Sweep Me Off My Feet

Chapter 11: Innocent

“Okay, so your road manager will be Roshon—”

“Who?”

“Roshon Fegan…”

I gave Charlie a dumbstruck look.

“Just listen okay, questions later! I need you to know a few things now before I leave, but we’ll discuss the rest later.” She scolded sternly. I just nodded my head.

She’s going on some business trip, or something like that. I’m mad she planned this tour, but now she’s leaving me with some stranger to manage me.

“You’ll be going to New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Miami, Boston, L.A, of course, and…Louisiana— Lafayette to be exact.”

Her smile spread as my eyes widened.

“That’s my home town!—” Charlie hushed me. “I know, I just had to slip that in there for you; you’re welcome!”

Charlie gathered her things, ready to leave. “Well I have to get to packing…you’ll meet Roshon soon, probably when I come back, okay? He’s real cool, he’s gonna be like a manager, alright?”

“Yes, MOTHER.” I rolled my eyes sarcastically. “Alright then, deuces.” And she was gone.

This week must be trip week; Charlie’s leaving, Craig and Lillie left on Monday.

I walked back to the living room, where I was watching re-runs of ‘The Game.’ Derwin looks a hot mess in that ugly red suit, and that hat is hideous. Homie’s face was priceless when Melanie heard him and Dionne talking about his affair with Drew. He shouldn’t have cheated, you go Melanie!

A knock at the door interrupted my viewing pleasure. Ugh, who could that be? Ray’s out, and if that was him, he has a key, duh. Charlie is gone. Craig..Lillie..gone. I know for sure Samara and Jacob are busy cause they shot me down for plans.

It can only be one person; Eva. That’s right ladies and gentlemen. She’s officially become Ray’s stalker. Stays calling the condo and him. She’s always passing by, trying to catch him by chance.

It’s so entertaining really, cause Ray just acts like she isn’t there. Won’t speak to her, look at her— everything about her seems to offend him. He must be new, cause I’ve been treating her like that from the jump.

Speaking of Ray…..I don’t really know how to explain what happened, that early evening on the beach. I mean, duh, he vented and I sat there and listened like a good friend. He may have done me wrong, but I was gonna let him hurt like that, all alone.

But I went over the friendly line just a teeny bit. I hinted—okay said, that anyone would be happy to be with him….including myself.

Which you guys know is true. I like him, okay? I LIKE HIM. But I think he took it as a joke, the way he just flipped it into something funny. I’m not sure if that good or bad. Should I be happy he thought I was joking, or sad cause he thinks my feelings are a joke?

And what if he realized I was being serious, but made it a joke so it wouldn’t be awkward—, oh God. I can’t handle all these thoughts. Let me just let it be; if something is gonna happen, then it will.

I finally got up to the door, pausing right in front of it. “Eva, go away. Ray isn’t here. And like I’ve said before, even if he was, he doesn’t want to see you!”

No one spoke, normally, Eva whines back at me through the door. Maybe she needs to SEE me say it. I unlocked the door.

“Didn’t you hear me? I said—” I stopped, realizing who was at the door.

It was Trey. He was standing there with a confused look, carrying some textbooks in his hands.

“What are you doing here?” I asked him, eyeing his books.

“I need your help.”

*

“So tell me why you asked ME for help again?” I asked Trey, stretching as I stood up.

This youngin had the right mind to bring his semester final project over here, seeking my help. This kid!

He looked up from his school papers. shrugging at me. “Because you’re the only person I know that would at least try to help me.”

“Why does a vet school want you to make a business poster anyways?” I asked, looking at the paper that listed the project rubric and requirements.

“Well, this course is an independent course. I want to open my own animal hospital, so I have to know how to do all these things. If I’m running a business, well then I need a flyer/business card, right? Well this is it.”

I nodded my head; makes sense.

“Look at what I have so far.” He showed me a sketch he had on line paper. It was a rectangle with a crudely drawn dog in the middle. On top of that, he messily wrote: “Dr. Trey Young; Here To Make Your Animals Feel Better!”

I laughed, flinging the flimsy paper at him. “You suck, give it up, you’re gonna fail.” He sat back, sighing, putting his hand on his forehead. “You’re right..”

I looked at him sympathetically. “Well I’m sorry, but I write Trey. This is more like graphic design.”

“Which I know nothing about.” Trey added, looking at me all defeated. An idea came to mind just then!

“Wait, I think I know someone who can help…” I said, thinking of Cassie.

Trey’s eyes lite up. “Well call them, text them— I don’t care! I have to end this semester right, GOGOGO!” He probed me on.

“Alright, alright, calm down.” I joked, pulling up Cassie’s number.

*

“Hey Shai, what’s up?” Cassie smiled as she walked in, taking a look around. “Nice place.” She commented. “Alrighty, this way—” I led her to the living room.

I spun around, standing between the table and Cassie. I introduced them. “Trey, this is Cassie, she can help way better than I can.”

I watched as Cassie’s face lite up. She smiled as Trey’s gaze met hers. “And Cassie, this is Trey.” I said, returning to my long abandoned seat on the couch. I watched as Cassie shook his hand, adding her own greeting. Trey’s attention went back to his books; she took the chance to mouth “he’s cute” to me. I rolled my eyes, giggling quietly.

She took a seat beside him, pulling out her macbook. “Hope you don’t mind me in your personal bubble.” Cassie said flirtatiously, smirking at Trey, who smirked back.

“Ohh, so you wanna be a vet?” She asked, looking at him through her lashes. Oh boy, now he’s excited! “Yup! 1 more year and I can make all animals feel better! I have a strong passion for them!” He said, his eyes dancing with enthusiasm.

“Really? I have a Yorkie named Peanut!” She beamed at him, setting her laptop on the table. “Wanna see her?” She asked, pulling out her phone. Trey peered over near her, their faces almost touching.

“Aw she’s cute! I have a pitbull named baby Roc.” He told her. “Don’t laugh at the name!” They both ended up laughing anyways. “Hmm, maybe you can bring Peanut over someday, and I’ll bring baby Roc…and they can hang out.” Roc said, staring at Cassie with raised brows.

Cassie looked down and blushed, sneaking a peak at me. “I think Peanut would like that, we should make it happen…..”

Owwe! Look at Cassie. I should call her Sassy Cassie, with all this flirting.

A fleeting thought of Charlie came to mind. But I pushed it away. Charlie said they aren’t dating and won’t be for a long while. So Trey is free to do what he wants, Cassie can swipe him up if she wants.

But it’s all innocent anyways, right?