Page 8 of Real's Love

I hadn’t even realized he was still behind me. Turning slightly, I smiled. He really was nice-looking. Tall and slim with a tailored suit and tasteful jewelry, he’d make a good partner for someone.

Just not me.

“Same to you,” I finally spoke.

“My name is Naaman. I’d love to get yours. Maybe take you out soon?”

His voice was hopeful. My smile softened. I hated to shoot him down, but… “I’m sorry. I don’t date.”

It wasn’t a lie. I tried once again after Tate Thibadeau's trifling ass. The summer after he humiliated me, the nursing program went on hiatus. I was able to transfer schools without my parents knowing the main reason. I waited two-and-a-half years to date again. In my senior year, I finally gave in to this fuck boy's requests to go out a few times. Of course, that's when his bullshit started. He was what I called an "if only" asshole. Apparently, everything about me and the world, in general, would be better "if only" I lost some weight. I wasted no time or pussy cutting ties with him and focusing on finishing my BSN. Men, I decided, were not for my thick ass.

The crazy thing was they wouldn't leave me alone. I still got the slick comments, the inboxes, the ones who were curious, and the ones who were fetishists. So, a brilliant plan came together. I had a million goals, all sorts of things I wanted to establish and build to offer better access to healthcare in black communities. And some of the men who wanted me secretly had the kind of money to help me. I knew lots of men who loved thicker women out loud and unapologetically. I could admit that my disillusionment with certain men may have made me miss out on some great ones. But why not hit these sneaky ass fools where it mattered while financing my life and my dreams? If they wanted to live their big girl fantasy, as if all I was, was some exotic animal, they could damn well pay. Letting them handle my expenses meant my money could be saved toward my goals. I was exclusive and cutthroat. I'd embody the fantasy for however long I decided. Sponsor number one had gotten on my nerves in under a year. Number two didn't even make it eight months before shit got... strange. He was part of the reason I was currently using a fake name out here, with his semi-stalking, crying ass. I emerged from both situations with my bank accounts richer and my opinion of men poorer. Number three... number three was trouble. Just over a year in, and I was almost freaked out that I didn't want to cut him off yet. I was sure that would change soon, though.

“It doesn’t have to be a date. A drink… a meal…”

“Shiii, you gon’ be outta some money on that meal,” one of his friends mumbled.

They laughed as Naaman’s face collapsed into a frown. He opened his mouth to say something, but I had years of experience handling clowns like this. One hand went to my cinched waist, and I chuckled as I eyed the friend up and down. My lip curled in distaste.

“Let me find out you scared of what you know yo’ little ass can’t handle,” I cooed.

His face fell fast as fuck. Of course, he fell back on, “Big bitch.”

“Is that supposed to be an insult? If so, please do like I’m sure you’ve heard plenty of women say:try harder.”

I smirked as he sputtered. Naaman smiled his approval.

“Let me change your mind about dating,” he coaxed.

I laughed softly. “That’s impossible, suga. Now, you have a good evening. Try, anyway, with the company you keep.”

I walked away from him and toward my girls.

“Hey, ladies,” I greeted, accepting hugs from both of them.

"Damn, friend, you know that man?" Kelsey asked once we were all comfortable at one of the bar area tables.

"I know, huh? He ain't stopped checking you out since y'all were by the door," Taleah added. “Can’t blame him. You look flawless. That dress?—”

“It’s from Mahogany’s Curvy line. She’s amazing,” I divulged.

“Oh, I love her, too!” Taleah gushed.

Our server appeared then and took our drink order. Two was my limit since I was driving, even though it was happy hour. I requested one of their signature fruity martinis before turning back to my girls with a shrug.

"Anyway, I'on know that man. He's cute, but his friends are childish. Asked me about a date," I explained as I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.

"And you said no," Taleah sighed. "Ev, why you always?—"

I waved a hand, cutting her off.For a minute, I felt bad. She looked so sincere, was a true friend to me, but I still hadn’t told her my real name.

"I told y'all what was up with me."

"Mm," Kelsey said, glancing in Naaman's direction again. "Nah, he looks like he has potential, but he ain’t quite there yet. I don't think he deserves your time," she observed.

"Exactly," I agreed, smoothing the silk of my dress over my thighs.

Taleah rolled her eyes as she scoffed.

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