New Beginning

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

I've been back home for about a hour and already bored as hell. My children usually always keep me company, but I knew it was no way in a hell they were going to stay home with me tonight if they didn't have to. Naomi was still out in ATL living her best life with August, and Danny was working, so he claims. I already knew he wasn't going to be an option any way it went. I really hadn't talked to Chris today or yesterday because he had an event he was hosting at the gym today so he was pretty busy with doing that. Here I was, alone in this big house feeling lonely. I don't know how my mom loved this kind of life. It was suffocating.

I headed downstairs deciding to clean up the mess  I made earlier in the kitchen. I played my music loudly to drown out the quietness throughtout the house. I also didn't feel like listening to my toxic ass thoughts. They can be so exhaustingly overbearing. The more distractions I have the better for myself. I was nearly finished with the dishes when my phone rang. I walked over to the counter to check out who it was and it was Chris. My heart fluttered like it always does when he's mentioned. I can't ever stop these feelings to come when I think of him, but I also know in a twisted way I still love Danny.

"Hello?"

"What it do baybeeee," he greeted causing me to laugh. This boy was so damn crazy.

"What's up with your crazy ass?"

"Nothing much, I'm just getting home. The fundraiser was a success."

"Congratulations, I told you the turn out would be great. I missed you," I admitted on accident. I closed my eyes tightly mentally cursing myself for saying it.

"I missed you too Raya, I really did," he paused for a second having me anticipate what he would say next.  "It's actually the main reason why I called. I wanted to hear your voice, a text wasn't enough for me. I hope that doesn't sound bad."

"It's not at all," I answered more quickly than I should've. My logic wasn't speaking anymore, just my psychotic ass feelings taking over once again. "I'm happy to hear your voice too..."

"I'm glad to hear it's mutual,"he replied growing quiet again. "So What are you doing right now?"

"I'm cleaning up the house."

"That sounds boring fasho. Any plans for tonight?"

"It's definitely boring but it has to be done," I chuckled. "And no sir I do not. Naomi is Atlanta with August and my children are at a sleepover. I'm actually home alone trying to keep myself busy."

"Let's get out then my nigga," he yelled. "I'm going to have my daughter for the next two weeks so this will be like my last free night."

"Okay I'm down. Where to?"

"Don't worry about all that woman. Just get sexy and I'll be over there in a hour or so," he rushed.

"Fine," I laughed. "I'll see you in a hour or so."

Once I finished cleaning I walked over to the mirror in our living room looking at my raggedy ass image. I hadn't done anything with myself but brush my teeth, showered earlier, and threw on a wig. I looked a mess, so I needed to start getting ready immediately to make sure I would be ready in time. 

***

Chris pulled up slowly in my curved drive way. I could see he was shocked that I was already outside for waiting for him by his expression.

"Am I dreaming? Are you really ready," he asked as soon as I got in.

"Shut up! Stop acting like I just take forever. I can put some shit together when I need to thank you very much boo," I laughed. "And can you ever just greet me properly? You always got something smart to say."

"Naw you right baby you look amazing tonight," he smiled taking the time to actually look and admire me making me feel warm from his intimate stare. "You smell damn good too."

"Thank you love. It's a new fragance matter of fact."

"I can tell you're usually wearing that Chanel perfume you were telling me about on the phone," he replied. I just stared at him for a quick minute with my mouth slighlty opened.

"You actually rememeber that?"

"Of course," he shrugged as if it wasn't a big deal. "You were so excited about it when you were talking about it so I assumed it was something that made you happy. That's important."

"What's important?"

"Remembering and knowing the things that make you happy," he answered matter of factly.
I grew quiet after that. I was taken aback for sure, I wasn't expecting his response. For me, it's always the little details that makes my heart swell. He constantly impresses with how those exact things are what he takes note of. I can't lie I was secretly feeling Chris, but I didn't know what to do about that piece of information.

I looked over at him and boy, he was  a piece of art. He looked so handsome with his left hand on the steering wheel, leaning back in his chair, clenching his jaw every so often. He rapped along to the song playing to himself in his own world. I watched his plump pink lips move and I couldn't help to wonder what they would feel like on mines. I'm sure they were soft. I bet he was a good kisser too. Before I knew it I softly caressed the side of his face.

"You better stop that," he warned, but also while bringing his face closer to my reach. I smiled lazily, he was such a trip.

"Why? Am I turning you on," I taunted with a eyebrow raise.

"Not necessarily."

"Then why?"

"Because you're making me feel wanted and you're giving me feelings I know I can't keep," he said in all seriousness. Although, I should have stopped with the small, yet affectionate gesture, I just couldn't. "It's unfair Raya."

"I know and I'm sorry," I dropped my hand, sighing inwardly. We didn't say anything and I couldn't help to feel slightly awkward, but I didn't want my anxiety to ruin our time. *Sigh* Life could be so complicated sometimes.

**Hope y'all are still sticking with me! How are you all feeling about Raya and Chris's entanglement? Do you think Chris would be a nice fit for Raya? Is there anyone that's actually Team Danny? 🥴