Cruel Tenderness

[37] Truth

Lance P.O.V.

As I laid in bed, I admired her beauty. The sunrise had the room lit with light. I looked down at Tasha. Who was lying on my chest, sound asleep. The covers dropped down to her waist. I gazed upon her Melanin-Rich back. I wish the sheets were a little lower. So I could see that divine ass of hers. I worked my fingers on her scalp. Taking in this moment, I never thought I would see. Tasha had been playing hard to get for years, and I finally had her where I wanted her. In my arms, wrapped around my waist, hearing the faint beats of her heart. I thank God every day for that run-in at the movies. That was the definition of being in the right place at the right time.

~Flashback~

"Is that all you would like, sir ?" The young blue-eyed gentleman behind the concession stand asked. I nodded my head, pulling out my card, getting ready to purchase my order, but was interrupted.

"No, he would like to add some M&M's to that as well." She paused for a minute, looking down at the screen. Looking over what I had ordered. "And another Icee, red." She then pulls out her card. To give to the young man to be swiped. He took it and did exactly that. When the transaction was complete. He gave it back to her and told us our order should be ready in a minute. So, with that, we stepped to the side and waited

"Tasha." I said, finally speaking up.

"Lance." She said as she looked down, checking her phone for the time. I'm guessing her movie was starting in a minute, just like mines.

"Usually, you never want to have nothing to do with me. But, I see you came around." I knew this would get her attention.

"I still want nothing to do with you." She said, bringing her attention away from her phone and up to me. Sassy Tasha was something I have grown used too. "My movie is about to start and that line." She said, pointing over at it. "Is long, and I wasn't trying to be late. So, when I saw you. I moved in for the kill." She said, smiling after her last sentence.

"So, you used me?" I said, fake hurt. I could see her whole face change. She was stuck, and I loved every moment because Tasha was always the one bumping her gums. "Ayy, it's alright rather be used by you than anybody else." Soon as those last words left my mouth. We were being called to pick up our order. I grabbed her items first. I was handing them over to her before picking up mine. "Plus, you saved me money. I'm forty dollars richer." I said, throwing popcorn in my mouth. She rolled her eyes but chuckled at the same time. We made our way over to our auditoriums.

"So, which one out of the bunch was the lucky winner to win a movie date with you today?" Tasha blurted out. What was coming out of her mouth was the real reason she was not giving me a chance. She thought I was a player. Oh, and let her tell it. She doesn't do pink. I think everybody knows the rest.

"Ayy." I said, gently grabbing her arm, stopping her in her tracks. "The man you think I am. I am far from that, and if you gave me a chance. You would realize it. But, one thing for sure. If I was here with another woman. Her presence would have been known when you saw me. Why? Because I don't hide who I'm with, Tasha." I said, finally letting her arm go. She was now giving me her undivided attention. She was speechless yet again. "So, if you ever want to know. All you have to do is ask, and I'll tell you nothing but the truth. Stop painting me out to be a bad guy. Get to know me first and then judge." I said, stepping around her and heading to my auditorium. I was fed up at this point. I wasn't going to keep chasing somebody who thought so low of me.

As I reached my room, I walked in and noticed it was close to empty. I made my way to the top, found a seat in the middle and got comfortable. I brought my attention to the screen but was caught off guard when I saw Tasha walk in front of it. I watched her make her way towards me from the corner of my eye. My eyes were still focused on the screen. But I felt her presence sit down right next to me. She got comfortable in her seat before breaking the silence between us.