by Unknown
Smiling Shane said, “We’ll see you later.”
Shane had VIP parking at Madison Square Garden and because they had floor seats they were able to avoid the crowd and go in through a private entrance. Jason didn’t know this, but Shane had a lot of pull and connections to any event that was being held in the city. He knew so many people through his business connections and family connections that he didn’t have to do much to get VIP treatment. As they entered the building, Shane was greeted by a security guard who knew Shane.
“Good to see you Shane, it’s been a while.” The security guard said as he shook Shane’s hand.
“It’s good to see you too Shawn. This is my main man Alex. I wanted him to meet a few of the players if that’s okay.”
“Nice to meet you Jason. I can take you guys to the floor now. The Knicks are warming up at the moment. We can stop by Miami’s locker room too on the way. I’ll see if I can get you guys in to meet some of those players too.”
Shane looked down at Jason whose eyes were so big they looked like saucers.
“Let’s do it!” Shane said as he put his arm around Jason’s shoulders.
A short time later they reached the Miami Heat locker room, and Shawn went inside to get the okay for them to come inside. He opened the door and waved them in. The players were so tall that even Shane felt short. Many had just got finished changing out of their street clothes into their warm up clothes. Shawn introduced them to just about the entire team, and later to Dwayne Wade and LeBron James. Jason even got to take pictures with them.
Shane thought Jason would keel over he was so star struck.
They left the locker room and headed towards the floor of the arena to see the Knicks practice. Jason was on such a high that he didn’t even care to meet any of the Knick’s players. He kept looking at the pictures he took with LeBron and D-Wade and made Shane forward them to his phone. Then Jason text messaged them to his friends.
They met many of the Knicks players before the game started. They sat down the row from Spike Lee. Jay Z sat near them as well. They were surrounded by so many celebrities that Jason was barely able to focus on the game. Miami won the game, but Jason was still too excited to be disappointed. He got to witness LeBron James make ridiculous dunks in person. It was so unreal he’d never forget it. And he took plenty of pictures to document the experience. Later at dinner Shane asked Jason about school, girls, and his dad - the normal guy stuff that they talked about whenever they got together.
“Remember the girl I told you about that I liked?” Jason asked as he popped a French fry in his mouth.
“Yeah, Lena is her name right?” Shane asked.
“Yeah, that’s her. Well, I finally got up the nerve to ask her out a few weeks ago.” Jason said with a sheepish grin on his face.
Shane’s eyes got wide with surprise, and a big smile came across his face. “What? Why didn’t you call and tell me? What did she say?”
“She said yes, of course!” Jason said confidently.
“That’s what’s up man! And here you were scared to ask her out,” Shane said as he gave Jason some dap.
“I wasn’t really scared. I just had to be sure that she wasn’t seeing anybody. She is the prettiest girl in the school though. That would intimidate most dudes, but I wasn’t. Guess I got that from my pops.” Jason said, anxious to bite into his double cheeseburger with the works.
“It’s good to be confident like that. I was a little shy in school, but when it came to a girl I liked I always went for mine.”
“Are you seeing someone now?” Jason asked with an eyebrow raised. He’s been on Shane to get back into the dating game.
“No, I’m not seeing anyone,” Shane replied as he wiped his mouth with his napkin.
“Are you at least interested in anyone? You can’t be single forever man!” Jason said shaking his head.
Thinking for a moment on whether or not to tell Jason about Satra Shane decided to go ahead and tell him.
“There is someone that I’m interested in. She’s beautiful, sexy, smart, sweet…”
“So what’s the problem?” Jason interrupted, his face aglow with excitement that his big brother is interested in someone.
“We work together and I don’t date those I work with. It’s too risky.”
Frowning and waving him off Jason said, “Can’t y’all do the down low thing and just keep it a secret until you figure some other way to be together? What if she’s the one? You can’t let your job keep you from your future wife man!”
To be so young Jason was very mature and smart. Smiling at Jason Shane said, “Believe me I’ve been thinking things through, and it’s just bad timing right now. Who knows, things may change later,” Shane said.
“I’m shocked!” Jason laughed. “I thought you were gonna give me your usual lame line about being too busy with work and all that jazz. So tell me more about this lady. What’s her name, what does she look like and does she have any younger cousins or sisters?”
Shane laughed and said, “Well her name is Satra.”
“Satra…. that’s a pretty name, and different.” Jason said after repeating her name again.
“Yeah, that’s what I thought too when I first heard her name.” Shane agreed.
“She’s African American….”
“What? You dig the sistas? Aw man that’s major!! You know what they say, once you go black you never go back!” Jason laughed as he high-fived Shane.
Shane shook his head and chuckled at his young friend. “I knew you had a little swag to you Shane. It’s something about you….I don’t know what it is, but I can see you with a sista.”
“Well thanks, I think,” Shane said half laughing. “And Yes, I’ve heard that saying before and believe me I don’t want to go back to anyone. Let’s finish up so I can get you home,” Shane said as he picked up his double cheeseburger and took a bite.
The game and dinner turned out to be what Shane needed to unwind from a very stressful couple of days. They finished their burgers and fries, and Shane paid the bill and left a nice tip for the waitress who was very nice to them. Jason and Shane continued to talk about women during their drive home. Jason wanted to know how a guy knew when they found “the one.” Jason listened intently as Shane listed some things, but not telling him that these were all the things that made him fall for Satra.
“She has to be someone who is always herself around you. She doesn’t try to be someone she’s not and doesn’t go overboard trying to impress you. She’s professional when it calls for it, but above all else she conducts herself as a lady at all times. Me, myself, I love feminine women, but I also love a woman who isn’t scared to get dirty. She wouldn’t turn up her nose at the idea of going hiking or playing softball or doing something that takes her out of her comfort zone. I also love a woman that’s sexy when she doesn’t even know she’s being sexy. She’s easy to talk to about anything and makes you laugh and doesn’t have a conceited bone in her body even though she’s beautiful. Basically having a lot of things in common, wanting the same things in life and connecting in all the important ways. If you find all the things you want in a woman and then some, she’s the one.”
Jason just nodded his head in agreement before he finally said, “Wow…..that’s cool man. I’m gonna remember that for when I get to that point in my life. Like after college and stuff. I want to stay focused on school and get my law degree. I don’t want any distractions, and that includes getting serious with a girl.”
“That’s very admirable Jason, and I want you to stay focused on school and get your degree. Sometimes though, things like love come your way when you least expect it. I never thought in my wildest dreams that I’d meet someone like Satra, and she’s blown me away like no other woman ever have. That’s why I’m having a hard time focusing and keeping things professional.” Just then, they pulled up in front of Jason’s house. The living room lamp was still on which meant Linda was still up, waiting for her baby to come home. No m
atter how much she trusted Jason she couldn’t sleep until she knew her son was home safe and sound.
“Mom’s still up just like I knew she would be,” Jason said shaking his head.
“Hey, wait till you have kids of your own. That’s gonna be you sitting in your living room waiting for them to come home safely.” Shane warned.
“Yeah, I guess. Thanks for tonight Shane. I’ll never forget it.”
“Anytime. I’m glad you had fun. We’ll do it again soon, okay?” Shane said as they slapped hands.
“Yeah, maybe we can double date, riiiiight?” Jason teased.
“Get in the house!” Shane said as he pushed Jason out of the door.
Jason just laughed harder as he closed the car door and jogged to the front door of his house. Linda let him in and waved goodbye to Shane. Shane waved back and drove off when he saw the door close behind them. The constant smile that was on Jason’s face the entire night was something Shane would never forget. Jason is the reason Shane really wants to settle down and have kids of his own. Even though he’s supposed to be a big brother to Jason, he feels more like a father to him, especially since his real father is in prison. Knowingly or unknowingly Shane has stepped into that role of father figure for Jason, and he was glad to do so. Linda seemed to appreciate it as well. Jason is the kind of son any man would be honored to call a son, and Shane hopes to have a son of his own one day, just like Jason.
****
Satra spent her weekend resting and getting ready for the craziness that she knew awaited her at work Monday. She called her dad several times just to hear his voice and chat with him. His voice is getting stronger, and he’s getting his strength back. He decided to have his procedure Monday morning, and Satra wasn’t happy with that news at all. She was going to stubbornly book another flight back to Milwaukee, but her father gave her a stern talking to and talked her out of it. Satra fought back tears of frustration and fear as she listened to her father.
“Satra you’re not going to be able to come home for every surgery me or your mother have. It’s just not realistic. You have responsibilities with your job, and I know you feel family comes first because we’ve taught you and your brothers that, but there are some instances where you just won’t be able to be there. I’m going to be fine. The doctors say I have a strong heart and the sooner I can get this stint the better my blood will flow and the less my chances will be of having another stroke or heart attack. Your mother and brothers will call you and keep you informed of what’s going on every step of the way.”
How could he say this to her? How dare he decide what’s important to come home for, as if his surgery was something minor?
“Any type of surgery is serious daddy and no matter what you or your doctors say, it’s not going to stop me from worrying. I should be there like the rest of the family will be there. My job will understand, trust me,” Satra said firmly.
“Do you trust me?”
“You know I do.”
“Then trust me on this. I’m going to be fine.”
Satra blew out a frustrated breath and said, “Ok daddy.” She was pissed. Worried out of her mind and pissed. No one understood what it was like for her being so far from home.
She spent the rest of her Sunday moping around her condo. Alinna came by, and she was happy she did. She told her about getting the phone call from her mom and how Shane took care of her and got her a flight back home and waited with her at the airport. Lastly, she told Alinna about Cole.
“Wow…he sounds FINE AS HELL!!!! I wish I was you right now Satra!”
“Why? You have Eddie,” Satra said with an eyebrow raised and a sassy smirk on her lips.
Alinna shot Satra a look and rolled her eyes.
“We’re not talking about me and Eddie; we’re talking about you and the love triangle you’re now in.” Alinna shot back.
“What? Love triangle? Are you kidding me? I’m not dating either of those men, so there is no triangle!” Satra yelled.
“Waddle in your pool of denial if you want, but both of these men want you but from the sounds of things you only have eyes for Shane Evans. Poor Cole never had a chance.”
“You always make me regret telling you anything about my love life, you know that Linna?”
“Why, because I never tell you what you want to hear?” Alinna asked smirking.
“No, because you always tell me what YOU want to see happen.” Satra spat out.
“I’m being realistic and you’re not. You don’t even realize that you spent a good hour and a half talking about Shane alone and maybe five minutes talking about Cole.” Alinna said as she got up to get more chips and dip from the kitchen.
“That’s because I spent more time with Shane than I did with Cole, so of course I’m going to have more to talk about regarding Shane. I just met Cole. Give me some more dip and chips. You make me so sick!”
Alinna snatched the chip bowl away and said, “I make you what?”
“You heard me; you make me SICK! Now give me some of MY chips that I bought!” Satra snapped as she grabbed the bowl from her friend.
“You are such a brat. Don’t be mad at me because you’re trying not to fall for a man that you clearly are crazy about.” Alinna said with a mouthful of chips and sour cream and onion dip that she made.
“Oh, look who is talking! You’ve been in love with Eddie since college and have been fighting it ever since, but you can’t seem to stay away from him because you eat at his restaurant three to four times a week!”
That got a loud gasp out of Alinna, her mouth wide open in surprise.
“BOOM! I gotcha on that one! Go ahead and try to deny it Linna. I’d love to hear it!” Satra said before she sipped on her wine.
“That was a low blow Satra,” Alinna said shaking her head.
“No, that was an honest blow because we're honest right? Well let’s be honest. I sit back and watch you and Eddie day in and day out play this stupid cat and mouse game and it’s driving me insane! He loves you; it’s written all over his face, and it’s in his eyes. You love him and it’s also written all over your face and in your eyes. You two don’t realize how much you get into each other that I feel like the third wheel. For the life of me I’ll never understand why you two won’t stop with the games and just be together already.”
“You know Ms. Know it All, Eddie and I will get together when you and Shane get together. Then we could have a lovely double wedding. How about that one?” Alinna said as she stood up to pour herself another glass of wine.
“Double wedding my butt, I’m having my day to myself!” Satra mumbled to herself.
“I heard you!” Alinna yelled from the kitchen, which wasn’t far away from the living room.
“I’m sure you did with those big satellite ears of yours,” Satra yelled back.
She heard Alinna laugh, and Satra giggled herself. They fought like this all the time, but it was always out of love, and they both knew the other was right in what they were saying, but neither was ready to face the truth.
Alinna came back to the living room with more chips and her glass of wine and sat back down next to her friend with her legs tucked under her.
“Can I say something in all seriousness Satra?”
“Go ahead,” Satra said.
“What Shane did for you and your parents – sending you guys flowers and gift baskets, what man do you know does stuff like that unless he really likes the woman that he’s doing it for?”
“Grayson sent flowers and a gift basket too.”
“But that was for your parents. Shane thought to send you flowers, and not just any flowers, your favorite flowers. And that note – that was the sweetest note ever! Satra, I honestly don’t know how much longer you’re going to be able to resist this man. He’s everything any sane woman could possibly want and more, and he wants you girl. I just think it’s all so romantic and I think he’s a wonderful catch, and I haven’t even met the man yet! There, I’ve said it, and it’s finall
y off of my chest. Now I feel better.” Alinna said releasing a long breath.
“My mom and I had this conversation too and almost got into a fight about it,” Satra said as she toyed with a potato chip.
“Are you serious? Your mom actually talked to you about Shane?”
“Yeah. Well, I had to tell her about him because she could tell that something was up with me. So I spilled my guts, and she pretty much said the same thing as you.”
“Hi five to Mama Sharon!” Alinna smiled.
“Seriously Linna. If this had happened say a year ago, maybe even six months ago I would jump on this train and ride it into the sunset. But he didn’t come along then - he’s here now, and this couldn’t be the worst possible time.”
“So when will it be the right time Satra?” Alinna asked as she touched her friend’s hand.
“I honestly don’t know. I don’t know if that time will ever come as long as we work together.”
“You can’t let work keep you from a chance at love and happiness. Do you know how many people have met and fell in love at work? From the most menial jobs to the highest corporate jobs, it happens all the time, and they still make it work. Why can’t you find a way to make it work for you?”
“Because I’m scared, and I’m not ready Linna that’s why. I know I’m probably being unreasonable, and I’m also risking losing my chance with Shane but that’s how I feel right now. I don’t want any complications in my life after what I went through with Matt.”
“Ok, you’re guy shy; you’re very guy shy. I get that. But sweetie it’s been three years since Matt. Not every man you meet is going to be a Matt clone. Shane for damn sure isn’t! He’s everything Matt isn’t and more.” Alinna pleaded.
“And that’s what scares me Linna. My heart and head are playing a tug of war, and when I don’t see him my head wins. When I’m around him, my heart gives in.” Satra buried her face in her hands and groaned out loud.
“I’m excited and nervous about going back to work Linna. I wish I could be mean to him 24/7, I wish I hated him, but I don’t. The more I get to know him the more I like him.”