Large and in Charge

by La Jill Hunt

  “You sound like Chastity. Dev hasn’t been around him enough to know whether she’s interested in him, that’s the problem. There’s nothing about him for her not to like, believe me.” Asha took a sip of her wine.

  “I see. Well, if she’s not responding, then it’s safe to say that she’s not interested. Devyn doesn’t seem like the type to not know what she wants.” Sully took another bite.

  “True. But there’s gotta be something else, and I don’t know what it is.”

  “So, you think he’s that great of a guy?” Sully looked at her.

  “Yes,” Asha nodded. She could see the wheels turning in Sully’s head. He was thinking hard. Asha began nibbling at their appetizer while she waited for him to speak.

  “Well, here’s a thought,” he told her. “Seeing that Devyn doesn’t want him, why not introduce him to Ingrid. He sounds like he’s her type.”

  Suddenly, the wine Asha was in the middle of sipping became lodged in her throat along with the calamari, and she began coughing uncontrollably. The glass slipped from her hand, and the shattering sound it made as it hit the floor echoed through the restaurant. Sully jumped from his seat to help. Other diners at nearby tables and the waitstaff stared in disbelief. Tears formed in her eyes as Asha struggled to breathe. Sully pulled her from her chair, wrapped his arms around her, and squeezed into her diaphragm with enough force to dislodge the mass in her throat. She gasped.

  “Oh my God, baby, are you okay?” Sully panted.

  Asha, still unable to talk, nodded, and sat down again. Someone rushed over and handed her a glass of water. She took small sips as people began to applaud Sully for his heroic act. He kneeled beside her, rubbing her back.

  “We called 9-1-1,” one of the waiters informed them.

  “I think she’s okay,” Sully told him. “But maybe we do need to go and get her checked out.”

  “Wow, you saved her life,” a woman sitting at a table beside theirs said to Sully.

  Asha closed her eyes and concentrated on her breathing. Yes, Sully had saved her life. But the only thing Asha could think about was the thought that had entered her head as soon as Sully made the horrific suggestion . . . Over my dead body.

  Chapter 19

  Devyn

  Smitten. That was the only word Devyn could think of that described how she’d been feeling for the past week. Someone had disrupted her cocoon of a sedate, protected life. She found herself exposed and vulnerable. In a matter of days, she’d faced her past, conquered her fears, and created a plan for her future. Best of all, she’d laughed and smiled, thanks to Nigel Brewer, who, ironically, wasn’t what Devyn would ordinarily consider being her type. Granted, he was tall, like most of the guys she dated, but Nigel wasn’t overwhelmingly handsome. He was cute, in his own way, with attractive eyes, a strong jawline, and a dominating presence because of his size. But Nigel’s magnetism went beyond his physical appearance. Her newfound ally proved himself to not only be supportive and motivating, but also quite entertaining. His quick wit, off-the-wall humor, and subtle intelligence kept her engrossed. Each morning, he sent a text with a motivational quote or funny meme.

  Devyn quickly began looking forward to their nightly phone conversations that would last for hours. Simply put, Nigel had good energy, and Devyn liked him. She also knew that he liked her. But she couldn’t really tell precisely in what way. He was flirtatious, but that was part of his charm. Devyn didn’t know whether he was joking or serious. Why does it matter? I mean, I’ve only known this man for what? A week? Chill out. There was also the small detail about his past with Ingrid that she hadn’t mentioned. She thought about bringing it up, but each time, she decided not to, for some reason. Just have fun and play it cool.

  Just as she was leaving work, Nigel called and invited her to keep him company while he set up the lab for his next class. Not having any Friday night plans, Devyn quickly accepted and made a beeline to change into something a little more flattering than the drab black pants and gray cardigan she had on. She paused long enough to have a five-minute conversation with Chase, then headed to Culture.

  “That looks good. What is it?” Devyn asked when she walked into the lab.

  “Honey garlic glazed salmon.” Nigel looked up from the pan of fish that he was garnishing. The smile he gave her was bright and instantly let her know that he was as happy to see her as she was him. The warmth of his aura was seductive. Even in his jeans, Culture apron, and matching baseball cap, there was no denying to her that he looked good.

  “Why are you cooking it now? Are you testing out the recipe?” She gave him a quick hug before hopping on one of the stools.

  “No, I got a last-minute call from a client who needed me to whip up dinner,” Nigel explained. “Normally, I would go to their kitchen, but I still have to prep for tomorrow’s class, so I’m kinda killing two birds with one stone. Hook everything up, pack it, and he’ll swing by and pick it up. All he has to do is pop the pan in the oven and bake for twenty-five minutes, heat the glaze, and pour on top. Then sauté the veggies which have already been seasoned, open a bottle of wine, and voilà.”

  “Wait, so I’m gonna assume whoever he’s serving has no idea you cooked it and not him, huh?” Devyn shook her head. “Guys are so shiesty. Here you are, helping them lie to these poor, unassuming women.”

  “Whoa whoa whoa. Technically, he is cooking it, not me. I’m just giving him a hand, that’s all. Ain’t nobody being dishonest.” Nigel tossed one of the carrots he was chopping at her. Devyn caught it and threw it back at him.

  “I must admit, this is kind of a cool idea. You should market it. ‘Date night boxes’ or something like that. Create a menu for folks to choose from. People could order them ahead of time for special occasions and stuff. Kinda like they have those meal prep boxes,” Devyn suggested. “Imagine if someone could pick up Sunday dinner in a box: chicken ready to be fried, greens seasoned and ready for the stove, oh, and macaroni and cheese.”

  “Don’t forget sweet, hot water corn bread mix that you can either pour to make muffins or bake in a skillet,” Nigel laughed.

  “Exactly. It can be a meal kit service for Black people. Genius.” Devyn began clapping. “Just don’t forget about me when you make your first million.”

  “Never. I should be the one telling you not to forget about me. I saw your little Pivot video with you looking all cute. I liked it.” Nigel sprinkled some seasoning on the vegetables he’d finished chopping, then put them into a plastic container.

  “Did you really, or are you just saying that? Be honest.”

  The video had been Chase’s idea after they finished the impromptu photo shoot. Devyn had been so nervous while filming that it took nearly twenty takes until she was semisatisfied. After a little editing magic from Chase, the final result was almost decent. In her opinion, even though she looked fat, she did sound way more confident than she was.

  “I really did, and the pictures are excellent too. It was a great marketing move.”

  “The jury’s still out on that,” she sighed.

  “How so?” Nigel frowned.

  “People are saying that my sudden reappearance is because D’Morgan is the girl in Tremell’s upcoming sex tape. They’re accusing me of doing damage control so that my image won’t be tarnished. As if that’s even possible,” Devyn explained. Despite Chase’s efforts to hide the ridiculous blog posts insinuating that Devyn was Tremell’s costar, Devyn read them. “I’m hoping I’m doing the right thing, especially since the girls and I are doing this photo shoot next week. I’m more worried about their reputation than mine.”

  “Considering the fact that you aren’t in this alleged sex tape that no one has even seen, I think you’ll be fine. Devyn Douglass and Pivot are definitely gonna be a force. I’d holla at her before I would check for D’Morgan’s ass, for sure.” Nigel raised an eyebrow, once again, causing Devyn to wonder if he was flirting to show genuine interest or to be funny.

  “Would you really?”
Devyn smirked at his enticing vote of confidence.

  “Well, maybe . . . It depends,” he shrugged. “I mean, she’s beautiful, smart, and all, but . . .”

  “But what?” Devyn put her hands on her hips and waited for his answer.

  “I mean, I’m a big guy. I need a woman who can cook, and we all know one thing Devyn Douglass can’t do is prepare a meal,” Nigel teased. “The woman burned shrimp—the easiest thing in the world to cook.”

  “I did not,” Devyn replied.

  “He’s right. I was there, remember?” Nadia walked in and added.

  “Look at this. The two of you double-teaming me.” Devyn shook her head.

  “Nope, we’re just honest with you. That’s what friends do,” Nigel said.

  Friends. Devyn’s heart sank a little. She’d gotten the answer she’d been looking for. He just wanted to be friends. At least, she knew now, before she played herself by thinking anything else. Be relieved. Being friends means there’s no pressure. The last thing you need in your life is the pressure of being in a relationship.

  “Don’t let him get to you, Devyn. He doesn’t think anyone can cook, including me. And I know I can burn,” Nadia told her.

  “Yeah, burn some cinnamon rolls,” Nigel responded.

  “That was one time, jerk. I was 12, and that was only because I fell asleep. If you’re gonna tell the story, tell it all.” Nadia walked over and punched him in the arm. “Where’s Hakeem’s order? He’s on his way to pick it up.”

  Nigel boxed up the food and handed it off to his sister.

  “Nice seeing you again, Devyn,” Nadia said.

  “You too,” Devyn replied.

  When she was gone, Nigel looked at her. “You hungry?”

  “I mean, I can eat,” Devyn told him.

  “Cool, how about I give you the chance to redeem yourself?”

  Devyn gave him a suspicious look. “What do you mean?”

  “You cook us dinner while I finish setting up for tomorrow night,” Nigel offered. “I mean, I have some leftover salmon here, and all you have to do is chop the vegetables. But if that’s too hard . . .”

  Devyn stood up. “No, it’s not too hard, jerk. Give me an apron.”

  For the next two hours, they laughed, talked, and listened to music while he guided her as she prepared the meal, which turned out amazing. After eating, she washed the dishes while he packed up the leftovers for her to take home.

  “This was a lot of fun. Thanks for the invite,” she said as he walked her out the back entrance to her car. “And dinner.”

  Nigel pulled her in for a hug. Devyn closed her eyes and enjoyed the warmth of his body against hers. He put his chin on her head while her head rested on his chest. It was the perfect ending to a great night. The only thing that would’ve possibly made it better would’ve been a kiss.

  Friends, she reminded herself, and friends don’t kiss.

  “Don’t forget to call me and let me know you made it home. As a matter of fact, call me before then,” Nigel smiled when he released her from his arms. “You can keep me awake while I drive home. A brother is tired.”

  “Oh, so, now, I’m your entertainment while driving?” Devyn asked.

  “Don’t act like you don’t wanna call, Devyn. We both know you do.” He playfully patted her on the shoulder.

  “How about I call you now before I even get in the car?” Devyn reached into her back pocket, expecting to take out her phone, but it wasn’t there. It dawned on her that her phone hadn’t made a sound all night. “Shit, my phone.”

  “Where is it?” Nigel asked. “Did you leave it inside?”

  “No, I don’t think I brought it with me.” The image of her tossing her phone on her bed when she was changing clothes flashed in her mind. She’d been in such a rush that she’d forgotten to pick it up on the way out. She could only imagine the number of texts and calls she’s probably missed.

  “I guess you won’t be calling me, huh?” Nigel smiled.

  “I’ll text you when I get home.” Devyn gave him another hug, this one much shorter than the last. After tossing the bag of leftovers onto the passenger seat, she hopped into the car and headed home.

  “Chastity, I’m back,” Devyn yelled when she walked into the house. “And guess what? I got dinner.”

  Devyn expected to hear some sort of response. When she didn’t, she put the food in the kitchen and went into the spare bedroom that Chase had claimed as her own. Chase wasn’t there. Devyn headed to her room and grabbed her phone, still on the bed where she left it. She had a couple of missed calls from Asha, and a few from a number she didn’t recognize. After sending Nigel a quick text letting him know she made it home safely, she called Chase.

  “Devyn, where the hell are you?” Chase answered.

  “I’m home. Now, where the hell are you because you aren’t here,” Devyn answered as she sat on the side of her massive bed that she inherited from Uncle Julian.

  “I’m at the hospital with Asha. We’re in the ER.”

  Devyn’s heart began beating so fast that she could hear it. Her fingers trembled, and her phone nearly slipped from her hand. “Hospital?”

  “I’m fine, Devyn. I choked on some damn calamari, that’s all,” Asha yelled in the background. “Chase, I told you not to say anything. You know she’s probably about to freak out. Gimme the damn phone.”

  “Hold on,” Chase said.

  A few seconds later, Asha’s voice was loud and clear. “Devyn, girl, nothing’s wrong. Food went down my windpipe the wrong way.”

  “Asha?” Devyn’s voice cracked, and she blinked away the tears.

  “Dev, breathe. I’m fine and literally getting ready to walk out of here.” The relaxed, calmness of Asha’s voice gave Devyn a slight bit of relief, but her anxiety was still at full throttle. She hated hospitals for so many reasons, and to know that Asha was at one was frightening. In Devyn’s mind, Asha being there meant that she had to be sick or hurt, and if she was either, there was a possibility that she might die. Death, especially that of a loved one, had become her biggest fear.

  “I’m on my way. I can come right now,” Devyn softly told her in an effort to be supportive to her best friend.

  “I won’t be here when you arrive. Hold on,” Asha told her. A few seconds later, the phone chimed with an incoming FaceTime call. Devyn hit the answer button and stared at Asha’s smiling face on the screen. “See, I’m fine. I’m just exhausted.”

  “She is.” Chase’s head popped over Asha’s shoulder, and Devyn could see they were walking. “I’m taking her home now.”

  “What happened?” Devyn asked.

  “I told you, I choked,” Asha said.

  “Sully, the Senior, gave her the Heimlich and saved her. He’s her hero.” Chase leaned into the screen and announced.

  “Shut up, Chase. You talk too much.” Asha began running her hand through her dreads. “I really need to get these retwisted.”

  “I told you I could do them and add some color to give you some flavor.” Chase smiled.

  “No, thanks, I’m good.” Asha shook her head. “Dev, I’ll call you when I get home. Love you.”

  “Love you too.” The panic attack Devyn was on the brink of having minutes earlier disappeared, and she laughed at the two people who meant the world to her. Asha and Chase had always been in her corner no matter what, especially Asha, which was why Devyn decided not to mention anything to her about Nigel. Besides, she and Nigel were just friends, nothing more. But even a simple friendship with him had the potential to cause major complications, considering the circumstances. Unless something between Nigel and her changed, the less Asha knew, the better.

  Chapter 20

  Asha

  “You’re leaving?” Sully rushed to Asha’s side as soon as she walked into the waiting room of the ER. She’d insisted he go home and get rest as soon as Chase arrived, but he refused.

  “I’ll go get the car,” Chase told her. “Be right back.”

>   “No, you don’t have to do that. I’ll take her home,” Sully offered, then clarified. “She’s staying at my house.”

  Chase looked at Asha, waiting for confirmation of some sort.

  “No, Sully, I’m going home, to my house,” Asha told him. “I’ll call you in the morning. Chastity will make sure I’m good.”

  Chase gave Asha a nod, then headed toward the exit.

  “Asha, you don’t need to be by yourself. I’ll come to your house and stay with you.” Sully put his arm around her as she started walking toward the same door Chase had gone out of.

  “Goodness, Sully, there’s nothing wrong with me. There really wasn’t a reason for me to even be brought here, especially by ambulance.” Asha shook her head. Seeing the disappointment in his face, she said, “I am grateful for your help. But even the doctors said it was just a scare.”

  “Then I should be with you in case you have another one and need me,” he told her.

  Asha was exhausted and didn’t have the energy to argue. All she wanted to do was go home, take a shower, and get into her bed. Had it not been for Sully, she could’ve been checked into the morgue instead of being checked out at the hospital. The least she could do was let him take her home.

  “Fine,” she relented.

  He gleefully slipped his arm through hers and escorted her outside, just as Chase was pulling up to the door. “I’ll go get my car. Wait right here.”

  Asha motioned for Chase to roll down the window. “He’ll take me home. Thanks.”

  “You sure?” Chase asked with a look of uncertainty.

  “I’m sure.” Asha nodded. “Thanks, Chase. You had my back tonight. I take back every bad thing I said to Devyn about you. I appreciate you.”

  Chase smiled. “It’s all good. No one pays attention to anything you say about me anyway. I love you, Ash.”

  “Love you too,” Asha told her. Chase waited until Asha got into Sully’s car, and they all drove off.

  “Are you sure you don’t want to come to my house?” Sully asked again.