Sophisticated Sophomore (Love 101 #2)

by J. Nichole

  Pouting, I say, “I didn’t ask to leave. I just needed a few drinks then I would have been good.” Glancing at Monica with a raised brow, I say, “But this one here didn’t seem to think so.”

  “Dudes fighting and your jealousy is reason enough for us to leave the club.” Monica sticks her hand out. “Hand me the keys.”

  “What? I only had one drink. I’m good.”

  "Look, Laila, none of us are drinking age. The last thing we need is for you to get pulled over."

  Digging my keys out of my purse, I hand them to Monica.

  On our drive back to the hotel the girls try to talk me out of being mad at Chris. Nicole looks at me with tight lips and her brows raised. "Look, Laila, it was just a dance. Chris is a good guy. After tonight, just talk to him about it and tell him you'd appreciate if he didn't dance with girls at the club."

  “Then I sound crazy.”

  They all burst out laughing. “Sorry to break it to you but you are insane. I told you not to let Chris turn you crazy like Courtney." Nicole begins to laugh uncontrollably.

  My phone vibrates in my purse. When I see Chris’ name on the screen I roll my eyes and shove my phone back in my purse.

  Monica swerves and I just about come out of my seat. “Whoa! What are you doing?”

  "I saw something in the road. Chill out. I'll get us back to the hotel safely without a single scratch on your precious car."

  My phone vibrates again and instead of even looking at the screen I ignore it.

  Jennifer perks up and says, “I told those guys they could meet us in the hotel lobby.”

  Nicole looks at me and rubs my hand. “Maybe you could use a little male company.”

  "The same hotel Chris is staying? He could see us in the lobby with them."

  “Exactly. Make him a little jealous. Payback is a bitch.”

  Monica turns down the music. “We are here. Safe and sound.” She finds a parking spot and we climb out of the car. Before we can get into the lobby my phone vibrates at least two more times.

  “They should be here in a few minutes. Let’s run up to the room and freshen up a bit.” Jennifer looks extremely giddy, but strangely, she doesn’t seem like she’s drunk anymore.

  In the room, I step into the bathroom to reapply my make-up. Jennifer’s phone rings and she shouts, “They are here … let’s roll.”

  As the elevator opens, I see Chris standing there staring at his phone. He looks up and walks off the elevator, grabbing my arm.

  “Chris. What’s wrong with you?”

  “Laila, you alright?” Monica stands in the door of the elevator to keep it from closing.

  “She’s good. Let me talk to her for a second. I won’t keep her long.” Chris looks at me, waiting for me to confirm.

  “I’ll meet you down in the lobby in a few.” After the door closes, I pull my arm away from Chris.

  “Laila, after the gunshots and commotion at the club Sean told me he saw you there.”

  My mouth drops. “Gunshots?”

  “I was so afraid something had happened to you when you didn’t answer.”

  "We saw a fight and decided to leave." Leaning against the wall, I start massaging my temples. "I'm happy you are okay. Was anyone hurt?"

  "To be honest, I don't know. All of the guys I came with got out of the club okay. I rushed back here to make sure you were alright." Although this is a serious situation, I can't help but smile.

  “Thanks.”

  “Why didn’t you answer the phone?” Chris steps in close and pulls my chin up.

  I take a long breath and look away. I don't want to say anything, especially after what he's just been through at the club.

  “Laila. What happened?”

  “Okay, look, I don’t want you to think I’m crazy. I saw you dancing with that girl and I got pissed. Didn’t think I could get that angry.”

  Chris throws his head back then looks me deeply in my eyes. “I’m really sorry you saw that, Laila.”

  “It’s not just that you were dancing with her, but with the same moves you pulled on me the night we met.”

  “I don’t want you to be upset. It didn’t mean anything.”

  “Alright.”

  "It's not alright. You still look upset."

  “I’m just in my feelings. I’ll be good. Eventually. I need to catch up with the girls.” I hit the elevator call button.

  “I’ll be in the room. 545.” Chris walks away.

  The girls are surrounded by a group of guys in the lobby. Monica signals me over and scoots over on the couch. Jennifer makes introductions, “These guys are on the A&T basketball team.”

  I lean my ear in closer to Jennifer. “A&T basketball team?”

  The guy who attempted to dance with me earlier makes eye contact with me. “You don’t hold it against us that we are from A&T do you?” he says.

  "No. I know one of your teammates," I tell him.

  Exchanging looks with the other guys he looks back at me. “Really? Who?”

  “Josh.”

  His head snaps back. “Oh shit. Josh. How do you know him?”

  “He’s my best friend’s brother.” And the guy I had a crush on most of high school, despite the fact I had a boyfriend. “Is he in ATL this weekend?”

  “Yeah, I hear he is here with the other half of the team.”

  "Well, where are y'all staying at this weekend?" Nicole interrupts, not wanting the attention off of her. She leans in toward the guy she is talking to, attempting to shove her tits in his face. "Maybe we can get together tomorrow."

  “Maybe so, but tonight isn’t over yet. You trying to leave us already?”

  Monica leans in and whispers in my ear, “Looks like the stars are re-aligning. Upset with Chris and now Josh is in town.” She winks at me.

  Chapter Four

  My phone, vibrating again, awakens me. Chris hasn’t stopped texting me all night. After he saw us in the lobby with the A&T guys, and when I didn’t come to his room, I’m sure he was worried that I’d slipped away. I turn over and Jennifer is sprawled out across the bed. Monica and Nicole are passed out on the other bed.

  What time is it? Checking my phone, it’s ten o’clock and I have about ten messages from Chris and another message from an unknown number.

  850-345-6789: I hear you are in the A?

  I'm not sure if the person is from home or Tallahassee. Sucks that they have the same area code.

  Laila: Who is this?

  “Rise and shine ladies. I’m hungry. If you don’t get up you’re going to miss a ride,” I tell them. The only person who moves is Jennifer.

  “Isn’t it too early to eat? I feel like we just went to bed.” She looks at me through one eye, half-opened.

  “It’s ten o’clock … the game starts in a few hours but I need to eat before I can even think about getting dressed.”

  “I have snacks in my duffle bag, and you can have them all if you let us sleep for another hour,” Jennifer offers.

  "You better have some good snacks left." Getting out of the bed I search through Jennifer's bag and find a few bags of Jalapeño chips and a Snickers. Guess this will do. Grabbing my bag, I head into the bathroom. At least I can get dressed while these hung-over bums sleep.

  While the shower runs, I examine myself in the mirror. My hair is all over my head. I should have wrapped it last night. My eyeliner is smeared all over my face like I’ve been rubbing my eyes all night.

  When I climb into the shower my toes are almost scorched. The water is hot as fuck! I step out to adjust the water. When I get back in it’s nice and warm. Last night should have been much different. I should have been waking up next to Chris. Instead, I’m eating convenience snacks and waiting for these heifers to wake up.

  Washing every inch of my body, my towel lingers between my thighs for a moment too long. Closing my eyes I drop my towel and slowly slip a finger into my lady parts. I imagine Chris' lips, and it doesn't take long for me to be dripping wet. I rub faster an
d faster and my clit engorges like a round cherry. My body is heaving and my thoughts of Chris are interrupted by an image of Josh. I quickly move my hand and open my eyes. Dammit, I do not need to let Josh creep into my mind. I'm in love with Chris, even though I'm still mad at him.

  I rinse, then turn off the shower, and grab my towel. I hear someone moving in the room. Finally!

  The girls are all awake. Nicole looks at me and cocks her head. “That shower was a little long. You alright?” She laughs.

  “How do you know how long it was? You were sleep.”

  "I heard you when you got up, loud talking. I just kept my eyes closed." She looks at Jennifer, then Monica. "I got next. Laila used most of the hot water. There won't be much left." She hops out of bed and runs into the bathroom.

  Monica gets out of the bed and starts walking towards the bathroom. “I have to piss. Oh and Laila, your phone has been vibrating.” She stops walking. “You aren’t still mad at Chris are you?”

  “Something like that.” I grab my phone and see I have another text from the unknown number.

  850-345-6789: It’s Josh. I thought you had my number.

  Oh Shit! I knew I should have kept his number on my phone.

  Laila: My bad. No excuses. Yes, I’m in ATL.

  850-345-6789: Maybe I can catch up with you before you leave. Hit me when you have time.

  Jennifer looks at me with a grin. “And who is that?” She tries to snatch my phone. “Can’t be Chris if you are still mad at him.”

  Hiding my phone behind my back I say, “It’s Josh. Thanks to your new boo he knows I’m here.”

  “Well from that look on your face you don’t seem too upset.”

  Rolling my eyes I say, “Hurry up and get ready. Your Snickers and chips won’t hold me over for too long.”

  "Damn. Did you eat the chips and the Snickers? Greedy!”

  The L.U. band is on the field and they are exciting the crowd much more than the football team. The scoreboard looks pitiful, seven to thirty-five. At least our band is on point.

  The band plays Holy Grail and we are all on our feet cheering. As they exit the field for A&T's band, Nicole and I head to the concession stands. The Georgia Dome is massive and almost every seat is occupied. The lines at the concession stands are long. Our theme for the weekend. Long lines.

  “You talk to Chris yet?”

  "No, I'm being stubborn. I can't get over him dancing with that chick."

  Nicole shakes her head and sighs. “You have to get over it. You don’t want to lose a good guy over a dance.”

  “Good point.”

  While we are waiting on our nachos, someone taps me on my shoulder. I turn around, anticipating a random person, but when I see Josh’s hazel eyes, I freeze.

  “I thought that was you standing in line.” Josh smiles and my stomach does a couple of flips. I take a long look at him, examining his outfit. His jeans are hard pressed, his Polo shirt complements his brown skin and his loafers add a touch of sophistication.

  "Hey, Josh."

  He stretches his arms wide to embrace me in a hug. I accept his hug and try to back away after a few seconds, but he lingers, only pulling away when Nicole interrupts us. "Hey, Josh. Long time no see. How are you?"

  “Can’t complain, our team is dominating the field right now and I ran into this beautiful face.” Looking down at me, he places his hand on my arm. “It’s turning out to be a great weekend.”

  My cheeks flush and I can’t look at Josh. I turn to Nicole, “Good you got the nachos. Ready to go back to our seats?”

  Nicole looks at me like I’ve grown an extra head. “Aren’t you rude today? We can spend a few more minutes with Josh.” She looks at Josh and winks.

  “I won’t keep you long, Laila. As long as you promise I can see you before you head home. When are y’all leaving?”

  Looking at Nicole before I answer Josh I say, “We leave out tomorrow. I’ll hit you up later today and maybe we can connect. I think the ladies have plans with your teammates.”

  “I heard. Can I talk to you for a second?” Josh looks at Nicole with pleading eyes.

  Nicole nods her head. "I'll see you back inside." Before Nicole walks away, from the corner of my eye I see someone approaching us. Nicole looks up and doesn't move. Under her breath, she mumbles, "Awkward."

  Chris leans over and kisses me on my forehead. Thank God Nicole was still standing here.

  "Hey, babe." Josh's smile is now downturned and Chris is looking at the three of us with a blank stare.

  “This is Josh… Tanya’s brother.”

  Chris tilts his head back and laughs. “Josh, nice to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.” He gazes down at me, smiling softly. “I was just thinking you were someone trying to pick up my girl.” Nicole coughs and looks down at her feet.

  Josh snickers. “Naw man, you’re good. Nice to finally meet you.”

  “Alright, Josh. I’ll talk to you later.” Before Josh can disclose any intentions of meeting up with me later, I turn and walk away, Chris following closely behind me.

  “Laila.” Chris reaches for my hand and I allow our fingers to interlock. When we are out of Josh’s sight we stop walking. “I can’t take you ignoring me like this.” He drops my hand. “And seeing you talking to him.” He points in the direction of Josh. “Then in the lobby with those guys last night.”

  “Listen. I’m not straying, so don’t worry about that. I was and am still a bit upset. But I’m going to get over it.”

  Chris throws his hands up. “Maybe it was a bad idea for me to surprise you this weekend. And I shouldn’t have danced with that chick. Maybe I should just give you some space to enjoy the weekend and get at you when you get back to school.” Chris looks away from me.

  "Maybe that's a good idea." Without another word Chris turns and walks away. A part of me feels like it left with him. The most we've ever argued about is what we were going to eat for lunch or dinner. Tears begin to roll down my face and instead of walking toward the girls, I walk towards the restroom.

  With my head hanging low, I attempt to avoid all eye contact. Thankfully, most of the girls are in the mirror instead of waiting for a stall, so I hurry into the first open door. With my back firmly against the door I allow myself to release all the hurt… silently. Why am I this stubborn and confused? Chris is perfect for me, but Josh still manages to get in my thoughts.

  The roll of tissue is empty. I dig through my purse, looking for anything to wipe my tears away. Nothing. The chatter from the girls in the mirror hasn’t died down but I can’t hide in this stall forever. Finding a corner of the mirror I squeeze in, grabbing a couple of paper towels to wipe my face.

  I try hard to put a grin on my face. Walking back to my seat, I take several deep breaths. When I pass Nicole, she looks up at me, and her mouth drops. Guess I didn’t do that great of a job fixing my face.

  “Laila, what happened?” Standing up she pulls me into an embrace and says, “Whose ass do I need to kick? Chris’ or Josh’s?”

  A quiet laugh escapes me. “You should kick my ass. I’m so damn stubborn I can’t get over a fucking dance. Now Chris says he’ll give me space.”

  “Space?” Nicole lowers me into my seat while Jennifer and Monica are staring with wide eyes.

  "Yes, he said he'd let me enjoy the weekend and get at me when we get back to school." Looking down at my hands, I try to steady my words. "I've never seen him this upset."

  Jennifer reaches over and grabs my hand. “Nicole told us he walked up on you and Josh.” She pauses. “Do you think that made him upset?”

  "I don't believe that it helps. I just don't know what to do."

  Jennifer looks at me with her head cocked and brow raised. “I told you this whole boyfriend thing was a bad idea. So just take the space, try to enjoy the rest of the weekend, then when we get back to school, go see him and hopefully you’ll be over the dance scandal.”

  Monica slaps Jennifer’s arm. “First of all, stop being
a hater. I think you should call him when we leave. Don’t let this linger.”

  "That's all about Chris. Now, what about Josh?" Nicole purses her lips and waits for me to respond.

  Covering my eyes, I shake my head. What about Josh?

  “I figured you were a little too smitten when he walked up on us. And he was pouring it on strong.” Nicole looks past me to Jennifer and Monica and mimics Josh. “That hug lasted a lifetime.”

  Jennifer laughs. "He is one sexy ass Negro. I don't blame you if you want to test those waters. We did tell his teammates we would get up with them today. After the shooting at the club, they said they would rather hang at a restaurant. I'm sure Josh will try to be in the mix." She squints her eyes. "You cool with that?"

  "Yeah, I'm okay with that. I don't want to let all this ruin the weekend."

  Nicole looks at the scoreboard. “This game is over, let’s get out of here.”

  “I’ve never had an oyster before. I hear it’s an aphrodisiac.” Nicole peers over her menu and winks at the guy sitting across from her. Always flirting.

  Monica laughs. “I don’t think you need any help, Nicole.” The guys laugh along with Monica.

  The guy from the club, Dante, is sitting beside me trying his hardest to spit his game. “What about you? Do you like oysters?”

  I cut my eyes at him. Before I can respond he says, “Whoa. You alright?”

  "Yeah, I'm good."

  Dante turns to Monica trying to start a conversation with her instead. My phone rings, and it’s Josh.

  “Hey, Josh.” Dante looks at me when he hears Josh’s name. I slightly turn my head to keep him from listening to my conversation.

  “Can you come outside?”

  “How do you know where I am?”

  “You are there with my teammates. I just need to talk to you without your homegirls around.”

  "Alright." I stand up and tell the girls I'm heading to the restroom. They are all too engaged in the conversation to acknowledge me leaving.

  When I get in the parking lot I look around for Josh’s Jeep, but I don’t see it. A car rolls up beside me. “You looking for me?” Josh laughs. He parks and gets out of the car, leading me to the passenger side.