So Sudden

Chapter 5

"Talisha why do you do this to me everytime," I said dropping my bags down to the floor.

"Do what," she responded as if she had no idea of what I was talking about.

"You know I don't want to be left with a stranger all week. Why would you not tell me?" I was livid. Talisha was my best friend, my only friend. She knew me better than anyone, but she was always trying me.

"I knew you weren't gonna come if I told you I was bringing Kevin. Devan seems like a really nice guy and he is your type. Or at least what your type should be. I just thought you could loosen up a bit, let your hair down. You been so uptight ever since..." Talisha stopped talking me and stared at me with apologetic eyes.

"Every since what, Talisha," I said to her. My tone daring her to say it.

"Nothing, I just want you to enjoy yourself. We are here, the guys are here. Lets just enjoy ourselves." Talisha smiled a forced smile at me.

I quickly grab my things and got up to leave out of her room. "It really sucks that you are always thinking about yourself. Don't pretend this was for me, I said as I slammed the door behind me. I did not want to hear another word she said.

"Just the person I was looking for," Devan said as the elevator doors opened.

"What are you looking for me for," I asked not realizing that my voice was still filled with the attitude.

"I was going to ask you if you would like to attend this dinner with me. You just got to leave that attitude with you though," he said jokingly.

I eased up a little and smiled at him. "Is it gonna be one of those long boring meetings where we have to laugh at all your boss' jokes? I don't think I have the energy for that tonight."

He stepped towards me. His presence was so demanding that I had to look him in the eyes.

"Yes it will be one of those boring meetings where you have to laugh at the boss' jokes. But the kicker is: I am the Boss."

I felt so stupid. I was a business owner and I knew that I had probably just disrespected him. It was hard being a black business owner anywhere, but in MS it was nearly impossible. I had to put all of me into opening our own clinic. It was worth it but it was definitely a journey.

"I apologize, I didn't mean anything by my statement." I said turning my eyes away from him.

"Don't be," grabbing my hands, "you didn't know. How could you?" He was staring at me so hard it was giving me chills and I was afraid my hands would start sweating. Luckily for me, the elevator stopped and I was able to free my hands from his.

"So will you be attending the dinner with me?" He asked as I stepped off of the elevator.

"I didn't bring anything to wear."

"Its casual. You can wear whatever you like as long as you feel comfortable."

"What time do I have to be ready," I asked him. I can not believe that I was even considering going.

"2 hours," he said just as the doors to the elevator closed.

I headed down the hall to my room. As soon as I entered, I stripped out of all of my clothes and laid in the King size bed I made sure my room had.

What had I gotten myself into, I thought to myself. I knew damn well I did not want to go anywhere. It was just something about that smile that intrigued me. I needed to get out and knowing Talisha, she was gonna head straight to Bourbon St.

I turned on my side and looked at the mirror they had going sideways against the wall. I stared at myself. Analyzing every inch of me. My hair was not dinner worthy and since I decided to wear my own hair on this trip, I would have to spend the majority of the time on just that. My brown skin glowing. Too bad im the only one who sees it, I thought. My mind began to wonder what this dinner would be like. I wasn't sure just exactly what I was supposed to wear or how he imagined I would look like coming out. I had been in overalls and a tee. I always looked teenage-ish if I didn't do the most to myself.

I actually started feeling anxious. Staring in the mirror and thinking had wasted twenty minutes. I had no way to cancel and I could not avoid him, so I jumped up and headed towards the bathroom. I was hoping a nice hot shower would help me gather the energy and confidence I needed to be alone with this man.