Page 52 of Lost In London

“Tha Don is in the motherfuckin building. Look at my beautiful girl.” Uncaring of Quincey standing there, Cassian rounded the island counter and pulled me into a hug. “You look good as shit, Lo.” He kissed my forehead stepping back. The way he always celebrated me and drowned out my sorrows with genuine compliments.

He was my favorite person for a reason.

His birthday was coming up soon and I couldn’t wait to celebrate with him. He deserved everything God had in store for him.

“Thank you, Cass. You’re the sweetest.” Kissing his cheek, I squeezed his hand hoping that his strength would transfer to me. I was so nervous to come face to face with Quincey. It wasn’t fear nerves but the nerves of experiencing something new. Nerves of my attraction and how he made me feel.

“Regardless of what happens tonight, Lo. You are worthy. It’s his honor to be in the same room as you. Have fun tonight. You deserve it. Be open and be you, okay?” I nodded. “I’m only a call away.” He leaned in close to my ear. “I’ll be wherever he’s taking you but hidden. Close but not visible. I got you.” He whispered, stepping back, winking.

It wasn’t overbearing or controlling at all for him to be in the same vicinity as me. Elgin not only scarred me but also Cassian when it came to making sure I never went out by myself regardless of where I went and with whomever. Usually, it was just my guard but I understand why he was taking on the job himself and that gave me peace. Not saying Quincey would hurt me but I didn’t think Elgin would either…

“Are you Lolo’s boyfriend?”

“Lolo, look at the flowers your boyfriend bought you. We put them in a glass pot so they won’t mold.”

I love me some Tai and Melly Kalmin.

“Yes, I’m her man.”

In four steps the man that has changed my definition of romance stood before me smelling delicious. Guess he and I had the same color in mind for the evening. He had on a black short sleeved button up shirt that made me envious of its covering of his muscles that were stretching the material of the shirt nicely. No tattoos that I could see which was refreshing. Underneath his shirt, peeking through the opening of the four buttons he had undone was a gold cross on a gold chain.

A nice, thick moisturized beard touched his collarbone. The way it framed around his pink and brown lips. Lips that I knew were smooth and plump. Lips that were stretching wide into a smile from my ogling. Dipping my head to hide my blush, I ran the tip of my manicured nail along my neck as I took in his black jeans.

They weren’t skinny jeans or tight like dudes wear these days. Granted they fit his build perfectly and failed at hiding the illusion created by the resting muscle I was transfixed on, but they were jeans that were made for a man with a bulky, heavy walk.

I was so in love with Quincey’s size.

Hefty.

Strong.

Heavy.

Thick.

All man.

Most of the guys I dated were on the slim built side. Had muscles but not Quincey's muscles. His muscles and thickness would make Winnie the Pooh jealous.

Catching his shoes, all black vintage Chelsea boots. They looked big. Probably a size thirteen. Hmm. A thick man with big feet.

God is still in the answering prayer business.

Remembering that we were still in the presence of Cassian and the kids, I cleared my throat and thanked him. “I love magnolias. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Are you ready?”

Giving my two favorite little girls kisses, sharing a secret handshake with Cashton, and promising Cassian I’ll relax and be open minded. Quincey and I finally left but not before Tai made it known that I was Cinderella and he was prince charming since he drove a white Tesla and it was like a horse and carriage in her childlike eyes.

Truthfully, I felt like a princess.

Felt like a queen.

It was just days ago when I was having a weeping moment and saying I felt spiritually dead. Those days seemed so far in betweenwhen it came to my spiritual walk because I’ve been praying more than I ever have since meeting him. I wanted God to tell me how to love this man. Show me if he was indeed the one crafted just for me. I wanted to know how to open my heart to all he had to offer. Show me how to give him access to my weeded flowers so he could tend to my garden and show me how to bloom despite everything I’ve been through.

Crazy, I know but Quincey drew me closer to God because I wanted to make sure I didn’t let this moment, let this man pass me by because I was too busy stuck in the past and ignoring my future that was right in front of me.

Every day I prayed.

---