch?" harmony asked and I couldn't help but glance at my foot that was no longer wrapped up. A few weeks had passed from that incident and the tension between Devin and I hadn't changed. Whenever I entered the house he either was right about to leave or went straight into his room. He didn't even workout at 5am to do his annoying exercises anymore. 

"Yeah it feel's great."

"Thinking about Devin again, huh?"

"No," I muttered lying through my teeth.

"Well, good because the guy you're not thinking about is making his way over here," Harmony said with a smile before I turned my head to the entrance and sure enough, Devin and Joseph entered the store looking like a million dollars and some. Rocking faded white jeans, a skin tight black tee and an army green bomber jacket with Black Jordan's strapped to his feet. 

"Hey, baby, ready to grab lunch?" Joseph asked hugging his girlfriend. "Hey, Leila."

"Hey, Joseph. Hi, Devin."

"Hey, Leila. Nice weather was having huh?"

"Yeah it's been great," I replied stupidly before mentally smacking myself. Had it really come down to where we couldn't even hold a conversation.

"Wow," Harmony mumbled sarcastically. "Don't talk each other's ears off. Let's go, baby, these two need to work this out."

"I agree, come on let me treat you to lunch."

"Sounds good," Harmony replied giving Joseph a kiss before throwing up the deuces as they left the store, leaving Devin and I standing together awkwardly.

"Hey Leila, can I get some help once you're done?" The girl who had walked in with her boyfriend called and I sighed in relief.

"I'll be right back," I said before heading over to where they stood but I didn't make it far before Devin grabbed my hand.

"I need to talk to you."

"My break is in an hour."

"I can't wait that long, it's important and who knows when I'll have the courage to tell you this again," Devin said and I looked around just in time to see my manager exit her office and begin watching us. Just great. 

"My manager is out here so either you buy some shoes or you have to wait. Now if you'll excuse me," I said before rushing over to where the girl sat. Holding a pair of classic brown timberland boots in her hand, she felt along the body of the shoe.

"Do you have these in a size 8?"

"Yeah, give me a second and I'll grab you a pair."

"Thanks." With a smile, I headed to the back and went through the shelf before quickly grabbing a pair of size 8 timberlands and heading back into the store. 

"Here you are."

"Thanks again."

"No problem, let me know if you need anything else."

"Will do," she replied before trying on the shoe.

"Can I get some service?" A familiar voice called and I couldn't help but roll my eyes as I made my way over to where Devin sat.

"How can I help you, sir?"

"I want some advice."

"Then maybe you should see a therapist, if you haven't noticed this is footlocker," I replied causing him to chuckle.

"Your right but can I get your opinion on something?"

"Sure," smiling at my response, Devin slowly leaned in as I opened my mouth to remind him I was at work, he lifted my chin and brought our lips together. Finally! Our lips moved against each others in perfect harmony until someone cleared their throat. Opening my eyes, my mouth dropped open as my manager stood in front of me, looking less than impressed. 

"Am I interrupting something?"

"No, of course not. I'm so sorry Cassandra, it will never happen agai--" my words got cut off as she held up her hand to stop me from talking.

"It's fine but next time do it on your own time. Now sir, are you buying anything?"

"Yeah, I'm going to get these air forces so I can match with my girl," Devin said holding up a pair of white ones and my mouth slightly dropped open. When did he grab those? And since when was I his girl?

"Great, Leila you can check him out, and I do mean his shoes," my manager teased and I felt my face grow hot with embarrassment as she walked away laughing.

"Look what you did!" I said smacking him in his arm before he wrapped his arm around me.

"Did you feel that?"

"Yeah."

"Then that's all that matters, now come and check me out so a nigga can head home." I headed to the cash and put in the price before bagging his shoes.

"How do you want to pay?"

"Cash," Devin said as he pulled out his wallet and flipped through a couple of twenty's before placing it on the counter. I went through it counting a total of 180 when the shoes were only 140.

"Here's you change."

"Keep it."

"I can't keep a forty dollar tip Devin."

"You were very helpful."

"Not that helpful," I replied with a laugh and Devin chuckled.

"Fine. What time do you get home tonight?"

"Ten."

"Alright, we'll talk then," Devin said shooting me a grin before grabbing his shoes and leaving the store without another word. Not too much longer Harmony came back from her break with a grin on her face.

"So how did it go?"

"I have no idea."

"You guys didn't talk? Leila I swear you are so hardheaded sometimes--"

"Oh we did more then talk, we kissed," I said touching my lips hoping to relive the memory while Harmony screamed.

"What!"

"Yup."

"So what happens now?"

"I have no clue."