So Sudden

Chapter 4

The whole ride had been uncomfortable for. Talisha had been forcing conversations between Devan and I. He seemed like a really nice guy, but I was not trying to get caught up in some dude. He did not live in Southhaven, which was refreshing. I had never ran across any man worth dating there. They were either financially poor or spiritually poor and it took a long time for me to learn that. I had my heart broken by guys I should have never given the time of day to and I completely engulfed myself with school and work.

"You guys we are almost there, " Talisha turned around smiling look back and forth at me and Devan.

"Im so ready to get out of these clothes and take a hot shower," Devan said attempting to stretch his long legs out. My mind began to wonder on how he would look at side of those clothes. He looked like he was working with a lot down there. I could feel myself heating up and now I wish I had braided my hair up. I was so caught up in my thoughts I didn't realize I had started staring at him until I heard Talisha and Kevin laughing. Devan must have noticed because when we made eye contact he smiled that beautiful smile at me and I felt a surge through my entire body that I had not felt in a very long time. 

I quickly turned away and began to ramble around in my purse. I wasn't exactly sure what I was looking for but I needed to distract myself quickly. I eventually found a hair tie and decided to put my hair into two braids. I could tell that Devan wanted to say something to me. I was hoping he stayed quiet. I was having a slight panic attack. I was not sure if I could speak without my voice shaking or start visibly sweating. I was just ready to get out of the car. I wanted to listen to some old r&b and talk about our history on this trip, but Talisha was set on making matchmaker. I on the other hand had major plans. 

I was so happy to see that we were off that bridge and coming into the city. We were staying at B on Canal. A nice little hotel I saw on Bookings.com. It was in walking distance of everywhere I wanted to go. I wanted to have coffee and beignets at Cafe' Du Monde, shop at the French Market, go enjoy the art in Jackson square, tour the cemeteries, listen to jazz, and so much more. There was a lot more to do in New Orleans than walk up and down the street acting like drunken baffoons. 

But no, I was about to get ditched with a dude I didn't know, or dragged up and down Bourbon Street for a whole week. Talisha was my girl but I hated when she did shit like this and I was going to let her know just as soon as we were alone together.

We finally made it to the hotel and Kevin found a parking garage for us to park in behind the hotel. I was ready to stretch and get to the room so that I could get some personal space. 

Devan walked around to my side and opened the door. He seemed like he was a gentleman but that smile told a different story. A story that I was not trying to find out anything about. My main focus was Joey right now.

"I guess we are gonna be stuck together," Devan said as he took my hand and helped me out of the truck. He lead me towards the back of the truck so that I could see Talisha and Kevin hugging and kissing as if they were teenagers who had snuck out of the house with little time to act grown. 

"I guess so," I said turning back towards the truck to get my purse and bags.

"Now do you think I'm going to let you carry any of those bags all the way to the hotel?"

"I honestly didn't think about it, I would have had to do it if you weren't here," I said shrugging my shoulders looking him in the eyes. I was developing an attitude the more I realized my original plans were going down the drain.

"Look Joey," Devan began to approach me. He smelled so good, just like a man. I don't know what he was wearing but it just smelled manly. My body was starting to heat up again the closer he got to me. It was an exciting yet uncomfortable and strange feeling. I did not want to be excited by this man; he was a total stranger. I tried to regulate my breathing and it was not working. 

"Yes," I managed to get out as I tried to concentrate on my breathing. It felt like he was a magnet pulling me in quickly. Girl get it together, you have barely spoken to this man. You have absolutely no reason to be this nervous, I told myself. 

"I understand what this trip means for you. I saw your place and checked out your style. I know this isn't just some party trip for you. Even where you chose to build your home tells a lot about you. I promise I wont make this trip about me and we can do whatever you had to do. I just have a dinner attend to and then you can drag me everywhere you originally planned on dragging Talisha." He flashed that captivating smile at me again and I smiled back. "I have been down here plenty of times and I may be able to take you to some places you didn't see on google."

I smiled and stuck out my pinky. "You gotta pinky promise, 'cause I been looking forward to walking through the cemeteries since I booked this trip."

Devan looked down at my finger and chuckled, then stuck out his pinky. "Showing a beautiful woman like you isn't something I have to be convinced to do, but I give you my word. I got you."

Just as we locked fingers, Talisha came and grabbed me around my neck. "I see we are playing nice."

"You left us no choice," I said giving her the same attitude I was previously giving Devan. 

"Oh girl, you gonna have fun, " Talisha said prancing back off towards Kevin and Devan as they began grabbing bags out of the trunk. She was trying to avoid confrontation, but I decided to play nice in front of the guys. We were to far away from home for me to not make the most of the trip.